North State Journal Vol. 11, Issue 2

the BRIEF this week

Macron orders French aircraft carrier to Mediterranean

Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday ordered France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to move from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to help protect allied assets during the ongoing war in the Middle East. Macron said the Charles de Gaulle will be escorted by its air wing and its escorting frigates. In a prerecorded speech aired on French TV, Macron added that Rafale ghter jets, air-defense systems and airborne radar systems have been deployed over the Middle East. He cited Monday’s strike on a British air force base on Cyprus, adding that Cyprus was a member of the European Union with which France has recently signed a strategic partnership.

Friendly re downs

3 American jets; 6 crew members OK

Cairo

Three American ghter jets were mistakenly downed by friendly Kuwaiti re Monday during an Iranian air assault, the U.S. military said. All six crew members safely ejected from the F-15E Strike Eagles and were in stable condition after being recovered, the U.S. said. An attack by Iranian aircraft, missiles and drones was underway at the time the planes were shot down. Iranian state television claimed that Iran had targeted one of the U.S. planes that crashed in Kuwait without elaborating. Kuwait said its air defenses had accidentally shot down the jets as part of its support for the U.S. combat operation in Iran, U.S. Central Command said.

UNC BOG approves tuition increase

The board also adopted an academic freedom policy change and de nition

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The UNC Board of Governors met last week and approved two key items: a 3% tuition hike and a clear de nition of academic freedom to be added to UNC System policies.

Board Chair Wendy Murphy said the decision will “allow

for a raise in tuition for the rst time in almost a decade is not a rubber stamp.”

The approval marks the rst increase in tuition rates for the UNC System in nine years.

Murphy later said in ation driving up operation costs had been dealt with so far, but UNC System schools can’t be expected to continue “holding the line” without “negative impacts.”

The board gave its initial green light on a 3% in-state undergraduate tuition increase at its meeting in January, and

See UNC, page A3

US says attacks on Iran will last several weeks

Fighting spilled across the Middle East following initial strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Israeli and U.S. airstrikes pounded Iran in an escalating campaign that U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday would likely take several weeks. Tehran and its allies retaliated across the region, striking Israel and various targets inside Gulf states, including energy facilities in Qatar and the American Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

The intensity of the attacks, the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the lack of any apparent exit plan set the stage for a prolonged conict with far-reaching consequences. Places deemed safe havens in the Mideast like Dubai saw incoming re, energy prices shoot up, and U.S. allies pledging to help stop

Elections Modernization commission holds inaugural meeting

“It’s time for a serious e ort to modernize our election system.” Dave Boliek, state auditor

A vendor was selected to move forward on the decades-old system’s replacement

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina State Board of Elections’ Modernization of Election Data Systems Commission held its inaugural meeting last Tuesday in Raleigh. State Auditor Dave Boliek, who launched the commission in early February, chaired the meeting.

The Feb. 24 meeting was

livestreamed on the North Carolina O ce of the State Auditor’s Facebook page. Boliek formed the bipartisan 22-member Modernization of Election Data Systems (MEDS) Commission earlier this month. The commission, which includes state election o cials, political appointees and academics, was formed with a goal of having the maximum amount of input and conducting the work on modernizing state election systems transparently. Legislation passed by the General Assembly gave Boliek

See MEETING, page A2

Iranian missiles and drones. Trump said operations are likely to last four to ve weeks but that he was prepared “to go far longer than that.”

The State Department has urged U.S. citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks.

“The hardest hits are yet to come from the U.S. military,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters before brie ng members of Congress about the Iran operation.

Trump said the military campaign’s objectives are to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its navy, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that it cannot continue to support allied groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which red missiles at Israel on Monday.

Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June, though it has maintained its right to do so and says its nuclear program is peaceful. As several airstrikes hit

the word | The golden rule

When someone asked Raphael how he made his wonderful pictures, he replied, “I dream dreams and I see visions — and then I paint my dreams and visions.” The teachings of Christ, if reverently received, ll our mind with dreams and visions of spiritual beauty. But there is something we must do if we would receive from these teachings the good they are intended to impart — we must get them wrought into our own life.

The lesson on judging is not an easy one. The lesson is not that we should never have any opinions concerning the actions of others — we cannot avoid having judgments either of approval or disapproval. It is not an easy-going acceptance of all sorts of people and behavior, which is taught. What we are forbidden to do is to be censorious. Rather, we are to treat others — as we would have them treat us.

There are reasons enough why we should not judge others. One is that it is not our duty. We are not our neighbor’s judge. He does not have to answer to us. God is his Master, and to Him he must give account.

Another reason we should not judge others is because we cannot do it fairly. We see but the surface of people’s lives. We do not know what has been the cause of the disagreeable features, the faults, we see in them. Perhaps if we knew all — we would praise, where we now condemn. A young man was blamed by his fellow clerks for what they called his stinginess. He did not spend money as they did. They did not know that an invalid sister in another part of the country, shut away in her room, with none but her brother to care for her, received nearly all of his monthly salary.

Another reason for not judging others, is that we have faults of our own — which should make us silent about the failings of others. When we glibly condemn our neighbor’s shortcomings, we assume that we ourselves are without shortcomings.

But quite likely we have a beam in our own eye — at the very time we are pointing out to our brother the mote in his eye. Our rst business certainly is with ourselves. We shall not have to answer for our brother’s faults — but we must answer for our own. We should be severe in dealing with our own faults — and then we will be able to help in curing the faults of others.

Another reason against judging, is that the law of love requires us to look charitably at the faults and sins of others.

“Love covers a multitude of sins” (see 1 Peter 4:8). An artist placed his friend in the chair in such a position, that the blemish on one side of his face would not show in the picture. That is the way love prompts us to see our friends and neighbors, and show them to others — exhibiting the noble things in them — and throwing a veil over their defects.

