Chatham News & Record Vol. 10, Issue 49

Walking through the storm: Buddhist monks’ journey of peace

Judge orders ICE chief to appear in court or risk contempt over denial of due process

The chief federal judge in Minnesota says the Trump administration has failed to comply with orders to hold hearings for detained immigrants. As a result, the judge ordered the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to appear before him Friday to explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt. In an order dated Monday, Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz said Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, must appear personally in court. Schiltz took the administration to task over its handling of bond hearings for immigrants it has detained.

Activists say Iran’s crackdown has killed at least 6,159 people

Activists say at least 6,159 people have been killed in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, and many more are still feared dead. The new gures on Tuesday came from a U.S.based NGO, which has been accurate in multiple rounds of unrest in Iran. The Iranian government has put the death toll at a far lower 3,117 — including 2,427 civilians and security forces, and the rest labelled “terrorists.”

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The Theravada monks’ Walk for Peace brought their message through Raleigh

By Shawn Krest Chatham News & Record

HEADS DOWN, they walk, keeping a brisk pace. A winter storm bears down on them, and many have hoods

drawn in the 28-degree weather.

Two dozen monks left the Theravada Buddhist temple in Fort Worth, Texas, in late October and started walking. Most of us have celebrated Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. We’ve done holiday shopping and watched more than half of the NFL season and playo s. They’ve been walking.

Some of them wear sandals,

a nod to the weather. A few had been barefoot for much of the walk. Their journey will take them through eight states, 2,300 miles and 110 days, from Texas to D.C. They eat one meal a day, food donated to them. It’s called the Walk for Peace, but their mission doesn’t sound politically charged.

“We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us,”

Commissioners to investigate ways to better address data centers

The commissioners stated their intention to place a moratorium on data centers next month

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

a written statement from the temple explains. “The Walk for Peace is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole.” By late morning, they’ve already traveled from Apex to Raleigh. They turn from Tryon

See MONKS, page A7

“I personally feel it is very necessary.”

At the Chatham County Board of Commissioners Jan. 20 meeting, board chair Amanda Robertson brought the discussion forth as it was not initially part of the board’s agenda.

“I personally feel it is very necessary,” Robertson said.

Concerns surrounding data centers have continued to grow

PITTSBORO — Chatham County is considering placing a moratorium on the development of data processing and crypto mining centers.

over the years, mostly pertaining to their potential environmental impact, a key issue for the current board.

Currently, data processing centers are permitted byright in heavy industrial zones within the county, provided that it connects to public water and wastewater utilities, although there is a special-use permit process for allowing those

Chapel Hill approves land use-related text amendments

“My goal in implementing any LUMO changes is to realize our complete community vision

for Chapel Hill.”

Amy Ryan, council member

The amendments relate to the town’s development processes and underlying development standards

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

CHAPEL HILL — The Chapel Hill Town Council has approved a series of amendments related to the town’s development processes.

At its Jan. 21 meeting, the council unanimously approved the omnibus text amendments related to the Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO),

which had been under discussion for multiple months.

“The package contains a series of amendments to the town’s development processes, which dictate how we make landuse decisions, and a series of amendments addressing the underlying development standards, that dictate what new developments in town would look like,” said Long-Range Planning Manager Tas Lagoo.

“The amendments are all items that were discussed at our last work session,” said council member Amy Ryan.

Board Chair Amanada Robertson on a potential moratorium on the development of data processing centers

that do not connect to both.

There are no data centers currently located within the county.

“Several years ago, we amended the table of uses for the Chatham County zoning ordinance

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

CRIME LOG

Jan. 20

• Noah Bryson Jones, 18, was arrested for assault with physical injury on a law enforcement, probation or parole o cer, resisting a public o cer, carrying a concealed gun, injury to personal property, possession of marijuana up to one half ounce and assault by pointing a gun.

• Aaron Gray King, 27, was arrested for driving while impaired.

Teresita Mae Wasileski, 30, was arrested for driving while impaired.

Jan. 22

• Emily Grace Owens, 27, was arrested for possession of fentanyl, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jan. 24

• Cesar Monter Soto, 53, was arrested for larceny of motor vehicle, hit and run leaving scene with property damage, driving while impaired, driving while license revoked (not impaired revocation) and failure to maintain lane control.

NC shifts EV charging strategy to focus on underserved areas

New

guidance moves funding

from interstate corridors to rural communities

Chatham News & Record sta NORTH CAROLINA transportation o cials are scaling back plans for electric vehicle charging stations along interstates and redirecting federal funds toward rural communities and highways with less coverage.

The N.C. Department of Transportation announced it will reduce the number of EV charging stations along federally designated alternative fuel corridors from 41 planned locations to 16, allowing more of the state’s $109 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding to go toward areas with fewer chargers.

The shift comes after new federal guidance issued in August gave states greater exibility in determining where charging stations can be placed, including removing a requirement that stations be spaced no more than 50 miles apart along designated corridors.

“The revised guidance enables the department to focus its support for the build out of a statewide EV charging network in areas of the state where there are fewer chargers and greater needs,” said State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson.

The change also accounts for private development that has occurred since the NEVI program began. Several private companies have built charging infrastructure in areas originally identi ed as potential sites for federally funded stations.

“Most of North Carolina’s alternative fuel corridors are fully built out based on the existing charging stations and those charging contracts that have been awarded,” said Heather Hildebrandt, NCDOT’s Statewide Initiatives manager. “We want to help ensure that the rms receiving NEVI funds will continue to be economically viable.”

NCDOT published a map of the 16 remaining corridor sites on its website last week and plans to issue a request for proposals in late March for businesses interested in building and operating stations. Companies will have 45 days to respond. The NEVI program reimburses private companies up to 80% of the cost to construct and operate charging stations for ve years, after which the stations continue operating without government support.

CENTERS from page A1

to include additional heavy industrial use types that were not represented at the time, which includes data processing centers,” said County Manager Bryan Thompson. “Beyond that, there really wasn’t a whole lot of work done on this, and actually the environment of the data center industry looked a bit di erent than what it does today. It has evolved quite rapidly, and our existing zoning ordinances have not kept up with the evolution of that industry.” There is also no de nition for “data processing centers” in the county’s UDO nor are there development standards. A moratorium is not an all-

out ban but is instead a temporary one put in place to allow local governments to thoughtfully work through the process of addressing an issue.

In addition to going through at least one public hearing before a moratorium can be put in place, the local government must also address several questions pertaining to the necessity of the moratorium, alternative courses of action considered, the potential impact of the moratorium, the date of termination for the moratorium, why that duration is necessary, and a statement of action and schedule of those actions during the duration of the moratorium.

“I appreciated that this has been a goal of the Chatham

County Board of Commissioners, to attract and recruit industry that is nonpolluting and that adds to our local economy,” said Commissioner Katie Kenlan.

The board will hold a special called meeting Feb. 11 for the public hearing related to the moratorium.

Currently, the board is considering an aggressive approach with a year-long moratorium, with the assumption that they can end it early should they address all their concerns before that time.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet for its next regular business meeting though on Feb. 16.

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

Feb.1

The Regulator Movement and the Revolution in the North Carolina Backcountry

2-3 p.m.

A historical lecture presented by Carole Troxler. Free admission.

Historic Chatham County Courthouse 9 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

Wintering: Nature Walk

2-3:15 p.m.; 4-5:15 p.m.

A sensory-based walk through the tree museum. Previous hikes have sold out, so reserve your spot by emailing music@ theplantnc.com. A donation of $20 is recommended.

The Plant 220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro

Feb. 7

Michael Reno Harrell and Josh Goforth

7-8:30 p.m.

An evening of storytelling and singing by two popular performers presented as part of the Milltown Yarns series.

Front Porch, Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Feb. 12

Bynum Bite Night at BFP

6-8 p.m.

If you are an area teen with an inner geek — embrace it with kids who have similar interests at this bi-monthly event at BFP. There is a virtual reality (VR) headset on-site so you can go beyond this world for a short time. Bring your projects and games and be ready to discuss your personal passion of the moment! Questions? Call Helbragga (John G.) at 919-593-3559.

Front Porch, Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Members question transparency, consent in PENC’s 2025 union merger

AFPENC o cials maintain they had authority to move the a liation forward

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Members of a teacher’s association in North Carolina are questioning the transparency and consent process involved in a merger with a national teacher’s union.

Last fall, the board of Professional Educators of North Carolina (PENC) unanimously approved an a liation with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a national labor union representing 1.8 million educators.

PENC rebranded as the American Federation of Professional Educators in North Carolina (AFPENC), with the change announced Oct. 14, 2025, in Charlotte.

AFT President Randi Weingarten and AFPENC President Joanna Loftis signed the agreement, framing it as a “historic” move to amplify advocacy for teacher pay, working conditions and public education funding in a right-to-work state that prohibits collective bargaining and strikes.

Public statements from AFT and AFPENC describe the afliation as the culmination of years of member-driven organizing, aimed at addressing declining membership and limited statewide in uence.

PENC had about 2,082 members in 2022-23, down nearly 4% year over year.

Internal pushback has highlighted concerns about the process’ legitimacy. Past PENC President Tim Barnsback has criticized the a liation as lacking proper member consent.

“I got involved because leadership changes raised legitimate questions about governance and stability, and I believed members deserved clear answers so the organization could remain a strong advocate for public education in North Carolina,” Barnsback told North State Journal. “I support a strong, nonpartisan collective voice for teachers, but any a liation needs to be handled transparently so it strengthens, rather than weakens, educators’ ability to defend public education in North Carolina.”

In formal emails starting Oct. 20, 2025, Barnsback request-

ed key records: pre- and post-afliation bylaws, board vote details (including quorum and motion), explanations of ratication requirements, full minutes, con ict-of-interest policies, the a liation agreement, and the membership list to verify notice and participation.

Responses from leadership from AFTPENC o cials, including Loftis, O ce Administrator Catherine Coleman and Executive Director Donnell McLean, involved initial delays, partial fulllment and some denials.

O cials asserted board authority under the state’s Nonpro t Corporation Act to enter a liations without amending governing documents or triggering a member vote, deeming the action preliminary.

“I’m not trying to stop the a liation,” said Barnsback. “My concern has always been about process and trust. If educators are going to stand together to protect public education in North Carolina, the organization representing them has to be transparent, accountable and member-driven.

“If the a liation is done properly, with transparency, clear documentation and informed member consent, it has the potential to strengthen educators’ ability to push back against efforts that undermine public schools and teaching.”

A Dec. 19, 2025, letter to members extended a Google Form feedback period and promised draft bylaw revisions for a January annual membership vote on amendments. The feedback form originally ran for three days in mid-December.

Critics view this as retroactive legitimization of a done deal, especially after the rebranding and public claims of nality.

Barnsback also noted the disabling of the internal member communication portal amid rising questions, limiting discussion.

“I’ve invested nearly 20 years in PENC as a member and served as board president during some of the organization’s most successful and in uential years,” Barnsback said. “Watching it unravel because of mismanagement and poor legal and ethical practices has been heartbreaking, especially knowing how much it once meant to educators across North Carolina.”

North State Journal reached out to AFPENC o cials with several questions regarding voting

processes, quorum of the board vote and the board’s authority to enter into the a liation, as well as questions about member feedback and record transparency raised by Barnsback.

Loftis responded to North State Journal, o ering a statement in email, but no detailed answers to the questions posed.

“The executive board of PENC (doing business as AFPENC) engaged in an a liation with AFT with the general governing powers of the organization in pursuance with the PENC bylaws and North Carolina Nonpro t Corporation Act,” Loftis wrote in an email.

“All board decisions toward the a liation were made unanimously at o cial board meetings where a quorum was present. Through the process AFPENC has remained compliant with all state statutes and remains in constant communication with our legal consult.

“The a liation with AFT maintains PENC’s autonomy in governance and leadership. Membership will vote on amended bylaws and articles of incorporation wherein all proper notices will be sent to the general membership as required by our bylaws and state law.”

On Saturday, a virtual town hall was held for members to vote on amendments to the organization’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws but also ostensibly to address PENC member issues with the merger.

Attendees indicated to North State Journal that AFPENC leadership didn’t take objections seriously and that questions were de ected or left unanswered.

When members asked about dues increases, they were told the board said that was still undecided. Members were unhappy with that position, saying they were still being asked to vote yes on the merger and trust the board.

Members also asked about union activity in North Carolina, citing an AFT article that says AFPENC has joined picket lines, participated in national political protests and engaged in activities that have never occurred in North Carolina.

Members were then told PENC would be “strengthened by a national union.” Certain union activity, like organized strikes, is illegal for public employees in North Carolina.

AFPENC’s board will vote on the amendments at its Jan. 31 annual board meeting.

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 from various old and new friends. Our service begins at 10:30 a.m., but we also have Sunday School classes for every member of the family at 9:30 a.m. We would be blessed if you joined us for any and all of these speakers in the coming weeks.

On Jan. 25, our message will be brought by John Strider, the youth pastor at Oakley. He is the son of Tim Strider, a veteran pastor of over 50 years, and is currently studying to enter the ministry himself. Join us that morning at 8:30 a.m. for a breakfast sponsored by the Brotherhood with all donations going to support the work of Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief (baptistsonmission.org).

Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 brings us Chance Walters (chancewalters. org). Chance grew up at Oakley Baptist Church and started Chance Walters Ministries, through which he evangelizes all over the world.

The service on Feb. 15 will feature a message from Jason Jones, son of the Rev. Walter Jones, an experienced lay speaker from an area church.

On Feb. 22, we’ll hear from Stephanie Moody Sha er, manager of Chaplaincy and Faith Relations for Baptist Retirement Homes (thrivemorenc.org). This is a faith-based, not-for-pro t organization committed to providing quality care and a meaningful way of life for older adults through senior living communities across North Carolina and is linked to the Southern Baptist Convention.

And nally, Spencer Andrews will return on March 1 to speak. Andrews is the former youth pastor at Oakley and is currently ministering at Grace Hill Church in Pittsboro (gracehillchatham.com), a church he helped plant.

