VOLUME 149 ISSUE 20 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026
CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM
THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Independence Day Fireworks shows occurred across the nation and the state on Saturday, as the country celebrated its 250th birthday, including these from the Pinehurst Harness Track.
DAVID SINCLAIR FOR CHATHAM NEWS AND RECORD
the
BRIEF this week
New Chatham County Schools superintendent sworn in
US launches new strikes on Iran, revokes oil sales permit after 3 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz
Kelly Batten has been with the district for the past 14 years
The U.S. military has attacked Iran after it said Tehran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes Wednesday came as part of an American effort that also revoked the Islamic Republic’s ability to openly sell crude oil in the world market. Iran immediately warned Washington it would “take whatever measures it deems necessary.” That raises the risks that an interim agreement in the war halting fighting could break down, putting the wider Middle East again at risk of a wider conflict.
CHATHAM COUNTY Schools officially has a new superintendent as of July 1.
NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its firepower as Trump demands Greenland Ankara, Turkey President Donald Trump insists the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, renewing tensions in Europe at a NATO summit. Trump spoke during a meeting with the summit host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Trump also announced the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that were imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system. This decision could ease Turkey’s re-entry into the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program. NATO is showcasing military projects worth billions, aiming to satisfy Trump. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance.
By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record
now for 14 years, having previously served as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. “Dr. Batten is a proven leader who understands our schools, our community, and our commitment to excellence,” said Board of Education Chair Gary Leonard in a press release. “His depth of experience, steady lead-
ership, and unwavering focus on students make him the right choice to lead Chatham County Schools into the future.” A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, Batten has also previously served as a high school social studies teacher, assistant principal and principal before joining See SCHOOLS, page A3
Democrats’ narrow path to Senate majority gets rockier as Platner faces allegations The Maine allegation complicates races Democrats considered their best chances to flip Senate seats By Bill Barrow and Mike Catalini The Associated Press A NEW ACCUSATION that Graham Platner once sexually assaulted a woman he was dat-
ing has rocked the U.S. Senate race in Maine and cast fresh doubt on Democrats’ path to a Senate majority. Republicans currently have a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Maine is viewed as a neces-
sary win for Democrats to gain the minimum of four new Senate seats. But now there’s a question of whether Platner, who denied the allegation, will remain on the ballot and, if he does, whether he can defeat fiveterm Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Here’s a closer look at the
Small businesses having good summer as Americans travel closer to home “Things are crazy expensive, from travel costs to food costs to gas.” Morgan Kain, Baltimore teacher
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With the turning of the calendar, Kelly Batten steps into a new role with the district, taking over for outgoing superintendent Anthony Jackson, who retired after a 39-year career in public education. Batten brings over two decades of public education experience to the table and has been with Chatham County Schools
The shift could help reduce the nation’s travel and tourism trade deficit By Mae Anderson The Associated Press NEW YORK — Small business owners in U.S. tourist destinations say they’re seeing more Americans sticking closer to home this summer, trading overseas travel for road trips, choosing daylong sojourns over extended beach stays, and cooking instead of eating out while on vacation to save money.
The reported boost to domestic tourism, though anecdotal, comes as higher airfares and gasoline prices have made vacations more expensive. The FIFA World Cup soccer tournament and celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday have given some U.S. residents additional incentives to create summer memories without going far. Motor club federation AAA estimated that 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and this Sunday. That’s See BUSINESSES, page A2
top races that Democrats are targeting. Democrats see some pickup opportunities ALASKA: Former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s candidacy against incumbent Republican See SENATE, page A7