Still another reason for not judging others, is that when we do, we are setting a standard for the judging of ourselves.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others — you will be judged.” If you criticize others — you must expect them to criticize you,

Major historical documents start journey across US America 250

The Founding Fathers signed many of the traveling exhibits

By Sean Murphy

The Associated Press

SOME OF THE United States’ most important historical documents are beginning a rst- of-its-kind journey Monday as part of the country’s 250th anniversary commemoration.

Typically housed in highly controlled vaults under the watch of preservation experts at the National Archives, documents such as the 1783 Treaty of Paris that formally ended the Revolutionary War and the 1774 Articles of Association that urged colonists to boycott British goods are rarely moved.

But those documents, signed by George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other American revolu-

and certain authority over the State Board of Elections (NCSBE), a move that the governor sued over but ended with the North Carolina Supreme Court siding with the legislature in the case.

The Statewide Elections Information Management System (SEIMS), the state’s election management system, has been in place since 1998 and is a mix of 12 separate, decentralized client-based applications and two web-based applications, as well as an outdated legacy software written in unsupported programming languages.

The aging system has made routine updates increasingly di cult, with past election o cials warning the system is near failure. The current NCSBE has taken the issue seriously and began asking the public for input last fall.

“It’s time for a serious e ort to modernize our election system,” Boliek said at the onset of the MEDS meeting. “And when I say serious, I also mean being transparent and being realistic with costs, being open to the public,

tionary leaders, will be making their way across the country and put on display for free at local museums.

“It’s tangible history, and tangible history inspires,” said Jim

and bringing in professionals and members of the community who understand systems and can o er real feedback.”

Boliek added that the need for input was why he and NCSBE Executive Director Sam Hayes decided to form the bipartisan MEDS Commission. He also said the campaign nance system is “at least 20 years behind the times” and wanted to see an overhaul completed by July 2027.

Boliek outlined the issues with the SIEMS system, saying the system has no modern capabilities.

“Let’s remind ourselves that that predates social media, predates digital ads, predates online small donor fundraising, all social media platforms,” Boliek said, adding that it existed before “AI-assisted analytics, public portals, cloud services and several other technologies that have since been adopted into everyday use, including the iPhone, so things have certainly changed.”

Hayes said the meeting marked the start of work on the overhaul, which he called “well overdue,” and underscored the system operates on a “dead lan-

Byron, senior adviser to the acting archivist of the United States. “These documents have not traveled, and they’ve certainly not traveled collectively, ever. They are here in vaults.”

guage” and will “cease to function in the next two years.”

“I see it as a bridge to an entirely new system, which will be the standard for the nation,” Hayes said.

NCSBE Director of Campaign Finance Lindsey Wakely gave a presentation outlining deeper issues with the current campaign nance process, including being time consuming and requiring multiple steps by users like campaigns and treasurers. She highlighted the current platform includes remote software that is downloaded by users instead of using applications like web portals that entities such as the Federal Elections Commission utilize and that the system can only be used through Microsoft Windows.

Hayes said modernization is happening in three phases and that implementation would be done in increments to maintain security and continuity of operations. Phase one involved requests for proposals (RFP) from vendors and has been completed, and the second phase will involve actual system implementation and testing.

During a meeting of the NCSBE held the day after MEDS

and they will. Those who deal gently with the acts of others — may expect gentle treatment by others in return. People will give back to you — exactly what you give to them.

The Golden Rule, as it is called, is wonderfully comprehensive. It bids us to consider the interests of others, as well as of ourselves. It bids us to set our neighbor alongside of ourselves and think of him as having the same rights we have, and requiring from us the same fairness of treatment that we give to ourselves. It is in e ect a practical way of putting the command, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18). It gives us a standard by which to test all our motives and all our conduct bearing on others. We are at once in thought to change places with the person toward who duty is to be determined, and ask: “If he were where I am — and I were where he is — how would I want him to treat me in this case?”

The application of this rule would instantly put a stop to all rash, hasty actions, for it commands us to consider our neighbor and question our own heart before doing anything. The true application of this rule would put a stop to all injustice and wrong because we should seek the highest good of all other men, even the lowliest and the humblest — for we surely would like all men to seek our good.

The thorough application of the Golden Rule, would end quarreling and strife in families, in communities and among nations. The perfect working of this rule everywhere would make heaven, for the will of God would then be done on earth as it is in heaven.

J. R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain. This is an edited version of his original.

The Boeing 737 “Freedom Plane” transporting the documents is just one of many events and activities planned across the country to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. A congressionally chartered commission, America 250, and a separate White House-led initiative, called Freedom 250, are both coordinating events, an overlap that has faced some criticism in Washington.

Among the planned activities are a eet of mobile museums driving across the country, a story collection initiative and a Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump has even announced plans for a “Patriot Games” sporting event featuring high school athletes and a UFC mixed-martial arts ght at the White House.

The “Freedom Plane” departed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Monday and headed to its rst stop in Kansas City, Missouri, where the documents will be transferred to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The records include a rare original en-

“It’s tangible history, and tangible history inspires.” Jim Byron, senior adviser to the U.S. acting archivist

graving of the Declaration of Independence printed in 1823 from a copperplate of the original; the Oaths of Allegiance signed in 1778 by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and other o cers of the Continental Army; and a rare draft copy of the U.S. Constitution that includes handwritten notes by the delegates.

Other planned stops will be in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, the Detroit suburb of Dearborn and Seattle. The “Freedom Plane” tour was inspired in part by the “American Freedom Train” that toured 48 states in 1975 and 1976 as part of the country’s bicentennial celebration. It carried various pieces of American history, including the original Louisiana Purchase documents, Judy Garland’s dress from “The Wizard of Oz” and Jesse Owens’ gold medals from the 1936 Olympic Games.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections’ new Modernization of Election Data Systems Commission held its rst meeting last week.

met, Hayes announced ReFrame Solutions had been chosen as the vendor. The company, based in Connecticut, was chosen through the RFP process, with ReFrame Solutions’ bid coming in at $4.66 million.

“After a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, I am proud of the work our procurement team put into identifying the best partner to help modernize our aging legacy election management system,”

Hayes said in a press release. “Their diligence and technical expertise ensured a fair and comprehensive evaluation.