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.

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“They’ve been thoroughly vetted by the council.”

The council previously held a vote on the amendments approval Nov. 19, but it resulted in a tied vote and then more deliberation.

“My goal in implementing any LUMO changes is to realize our complete community vision for Chapel Hill,” Ryan said. “So to broaden the variety of housing in town, especially in ll units and missing middle housing, to connect that housing with businesses, schools and parks in a way that lessens our dependence on cars and to preserve and protect the green areas and streams that are essential to a healthy environment and healthy people. The majority of the changes proposed in the omnibus will get us closer to these goals.”

Mayor Jessica Anderson added, “I think we came to very reasonable amendments, and I’m really, really happy that we’re moving forward with something that is o ering additional options for people to live here who currently cannot live here.”

The council also held a public hearing for amendments to the 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program plan.

“The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires CDBG grantees to amend these plans when their funding plan changes,” said Melissa Peters, funding programs coordinator. “HUD also requires the town to hold a public hearing when sub-

stantial amendments to the plan are being proposed. The current proposed amendment meets this requirement because the reallocation of funds would be more than 25% of the current year’s funding award.”

The amendments relate to the ve-year consolidated plan, which determines high-level town and county priorities for CDBG and HOME funds for the next ve years and which was previously approved on June 11, 2025.

The current ve-year consolidated plan priorities include increasing a ordable rental housing, preserving and rehabilitating a ordable housing, increasing permanent supportive housing and housing for special needs populations, and supporting neighborhood revitalization and essential community services.

The amendment, speci cally, is to move around $250,000 in CDBG funding from various years to the 2025-26 program year activities and neighborhood revitalization funding.

“A portion of the move is from prior year unspent funding from a nished activity and two activities that are currently funded using this year’s grant award,” Peters said, “but most of this move is funding from this year to neighborhood revitalization funding, which will be incorporated into the 2026-27 CDBG funding plan, which you will all consider in April.”

Following the hearing, the council approved the requested amendment.

The Chapel Hill Town Council will next meet Feb. 11.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end,

publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

| ANDREW RAMONA TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Peace at home

No path smells exactly the same twice. It’s like a river, always changing.

RAMONA HERE. Andrew is busy prepping the house for the winter storm, so while there’s electricity, he asked me to write about the monks walking for peace. They have a dog, Aloka. I think the name means “enlightened” in their language. Andrew thinks that the two of us resemble each other. I didn’t get to sni his butt, but I heard that he was a stray. I, too, was abandoned as a puppy and eventually made my way to a shelter where the Taylor-Troutmans adopted me. We are both lucky dogs.

Of course, there are di erences. No two dogs are exactly alike. Aloka has walked across the country, while I’ve never been out of the Tarheel State. Most weeks, I travel no farther than the same two-mile loop through the neighborhood

woods. But take it from me: No path smells exactly the same twice. It’s like a river, always changing. And people are constantly changing as well. In Andrew’s case, he’s shedding hair from the top of his head. I’m still waiting for it to grow back. I’m getting o topic. While I love Aloka’s story, my point is that you don’t need to walk 2,000 miles to make peace. You can start by walking out your back door and sni ng the air. What’s a new thing to discover today? Who can you help?

By the time you read this column, I trust that the worst of the winter storm is behind us. I hope you and your loved ones stayed safe. One thing about a storm is that it keeps everyone close to home. Perhaps it gave you the chance to help in a new way. Maybe you checked on

a neighbor and o ered a cup of co ee heated on a camp re stove. Better yet, maybe you cooked enough hot dogs on your charcoal grill to share with every neighbor — human and canine. You don’t need to travel far to have an adventure. Maybe you got to pee outside in the cold! Now you know the “enlightenment” that Aloka and I feel every day.

Love, Ramona

Ramona’s owner’s latest 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.

It’s time to see what time it is

I have, through the years, noticed a few things about time.

AS THE CLOCK ticks on and the years go by and I have more candles on the birthday cake, I nd I seem to pay more attention to time.

I don’t think it’s an obsession, and I don’t understand it any better than before; maybe it’s just an awareness of how fragile and passing it is. I often wonder about the things I do and don’t do and wonder “why” to both of them.

When I take the time to drop a note or make a call, after an internal nudging, I’m never unhappy about it. When I nd I have some unexpected time and then don’t seem to get much done, I wonder if that time was wasted. That, of course, gets into what does “wasted” mean anyway. Was it wasted time to read another chapter in a good book? Was it wasted time to watch a rerun of “The Andy Gri th Show” I had seen 10 times before? I guess all that is a personal decision. I have, through the years, noticed a few things about time. One is that work usually expands to t the time allotted for it. If, for instance, your task is to mow the front yard and realistically you can do it in two hours, then if we’re not careful, we’ll spend twothirds of the day procrastinating, stalling, working slowly, taking breaks, whatever.

I’ve also noticed time has a way of changing. Years ago, for instance, when I still had the set of Compton’s Pictured Encyclopedia that my mama and daddy bought for their boys, I could look up “hippopotamus,” for instance, in a shade under eight or 10 seconds. Didn’t matter that the volume, dated somewhere around 1955, might be years out of date and some of the information not that current.

During the past, my better half did some shopping and introduced me to the world of computer information. So today, thanks to the hardware and the internet, if I want to know something about a hippopotamus, I turn the thing on, wait for it to run through its various cycles and do all the things it has to do.

Then, when I go to whatever information site I want, I can get all kinds of information. The fact it will take a minute or so will eventually irk me a great deal. So which is faster: the old way or the technological way? But even more important, I think, is which information is the better one to have.

Years ago, when I was a cute little boy in short pants (which was, indeed, years ago) if someone had told me that in this day and age I could communicate with almost

anyone in the world almost instantly and get all kinds of information, I would have marveled and said to bring it on. Now, the fact it takes what I often think is too long tells me mostly how my thought process about time has changed.

All that, of course, brings me/us back to the important question: how are we using the time we have. I don’t think I have one foot on the Social Security system and the other on a banana peel, but sometimes I act like I’ve got some 60-plus more years to go. That’s why there are books and magazines and newspapers and old video cassettes all around my place. “I’ll save it for another day,” I reason, and sometimes those days do come, but most times they don’t.

I’m starting to realize more and more that every once in a while it’s a good idea to take the time to take stock of what we do and to make sure we make good use of our time.

That’s all for now. … I just discovered under a pile of papers an old John Wayne Western VHS I haven’t seen in 30 years.

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

My beloved addiction

My iPhone is the rst thing I turn to in the morning and the last at night. I feel naked without it.

MY MAGNETIC NORTH has morphed (oh no!) into my omnipresent iPhone. I’m embarrassed to admit that my iPhone has inspired in me a never-ending thirst for anything at all on its screen. Anything. (Oh, heavens, shades of my youthful nonstop TV-watching habits.)

My iPhone is the rst thing I turn to in the morning and the last at night. I feel naked without it. (Might there be a 12-step program for this burgeoning addiction?) Truly leaves me wondering if my right hand automatically curls into an iPhone-cradling position when I’m sleeping.

I actually forgot my iPhone recently, my beloved digital companion. Left at home, charging, when I went to the grocery store. My short driving distance was lled with fearful thoughts: what if X Y, or even worse (oh my God!) Z occur? I don’t have my cellphone! If something untoward happens, what can I do? A car accident; an attacking grizzly bear (well, probably not that); or if, once again, I accidentally drop my car keys down a deep elevator shaft? Disaster scenarios abound like confetti in my worried brain. Staging negative cli hanger, after negative cli hanger … Wait, what’s that I hear, circulating through my mind? “You were a resourceful human being before cellphones were even invented.” I was?

Do you recall driving across the country (twice), hiking trails with a rattlesnake blocking the path and hitchhiking to Cape Cod when you were

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

19? All of this, all of this, accomplished with the presence of no cellphone. (OMG, I’d forgotten about the hitchhiking. I’m blanching at my remembered naïveté.)

I did all that?

Yes, you really, really did, with the presence of no cellphones.

I do, faintly, recall the memory of those cellphone-less days. There was no unconscious tic in my right hand, as there is now, continually reaching down to feel the outlines of my pocketed cellphone. (And breathing a sigh of relief. “It’s there! It’s there!”) In those cellphone-less days, I actually remembered friends’ phone numbers. Just rolled o my tongue, or my ngers, when dialing. Gone now — all the numbers are owned by my cellphone contact list. A small hunk of metal now seems to function as my lifeline … to, well, everything.

Stop, stop, stop! ’Tis reminder time. You’ve forgotten that wonderful quote from Southern novelist, Flannery O’Connor. The one that rang so true and bolstered you during a doubtful period in your earlier life.

Oh, wow! Completely forgot. Completely. Thanks.

“In yourself, right now, is all the place you’ve got.”

Ta-da. That’s it! Sending heavenward waves to Ms. O’Connor. And that’s me, alive within, with or without my iPhone. Damn right!

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

Trump’s outrageous threats get practical results

Trump has proved that the border can be controlled under current legislation.

THINK ABOUT IT. Heads of government do not normally reveal the texts of private communications from other heads of state. Yet that is what Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store of Norway two Sundays ago on the rst weekend of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the international press would have no di culty nding appalled foreign leaders to comment.

You could think of this as a hostile act of a statesman appalled that the American head of government does not know that the government of Norway does not decide who gets the Nobel Peace Prize. It is probably better to think of it as an intervention by a sympathetic observer who has noticed that Donald Trump backs down from untenable positions in response to ructions in political and nancial markets.

Which is what Trump has done between the publication of his letter and his speech at Davos last Wednesday. The Sunday before he seemed to be threatening war with Denmark, and European commentators, not without reason, lamented that he was risking breaking up the NATO alliance out of pique of not being awarded a prize by a committee that was never going to honor a nonleftist American president.

Proof of which was the granting of that prize to Barack Obama in 2009 for what even Obama himself admitted was for no tangible accomplishment. And Trump has never forgotten the ridicule heaped on him by Obama at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, ridicule that led directly to that ride down the Trump Tower escalator four years later.

Actually, Trump has some valid points on Greenland. It sits astride missile, drone and air transport routes between North America and western Russia and eastern Europe. The United States would have even more exibility than it does under current agreements with Denmark if it were to become U.S. territory. That’s one reason the U.S. holds on to Guam in the west Paci c and has spent billions upgrading military facilities there.

All that said, Trump’s usual negotiating technique of starting o with extravagant demands was, in the careful words of social scientist Charles Murray, “next-level crazy.” Denmark has been an active ally of the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq, has increased its rate of defense spending above levels Trump demanded, and has adopted immigration policies in line with Trump’s advocacy.

With Denmark as with Canada, as with fellow Republicans in Georgia and other states, Trump’s obnoxious maximalist demands have alienated him from sympathy and empowered the forces against him. Other leaders have gured out that he requires gushers of praise to permeate every dialogue, and they’re probably ready with encomiums for his avowals in his Davos speech that he won’t use violence to obtain Greenland. It has to be said that Trump’s bluntness

and braggadocio have had some of its intended e ect. The American Enterprise Institution’s Yuval Levin, in an interview with The New York Times’ Ezra Klein, made the point that many of Trump’s lurching policy changes, not codi ed into law, can easily be wiped away by the next Democratic administration, perhaps even by a Democratic House of Representatives next year.

But despite his own preference for procedural regularity in making institutional change, Levin admits that “they’ve driven a lot of change that will be durable.” Initial polling reaction to Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, has been negative. But there’s no doubt that Trump has proved that the border can be controlled under current legislation — which would increase the political cost of any subsequent administration adopting the open border policy of Joe Biden’s.

It is also telling that the best estimates of both pro- and anti-immigration analysts are that the substantial numbers of ICE deportations from within the United States, far above those of other recent administrations, are orders of magnitude lower than the numbers of self-deportations. As on other issues (like military recruitment), Trump is uninterested in institutional change but interested in sharply changing the behavior of the larger public.

The e ect of Trump policies, and the possibility that they may be put back in place at some later date, will likely discourage many illegal aliens from living in this country more or less permanently, as some 10 million have been up through January 2025. As I wrote last fall, “Who will want to make long-term plans that can be ruined by sudden deportation or hurried self-deportation?”

We learn from experience, and just as the former real estate developer sometimes seems to accept discipline from nancial markets, so the former reality TV show host sometimes seems to accept discipline from the ratings. On Greenland, he has responded to the cues of the markets and the ratings and backed o from threats of force while retaining the possibility of increasing the already signi cant U.S. presence there.

Meanwhile, the NATO alliance remains in place, with its increased number of European members spending increasing percentages of their economies on defense. Three more years of this Trump administration will strain and irritate foreign leaders and American politicians, with wild threats and childish petulance driving one crisis after another. But it may continue to get them, often grudgingly, doing things Trump’s way.

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

Argentina’s Election and 2026

ARGENTINE President Javier Milei’s extraordinary electoral victory in October could be a good omen for American Republicans in 2026.

Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza, won 64 seats in the House of Deputies. His party and allied groups also won 14 seats in the nation’s Senate. Before the election, they only had 37 deputies and six senators.

Argentina was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

If Republicans win a similar victory in 2026, it would mean something like 290 Republicans in the House (a roughly 140-vote majority) and 73 Republican Senators (a 36-vote majority).

Of course, a swing like that is impossible in America. Only one-third of the Senate is up for election in any given year, and gerrymandering has created some near disaster-proof House seats. However, Milei’s victory has proven a reform movement can undertake deeply disruptive, painful changes and still increase its share of power.

Like President Donald Trump, Milei is a dedicated reformer who is determined to profoundly change a system that has been crippling his country for at least eight decades. It is easy to forget that Argentina was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world. In 1913, the average Argentinian had about 80% of the income of the average American. It took several generations of socialist politicians to destroy Argentina’s wealth. Today, the average Argentinian has about 30% of the income of the average American.

This is a lesson that followers of Zohran Mamdani, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders should consider. If the American big government socialists do for the United States what Juan Peron and the Argentinian socialists did for their country, every American will rapidly become poorer.

Milei brought an intellectual understanding of conservative economics, a great television personality and a willingness to dismantle the old order. Elon Musk’s antics with the chainsaw was actually a tribute to Milei — who had won the presidency with that as his symbol. His pledge was to take a chainsaw to the bureaucracy, regulations and political machines crippling Argentina’s economy. And Milei implemented his campaign promises. In his rst two years, he slashed spending by 30%, cut regulations and shrunk the bureaucracy by 55,000 workers (a 15% reduction). He has also cut the number of ministries from 19 to nine, lowered taxes, and encouraged economic growth and investment in Argentina. All this led to a budget surplus for the rst time in 14 years.

Milei clearly intends to build on this victory. He told an election night crowd, “Today marks the beginning of building a great Argentina. This result is nothing more and nothing less than the con rmation of the mandate we assumed in 2023.” He attributed the victory to the voters’ “determination to change the destiny of the nation irreversibly.”

Milei has an ambitious follow-on reform program. He plans to change labor laws, make contracts more exible — and make even deeper cuts to federal spending and regulation. He plans to have more tax cuts and to dramatically streamline bureaucratic procedures. His major goal is to increase the economy and boost salaries and jobs. To achieve this he wants to make it much easier to start new companies.

As Milei summarized it election night: “Argentines showed that they don’t want to return to the model of failure. … We want to be a country that grows. We want to make Argentina great again.”

No wonder Trump took great pleasure in Milei’s victory — and why he and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went all in to help him. Every Republican should take heart. Faced with a choice between reform or decay, free enterprise or big government socialism, and freedom or bureaucratic rule, voters will side with what works. They did in Argentina.

Newt Gingrich was the 50th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

BE IN TOUCH

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Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

obituaries

Dr. B.J. Copeland

Nov. 20, 1936 –Jan. 14, 2026

Dr. B.J. Copeland, age 89, passed away January 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, faith and service. He had a deep faith in humanity and a great appreciation for the natural world.

Born November 20, 1936, B.J. was raised in rural Oklahoma on a family farm in Mannsville by his parents, Dorthy and Bill Copeland, with his two younger brothers and younger sister. Those early years shaped his lifelong respect for the land, his appreciation for hard work, and a commitment to community. After excelling in academics and 4-H activities in high school, B.J. attended Murray State School of Agriculture in Tishomingo and Oklahoma State University where he earned a master’s degree and doctorate in limnology. At OSU he also met the love of his life, Jean Van Nortwick. They married on January 26, 1963, and celebrated more than 62 years of loving marriage in 2025.

B.J. became a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the University of Texas Marine Science Laboratory at Port Aransas in 1962. After marrying Jean, the young couple lived in Port Aransas and started a family with the adoption of two baby girls. The couple later adopted an older boy. B.J. was hired at NC State University as a professor of zoology in 1970. His most enduring professional contribution came in 1973 when he became director of the North Carolina Sea Grant program, part of the federal and statefunded Sea Grant Network. Devoted to promoting the wise use of coastal and marine resources through research, extension and education, Sea Grant supported a program in every U.S. coastal and Great Lakes state. When Sea Grant was zeroed out of the federal budget in the 1980s, BJ was instrumental in proving to Congress the value of translating science and extension into economic impacts along our nation’s waterways. He was known for his ability to bring people together, balance science with practical application, and

mentor young scientists and administrators. B.J. left Sea Grant in 1996. He served as graduate administrator for the Zoology Department at N.C. State until he fully retired from NCSU in 2002.

B.J. believed in service and his volunteer activities were numerous throughout his life. The Appalachian Service Project, the Cary-Kildaire Rotary Club, and Meals On Wheels were among the groups to which he contributed his time and skills.

In his younger days he coached his daughter’s softball teams and his son’s basketball team; and with his own pigcooker he would volunteer to grill a pig or chicken for any group who asked.

After retirement, B.J. was appointed by the governor to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission, where he helped guide thoughtful stewardship of marine resources. His faith was an important and steady presence throughout his life.

B.J. served his church at Cary First United Methodist for many years. In 2012, he and Jean joined Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Siler City, where he continued to nd meaning through worship, fellowship, volunteerism, leadership and service. B.J. found joy in gardening and farming, taking pride in tending his garden and animals with care and precision. B.J. and Jean owned a farm near Apex from 1978 to 2002 and later a farm near Pittsboro.

Above all, B.J. Copeland was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Jean Copeland; son Gary (Deborah), grandsons Tyler and William; daughters MJ Copeland and Christy Jernigan (Brian), grandson Jake; and nephew John Brodie (Lynsey). He is also survived by his brothers, Dean and Jerry (Sandy), sister Linda Cox and a host of beloved family and friends who will always remember his kindness, wisdom, sense of humor, love of good food and steady presence. For many who knew and loved him, B.J.’s deep voice and his loud belly laugh will always be remembered. His excellent memory and quick wit made him an entertaining teller of stories and jokes. We can only hope that some of us can tell them as well as he did. B.J. will long be remembered with gratitude, admiration, love and a big smile.

A memorial service celebrating B.J.’s life was held Friday, January 23, 2026 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. In lieu of owers, donations may be made in memory of B.J. Copeland to: Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina at PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina 28450; or Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church at PO Box 1322, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

GENEVIEVE MISSOURI CAVINESS BRAY MAY 17, 1931 – JAN. 25, 2026

Genevieve Missouri Caviness Bray, 94, of Bennett passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Randolph Hospice House. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Pleasant Grove Christian Church with Pastor Don Edwards and Pastor Terry Warren presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 pm at the church prior to the service and in the fellowship hall following the committal. Joyce-Brady Chapel will be open from 1:00-5:00 pm on Thursday, January 29, 2026 for friends to sign the register.

Harry Kirby

Fagg

Jan. 25, 2026

Harry Kirby Fagg, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 25th, surrounded by the loving care of his family. Harry will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit,

March 29, 1951 - Jan. 26, 2026

Susan Holt Helmer, 74, left a life well-lived in the early hours of January 26, 2026, in her Siler City, NC home, surrounded by love. Susan was born to Billy Holt and Ruby Ellis Holt.

She graduated from JordanMatthews High School in 1969 and went on to UNC - Chapel Hill, as the rst in her family to attend college. She would use her passion to ght many good ghts over her lifetime. Initially studying sociology at UNC because she felt called to make a di erence during the tumultuous 1970s, Susan switched her focus to the power of education as she completed her master’s degree where she investigated the use of sign language to help children on

and the many friendships he built throughout his life. He had a special way of making people feel welcome and valued, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. His presence brought warmth, laughter, and comfort to those fortunate enough to share time with him.

He is survived by his niece, Tammy Wester, and spouse Bruce Pilkington; niece, Missy and husband Eric Dowdy, niece Martha K and husband Marty Craven,nephew Peanut and wife Cathy Mcleod, cousin Mary; and great-niece and great-nephew, Brooklyn Wester and Dustin Wester, who will forever cherish his memory. Harry was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Linda Phillips, and brothers, David Fagg and Lewis Fagg. The family would like to

the autism spectrum gain better verbal skills.

Susan married Stephen Helmer in the backyard of their Chapel Hill home in 1978. She would go on to dedicate herself to children, especially those most in need, for the rest of her life. Susan taught preschoolers who were hearing impaired, middle school students with severe disabilities, and high school students who needed help graduating. In the late 1980s, Susan stepped away from teaching because she wanted to do even more to improve the lives of local kids, and she started Chatham County Together (now Communities in Schools - Chatham), a nonpro t organization matching trained volunteers with children who need strong, positive, adult role models. In addition, she was elected twice and served eight years as a school board member for Chatham County Schools, attending meetings and workshops, often late into the evenings, to provide her personal experience as a classroom teacher to guide policy and hiring that supported educators and students. Susan retired from teaching in 2012.

In her last decade, she devoted herself to her family, caring for her grandchildren and her mother, as well as becoming

We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set an appointment to come by and learn more.

extend a heartfelt thank you to Harry’s dear friends — Larry Bristow, Tony Oldham, Pat Cox, Wade and Shirley Holder — for their friendship, kindness, and unwavering support.

Special appreciation is also given to the Siler City Enrichment Center, Downtown Cafe, Cowboy Café, and Best Foods Cafeteria for always welcoming Harry with open arms and treating him with such warmth and kindness.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday at Brookdale Baptist Church in Siler City, o ciated by Preacher Walter Jones. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with the service to follow at 2:00 PM. Harry’s legacy of love, friendship, compassion and famous words “ catch ya on the ip “ will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

a trained Stephen Minister so she could provide comfort to other congregants of First United Methodist Church in Siler City.

Susan loved the beach and the mountains, especially when she had her family around her, a great view and a book in hand. She was a gardener and ower-lover, a poet, a reader, a community activist, a skilled baker, a creative quilter, a loving mother, grandmother and wife.

She is preceded in death by her father, Billy Holt, and brothers Randy, Barry and Darien Holt.

She is survived by her mother, Ruby Ellis Holt, her husband of 47 years, Stephen Helmer, her daughters Stephanie Holt Helmer and Sarah Hauser, her sons-inlaw Alec Hauser and Wes Lail, and her grandchildren Telluric, Eolian, Josephine and Stephen.

The service to honor Susan Holt Helmer will be at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Siler City First United Methodist Church. In lieu of owers, please consider donating to: Communities in SchoolsChatham County at PO Box 903, Siler City, NC 27344. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Helmer family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

Dr. William Foege, leader in smallpox eradication, dies

He was CDC director in the ’70s and ’80s

By Mike Stobbe The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Dr. William Foege, a leader of one of humanity’s greatest public health victories — the global eradication of smallpox — has died.

Foege died Saturday in Atlanta at the age of 89, according to the Task Force for Global Health, which he co-founded.

The 6-foot-7 inch Foege literally stood out in the eld of public health. A whip-smart medical doctor with a calm demeanor, he had a canny knack for beating back infectious diseases.

He was director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and later held other key leadership roles in campaigns against international health problems.

sionary in Nigeria in the 1960s, Foege and his colleagues developed a “ring containment” strategy, in which a smallpox outbreak was contained by identifying each smallpox case and vaccinating everyone who the patients might come into contact with.

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

But his greatest achievement came before all that with his work on smallpox, one of the most lethal diseases in human history. For centuries, it killed about one-third of the people it infected and left most survivors with deep scars on their faces from the pus- lled lesions.

Smallpox vaccination campaigns were well established by the time Foege was a young doctor. Indeed, it was no longer seen in the United States. But infections were still occurring elsewhere, and e orts to stamp them out were stalling.

Working as a medical mis-

The method relied heavily on quick detective work and was born out of necessity. There simply wasn’t enough vaccine available to immunize everyone, Foege wrote in “House on Fire,” his 2011 book about the smallpox eradication e ort.

It worked and became pivotal in helping rid the world of smallpox for good. The last naturally occurring case was seen in Somalia in 1977. In 1980, the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated from the Earth.

“If you look at the simple metric of who has saved the most lives, he is right up there with the pantheon,” said former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden, who consulted with Foege regularly. “Smallpox eradication has pre-

President Barack Obama awards the Medal of Freedom to Dr. William Foege during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., in May 2012.

vented hundreds of millions of deaths.”

Foege was born March 12, 1936. His father was a Lutheran minister, but he became interested in medicine at 13 while working at a drugstore in Colville, Washington.

He got his medical degree from the University of Washington in 1961 and a master’s in public health from Harvard in 1965. He was director of the Atlanta-based CDC from 1977 to 1983, then held other international public health leadership roles, including stints as executive director at The Carter Center and senior fellow at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In 2012, President Barack Obama presented Foege with the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In 2016, while awarding Foege an honorary degree, Duke University President President Richard Brodhead called him “the Father of Global Health.”

Geo rey Mason, TV producer for coverage of 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis, dead at 85

The Duke graduate worked in sports TV for decades

By Joe Reedy

The Associated Press

GEOFFREY MASON, who had a ve-decade career in sports television and was best known as the coordinating producer for ABC’s coverage of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games hostage crisis, has died. He was 85.

ESPN said Mason died Sunday in Naples, Florida. He died of natural causes, according to his family.

“Geo was a giant visionary in television, never seeking credit,” former ESPN President Steve Bornstein said. “He preferred leading and mentoring teams, connecting people to projects, and was devoted to people and recovery of all sorts. He was a great teacher and mentor to everyone who came in his orbit.”

Over the course of his career, Mason worked on eight Olympics. As a young producer on Sept. 5, 1972, he was in the control room in Munich, Germany, when the Palestinian militant group Black September stormed the Olympic village and took Israeli Olympic team members hostage.

ABC provided continuous coverage for 22 hours, culminating

in a failed rescue attempt where six Israeli coaches and ve athletes died. Jim McKay broke the news with, “They’re all gone.” Mason was a consultant on the script and every aspect of production for the 2024 feature lm “September 5,” which recreates what it was like in the ABC control room that day. The international broadcast center in Munich was 100 yards away from where the hostage crisis was taking place in the Olympic village.

The movie recreates the moment when West German police stormed the control room and pointed guns at Mason’s face. This happened because one of ABC’s cameras was showing a tactical squad taking position on the roof above

the hostages. Mason ended up cutting o the camera’s feed.

It is estimated that nearly 900 million people worldwide at some point viewed ABC’s coverage.

“Geo told me that day there was no chance to think,” said John Magaro, who played Mason, in 2025. “Their singular goal was to stay on the air to keep the story going, to do their job as sports broadcasters. Once the clock starts ticking, there’s no chance to think.”

Mason’s career was largely spent with ABC and ESPN, but he also worked for NBC, Fox, NFL Network and other television entities. He began as a production associate at ABC Sports in 1967, working on “Wide World of Sports” and the 1968 Winter and Summer Olympics. Over the years, he earned 24 Emmy Awards and was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2010.

He also worked on Super Bowl 25, “Monday Night Football”, the World Series, horse racing’s Triple Crown, the Indianapolis 500, and the FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup tournaments.