“ReFrame Solutions stood out for its innovative approach and commitment to security, usability, and transparency, and we are con dent this modernization e ort will strengthen election administration across North Carolina.”

The next MEDS meeting will take place on March 18.

Finalists named for 2026 NC Principal of the Year

Eight regional and a charter school principal were picked

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The nalists for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year have been unveiled by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

Finalists from each of the state’s eight regions, plus one from a public charter school, were chosen:

• Northeast: Kelly E. Flora, Nags Head Elementary School, Dare County

• Southeast: Marlow Artis, Craven Early College High School, Craven County

• North Central: Mariah

the February vote made it o cial. Of the 16 system schools, three have already signaled they will implement the increase: UNC Chapel Hill, NC Central, and NC State. Most of the remaining schools are expected to follow suit, though perhaps not at the full 3%.

NC Promise program schools will keep the $500 per semester tuition rate for in-state students and will increase out-of-state nonresident tuition by $1,000 for 2026 to $3,500 per semester.

UNC Chapel Hill is also raising tuition 10% for nonresident undergraduates. That school’s 2025-26 tuition and fees for those students totaled $44,228, and the 10% increase would raise that to $48,650. The overall cost estimated for nonresident undergraduates to attend UNC Chapel Hill this past year was $64,846.

NC State is also raising tuition for nonresident undergraduates but at the same 3% as in-state students. This year’s tuition and fees for nonresident undergraduates at NC State were $33,993, and the 3% increase would bring that total up by $1,590 to $35,012. The overall cost to attend the school for nonresidents this year was $53,004.

The increase will not a ect current students and will apply to incoming students for the next academic year.

Last November in a 6-5 vote, the UNC Chapel Hill Board of Trustees rst approved a 3% tuition rate hike for in-state undergraduates and a 10% increase for out-of-state undergradu-

Walker, Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Wake County

• Sandhills: Latreicia Allen, John Gri n Middle School, Cumberland County

• Piedmont Triad: Darrell A. Harris Jr., Eastern Guilford High School, Guilford County

• Southwest: LaTresha Wilson, Tuckaseegee Elementary School, Mecklenburg County

• Northwest: Dustin Farmer, Ashe County High School, Ashe County

• Western: Jennifer McBrayer, CHASE Middle School, Rutherford County

• Charter School: Deborah Brown, The Exploris School, Wake County

More information about each nalist can be found on the Department of Public Instruction’s

website under press releases.

“Being a principal is a unique role that combines leadership, management and people skills, pedagogical knowledge and a lot

ate students. The last time an out-of-state tuition increase was considered by the UNC System was 2020. The academic freedom de nition presented and voted on by the board states it is “the foundational principle that protects the rights of all faculty to engage in teaching, research/creative activities, service, and scholarly inquiry without undue in uence.”

The de nition goes on to state, “It ensures that faculty can freely pursue knowledge; express, discuss and debate ideas; and contribute to knowledge and understanding related to their areas of expertise.”

The policy’s language also includes parameters for academic freedom that include prohibition of teaching “clearly unrelated” to the course description or related subject matter, using university resources for political or ideological advocacy in violation of university policy, or refusing to ad-

here to “institutional policies or accreditation standards” that the UNC System is subject to.

Additionally, the policy does not speci cally require that course materials and syllabuses be shared publicly, an idea that has been opposed by various UNC faculty over the past half year.

The UNC System o cially adopted a policy to make course syllabuses public records on Dec. 19, 2025. Under that same decision, syllabus materials became public records as of Jan. 15, and all system schools need to establish a searchable public online database for course materials and syllabuses by the 2026-27 school year.

Earlier this month, the board’s Committee on University Governance voted to approve the academic freedom policy.

The votes came during the board’s two-day meeting held Feb. 25-26.

NCDOT TO HOLD VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING FOR MULTIMODAL CONNECTED VEHICLE PILOT PROJECT IN WAKE COUNTY

STIP PROJECT NO. HO-0001AA

RALEIGH - The public is invited to a meeting with the N.C. Department of Transportation to discuss the pilot project that is exploring the safety University.

For the project, crews updated road infrastructure, introduced a new mobile app for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers, and used smart transportation systems to evaluate these technologies. The pilot aims to improve safety, mobility and environmental sustainability by boosting bus use and cutting down on car idling

A virtual meeting will be held 6 -7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026. Interested residents can attend the meeting online or by phone to learn more about the pilot, ask questions and talk with NCDOT representatives. There will be a formal presentation beginning promptly at 6 p.m.

Meeting registration and project details, including a map of the pilot area, can be found on the NCDOT project webpage at https://publicinput.com/mmcvp-raleigh.

People may also submit comments by phone, email or mail by April 10, 2026 by contacting NCDOT State Signal Equipment Engineer Keith Mims, PE at 919814-4931; kmmims@ncdot.gov; or 1561 Mail Service Center in Raleigh

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in the virtual meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Aleksandra Djurkovic, Environmental Analysis Unit, as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

of hard work,” North Carolina Superintendent Mo Green said in a press release.

“These nalists are skilled professionals who help others succeed,” said Green. “They create programs to meet the needs of students and their families, deliver professional development and support to teachers and other educators and establish community partnerships that bring real-world learning to students.”

The Wells Fargo Principal of the Year serves as an “ambassador for the state’s approximately 2,700 principals.” The winner will have an advisory role to the State Board of Education for two years, as well as serve on the board of directors of the North Carolina Public School Forum.

“At Wells Fargo, we are proud

Iran’s capital, Tehran, top security o cial Ali Larijani vowed on X, “We will not negotiate with the United States.”

Iran expands attacks across region

Saudi Arabia said early Tuesday that the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh came under attack from two drones, causing a “limited re” and minor damage. On Monday, the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait was struck.

Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil re nery also came under attack from drones, but its defenses downed the aircraft, a military spokesman told the state-run Saudi Press Agency. The re nery has a capacity of over half a million barrels of crude oil a day.