He is also known for his coverage of the 1986-87 America’s Cup from Fremantle, Australia.

“Geo Mason was a friend and a colleague who had a storied career, touching just about every corner of the sports television

On Sept. 5, 1972, a Palestinian commando group seized the Israeli Olympic team quarters at the Olympic Village in Munich. A member of the commando group appears with a hood over his face on the balcony of the building, where they held several Israeli athletes hostage.

industry,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC and ESPN. “He had a passion for the business, which was evidenced in his prodigious work ethic and the constant love and enthusiasm he exhibited on everything he worked on.

Mason was selected by Jim Valvano as a founding board member of the V Foundation for Cancer Research and a longtime board member of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. He delivered a eulogy during Betty Ford’s funeral in 2011.

“Geo rey was a force of nature in our industry for six decades, but more important is all the help he gave to so many people through his association with the Betty Ford Center. He changed so many lives personally and professionally,” said former CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus, who worked with Mason at both ABC and NBC. Mason was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1963. Survivors include wife Chris, son Geo Jr. and brother David.

Road onto Gorman Street, heading for Dorothea Dix Park, where they’ll eat today’s meal.

It’s the 91st day of their journey. They’ve lost a walker to a car accident in Houston and their dog to a leg injury, and there are still 20 days to go, likely the coldest and most choked with crowds that they’ve encountered yet. And every person they pass, every day, is seeing them for the rst and only time.

More than 70 people emerge from the apartment complexes on both sides of the street, interrupting their storm prep to see them. Some drove from their apartment and parked in the entrance driveway — taking their car the tenth of a mile to see these men walking across the country.

Police o cers stop tra c, turning cars back to take another route. Most drivers unroll their window to explain why they should be allowed to pass. A van approaches slowly, with ashing lights, and cell phones are held aloft. “Here they come,” someone shouts, but it’s a false alarm. The van, advertising a local radio station, honks, and the passengers wave.

People go back to waiting. A news helicopter hovering nearby gives a good estimate of how close they are. Someone has a live stream up on their phone, reporting that they “just went under the bridge.” Someone else complains that the online map isn’t updating. One woman talks on her cell phone, explaining to a friend where the nearest shop-

ping center is so she can park.

Finally, police motorcycles appear, lights ashing. Again, cell phones pop up, at the ready, to capture the striking image of the monks coming over the hill, in a group, walking for peace.

Except there is no striking image. It’s easy to see the police lights, the long line of trafc trailing behind and the people lining the road, crowding in front of them to get a good picture. The small cluster of monks, however, doesn’t stand out.

As they get closer, their earth-tone robes are visible. They walk, single le. The lead monk carries a sta . Another carries a ag. They walk quickly. People trying to catch up to the group after they pass have to jog to make up the ground. Their arms swing. They say nothing. There’s no message, no sermon, no wisdom. They just walk. They are the embodiment of the cliché — a calm in the storm of chaos swirling around them, both on the street and in the nation they just crossed.

One shyly returns a wave to a child. Several people step forward with owers. One monk near the back accepts a bouquet from a bystander. He walks on, and after going a short distance, he begins peeling owers out of the bouquet, one at a time, and handing them to people watching them pass.

The crowd begins to break up. There is a storm to prepare for, photos and videos to post. People rave about how moving the experience was, including many who may have missed the point entirely. They walk on.

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IN SEARCH OF SOMEONE

I met you at Dollar Tree in Siler City, you paid for a Birthday Gift Bag. I want to meet you again to thank you. I live on Hwy.902 at 11348, Bear Creek, NC. My phone # is 919-837-5280.

TAKE NOTICE

Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of HELEN FAYE FITTS a/k/a FAYE PHILLIPS FITTS, of Chatham County, NC, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Executor at the Law O ce of Richard L Cox, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before April 27th 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of heir recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 22nd day of January 2026. William Robert Fitts, III, Executor HELEN FAYE FITTS a/k/a FAYE PHILLIPS FITTS, Estate Richard L. Cox, Attorney Gavin & Cox 113 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF NORTH CAROLINA

OF CHATHAM The undersigned, Autumn Shuke Norris,

quali ed as Administrator CTA of the Estate of Joyce Carter Shuke, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned in care of the undersigned’s Attorney at their address on or before April 24, 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 above named Administrator CTA. This the 22nd day of January, 2026. Autumn Shuke Norris, Administrator CTA Estate of Joyce Carter Shuke Daniel Jenkins, Esq. Carolina Estate Planning 380 Knollwood St. Suite 500 Winston Salem, NC 27103 January 22, 29, Feburary 5 and 12, 2026

NOTICE

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Dorothy Mae Foxx Shamburger aka Dorothy Shamburger Clemmons, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, are hereby noti ed to present them to Robert A. Shamburger, Administrator of the Estate of Dorothy Mae Foxx Shamburger aka Dorothy Shamburger Clemmons, Estate File Number 26E000045-180, on or before May 4, 2026, in care of the undersigned attorney at her address, or this notice will be pleaded in a bar of recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to Dorothy Mae Foxx Shamburger aka Dorothy Shamburger Clemmons, please make immediate payment to the Estate of Dorothy Mae Foxx Shamburger aka Dorothy Shamburger Clemmons. This is the 29th day of January, 2026. Pamela E. Whitaker Attorney at Law 4145 Randolph Church Road Liberty, NC 27298 (336) 622-3553 telephone (336) 622-3240 facsimile pwhitakerlaw@gmail.com PUBLICATION DATES: January 29, 2026, February 5, 12, 19, 2026

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Annie Faye Braxton, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations, having claims against the said estate to present them to the undersigned at 1153 Hu man Mill Road,Burlington, NC 27215 on or before the 9th day of April, 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. This the 8th day of January, 2026. Janet F. Braxton, Administrator Seth M. Gerringer, Attorney Deal Law, PLLC 1153 Hu man Mill Road Burlington, NC 27215 Publication Dates: Jan. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2026

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Carol Triplett Robbins a/k/a Carol T. Robbins, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before April 15th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 15th day of January 2026. Antony Derek Roberson, Executor Estate of Carol Triplett Robbins c/o Roberson Law Firm 1829 E. Franklin St., Ste. 800C Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Run Dates: 1/15, 22, 29, 2/5

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000051-180

The undersigned DANNY M. WATSON, having quali ed on the 22ND Day of JANUARY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JEFFREY FLOYD HAWK, 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 29TH Day OF APRIL 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 29TH DAY OF JANUARY 2026.

DANNY M. WATSON, ADMINISTRATOR 436 GLENDALE AVE.

THOMASVILLE, NC 27360

Run dates: J29,F5,12,19p

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL ELAINE HARTMAN HALL

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Carol Elaine Hartman Hall, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to William Leslie Hall, Executor, at 300 Kildaire Woods Drive, Apt 129, Cary, NC 27511, on or before May 4th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the deceased are asked to make immediate payment. This the 29th day of January, 2026.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Session on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The public hearing will be held in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina at 9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro NC 27312.

Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department o ce. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing.

You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www. chathamcountync.gov by selecting the heading County Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Comment. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below: Legislative Request:

A legislative public hearing requested by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to consider a temporary twelve (12) month moratorium on the permitting of data centers, data processing facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations, and any other associated uses within the unincorporated areas of Chatham County, pursuant to N.C.G.S. §160D-107. Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions. Notice to people with special needs: If you have audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided. If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204 or Ms. Jenifer Johnson, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, at 919-542-8200, or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312. Please run in your paper: January 29th and February 5th, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

25E000680-180 NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Walter D. Jones, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of John T. Jones, 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 April 15, 2026 or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 15th day of January 2026.

Walter D. Jones

Administrator

Marie H. Hopper

Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post O ce Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

26E000025-180 NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Barbara Moore, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of James McGrath, 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 April 20, 2026 or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 22nd day of January 2026. Barbara Moore Executor

Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post O ce Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Sue Loy late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of April, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 8th day of January, 2026. Robyn Thomas Walker, Executor Of the Estate of Sue Loy 69 Fox Chapel Lane Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE

ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CHATHAM COUNTY HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of William Larry Cockman late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of April, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 6th day of January, 2026. Kimberly Rose Cockman, Executor Of the Estate of William Larry Cockman 1034 Stage Coach Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

BOX 629

SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE TO CREDITORS:

26E000050-180 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Gilbert Thomas Berg late of CHATHAM County, NC, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address below on or before the 30th day of April, 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 29th day of January, 2026. Margaret B. Mullinix, Administrator of the Estate of Gilbert Thomas Berg, c/o The Law O ce of Anne Page Watson, PLLC, 3400 Croasdaile Drive, Suite 205, Durham, NC 27705.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Seth Andrew Laws late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of April, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 8th day of January, 2026. Kelli Denise Laws, Administrator Of the Estate of Seth Andrew Laws 2621 Arthur Teague Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344

MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE

ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

25E000017-180

ALL persons having claims against Robert James Gabor, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Apr 22 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 22nd day of January, 2026. Robert Gabor, Jr., Executor

C/O Alisa Hu man, PLLC 701 E. Chatham Street, Ste. 209 Cary, NC 27511 J22, 29, 5 and 12

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Mary Dianitia Hutcheson, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the Executor does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to F. Gordon Battle, Executor of the Estate of Mary Dianitia Hutcheson, c/o Patrick E. Bradshaw, Attorney for the Estate, at Bradshaw Robinson Slawter & Rainer LLP, PO Box 607, Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 15th day of April, 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 Executor. This 8th day of January, 2026. F. Gordon Battle Executor of the Estate of Mary Dianitia Hutcheson Patrick E. Bradshaw Bradshaw Robinson Slawter & Rainer LLP PO Box 607 Pittsboro, NC 27312 (For Publication: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22 and 1/29/2026)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000683-180 The undersigned ANGELA CAMILLE CLINE, having quali ed on the 22ND Day of DECEMBER 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of BLANCHE ELIZABETH CLINE, 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 22ND Day OF APRIL 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 22ND DAY OF JANUARY 2026. ANGELA CAMILLE CLINE, ADMINISTRATOR 1268 WILSON ROAD GOLDSTON, NC 27252 MAIL AFFIDAVIT TO: LEWIS FADELY, PLLC 119 N FIR AVE. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: J22,29,F5,12p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

26E000026-180

ALL persons having claims against Reggie Kenneth Lane, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Apr 29 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 29th day of January, 2026. Travis Anthony Harris, Administrator

C/O Kenneth M. Johnson, P.A. 817 Quailcove Court Greensboro, North Carolina 27406 J29, 5, 12 and 19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHATHAM The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor, the Estate of Robert E. Allen, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before April 30, 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 16 day of January, 2026. Vicky LeGrys, Executor 111 Pokeberry Lane, Pittsboro NC 27312

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000007-180

The undersigned EILEEN S. COWEL, having quali ed on the 7TH Day of JANUARY, 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ALLAN S. COWEL, 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 29TH Day OF APRIL 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 29TH DAY OF JANUARY 2026. EILEEN S. COWEL, ADMINISTRATOR 4108 WALLINGFORD PLACE DURHAM, NC 27707 Run dates: J29,F5,12,19p

PUBLIC NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION INTENT TO ISSUE NPDES STORMWATER DISCHARGE PERMITS

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission proposes to issue NPDES stormwater discharge permit(s) to the person(s) listed below. Public comment or objection to the draft permits is invited. Written comments regarding the proposed permit will be accepted until 30 days after the publish date of this notice and considered in the nal determination regarding permit issuance and permit provisions. The Director of the NC Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) may hold a public hearing should there be a signi cant degree of public interest. Please mail comments and/or information requests to DEMLR at 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 276991612. Arauco North America, Inc. [985 Corinth Road, Moncure, NC 27559] has requested renewal of permit NCS000151 for the Arauco Panels USA, LLC – Moncure Plant [985 Corinth Road, Moncure, NC] in Chatham County. This facility discharges stormwater to an unnamed tributary to Shaddox Creek in the Cape Fear River Basin. Interested persons may visit DEMLR at 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 to review information on le. Additional information on NPDES permits and this notice may be found on our website: https://deq.nc.gov/about/ divisions/energy-mineral-and-landresources/stormwater/stormwaterprogram/stormwater-public-notices, or by contacting Brianna Young at brianna. young@deq.nc.gov or 919-707-3647. J29

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25 E 00695-180

The undersigned LYNN S. CRAYCROFT, having quali ed on the 30TH Day of DECEMBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ARLINE J. SENKPIEL, 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 15th Day OF APRIL 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 15th DAY OF JANUARY 2026. Run dates: J15,22,29,F5,p

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE No. 24SP000053-180

Gladys C. Burnette, Petitioner, vs. Lillian Cabrera, Dorothy Chapman, Thomas Suitt, Sr., William Gattis, Wilma Gattis Brittain, Howard Lee Clark, Jr. Shondrea Thornton, Wanda Clark Fearrington, Norman V. Clark, George Randy Brown, Julius Allen Clark, Johnette Y. Smith Jones Julina Waden, John Dorsey Caldwell, Jr. Linda Clark, Robert Lee Clark, Jr. Andrea Nicky Clark, Sandi Abbo, Rossa V. Clarke-White, Wanda K. Williams, Zipporah W. Clark Baldwin, Macon David Clark, Jr., Amy M. Clark, Wallace Earl Perry, Lillie Perry Atwater, Clyde Douglas Perry, Hampton M. Perry as Guardian for Delaine Perry Norwood, Susan Gayle Perry, LeAnn Golden, Michael J. Sulick as Trustee of the Sulick Family Rev. Trust, Joy Young, Thomas Perry, Phyllis Cameron, Gloria Perry, Julia Perry, Rhonda Perry, and all unknown or missing heirs of Will Perry a/k/a William E. Perry, Respondent. AMENDED notice of PUBLIC sale

Pursuant to the Order for Public Sale and Appointing Commissioner led on October 30, 2025, in the above captioned proceeding, NOTICE is hereby given that the subject property described below will be put up for public sale on February 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.; the sale will be held at the Chatham County Courthouse in the designated area for sale. The subject property is commonly referred to as 0 Manns Chapel Road, Pittsboro, NC 27713, Chatham County PIN #0001902, and more particularly described as follows: Bounded on the North by Lamont Norwood; on the East by W.S. Norwood; on the South by Tom Hobby Estate; on the West by William Hamlet, containing ten (10) acres, more or less, and being a part of the Tom Farrar land.

A cash deposit from the highest bidder equal to ten percent (5%) of the amount of the bid is required at the time of public sale. Said bid shall be reported to the Court and will remain open for the requisite upset bid period as required by law. The Court reserves the right to approve and reject all bids. THE PROPERTY IS SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITH ALL FAULTS.

This the 22rd day of January, 2026. Shelby L. Lennon, Attorney for Commissioner Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000022-180

The undersigned JEREMY KNOTT AND TRACEY JONES, having quali ed on the 9TH Day of JANUARY 2026 as COADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of CAROLYN ANNE KNOTT aka ANNE PRINCE KNOTT, 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 15th Day OF APRIL 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 15th DAY OF JANUARY 2026. JEREMY KNOTT, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 430 JOHNSON FARM ROAD NEW HILL, NC 27562 MAIL TO: TRACY JONES, CO-ADMINSTRATOR 791 KODIR WOMBLE DRIVE NEW HILL, NC 27562 Run dates: J15,22,29,F5,p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000002-180

The undersigned BARBARA GILMORE, having quali ed on the 2ND Day of JANUARY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of DAVID CLARK GILMORE, 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 22ND Day OF APRIL 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 22ND DAY OF JANUARY 2026. BARBARA GILMORE, ADMINISTRATOR 217 QUINTER DRIVE CARY, NC 27519 Run dates: J22,29,F5,12p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000027-180 The undersigned STACIA DARK, having quali ed on the 12TH Day of JANUARY, 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of GEORGE DARK, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify

rms and corporations

against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 29TH Day OF APRIL 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 29TH DAY OF JANUARY 2026. STACIA DARK, ADMINISTRATOR 621 WOMBLE STREET SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: J29,F5,12,19p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#24E001413-180 The undersigned MAURICE A. WICKER, having quali ed on the 5TH Day of AUGUST 2024 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of LORENA EASTRIDGE WICKER aka LORENA E. 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 22ND Day OF APRIL 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 22ND DAY OF JANUARY 2026. MAURICE A. WICKER, ADMINISTRATOR 369 RC OVERMAN ROAD SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: J22,29,F5,12p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000693-180 The undersigned RICKY DAYE, aka RICHARD L. DAYE, having quali ed on the 30TH Day of DECEMBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARY H. MERTENS, 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 15th Day OF APRIL 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 15th DAY OF JANUARY 2026. RICKY DAYE aka RICHARD L. DAYE, EXECUTOR 5328 CHIMNEY SWIFT DRIVE WAKE FOREST, NC 27587 Run dates: J15,22,29,F5,p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000665-180 The undersigned KEENAN B. JONES, RYAN L. JONES, AND KARA J. OLDHAM, having quali ed on the 19TH Day of DECEMBER 2025 as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of RODGER L. JONES, 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 8th Day OF APRIL 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 8th DAY OF JANUARY 2026. KEENAN B. JONES, CO-EXECUTOR 1473 ZEB BROOKS ROAD BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 KARA J. OLDHAM, CO-EXECTUTOR 1482 ZEB BROOKS ROAD BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 MAIL AFFIDAVIT TO: RYAN L. JONES, CO-EXECUTOR 1642 ZEB BROOKS ROAD BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: J8,15,22,29

Rhode Island may ditch Mr. Potato Head license plates after Hasbro’s move to Boston

The plates have raised $60,000 for a local food bank

By Kimberlee Kruesi The Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — It’s been no small potatoes that Rhode Islanders have been able to choose the image of Mr. Potato Head as a specialty license plate for decades.

Yet with Hasbro’s decision to move its headquarters from the smallest state in the U.S. to Boston, two lawmakers say it’s time to hash out whether Rhode Island should continue promoting one of the company’s most iconic characters.

Under the proposal introduced earlier this month, Rhode Island’s Division of Motor Vehicles would stop providing Mr. Potato Head as an option for a specialty license plate. Currently the plate costs around $40, with half of that amount going to help support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Rep. Brian Newberry, a Republican from North Smith eld, said in an email that he led the legislation because Hasbro leaving the state will cause “untold economic harm and loss of tax revenue.”

“There is no reason we should be advertising their products on our license plates,” Newberry said. “It may seem trivial compared to many other things but it’s a matter of self-respect.”

Mr. Potato Head license plates were rst issued in 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beloved toy, which notably has appeared in the “Toy Story ” lms. The plates include a small image of Mr. Potato Head holding a sign of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and “help end hunger” at the bottom of the plate.

COURTESY RHODE ISLAND’S DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES VIA AP

be moving to Boston by the end of 2026 after operating in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for nearly 70 years.

Mr. Potato Head has been around since the 1950s, when the original toy didn’t come with a plastic potato. Instead, kids had to supply their own vegetable to poke eyes, a nose or mustache into.

NOTICE OF PRIMARY ELECTION

CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

The statewide primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Voters will be asked to show photo ID when they vote. All voters will be allowed to vote with or without ID. Voters who lack ID can get one for free from their county board of elections. Find out more at ncsbe.gov/voter-id.

“The license plate started at a time when Mr. Potato Head was all over the state and was having a moment,” said Kate MacDonald, spokesperson for the food bank, which has received nearly $60,000 over the years due to the plate. “And while it has tapered o over the years, it’s been a steady way for people to contribute.”

24SP001151-180 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, CHATHAM COUNTY

An email was sent to Hasbro seeking comment. The toy company announced last year that it would

Notably, Mr. Potato Head was the rst toy advertised on television in 1952. A Mrs. Potato Head was launched in 1953, followed by brother Spud, sister Yam, and various pets and accessories, according to the National Museum of Play.

Hasbro adopted a plastic spud after new government regulations prevented certain toys from having pointed sharp edges, as well as complaints about children playing with rotting vegetables.

EXCEPT AND LESS All of Parcel A, containing 0.227 acre according to a plat entitled “Survey for Kevin L. Corns - Ollie Burnette Heirs”, prepared by Van R Finch, PLS dated March 11, 2010, and recorded in Plat Slide 2010-127, Chatham County Registry, reference to which plat is hereby made for a more particular description. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 428 Jeremiah Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-9619.

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

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

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

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

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin L. Corns, Franklin D. Corns and Eleanor Corns to Jerone C. Herring, Trustee(s), which was dated March 30, 2001 and recorded on March 30, 2001 in Book 860 at Page 1014 and rerecorded/modi ed/ corrected on June 3, 2010 in Book 1514, Page 1239 and rerecorded/modi ed/corrected on August 5, 2025 in Book 2480, Page 584, Chatham 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 February 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Chatham County, North Carolina, to wit: Lying and being in Williams Township, Chatham County, North Carolina, and being all of Lot #1, containing 40,271 square feet, more or less, as shown on a plat entitled “recombination Survey for Tomi G Constant & Patricia B Learned and Minor Subdivision of a Portion of the hero Stone Bunker Lands”, dated April 22, 1999, prepared by Absolute Land Surveying and Mapping, P.C. and recorded in Plat Slide 99-236, Chatham County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more accurate description; and All of Parcel B, containing 0.261 acre, according to a plat entitled “Survey for Kevin L. Corns - Ollie Burnette Heirs”, prepared by Van R Finch, PLS dated March 11, 2010, and recorded in Plat Slide 2010-127, Chatham County Registry, reference to which plat is hereby made for a more particular description.

OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24SP001080-180 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by FRANCES M. ALDRIDGE AND T. VICTOR ALDRIDGE, SR., dated June 6, 2003 in the amount of $77,000.00 and recorded in Book 01027, Page 0436 and further modi ed by Agreement recorded on January 25, 2017 in Book 1903, Page 599 of the Chatham County Public Registry by ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Chatham County, North Carolina, in Book 2417, Page 993, 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 Chatham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on February 12, 2026 at 11:30 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Chatham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0013972 ADDRESS: 20 FAIRWAY DR SILER CITY, NC 27344 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKOWN HEIRS OF FRANCES M. ALDRIDGE AND T. VICTOR ALDRIDGE, SR. THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CHATHAM, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 01027, PAGE 0436, AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 47 CONTAINING 0.719 ACRES

MORE OR LESS, AS DESIGNATED ON A PLAT

ENTITLED “SURVEY FOR FRANCES M. MORGAN”, DATED JANUARY 5, 1996, PREPARED BY RICHARD L. SILER, RLS, AND RECORDED IN PLAT SLIDE 96-13, CHATHAM COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH PLAT REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR

GREATER CERTAINTY OF DESCRIPTION.

(1) THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIVE AND PROTECTIVE COVENANTS OF PINE FOREST, INCORPORATED SUBDIVISION RECORDED IN BOOK 290, PAGE 203, CHATHAM COUNTY REGISTRY. PARCEL ID NUMBER: 0013972 ALSO KNOWN AS: 20 FAIRWAY DR, SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S.

§45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One

Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S.

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.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC

Substitute Trustee

Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988

File No.: 24-24851-FC01

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CHATHAM SPORTS

Chatham Charter sweeps varsity slate in rst meeting against Woods

Samantha Wilson scored 16 in the girls’ 52-31 win

By Asheebo Rojas

Chatham News & Record

Boys: Chatham Charter 48, Woods Charter 39

Chatham Charter snagged 15 o ensive rebounds, including a putback by sophomore Isaiah McSwain to put the Knights up four with two minutes left, on the way to win its fth straight conference game over Woods Charter 48-39 on Jan. 22.

“O ensive rebounding itself is e ort,” Chatham Charter coach Jason Messier said.

“Isaiah does a good job of it as well as (Jalen McSwain) does a good job rebounding as well. They’re not even jumping, but they’re long-armed, and they get in there. They’re not afraid of the physicality of it.”

Coming out of halftime with Woods Charter leading 22 -21, both teams traded baskets until the nal minutes.

Tied at 37 with under four minutes remaining, McSwain gave the Knights the lead with a driving layup. On the posses-

sion of his game-changing putback moments later, Chatham Charter notched two o ensive rebounds before McSwain battled for a miss from sophomore Ethan Cheek and scored.

McSwain credited the coaching sta and how his team prepares in practice for their success on the boards.

“They teach us to not be afraid to go in there, get a rebound, get pushed around, get a putback.” McSwain said.

Senior Kymani Wagner-Jatta put the game further out of reach with a steal and two made free throws after being

fouled on the fast break, putting the Knights ahead 43 -37 with less than two minutes left. Chatham Charter followed that with a 5-2 run to close the game. Cheek nished the night with a team-high 15 points, and sophomore Ryder Murphy logged 10 points. McSwain ended the night with eight points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Cheek got o to a hot start with eight points, including two 3s, in the rst quarter. He pointed to his own con dence and trusting his teammates for his early o ensive success.

The Knights jumped out to a 10-3 lead, but the Wolves stormed back with their own run to tie the game at 13 by the end of the rst quarter.

In a tough night for Woods Charter’s o ense, sophomore Campbell Blackburn and junior Levi Haygood still logged 10 and 11 points, respectively. Chatham Charter’s defense prevailed in the fourth quarter when the Knights held the Wolves to ve points in thenal seven minutes of the game.

The Bears went from 9-14 to 28-3 in one season

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

“I

Tracy McIver

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Boys’ basketball

Northwood’s winning streak grew to ve with a 65-43 win over Southwestern Randolph on Jan. 22.

Seaforth senior Campbell Meador scored a team-high 18 points to lead the Hawks over Orange 48-43 on Jan. 20. Against Carrboro, Seaforth senior Declan Lindquist torched the Jaguars with 28 points, including seven made 3s, in a 77- 64 win on Jan. 22.

Chatham Central won three straight games by more than 30 points over South Davidson (75-21), North Moore (87-31) and North Stokes (91-59) last week. Following two straight losses, Woods Charter bounced back with a 46-39 win over River Mill on Friday. Junior Levi Haygood recorded a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Jordan-Matthews senior Sean Price hit a game-tying 3, and senior Kamarie Hadley hit the game-winning free throw to edge Southwestern Randolph 42-41 on Jan. 20. The Jets fell to Uwharrie Charter 56-41 on Jan. 22. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference): Central Tar Heel 1A: T1. Southern Wake (13-4, 5-0); T1.

Chatham Charter (13-7, 5-0); 3. Woods Charter (12-5, 5-2); 4. Clover Garden (6-9, 4-2); 5. Ascend Leadership (4-17, 2-5); 6. River Mill (1-16, 1-6); 7. Central Carolina (1-15, 0-7) Greater Triad 1A/2A: 1. South Stokes (16-2, 7-0); 2. Bishop McGuinness (12-5, 4-2); 3. Winston-Salem Prep (8-11, 4-3); T4. Chatham Central (12-6, 3-4); T4. College Prep and Leadership (5-14, 3-4); 6. North Stokes (4-14, 2-4); 7. South Davidson (0-16, 0-6) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Northwood (12-4, 4-0); 2. Uwharrie Charter (12-6, 3-1); T3. Jordan-Matthews (9-9, 2-2); T3. Southwestern Randolph (8-8, 2-2); 5. North Moore (4-9, 0-3); 6. Eastern Randolph (3-13, 0-3) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Seaforth (11-5, 6-1); 2. J.F. Webb (8-8, 5-1); T3. Orange (6-12, 5-2); T3. South Granville (9 -8, 5-2); 5. Carrboro (1-15, 1-5); 6. Durham School of the Arts

Declan Lindquist

Seaforth, boys’ basketball

Seaforth senior Declan Lindquist earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Jan. 19.

Lindquist had the hot hand in the Hawks’ 77-64 win over Carrboro on Jan. 22. He shot 7 for 10 from the 3-point line in a 28-point performance, notching a career-high in made 3s.