The re nery attack “marks a signi cant escalation, with Gulf energy infrastructure now squarely in Iran’s sights,” said Torbjorn Soltvedt, an analyst at the risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. After two of its facilities were struck, QatarEnergy said it would stop producing lique ed natural gas inde nitely, taking one of the world’s top suppliers o the market. European natural gas prices surged by 40% in response.

to celebrate the outstanding principals who lead with passion, vision and dedication across North Carolina,” said Suzie Koonce, vice president for philanthropy and community impact for Wells Fargo. “Their commitment to excellence inspires us, and we are honored to support their e orts in building stronger schools and communities. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and contribute to the continued growth and success of our great state.”

The winner will be named during a ceremony to be held at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary on May 15. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Department of Public Instruction’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

con rmed dead, bringing the total to six. All six were Army soldiers and part of the same logistics unit in Kuwait, according to a U.S. o cial who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Three people were reported killed in the United Arab Emirates, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iran’s top diplomat shared an aerial photo Monday showing rows of graves he said were for more than 160 girls killed during a U.S.-Israeli strike on an elementary school in Minab. “Their bodies were torn to shreds,” Abbas Araghchi, the country’s foreign minister, said on X.

In Israel, three young siblings killed by an Iranian strike were being laid to rest at the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem on Monday night.

“The hardest hits are yet to come from the U.S. military.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Several ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fth of all oil traded passes and where Iran has threatened attacks.

Iran says nuclear site targeted

Reza Naja , Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters that airstrikes targeted the Natanz nuclear enrichment site Sunday.

“Their justi cation that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie,” he said.

Israel and the U.S. have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which the U.S. bombed in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran was rebuilding “new sites, new places” underground for making atomic bombs in an interview broadcast late Monday on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity.”

“We had to take the action now, and we did,” said Netanyahu.

Death toll grows on all sides

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the U.S.-Israeli operation has killed at least 555 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah killed dozens of people in Lebanon.

The U.S. military announced that two previously unaccounted for American service members have been

The chaos of the con ict became apparent when the U.S. military said Kuwait had “mistakenly shot down” three American ghter jets while Iran was attacking it with aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely. Hezbollah res on Israel Hezbollah said it red missiles on Israel on Monday, the rst time in more than a year the militant group has claimed an attack. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

Israel retaliated with strikes on Lebanon. The country’s Health Ministry reported at least 52 people were killed and 154 wounded in overnight strikes in the Beirut suburbs and southern Lebanon.

An Israeli military spokesman, Brig. Gen. E e Defrin, said Israel is keeping “all options on the table,” including a potential ground invasion of Lebanon.

U.S.-Israeli campaign carries on

The U.S. military, which has used B-2 stealth bombers to strike Iran’s ballistic missile facilities, said Monday that it had taken out 11 Iranian warships. Trump has said the Iranian navy’s headquarters had been “largely destroyed.”

While Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the U.N., said the con ict would continue “as long as it takes,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters Monday that the U.S. is not engaged in a nation-building effort, saying, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.”

Trump sought to more clearly de ne the administration’s objectives Monday following an earlier statement — as the attack was unfolding Saturday — in which he listed various grievances dating to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and urged Iranians to “take over” their government. There have been no signs yet of any such uprising. Trump has also signaled an openness to dialogue with Iran’s new leadership, which could be chosen soon.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

What if this works out?

Try to imagine what a nonterroristexporting Iran would look and be like on the world stage.

OVER THE WEEKEND, people were suddenly thrown into the proverbial shock zone where they would have to answer this question in the future: “Where were you when you heard the Ayatollah and his top Iranian leaders had been taken out by U.S. and Israeli forces?”

One friend with a long history of public service in politics and various tours in Republican White Houses calmly replied, “I was on the front porch eating steamed dumplings.”

If his dumplings wind up being the only things that got steamed on Feb. 28, then it will truly be one of the greatest miracles of this age or any time in the con ict between the Persian world and the nation of Israel and Western civilization.

But at the same time the news got out about the attack and the con rmed deaths of the Ayatollah and his top leadership team, many people were no doubt scurrying to their Old Testament to read and reread the books of Isaiah, Daniel and Nehemiah to try to divine if this was the ful llment of thousands of years of prophecy and we are indeed headed into the end times.

Any military attack or act of war is a serious matter and can never be taken lightly. But when it involves historic enemies in the Middle East such as the Islamist regime in Iran and the Jews in Israel, it takes on a degree of importance and magnitude unlike any regional con ict or dispute over territorial boundaries.

There is understandable concern about the ability of the United States and allied

nations to contain the scope and ferocity of this con ict simply because, once initiated, wars and military engagements take on a life and inertia of their own and only get extinguished by the ultimate demise of one side or the other.

But the question must be asked despite all the consternation now involved: “What if this works?”

The question for the rest of the world becomes, “Would the world be safer and more prosperous if there were no radical extreme Islamist leaders in control of Iran?”

For the past half-century after the Shah (king) of Iran was overthrown and replaced by the Muslim clerics, Iran has been at the center of the training and export of radical militant terrorism the world over. They have been able to use the billions earned by the sale of the oil deposits under Iran to fund such terrorist behavior, not the least of which resulted in the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Northern Virginia.

Repeated attempts by successive American presidents and administrations to hold Iranian leaders to the terms of any treaty or agreement have failed, and the world has never had an Iranian leadership team since 1980 they could be con dent would become a trusted participant in the shared goals of peace and mutual prosperity in commerce around the globe.

But what if this preemptive strike works? For more than a decade, the Iranian people have been willing to rise in protest against the oppressive dictatorial rule of the

Zarutska case remains

Senate race

Brown was a revolvingdoor o ender under Cooper’s watch.

Though the Iryna Zarutska case is still getting a lot of attention here in North Carolina, nationally, it has pretty much fallen out of the headlines, with other stories taking precedence.