This season, Lindquist leads the Hawks in scoring with 17.4 points per game. He’s made a huge jump from his rst three years in which he never averaged more than more than 10 points. Lindquist is a Haverford College signee.

Local basketball playo projections

Chatham teams are in good playo standing as of Monday

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

WITH LESS THAN a month left in the high school basketball regular season, it’s time to monitor the playo picture.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association state playo s are set to begin with the rst round on Feb. 24.

This season, playo berths and seeding are solely based on the ratings percentage index, or RPI, standings. Conference champions will no longer be seeded rst. The top 48 teams in classi cations 1A-7A will be split between East or West brackets based on the geographical center of the playo eld.

RPI considers the winning percentage of a team, its opponents and its opponents’ opponents when determining how a team will be seeded. Here’s a look at where local teams stand and their projected landing spots as of Monday.

BOYS

Woods Charter

Class: 1A

RPI: 0.540392 (eighth)

Local teams projected to earn top-10 seeds with less than a month left to play

Projected seed: 3 (West)

Chatham Charter

Class: 1A

RPI: 0.58758 (sixth)

Projected seed: 2 (West)

Chatham Central

Class: 1A

RPI: 0.520432 (11th)

Projected seed: 6 (West)

Northwood

Class: 3A

RPI: 0.629871 (11th)

Projected seed: 7 (East)

Jordan-Matthews

Class: 4A

RPI: 0.524521 (21st)

Projected seed: 12 (East)

Seaforth

Class: 5A

RPI: 0.553337 (25th)

Projected seed: 12 (East)

GIRLS

Woods Charter

Class: 1A

RPI: 0.464909 (25th)

Projected seed: 13 (East)

Chatham Charter

Class: 1A

RPI: 0.434232 (28th)

Projected seed: 13 (West)

Chatham Central

Class: 1A

RPI: 0.418672 (30th)

Projected seed: 14 (West)

Northwood

Class: 3A

RPI: 0.581362 (ninth)

Projected seed: 4 (East)

Jordan-Matthews

Class: 4A RPI: 0.393706 (50th)

Projected seed: Not in playo contention

Seaforth

Class: 5A RPI: 0.626857 (11th)

Projected seed: 7 (East)

Wrestling playo preview for local teams

Brackets will be released Thursday

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

THE NORTH CAROLINA High School Athletic Association dual team wrestling playo s are set to begin with the rst and second rounds Saturday.

Brackets will be released Thursday based on the dual team rankings in RankWrestlers across the eight classications. Playo quali ers will be split into East and West brackets.

The individual postseason will also get started soon, with the girls’ regionals beginning on Feb. 6 and the boys’ regionals starting on Feb. 13. Four wrestlers from each regional (two regionals per class) will make the state tournament. The boys will have a combined 1A/2A tournament, while the girls will combine 1A through 4A and hold separate tournaments for the 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A classes.

Here’s a look at where local teams could land and who they may face to start the dual team playo s based on the RankWrestlers rankings as of Sunday. Below is also a look at the local individuals on watch to make the state tournament based on RankWrestlers rankings.

Northwood

Class: 3A

Dual record: 8-8

RankWrestlers ranking: 21

Northwood is in good standing to make the playo s for the 20th time in program history and will likely fall in the East bracket. Ranked 21st in the 3A rankings as of Sunday, the Chargers could land at or near a seven seed should the NCHSAA split the East and West regions at East and West Davidson High Schools. Northwood could face teams like Spring Creek, which is 24-6 in duals, includ-

“We’re always on the point (that) defense travels,” Messier said. “We had guys come o our bench, give us really good minutes, and again, defensive e ort was the key for us.”

With the win, Chatham Charter moved to 13-7 overall and 5-0 in Central Tar Heel Conference play. As of Sunday, the Knights are tied for rst place in the conference with Southern Wake Academy.

Woods Charter fell to 11-5 and 4-2 (third place) in conference play.

ing a win over North Moore, or Heide Trask, which is 7-17, in the rst round. Last year, Northwood fell to Louisburg in the rst round.

Jordan-Matthews

Class: 4A

Dual record: 12-14

RankWrestlers ranking: 37

Jordan-Matthews has teetered on good playo standing this season as it pursues its rst playo appearance in school history. The Jets have put themselves against some tough competition and picked up big wins, such as the victory over North Moore, but it doesn’t seem to be enough. Jordan-Matthews sits outside of the 4A playo picture as its ranked 37th as of Sunday. The Jets lost two of their three duals since the North Moore win on Jan. 15, including their most recent conference loss to Eastern Randolph on Jan. 21.

Girls: Chatham Charter 52, Woods Charter 31

Chatham Charter rode a dominant start and a career night from senior Samantha Wilson to win its third straight game over Woods Charter 52 -31 on Jan. 22.

Woods Charter struggled to get any o ensive success against Chatham Charter’s zone early in the game. The Wolves failed to make a shot in the rst quarter, and multiple turnovers led to a 15-0 Chatham Charter lead by the end of the period.

“We’ve been working on that

Seaforth

Class: 5A

Dual record: 9-5

RankWrestlers ranking: 17

This season, Seaforth wasn’t as dominant as it’s been in years past, but it’s still playo bound for the fth time. The Hawks, ranked 17th in 5A, are looking at or near a seventh seed in the East bracket. That could bring opponents such as Rockingham County (10-8), Southeast Alamance (12-3) and South Brunswick (6-8) for the rst round. For comparison, Southeast Alamance, which would be the Hawks’ rst round opponent as of Sunday, defeated Seaforth’s conference foe Orange twice this season, while the Hawks fell to Orange by three points Jan. 21. Nevertheless, Seaforth still has plenty of experience in grapplers like Jordan Miller, Gabe Rogers, Harrison Compton, Palmer Moade and Luke Ayers who have

3-2 defense,” Chatham Charter coach Je Patterson said. “It helps us get out on the shooters on the wing.”

After a second quarter in which the Wolves settled down and outscored the Knights 11-7 for an 11-point de cit at halftime, Wilson came alive in the third quarter. She scored nine third quarter points on a 66% shooting clip, helping Chatham Charter’s lead grow to 17 before the nal period. Wilson said she was “just looking to score all the time.”

Sophomore Peyton York closed out the win with sev-

been part of runs to the state championship.

Chatham Central Class: 1A

Dual record: 5-7

RankWrestlers ranking: 6

Chatham Central will automatically make the postseason due to 1A only having 15 schools. The Bears, ranked sixth in the class, could be a four seed in the East bracket with a possible matchup with Central Carolina Academy.

Individual state tournament watch: Boys Forest Oates (Chatham Central): ranked as the ninth-best 120-pounder in 1A/2A Aiden Hernandez (Chatham Central): ranked as the 10th-best 132-pounder in 1A/2A Gavin Vanderford (Chatham Central): ranked as the

en fourth quarter points. She nished the night with nine points and six rebounds.

Junior Camille Alston grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds along with her six points. Senior Kynzie Jordan contributed nine points, six rebounds and four steals, and junior Maggie Rippe, who scored eight points, notched eight rebounds.

The Knights improved to 7-13 overall and 4-1 in Central Tar Heel Conference play (second place). As of Sunday, they’ve won their last three games by double digits.

“This game here is going

eighth-best 138-pounder in 1A/2A

Carson Williams (Chatham Central): ranked as the fth-best 157-pounder in 1A/2A

Zach Thelen (Northwood): ranked as the fth-best 106-pounder in 3A East

Connor Willingmyre (Northwood): ranked as the fth-best 120-pounder in 3A East

Aiden Cisneros (Northwood): ranked as the fth-best 138-pounder in 3A East

Jakari Blue (Jordan-Matthews): ranked as the No. 1 190-pounder in 4A East

William Coykendall (Jordan-Matthews): ranked as the sixth-best 126-pounder in 4A East

Jordan Miller (Seaforth): ranked as the No. 1 120-pounder in 5A East

Luke Ayers (Seaforth): ranked as the fth-best 126-pounder in 5A East

Gabe Rogers (Seaforth): ranked as the No. 1 144-pounder in 5A East

Harrison Compton (Seaforth): ranked as the second-best 190-pounder in 5A East

Girls

Alexandra Zumano Garcia (Jordan-Matthews): ranked as the fth-best 120-pounder in 1A-4A

Ella Budlong (Seaforth): ranked as the sixth-best 114-pounder in 5A East

Sarah Tanner (Seaforth): ranked as the fth-best 132-pounder in 5A East

Lilliana Messier (Seaforth): ranked as the fth-best 185-pounder in 5A East

to determine who’s in second place right now,” Patterson said. “We’re all chasing Clover Garden. In order for us to have a shot at them, we had to win this game.”

Said Patterson, “We’ve been playing well. Hopefully we can keep it going. The girls have been working hard. They’ve been buying in. “Early in the season, we had a brutal nonconference schedule, playing against 3A (and) 4A public schools, but it made us stronger, and it made us better.”

Woods Charter fell to 11-6 and 4-2 in conference play.

Penske’s team wins third consecutive Rolex 24 at Daytona in thrilling nish

The iconic organization is starting its 60th year

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Felipe Nasr’s time in Formula 1 had ended after two underwhelming seasons and the Brazilian was left with little to do as an open-wheel racing driver.

He migrated to sports cars and spent four seasons driving for the team owned by NASCAR chairman Jim France. Then came an opportunity he couldn’t turn down: a clandestine meeting with Roger Penske to discuss developing a new sports car program with the factory backing of Porsche.

They met in a parking lot, and Penske was immediately impressed.

“He showed up in a blue suit, and I said, ‘That’s my kind of guy,’” the 88-year-old team owner said.

Team Penske opened the 60th anniversary of its organization with a win in the rst race of the year — a three-peat, no less — in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“The driving he’s done for us, at the end, that was probably

ROUNDUP from page B1

(6 -12, 1-6); 7. Cedar Ridge (2-14, 0-6)

Power Rankings (week of Jan. 19): 1. Northwood; 2. Seaforth; 3. Chatham Central; 4. Jordan-Matthews; 5. Chatham Charter; 6. Woods Charter

Last week’s rankings: 1. Northwood; 2. Seaforth; 3. Woods Charter; 4. Jordan-Matthews; 5. Chatham Central; 6. Chatham Charter

Girls’ basketball

Seaforth won three straight games last week over Cardinal Gibbons (55-45), Orange (43 -39) and Carrboro (63-29). Senior Katie Leonard scored at least 20 points in all three contests.

Northwood senior Shaylah Glover posted 13 points and seven rebounds to lead the Chargers over Southwestern Randolph 52-29 on Jan. 22. The Chargers have not lost in their four games since the start of 2026.

Following back-to-back wins over South Davidson (57-28) and North Moore (55-39), Chatham Central fell to North Stokes 55-32 on Jan. 22.

one of the best drives I’ve ever seen,” Penske said.

The Penske squad became the third team in the 64-year history of the most prestigious endurance race in the United States to win three in a row.

His Porsche Penske Motorsports team joined Chip Ganassi Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing as the only teams to win three straight sports car races at Daytona International Speedway.

It was the fth overall Rolex victory in the event for Porsche and the 46th overall IMSA victory for Penske.

What’s most impressive for Penske is that the team has won three years in a row with three di erent lineups; Nasr, the Penske closer, is the only mainstay on all three entries, and he was openly weeping in Victory Lane.

“It’s a moment I dreamed of — the desire to win is what makes you go beyond and further,” Nasr said. “I love this sport, I love this series, and the 24-hour (race) being decided in the last few minutes is just incredible.”

“The Penske was in a good form from beginning to end,” Nasr said. “The winning feeling — they are special — it’s

hard to pick a favorite one. I have no words to describe it, it’s just a unique feeling.”

Nasr actually has four Rolex titles — except his fourth was not in the top class.

This one didn’t come easy for Nasr, driving in front of the largest Rolex crowd in race history, as he held o his former team, the Cadillac from Action Express Racing, over the nal hour to win the overall title. The Action Express car originally won the pole but was disquali ed in post-qualifying inspection.

That forced the No. 31 Cadillac to start last in class, and the lineup of Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Mercedes Formula 1 driver Fred Vesti and NASCAR rising star Connor Zilisch weaved their way to second.

“The driving he’s done for us, at the end, that was probably one of the best drives I’ve ever seen,” Roger Penske on Felipe Nasr

Nasr and Aitken closed the races for their respective teams, and Aitken got several good looks at passing Nasr for the win in the nal 25 minutes, but Nasr closed the door on him at every chance. Nasr cruised to victory in an overhauled No. 7 Porsche 963 with teammates Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich. The Porsche beat the Cadillac by 1 minute, .569 seconds.

Senior Wesley Oliver and sophomore Valentina Podolyanskaya combined for 22 points to help Woods Charter beat River Mill 37-25 Friday. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Clover Garden (9-5, 5-0); 2. Chatham Charter (7-13, 4-1); 3. Southern Wake (6-3, 3-1); 4. Woods Charter (12-6, 5-2); 5. River Mill (2-16, 2-5); 6. Ascend Leadership (1-15, 1-5); 7. Central Carolina (1-14, 0-6) Greater Triad 1A/2A: 1. Bishop McGuinness (13-2, 4-0); 2. North Stokes (8-9, 4-1); 3. College Prep and Leadership (16-5, 4-2); 4. South Stokes (9 -9, 3-3); 5. Chatham Central (9-8, 1-5); 6. South Davidson (0-16, 0-5) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Northwood (11-5, 4-0); T2. Southwestern Randolph (13 -3, 3-1); T2. Uwharrie Charter (15 -3, 3-1); 4. Jordan-Matthews (4-14, 1-3); 5. Eastern Randolph (1-13, 0-3); 6. North Moore (3 -11, 0-3) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. South

CHAMPS from page B1

years later. Because not only did that team achieve everything Binkley hoped for — it also brought home the state championship trophy.

Chatham Central honored its 1985-86 girls’ basketball state champions between its varsity basketball games on Jan. 21, continuing the new Legacy of Champions initiative to highlight the school’s past athletic achievements. Members of the team were recognized at half court to cap o a night of reunion and endless reminiscing.

“It was a group of girls that truly enjoyed being together,” Tracy McIver Burnett, a senior on the championship team, the championship game MVP and the 1986 North Carolina High School Athletic Association

The caution was thrown for foggy conditions shortly before 1 a.m. and lasted for a race-record 6 hours, 33 minutes, 25 seconds covering 120 laps. The caution was so long that Penske, who prides himself on staying awake and on the pit stand the entire 24 hours, actually took a midrace break.

The Rolex marks the unofcial start of the motorsports season, and this year’s race featured 60 cars from 12 di erent automakers, 228 drivers from 32 countries and no

ort.

Northwood defeated Central Carolina 46-23 but fell to Uwharrie Charter 74-6 on Jan. 21. Seaforth lost to Orange 42-39 on Jan. 21.

Swimming

Results from last week’s conference championship meets: Four Rivers 3A/4A Northwood’s boys nished rst (only ahead of Uwharrie Charter) and its girls nished second. Combined, the Chargers earned the conference title.

WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Jordan-Matthews’ Sean Price takes a shot against Uwharrie Charter on Jan. 22.

Granville (11-6, 7-1); T2. Seaforth (12-3, 6-1); T2. Orange (11-6, 6-1); 4. J.F. Webb (6-10, 2-4); 5. Durham School of the Arts (6-13, 2-6); 6. Carrboro (4 -10, 1-5); 7. Cedar Ridge (2-13, 0-6) Power Rankings (week of Jan. 19): 1. Seaforth; 2. Northwood; 3. Chatham Central; 4. Chatham Charter; 5. Woods Charter; 6. Jordan-Matthews Last week’s rankings: 1. Seaforth; 2. Northwood; 3. Woods Charter; 4. Chatham Central; 5. Jordan-Matthews;

Most Outstanding 1A Girls’ Basketball Player, said.

Chatham Central started the year with seven straight wins and won six of those games by double digits. Following their third loss of the season to Union Pines, the Bears didn’t fall short again, nishing the regular season with a 19-3 record (28-3 after the postseason). They also claimed the Central Tar Heel 1A/2A Conference regular season and tournament titles.

“I think it was a combination that you had a group of girls that loved to play the game of basketball, and we also had a group of girls that loved to play together,” Burnett said. “Every girl on the team knew their role. We had girls that could shoot the jumpers. We had girls that could penetrate (and) rebound. We had the hustlers.

We had people that were willing to just put their body out there for the team.”

In the district sectional tournament, Chatham Central won three games by at least 10 points to advance to the Western Regionals in Hickory.

The trip out west garnered attention from the newspaper and immense support from the school while also being the moment when the team knew they could do something special.

After a 60-47 win over Hiwassee Dam, a very good East Wilkes team stood in the way of a chance for glory.

“They had this very tall girl on the team,” Burnett said. “We knew it could be challenging.”

Kimberly Hanner, who shared the responsibility of guarding the “tall girl,” remembered the simple but important message — “Don’t lose her.”

6. Chatham Charter Wrestling BOYS

Chatham Central defeated North Stokes 54-12 on Jan. 21, then the Bears fell to North Carolina Leadership Academy (42-29) and South Davidson (60-17) on Jan. 22. Jordan-Matthews lost to Eastern Randolph 46-34 on Jan. 21.

“We didn’t lose her either,” Carolyn Rives Greene said. “We stuck with her.”

The Bears went on to beat East Wilkes 48-43 in what was their closest game of the playo s, punching their ticket to Elon for the state championship game against Princeton.

Chatham Central captured its second girls’ basketball state championship with a 55 -38 victory.

“We pressed and jumped out on them,” Anissa Thompson Little said. “It was never close.”

Rhonda Scott Batten, daughter of the late Chatham Central baseball coach Ronald Scott, recalled everyone getting to play in the nal game.

“My dad was the athletic director at the time,” Scott said. “So that made it real special.”

Before that season, the team

Individual conference champions: Max Stokes (Northwood, boys 50 free); Genevieve Fouts (Northwood, girls 200 free and 100 free); Kai K Su (Northwood, boys 100 butter y and 100 breaststroke); Tumani Sissoko (Northwood, boys 100 free and 100 backstroke); Maddie Bolejack (Northwood, girls 50 free); Northwood (Tumani Sissoko, Jackson Hall, Carter Reed, Kai K Su, boys 400 free relay and 200 medley relay); Northwood (Genevieve Fouts, Caroline Trageser, Emilia Smith Pumalpa, Vivian Lance, girls 400 free relay); Northwood (Jackson Hall, Beckett Bolin, Sergio Lopez, Max Stokes, boys 200 free relay); Northwood (Genevieve Fouts, Caroline Trageser, Ellie Klier, Maddie Bolejack, girls 200 free relay)

Big Seven 4A/5A Seaforth’s girls nished fourth, and its boys nished second. Combined, Seaforth nished second.

Individual conference champions: Charles Mitler (Seaforth, boys 200 medley and 100 backstroke); Sydney Haire (Seaforth, girls 100 backstroke)

had “no idea” they were capable of a title run, but the proof was in their preparation.

Perhaps the biggest challenge of the season was the high standard Binkley had for his girls, set in place with endless running and harsh truths.

“If you were soft, you wouldn’t be able to play for him,” Little said. “He was not going to spare your feelings. It was going to help you develop as a basketball player.”

Following the Western Regional championship, Binkley was quoted with more candidness about his team — a truth that tells how the Bears de ed all expectations.

“I’ve never seen a group of girls that play as well as a team as these do,” Binkley said. “They don’t appear to be all that talented, but they know what they have to do to win.”

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA FOOTBALL

College Football

Playo to remain at 12 teams

The College Football Playo will remain at 12 teams after the commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten couldn’t come up with a compromise for expansion. The CFP Management Committee announced the 12-team format would stay the same for the 2026-27 season, providing additional time for evaluation and discussion on potential changes in the future. The CFP went from four teams to 12 teams for the 2024 season, and the two most powerful conferences favored further expansion but could not agree on a number.

NBA

Former Heat security o cer gets 3 years in prison for selling stolen memorabilia

Miami A former Miami Heat security o cer has been sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay nearly $1.9 million in restitution for stealing hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other sports memorabilia while working for the team. Marcos Thomas Perez, 62, was sentenced earlier this month. He pleaded guilty last August to transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce. The 25-year retired veteran of the Miami Police Department worked for the Heat from 2016 to 2021 and as an NBA security employee from 2022 to 2025.

NFL

Former 49ers

quarterback, MVP Brodie dead at 90

Former MVP and longtime San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie died at the age of 90. Brodie had a stroke in 2000. Brodie played for the 49ers from 1957-73 after breaking every major passing record at Stanford. He later played on the Senior PGA Tour and won the 1991 Security Paci c Senior Classic. Brodie’s 17 seasons still represent a 49ers franchise record, and his 31,548 yards passing rank second to Joe Montana on San Francisco’s career passing list.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Bediako makes immediate impact in return for Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Alabama’s Charles Bediako had four dunks, two steals and two blocks in his rst college action in nearly three years against Tennessee. Playing two days after a Tuscaloosa judge temporarily reinstated his college eligibility and blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return, the 23-year-old 7-footer nished with 13 points and three rebounds in a 79 -73 loss to the Volunteers. Bediako helped the 17th-ranked Crimson Tide score 26 points in the paint while building a 39-36 lead at the break.

Star-studded generation of hockey’s best, brightest players nally going to Olympics

It’s been 12 years since NHL players suited up in the Winter Games

By Stephen Whyno The Associated Press

JACK EICHEL IN the fall of 2021 still did not believe he and the rest of the world’s best hockey players would be going to the Olympics in Beijing a few months later, even after the NHL reached an agreement to do so.

“Don’t hold your breath,” Eichel said at the time.

His skepticism proved to be prescient, as pandemic scheduling issues led the league to withdraw.

Eichel is part of a generation of NHL stars who have never gotten the chance to play in the Olympics. Unlike players of the past — before the league allowed its stars to take part — Eichel, fellow American Auston Matthews, Canadians Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, and many others of their vintage grew up expecting to go to the Games. The NHL, after all, played in ve consecutive Olympics from 1998 to 2014.

Owners opted against sending players in 2018, and missing out in 2022 became a sad result of circumstances largely out of stakeholders’ control. The 12-team tournament in Milan is a moment many have been waiting their entire careers for.

“It’s awesome,” Eichel said before this season, perhaps willing to exhale. “It’s something that we’ve wanted for a while.”

Construction delays bring more questions

Not so fast, Jack. Out of his control are construction delays at the main

hockey arena, a longstanding worry. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman began raising concerns all the way back in 2023, before the deal was reached to send players in 2026 and ’30.

“We’re being told by everybody not to worry,” Bettman said in 2024, “but I like to worry, so we’ll see.”

Those worries have persisted, and work continues on locker rooms and other facilities at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which is set to host the majority of the men’s games beginning Feb. 11. The women’s tournament begins there Feb. 5.

Test games in January left league and players’ union ofcials pleased about the condition of the ice, though even that has been a matter of consternation after rinks were made more than 3 feet shorter than NHL players are used to. That will change aspects of play but won’t keep the NHL out of the Olympics as long as

everyone involved agrees the surface is safe. What players missed out on

Canada’s Macklin Celebrini, drafted rst in 2024 and at 19 the second-youngest men’s hockey player at the Olympics, has only gotten to dream about the possibility of representing his country on this stage.

“That’s the pinnacle, just the best on best, all the special moments that have happened at the Olympics, the history,” Celebrini said. “There’s just a little bit more energy around it. It’s bigger than yourself.”

In all, 12 NHL players are back at the Olympics after participating in the 2014 Games, the last time the league went and it was a true best-on-best tournament. The group includes Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty for Canada; Gabriel Landeskog, Erik Karlsson and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for Sweden; Mikael Granlund and

In the rehearsal tent: Here’s what makes Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony special

More than 1,200 volunteers are preparing to kick o the games for the world

By Colleen Barry The Associated Press

MILAN — Inside a cavernous tent near Milan’s San Siro stadium, classically trained dancers from La Scala’s academy mimicked Nordic walkers and gure skaters during a rehearsal Saturday for the opening number of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony, which will take place on Feb. 6.

The young dancers are among some 1,200 volunteers who have been rehearsing since November in the tent large enough to mark the actual stage while Italian Serie A soccer wrapped up its nal soccer matches before turning the iconic stadium into an Olympic venue.

“The preparation of the Olympic ceremony is a very complicated journey but also an exhilarating journey because you get to meet all these volunteers, dance classes, normal people,’’ opening ceremony creative director Marco Balich said.

Volunteers include Balich’s butcher, the head of his o ce and an 88-year-old widow.

“And all of them join in to create something for the nation, for the joy of being part of a huge event like the Olympics,’’ said Balich, the producer of a record 16 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies including the 2006 Turin opening ceremony.

Over the next two weeks, rehearsals will amp up to some nine hours a day — all in pursuit of Olympic emotion for what is billed as the most

viewed moment of the Games.

Some 60,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony live in San Siro, including a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, while millions around the world will watch on o cial broadcasters.

The theme of this year’s opening ceremony is “Harmony,’’ an especially potent message as the world order is shaken and populations from Ukraine to Gaza to Iran are exposed to violence.

The concept of an Olympic Truce, originating in ancient Greece and revived by Olympic o cials in the 1990s, is even more urgent this year, Balich said. The truce aims to promote peace and dialogue through sport by ceasing hostilities for a week before the Olympics and a week after the Paralympics, which close March 15. Getting belligerents to cooperate is another matter.

“In this moment, where forces and bullies are predominant, I think it’s very important for all of us to embrace the values that the Olympics

“The preparation of the Olympic ceremony is a very complicated journey but also an exhilarating.”

Marco Balich, opening ceremony creative director

represents, which is to compete respectfully and peacefully between all the countries and nations, summarized in the title ‘Harmony,’ ’’ Balich said. Balich’s ceremony will highlight Italian excellence and creativity, including a nod to Milan’s role as a fashion capital, and eye-openers he won’t reveal to preserve the surprise.

Some moments of the opening ceremony have been announced: U.S. pop star Mariah Carey, crossover tenor Andrea Bocelli, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, Italian singer Laura Pausini and concert pianist Lang Lang will perform. Others are prescribed by

Maatta for Finland; Radko Gudas and Ondrej Palat for Czechia. There are no Americans on that list.

“It’s a cherry on top of athletic life,” Gudas said. “Twelve years ago when we went to Sochi was such a great experience that I wish I can do that again. I was that much more sad that we couldn’t go the last two times, so for me, I think it’s a great feeling to be able to do that.”

American defenseman Zach Werenski at 28 is old enough to remember Crosby’s goal in 2010, and four years later he was watching Oshie’s heroics with other members of the U.S. National Team Development Program. Four of his teammates from back then are also set to go to Milan — Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy and Noah Hani n — to nally have their Olympic moment.

“The signi cance of that, the build-up, we’ve waited a long time for this,” McAvoy said, “so it’s going to be incredible.”

Olympic protocol. They include the unveiling of the Olympic rings, the parade of athletes and, in the nal moment, the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

This year there will be two cauldrons, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s geometric studies: one in Milan, at the Arco della Pace some 2½ miles from San Siro, and the other in Cortina, some ve hours and 250 miles away.

Director of ceremonies Maria Laura Iascone promised some “Olympic magic’ to transfer the ame over the nal legs, given the extraordinary distances involved.

As the dual cauldron lighting illustrates, the 2026 Games are the most spread out in Olympic history. So that athletes even in far- ung venues near the Swiss and Austrian borders can participate, the Parade of Athletes will be beamed in from three other venues, including Cortina.

“This event will bring a lot of this magic and images,” Iascone said. “We keep a balance between the protocol moments that will be, let’s say, serious, very precise, and also moments where emotion will be brought through the participation of key roles and people.”

The rehearsal tent holds not only the mock stage but also a huge wardrobe room with 1,400 costumes, some in bright, broadcast-friendly Technicolor tones, and a corner for seamstresses and tailors to makenal adjustments.