That changed last Tuesday during the State of the Union address, when President Donald Trump revisited the case of the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, who was stabbed to death in August 2025 after hopping on the Charlotte light rail system on her way home from a shift at a local pizzeria.

Her alleged killer, 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr., was a violent repeat o ender under former Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper’s watch.

“We are honored to be joined tonight by a woman who’s been through hell, Anna Zarutska,” Trump began during his speech, referencing Iryna’s mother, Anna.

“In 2022, she and her beautiful daughter — so beautiful, what a beautiful young woman — Iryna ed war-torn Ukraine to live with relatives near Charlotte, North Carolina. And by the way, what’s going on with Charlotte?

“Last summer, 23-year-old Iryna was riding home on the train when a deranged monster who had been arrested over a dozen times and was released through no cash bail stood up and viciously slashed a knife through her neck and body. No one will ever forget.

“No one will ever forget the expression of terror on Iryna’s face as she looked up at her

attacker in the last seconds of her life. She died instantly. She had escaped a brutal war, only to be slain by a hardened criminal set free to kill in America.”

Trump then promised to “ensure justice” for Iryna Zarutska. Brown, who is facing state and federal charges related to her murder, faces a possible death sentence if found mentally competent to stand trial and convicted.

At Trump’s mention of Zarutska’s name, former state and national RNC Chairman Michael Whatley, the expected GOP nominee in the Senate race to replace Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, posted on X a powerful new ad focusing on Zarutska’s case and her alleged killer, which included disturbing video snippets from the light rail footage of that night.

“As he said in the State of the Union, Iryna’s life was stolen by a violent criminal who should never have been on our streets — a heartbreaking reminder of why protecting families must come rst,” Whatley wrote.

“Roy Cooper has Iryna Zarutska’s blood on his hands,” he concluded.

Cooper’s campaign has been quick to push back on allegations he was soft on crime, pointing in part to his 16-year record as state attorney general. They’ve been even more persistent in trying to counter reports that Brown Jr. was part of a 2021 earlyrelease settlement deal made between the Cooper administration and the NAACP

Ayatollah and his henchmen. News reports said close to 20,000 Iranian citizens, many of them women, were murdered in cold blood by the Iranian military under orders from the Ayatollah.

Now that there is a vacuum of leadership at the top caused by these U.S./Israeli attacks, will the people of Iran rise and storm the capital in Tehran and follow the lead of the brave citizens of the former Soviet Union and eastern European bloc countries in 1991 to overthrow communist leaders and establish democracies such as in Estonia, Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland?

Each citizen of those former Soviet Union enclaves and Eastern European countries faced the same sort of potential violent repression by remnants of the communist regime who wanted to maintain the same vicious status quo as before. However, they pushed through to gain control of their freedom and new republics — much the same as the freedom-loving Iranians can possibly achieve right now in the aftermath of this attack.

Instead of being fearful of what might happen in the Middle East after these attacks, perhaps we should all be prayerful and hopeful that a new generation of peace-loving Iranian leaders will be in place to take over the leadership of a once proud culture and heritage. Try to imagine what a nonterrorist-exporting Iran would look and be like on the world stage. It draws an immediate comparison to what would not have happened to Europe had Hitler not been allowed to take over Germany in 1934.

during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Brown Jr.’s name was on a list of 3,500 inmates for early release, he had already been released after serving his mandatory minimum sentence for another crime — “robbery with a dangerous weapon,” according to WSOC-TV.

Regardless, as noted above, Brown was a revolving-door o ender under Cooper’s watch, and at a time when Cooper was proudly boasting of his Task Force for Racial Equity and Criminal Justice, from which the implemented recommendations included a focus on “solutions” like pretrial release programs and destigmatizing and decriminalizing homelessness.

In other words, the exact soft-on-crime policies Cooper pushed for during his eight years as N.C.’s governor are the type of policies that had Brown Jr. back on the streets to victimize other innocent people, including, allegedly, Zarutska.

With crime remaining a top issue for voters headed into the 2026 midterms, Cooper can expect this case, and his troubling public safety record as both AG and governor, to remain in the spotlight for the duration of the campaign — as they should be.

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

Farmers must stay at the table as MAHA moves from message to policy

Agriculture is the state’s largest industry with a $111 billion annual economic impact.

THE “MAKE AMERICA Healthy Again” movement is no longer just a slogan. It is shaping federal food and nutrition policy. The recent release of updated dietary guidelines is a clear example where they emphasize more fruits and vegetables, more protein and greater attention to overall dietary balance. This is encouraging news for farmers and producers because it re ects science-based engagement and reinforces the role American agriculture already plays in producing safe, nutritious food.

A recent national ad campaign featuring boxer Mike Tyson urging Americans to “eat real food” signals how far the Make America Healthy Again conversation has spread, from federal commissions and nutrition boards to everyday media. But broad slogans risk oversimplifying a complex food system if they aren’t grounded in the realities of how food is produced and regulated, and if they do not consider how real people can make that change in their daily lives.

In North Carolina, where agriculture is the state’s largest industry with a $111 billion annual economic impact, these debates carry real consequences.

Farmers and agriculture organizations did not sit on the sidelines as the MAHA conversation evolved. Commodity groups, farm bureaus, processors and allied partners engaged directly to ensure policymakers understood what proposed changes would mean for family farms and food a ordability.

National farm organizations — including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, International Fresh Produce Association, National Pork Producers Council and the National Chicken Council — urged the administration to ground its work in sound science and avoid mischaracterizing modern production practices while still supporting the mission of making America’s families healthier. That engagement appears to have made a di erence. The nal MAHA Commission report emphasized research, voluntary initiatives and education rather than immediate mandates or bans. The dietary guidelines similarly re ect science-based nutrition recommendations rather than dramatic departures from established frameworks. It demonstrates that when farmers participate early and constructively, policy outcomes can be balanced.

If the rst phase of MAHA focused on what Americans should eat, the next will shape how that food is produced, revealing two distinct tracks within the movement. One centers on nutrition policy, encouraging whole foods and balanced diets. The other centers on production

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

practices, including renewed scrutiny of crop protection tools.