A sign on the door tells the performers who enter: “Your Happy Moment Starts Now! Welcome!”

Volunteer Fostis Siadimas didn’t need to be told. This is his second opening ceremony as a volunteer performer, after participating in the 2004 Summer Olympics in his native Athens as a 20-year-old. An amateur dancer now living in Milan, he eagerly answered the casting call.

‘’The last few moments before entering the stadium, it’s an experience, one of the best of my life, ever,’’ Siadimas said.

Brooklyn Beckham accuses David, Victoria of putting branding before family

The eldest of four children claimed his famous mother sabotaged his wedding

By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — A Beckham family falling-out has spilled further into public view in a series of social media posts from Brooklyn Beckham alleging that his parents David and Victoria Beckham have tried to sabotage his marriage and have always prioritized public branding over their family relationships.

“For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a xture of the life I was born into,” Brooklyn Beckham wrote in several pages of text posted via Instagram stories.

At 26, he’s the eldest of the four children of the retired English soccer superstar and former Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer and has worked as a model and photographer, even aspiring to be a chef. He married American actor Nicola Peltz, daughter of activist investor Nelson Peltz, in 2022.

“Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they’ll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the

“I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the rst time in my life.” Brooklyn Beckham

truth always comes out,” the posts said.

The posts make public a barely veiled feud that had been brewing in anonymously sourced stories in tabloids for months. Younger brother Cruz Beckham said on Instagram in December that Brooklyn had blocked family members on social media.

“I do not want to reconcile with my family.” Brooklyn Beckham wrote. “I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the rst time in my life.”

Unlike his three younger siblings, Brooklyn Beckham did not appear in his mother’s recent Net ix docuseries, “Victoria Beckham,” and did not show up at the October premiere as he and Peltz had for the London premiere in 2023 of the ones centered on his father, called just “Beckham.”

Many of the grievances described in the Instagram stories stem from the Peltz-Beckham wedding in Florida. He accused his mother of bailing at the last minute on designing Peltz’s wedding dress and said she “hijacked” the rst dance he was supposed to have with his wife to music performed by Marc Anthony.

“She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone,” Brooklyn Beckham wrote. “I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life.” Without giving speci cs, he also wrote that before the wedding his parents “repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name.”

David and Victoria Beckham did not have an immediate public response to the posts, and messages to representatives from The Associated Press were not immediately answered.

In an appearance last Tuesday on CNBC, David Beckham, who is at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, did not directly address his son’s statements but said that children make mistakes on social media and should be allowed to.

“That’s what I try to teach my kids. But you know, you have to sometimes let them make those mistakes as well,” he said.

Married since 1999, David and Victoria Beckham have three other children: Romeo, 23; Cruz, 20; and 14-year-old Harper.

this week in history

Apollo 14 blasts o , black students sit at Greensboro Woolworths, Patty Hearst kidnapped

JAN. 29

1891: Lili‘uokalani was sworn in as the rst and only queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom following the death of her brother, King Kalākaua.

1936: The rst ve inductees of baseball’s Hall of Fame — Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson — were elected in Cooperstown, New York.

2002: In his rst State of the Union address, President George W. Bush said terrorists were still threatening America and warned of “an axis of evil” consisting of North Korea, Iran and Iraq.

JAN. 30

1649: England’s King Charles I was executed for high treason.

1933: Adolf Hitler was named chancellor of Germany.

1948: Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas K. Gandhi, 78, was shot and killed in New Delhi by a Hindu extremist.

at Beaufort, South Carolina.

1958: The United States entered the Space Age with its rst successful launch of a satellite, Explorer 1, from Cape Canaveral.

1971: Astronauts Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell and Stuart Roosa blasted o aboard Apollo 14 on a mission to the moon.

FEB. 1

1865: Abolitionist John S. Rock became the rst black lawyer admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court.

1960: Four black college students began a sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro after being refused service.

2002: Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was killed by Islamist militants in Pakistan nine days after he was kidnapped.

FEB. 2

JAN. 31

1992: Dissident playwright Václav Havel became the rst president of the independent Czech Republic after the split of Czechoslovakia.

FEB. 3

1913: The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, authorizing a federal income tax, was rati ed.

1917: The United States broke o diplomatic relations with Germany. That same day, the American cargo ship SS Housatonic was sunk by a German U-boat o Britain after the crew was allowed into lifeboats.

1959: In what became known as “the day the music died,” rock ’n’ roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson died in a small plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.

FEB. 4

Stars, public say nal goodbye to fashion icon Valentino at Rome funeral

The Italian designer died Jan. 19 at age 93

By Giada Zampano

Associated Press

The

ROME — Global fashion celebrities joined the public last Friday morning to say goodbye to iconic designer Valentino at his funeral service in Rome at the central Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

After a two-day public viewing last Wednesday and Thursday at the Valentino foundation’s headquarters in the Italian capital, the funeral marked the nal tribute to the internationally acclaimed designer.

Top fashion names, including designers Tom Ford and Donatella Versace, along with longtime Vogue magazine powerhouse Anna Wintour, attended the funeral service, as did Hollywood stars like Anne Hathaway.

Fans and admirers gathered outside the church, some dressed in red or carrying red

1968: The Tet O ensive began during the Vietnam War as Communist forces launched surprise attacks against South Vietnamese towns and cities.

“I want to thank Valentino

for

teaching me beauty.”

Giancarlo Giammetti

accessories in a last homage to the designer’s signature shade of color.

Valentino Garavani, who died aged 93 at his Rome residence last Monday, was adored by generations of royals, rst ladies and celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Jordan’s Queen Rania and Julia Roberts who swore the designer always made them look and feel their best.

Hundreds of people had already paid their respects to the “last emperor” of Italian fashion during the public viewing. Valentino always maintained his atelier in Rome, while he mostly unveiled his collections in Paris.

His sumptuous gowns have graced countless Academy Awards, notably in 2001 when Roberts wore a vintage black and white column to accept her

1863: During the Civil War, the First South Carolina Volunteers — an all-black Union regiment composed of many who escaped from slavery — was mustered into federal service

1536: Present-day Buenos Aires, Argentina, was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza.

1653: New Amsterdam — now New York City — was incorporated as a city.

1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, o cially ending the Mexican American War.

1789: Electors unanimously chose George Washington to be the rst president of the United States.

1945: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin began a wartime conference at Yalta.

best actress statue. Cate Blanchett also wore a one-shouldered Valentino in butter-yellow silk when she won the Oscar for best supporting actress in 2005.

“I want to thank Valentino for

teaching me beauty,” said longtime personal and professional partner Giancarlo Giammetti in his remembrance speech, his voice breaking with emotion. “It was a beauty that fol-

lowed us throughout our lives. We met when we were kids, we dreamed of the same things, and we achieved many of them. Our journey will always continue,” he added.

famous birthdays this week

Oprah Winfrey hits 72, Nolan Ryan turns 79, Graham Nash reaches 84, Morgan Fairchild turns 76

The Associated Press

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

JAN. 29

Feminist author Germaine Greer is 87. Actor Katharine Ross is 86. Actor Tom Selleck is 81. R&B singer Charlie Wilson is 73. TV host and media mogul Oprah Winfrey is 72. Olympic diving gold medalist Greg Louganis is 66.

JAN. 30

Actor Vanessa Redgrave is 89. Musician Phil Collins is 75.

Actor Charles S. Dutton (“Roc”) is 75. Golf Hall of Famer Curtis Strange is 71. Comedian Brett Butler (“Grace Under Fire”) is 68. Singer Jody Watley is 67. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is 54.

JAN. 31

Composer Philip Glass is 89. Blues singer-musician Charlie Musselwhite is 82. Actor Glynn Turman is 79. Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan is 79. Actor Jonathan Banks is 79. Rock singer John Lydon is 70. Actor Anthony LaPaglia is 67. Actor Minnie Driver is 56.

FEB. 1

Actor Garrett Morris is 89. Political commentator Fred Barnes is 83. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is 61. Comedian-actor Pauly Shore is 58. Actor Michael C. Hall is 55. Rapper Big Boi (Outkast) is 51. Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell is 47.

FEB. 2

Rock singer-guitarist Graham Nash is 84. Television executive Barry Diller is 84. TV chef Ina Garten is 78. Actor Brent Spiner is 77. Football Hall of Famer Dave Casper is 74. Model Christie Brinkley is 72.

FEB. 3

Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton is 86. Actor Blythe Danner is 83. Football Hall of

Famer Bob Griese is 81. Singer-guitarist Dave Davies (The Kinks) is 79. Actor Morgan Fairchild is 76. Actor Nathan Lane is 70. FEB. 4

Former Argentine President Isabel Peron is 95. Rock singer Alice Cooper is 78. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is 73. Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor is 67. Country singer Clint Black is 64. Boxing Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya is 53.

arrive for the world premiere of “Bridgerton” Season 4 on Jan. 14 in Paris. Part 1 lands on Net ix on Thursday.

‘Bridgerton,’

Chevy Chase, Rose Byrne,

The 68th annual Grammy Awards air Sunday on CBS

The Associated Press

KENDRICK LAMAR and Bad Bunny live at the Grammy Awards and Rose Byrne’s Oscar-nominated performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” 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: Highguard is the latest entry in the ever-growing eld of multiplayer shooters, Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista star in “The Wrecking Crew,” and the third season of “Shrinking” checks in on Apple TV.

MOVIES TO STREAM

If you haven’t seen Rose Byrne’s Oscar-nominated performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Mary Bronstein’s psychological drama arrives Friday on HBO Max. Byrne plays the stressed-out mother of a young, unseen child who’s struggling with a mystery illness. In her review, the AP’s Jocelyn Noveck wrote that the lm “has given Byrne, an actor of e ortless appeal in lighter lms, a chance to display versatility and grit in surely the toughest dramatic role of her career.”

Momoa and Bautista star in “The Wrecking Crew” (Prime Video) as estranged half-brothers who reunite after their father’s mysterious death. The action comedy is directed by Angel Manuel Soto, who made 2023’s “Blue Beetle.”

Ira Sachs’ “Peter Hujar’s Day,” the lead nominee to the Independent Film Spirit Awards, is a marvel of historical yet intimate dramatic resurrection. The lm (Criterion Channel) is based on a transcript from a 1974 interview by the writer Linda Rosenkrantz (Rebecca Hall) and her friend, the photographer Peter Hujar (Ben Whishaw). Rosenkrantz had planned a book about how artists spend their time. But the book never happened,

‘The

Wrecking Crew’

and Sachs, after coming across the transcripts, dramatizes their dialogue.

In “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” the lmmaker Marina Zenovich pro les the irascible “Saturday Night Live” and “Fletch” star. For the lm (HBO Max, Saturday), Zenovich interviews the complicated and sometimes combative comedian about his career, with glimpses of his daily life. Perspectives are o ered by Dan Aykroyd, Beverly D’Angelo, Goldie Hawn, Lorne Michaels, Ryan Reynolds and Martin Short.

MUSIC TO STREAM

’Tis the season — the 2026 Grammy Awards season, that is. On Sunday, the 68th annual award show will air live on CBS. Watch as Lamar, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and many more go head to head in the top prize categories. Plus, the show doubles as a kind of be-

spoke live concert viewing experience — and who doesn’t like that? The 2026 Grammys can also be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and FuboTV. Paramount+ premium plan subscribers will be able to stream the Grammys live; Paramount+ essential subscribers will have on demand access the next day. California power pop-punk bands Joyce Manor return with their seventh full-length album Friday, the all-too-appropriately titled “I Used to Go to This Bar.” Spoken like a gently aging band whose penchant for hooks knows no bounds.

SERIES TO STREAM

Benedict, the second eldest Bridgerton, takes center stage in season 4 of the Net ix romance series, It’s about the love stories of a large family in London during the Regency Era.

Season 4 has “Cinderella” vibes with Luke Thompson’s Benedict looking for an enchanting “woman in silver” who is actually Sophie, a housemaid (Yerin Ha) working for his family. Part 1 drops Thursday with the remaining episodes arriving in February.

The third season of “Shrinking” is now streaming on Apple TV. The series follows Jason Segel as a therapist named Jimmy, a widowed dad to a teenage girl, who shares a practice with characters played by Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams. Between Jimmy’s colleagues, neighbors and friends, he forms a new kind of family. Season 3 features guest stars Michael J. Fox, Je Daniels, Sherry Cola, Isabella Gomez and Candice Bergen. School’s back in session.

“School Spirits” starring Peyton List, that is. The Paramount+ series has returned for a third season. List stars as a teen trapped in the afterlife,

“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” has given Byrne, an actor of e ortless appeal in lighter lms, a chance to display versatility and grit in surely the toughest dramatic role of her career.”

Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

which happens to be her high school. She’s there with other ghosts who are also former students that help Maddie to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Kaley Cuoco and Sam Clain star in a new mystery for MGM+ called “Vanished.” Cuoco plays a woman whose boyfriend (Cla in) goes missing on a train to France. The four-part limited-series premieres Sunday.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Highguard is the latest entry in the ever-growing eld of multiplayer shooters, o ering yet another way to get online with your friends and blow stu up. In this case, you are Wardens — “arcane gunslingers sent to battle for control of a mythical continent.” Judging by the trailer, you’ll be able to ride mythical beasts and wield magical powers along with the typical arsenal of weapons. It comes from a new studio called Wildlight Entertainment, whose founders have worked on hits like Call of Duty, Apex Legends and Titanfall. And it’s free-to -play, so you might as well give it a shot on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S on PC. Bandai Namco’s Code Vein, from 2019, tried to answer the question: What if you took the demanding combat of Dark Souls and added vampires? The bloodsuckers — known here as Revenants — are back in Code Vein II, but a mysterious force is turning them into mindless monstrosities. Your job is to travel back in time and prevent the damage before all the Revenants get stupid. The good news is that you can still drain blood from your enemies and use it to upgrade your own ghting skills. Quench your thirst Friday, Jan. 30, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.