Farmers welcome conversations about health and nutrition and are never opposed to progress. American farmers operate under some of the most rigorous safety and environmental regulations in the world.

Early signals from the MAHA movement suggested sweeping changes to how certain foods are categorized or how production inputs are evaluated. De nitions and regulatory shifts carry real consequences for supply chains and food a ordability. Agriculture already faces signi cant pressures, and adding uncertainty without clear scienti c grounding risks undermining the very goals MAHA seeks to advance.

The United States’ food system is one of the safest and most productive in the world. Nutrition policy can advance without destabilizing production policy. Public health goals can be pursued while preserving the science-based tools that allow farmers to grow abundant food.

Public interest in food and health is real and increasing. Recent national polling shows that many parents identify with or are sympathetic to the broader MAHA message. In short, families want a ordable groceries and con dence in what they feed their children. Farmers want the same for their families.

With health policy emerging as a de ning issue in Washington and state capitols, these debates will shape regulatory direction for years to come.

As MAHA moves from campaign energy to sustained governance, the path forward should not be confrontation but continued engagement. Federal agencies are reviewing food additives, considering de nitions for “ultra-processed” foods, and examining how state and federal authority should interact on ingredient standards. Those decisions must be grounded in science and include the people who produce that food. Farmers bring practical knowledge about how regulations function in real operations.

MAHA is now entering its governing phase. If it is to succeed in strengthening public health without weakening the food system, farmers must remain at the table. Constructive dialogue, grounded in science and informed by real-world experience, is the only way to ensure that health goals and agricultural stability move forward together.

Tori Rumenik is executive director of the North Carolina Ag Partnership, a policy and advocacy organization representing farmers, agribusiness and allied partners across the state.

Trump exposed the crazy things Democrats believe

Democrats prioritize illegal immigrants over Americans, criminals over victims and transgender ideology over truth.

IT SHOULDN’T have been a di cult decision.

During last Tuesday’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump issued a challenge to the members of Congress before him.

“If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support,” he said. “The rst duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

Republicans stood and applauded.

Democrats didn’t budge from their seats. It was a striking contrast. Trump knew it too.

“You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up,” he told Democrats.

Imagine telling someone a week ago that congressional Democrats wouldn’t publicly agree with that statement. He or she would have laughed at you because it was so absurd. Even Democrats who prioritize illegal immigrants over Americans would have the political sense not to admit it openly. Right? Wrong. This wasn’t the only moment like this.

Trump introduced Anya Zarutska, the mother of Iryna Zarutska. Last fall, a man fatally stabbed the 23-year-old daughter in Charlotte. The video of her murder — and the casual indi erence of her fellow passengers — is haunting. Finding out that the alleged killer had been arrested more than a dozen times previously was infuriating. The soft-on-crime policies of leftist prosecutors have deadly consequences. Trump chided Democrats for not standing to recognize Anya Zarutska.

Trump also recognized Sage Blair.

“In 2021, Sage was 14 when school o cials in Virginia sought to socially transition her to a new gender, treating her as a boy and hiding it from her parents,” Trump said. He continued, “After she was found in a horri c situation in Maryland, a left-wing judge refused to return Sage to her parents because they did not immediately state that their daughter was their son.”

Fortunately, Sage today knows that she

is a woman. Trump said she has a “full-ride scholarship to Liberty University.” Democrats didn’t stand and applaud her either.

“Who can believe that we’re even speaking about things like this?” Trump asked.

That’s not just a rhetorical question. Democrats have moved so far to the left that many voters simply don’t believe Democrats could hold the positions they do. In October 2024, Tablet magazine had an article on this phenomenon entitled “The Democrats’ Insanity Defense.”

A GOP sta er said “that one problem his campaign regularly faces is that aspects of Democratic governance are simply too insane for voters to nd credible, even when they are documented as o cial U.S. government policy,” the article stated.

The sta er said that voters “are critical of things like boys in girls’ sports, but they tune out stu about schools not informing parents about transitioning their children. They just don’t believe it’s true. It can’t be.”

And yet it is. Sage Blair is living proof of it.

Democrats prioritize illegal immigrants over Americans, criminals over victims and transgender ideology over truth.

You don’t have to believe Trump. You just have to believe your lying eyes.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. Copyright 2026 Creators.com

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Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

The truth and the opportunity: Leadership lessons from Dean Smith

THE PHONE CALL that changed my life began with crushing disappointment. It was 1975, and as a high school senior, I was living a fairy tale: state championship; letters from Coach Dean Smith; and scouts at every game. I was waiting for the scholarship o er I’d dreamed of since I rst picked up a basketball. Then Coach Smith sat in my living room and hit me with a brick wall.

He wasn’t sure I could play at the University of North Carolina level. Instead of a scholarship, he o ered me a spot as a walk- on. I would be treated like a scholarship player — living and practicing with the team — but the actual nancial aid would only be mine “unless someone else showed up who was better.”

My dream felt suddenly conditional. Yet I accepted. I earned that scholarship a month after practice started, but the real gift was four years spent with a man who taught me that great leadership is de ned by a rare combination: truth plus opportunity.

Clarity over comfort

Most leaders either sugarcoat reality to avoid discomfort or shut people out entirely. Coach Smith did neither. He gave me an honest assessment and a genuine pathway forward. This clarity built a foundation of trust that lasted a lifetime.

In business, we often see the opposite. Companies hire people they are uncertain about, then fail to set clear expectations. They either oversell the role or leave the employee guessing where they stand. Coach Smith made the uncertainty explicit and the opportunity real. That is how you build resilient people.

Focus inward, not outward

Coach Smith was a master of focusing on “us,” not “them.” While other programs obsessed over opponents, Smith built his system around developing our internal capabilities. He believed that if we executed with excellence, the opponent was secondary. In the corporate world, companies waste enormous energy reacting to competitors. They let the market dictate their strategy. Smith taught me a di erent way: know who you are, build your skills and execute. The scoreboard takes care of itself when you focus on being your best rather than trying to counter someone else.

The “ rst easy pass”

One of Smith’s core philosophies was the “ rst easy pass.” On the court, it meant: don’t force it; trust your teammates; keep the ball moving.

I use this principle in business constantly. When launching a new initiative, I tell my team: Make the rst easy pass. Don’t force a perfect solution on day one. Build momentum. Trust the process. By o ering me a walk- on spot rather than closing the door, Coach Smith was making his own “easy pass” — being honest, creating an opening and letting the game unfold.

Loyalty beyond the transaction

The most profound lesson, however, came 17 years after I graduated. In 1996, my father was dying of cancer. One evening, I walked into my childhood home to nd my father holding a handwritten note. It was from Dean Smith. I was never a star player; I was a role player who had been gone for nearly two decades. Yet one of the busiest men in sports took the time to write to my father during our family’s hardest moment. That note meant everything. It wasn’t a transaction; it was genuine care. In business, we try to “buy” loyalty with bonuses and incentives. But real loyalty — the kind that creates lifetime ambassadors — comes from unexpected gestures. It comes from the leader who remembers you decades later and reaches out when it matters most.

The legacy of the teacher

Coach Smith’s genius was that he taught without preaching. The basketball court was simply a laboratory for character. His legacy doesn’t live in trophy cases but in the way his players now run businesses, raise families and treat others.

Sometimes the people who challenge our dreams most become our greatest catalysts. Coach Smith didn’t just teach me how to play a game; he taught me that when you lead with truth, focus on excellence and care for people when you don’t have to, you create an impact that never ends.

Ged Doughton is director of major gifts at IFB Solutions and founder of “First Easy Pass: Winning the Next 4 Minutes” and lives in Charlotte.

Murphy to Manteo Jones & Blount

NCDPI honors top principals across state

County Sheri Don Brown claims his opponents and their supporters have attacked his family and coworkers since the beginning of his campaign season. Brown, who’s running for reelection, posted on social media Sunday that he has received hate messages from his opponents and their supporters. Brown claims the attacks have extended to his immediate family and co-workers at the sheri ’s o ce. He says people have been attacking his wife, Jenny, and his children’s character, spreading lies about his marriage and family, in addition to similar tactics regarding his deputies and sta Brown says the attacks came to a head Saturday when he and his wife visited an early voting location. He claims a supporter of his opponent, Brookford Police Chief Willie Armstrong, instigated a confrontation with his wife, during which the supporter allegedly accused his wife of assault and other supporters joined in on the attack.

NSJ

PIEDMONT

Former teacher charged with child exploitation

Guilford County

A former teacher was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to a Guilford County Sheri ’s O ce news release. Last week, child crimes detectives with the GCSO began an investigation into second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, ultimately charging Richard Lynn Upright, 56, of Pleasant Garden, with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was employed as a teacher at Vandalia Christian School in Pleasant Garden when the investigation began, deputies said.

NSJ

Triad father, daughter trapped in Israel after Iran strikes

Davidson County

EAST

Man remains at large after 100-mph chase

Man held on $50K bond for theft of French bulldog

Alamance County

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a January apartment break-in that led to the theft of a 2-month-old French bulldog, police said. Bryan Keishawn Torain was charged with two counts of secretly peeping, one count of breaking and entering, one count of felony larceny and one count of larceny of a dog. He is being held under a $50,000 bond. Police said the puppy has since been found and safely returned to her owner.

WFMY

A Lexington father and his teenage daughter are stranded in Jerusalem during a religious pilgrimage as airspace closures follow escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. According to local outlets, Chris Elliott and his 17-year-old daughter, Riley, were part of a group from the Triad on a religious renewal trip when the con ict began. He shared a video online Saturday as they heard missiles and military aircraft overhead. “We never expected to be caught in the middle of a war zone. It’s like something you’ve never seen before in your life. Literally soldiers all around us,” he said. Elliott also shared photos of the bunker where they have been going when the sirens blare. He said they’ve tried to stay in good spirits, singing and praying together, even taking Holy Communion in the bunker, and are planning to continue sheltering in place in Jerusalem until they can safely travel home.

WXII

Johnston County A suspect is at large after a high-speed chase in Johnston County ended with a crash in Wake County last week, deputies said. According to the Johnston County Sheri ’s O ce, deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on River Dell Townes Avenue near Clayton. Deputies began speaking to the driver when he drove o at a high speed. The chase went through Johnston and Wake counties while reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph, according to the sheri ’s o ce.

WNCN

ENC TikTok home improvement in uencer charged with larceny

Carteret County A Grantsboro man known to hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok for his custom woodworking is now facing multiple criminal charges in eastern North Carolina. According to reports, Clayton Thomas Rice, 29, of Goose Creek Road, was arrested last week on charges led by the Morehead City Police Department. Court records show he is charged in Carteret County with two counts of misdemeanor larceny and one count of misdemeanor failure to work after being paid. According to Carteret County warrants, Rice was paid $38,080 for a remodeling job but allegedly failed to complete the work. Court documents state that $21,280 worth of work remains un nished and allege Rice blocked the customer’s phone number and stopped communication. The warrants also accuse Rice of stealing hundreds of dollars in tools, such as drills and grinders.

NATION & WORLD

6 US troops killed, more wounded during Iran attacks

President Donald Trump warned of potentially more casualties

By Ben Finley and Konstantin Toropin

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Three American service members were the rst killed and ve others seriously wounded during the U.S. attacks on Iran, the military announced Sunday, marking the rst American casualties in a major o ensive that President Donald Trump said could likely lead to more losses in the coming weeks.

The three who were killed were U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Kuwait as part of a unit that oversees supplies and logistics, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The U.S. has since upped the total of fallen soldiers to six.

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, announced the deaths in a post on X but did not say when and where they occurred as the Islamic Republic retaliates over the joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel. The post said “several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions” and were going to return to duty.

“We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen,” Trump said in a video posted to his Truth Social platform on Sunday afternoon. “And sadly, there will likely be more be-

fore it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”

In the roughly six-minute video, Trump called those killed “true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacri ce for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.” He said the U.S. will avenge their deaths.

Trump earlier told the Daily Mail in a phone interview Sunday that the U.S. troops who were killed were “great people.”

“You know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately,” Trump told the newspaper. “Could happen continuous — it could happen again.”

“We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen.”

President Donald Trump

He also told the Daily Mail that he believes the con ict could last for “four weeks or so.” He had previously warned that American troops could be killed or injured in the operation.

“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost,

and we may have casualties,” the Republican president said in a video address released early Saturday. “That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future.”

Central Command, meanwhile, described the situation as “ uid” and said it would withhold the identities of the service members who were killed for 24 hours after their families were noti ed.

Following the U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders, Iran’s counterattacks struck U.S. bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. military denied Iranian claims that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was struck with ballistic missiles, saying on X that the “missiles launched didn’t even come close.”

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to launch its “most intense offensive operation” ever targeting Israeli and American military installations.

Before the strikes, Trump had built up the largest U.S. military presence in the Middle East in decades. The arrival of the Lincoln and three accompanying guided-missile destroyers at the end of January bolstered the number of warships in the region.

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and four accompanying destroyers later were dispatched from the Caribbean Sea to head to the Middle East.

The Ford was part of the U.S. raid in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolás Maduro, who was brought to New York to face drug tra cking charges. The operation in January claimed no American lives but left seven U.S. troops with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries.

FBI probes deadly Texas bar shooting as possible terrorist act

Two were killed and 14 wounded by a man allegedly wearing clothes with an Iranian ag

The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — A gunman wearing clothes with an Iranian ag design and the words “Property of Allah” killed two people and wounded 14 early Sunday at a Texas bar, a law enforcement o cial told The Associated Press. The FBI is investigating the shooting, which erupted a day after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, as a potential act of terrorism.

Police in Austin shot and

killed the gunman, who used both a pistol and a ri e to carry out the attack, police said.

The shooting happened outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden just before 2 a.m. along Sixth Street, a nightlife destination lled with bars and music clubs only a few miles from the University of Texas at Austin.

Nathan Comeaux, a 22-year-old senior, had spent the evening there with friends and said the bar was “full of college students, probably mostly UT kids, shoulder to shoulder, hundreds just enjoying their nights.”

The suspect drove past the bar several times before stopping and shooting from the window of his SUV at people on a

patio and in front of the bar, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.

He then parked, got out with a ri e and began shooting at people walking along the street before o cers rushed to the intersection and shot him, Davis said. Three of the injured were in critical condition Sunday morning, she said.

The gunman was identi ed as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

Comeaux had left the bar to grab pizza at a food truck across the street about 10 minutes before the rst gunshots were red. No one around the pizza truck understood what was happening, he said, with some thinking the noise was reworks or a loud motorcycle.

Comeaux said he hid behind a bench for about a minute before getting out, and he saw police ofcers running toward the scene. He pulled out his phone to begin recording. That’s when more shots rang out. Comeaux said he saw the suspect turn his gun on police before o cers shot him.

LA school superintendent placed on paid leave

Los Angeles

The superintendent of Los Angeles public schools, the nation’s second-largest district, was put on paid leave last Friday, two days after the FBI served search warrants at his home and the district’s headquarters. Authorities have not provided details of the nature of the investigation involving the district, which serves more than 500,000 students, nor have they accused Alberto Carvalho of any wrongdoing. The Los Angeles Uni ed School District Board of Education unanimously voted to place Carvalho on leave pending the outcome of the investigation after two days of deliberation behind closed doors.

Wis. man sentences for forging threats against Trump Madison, Wis.

A judge last week sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a scheme to get the victim in a robbery case against him deported to 16½ years in prison. A Milwaukee County jury in January convicted 52-year-old Demetric DeShawn Scott of felony identity theft, witness intimidation, bail jumping and reckless endangerment. Judge Kristy Yang sentenced him to a year and six months behind bars on the identity theft count, ve years on the intimidation count and 10 years on the endangerment count. She sentenced him to 882 days already served on the bail-jumping charge.

Kenyan lawmaker among 6 dead in helicopter crash Nairobi, Kenya

A member of parliament was among six people who died after a helicopter crashed in Kenya on Saturday in what police described as bad weather. The helicopter went down minutes after takeo and burst into ames in a hilly area of Nandi County in the west of the country, police said, adding all six people on board had died. Among the dead was lawmaker Johana Ng’eno. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula eulogized Ng’eno, 54, as a “devoted legislator and a committed servant of the people.”

He said he knows someone who was shot and guessed that many other UT students do as well.

“The UT community has denitely been majorly a ected by this,” he said.

Authorities haven’t provided a clear motive for the attacks but found “indicators” on the gunman and in his vehicle leading them to look into the possibility of terrorism, said Alex Doran, the acting agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio o ce.

“It’s still too early to make a determination on that,” Doran said Sunday morning.

Diagne rst entered the U.S. in 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa and became a lawful permanent resident six years later after marrying a U.S. citizen, according to DHS. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2013, the department said. Diagne was originally from Senegal, according to multiple people briefed on the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly.

“El Mencho’s” body returned to family Mexico City Mexican authorities returned the body of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” to his family after he was killed by the Mexican army last week, o cials said Saturday. In a brief note on X, the Attorney General’s O ce said that it handed over the body of El Mencho after completing all the necessary procedural protocols. The killing of the country’s most powerful drug lord was met with a wave of retaliatory violence in some 20 states. More than 70 people were killed. The violence has fueled fears that the bloodshed could hurt tourism ahead of the FIFA World Cup later this year.

features

‘Life’s Rich Pageant’ loud, alive at 40 in Carrboro

Narducy and Michael Shannon unleashed R.E.M. at Cat’s Cradle

By Dan Reeves North State Journal

CARRBORO — It wasn’t that long ago that anthemic songs brought us together. Or, like it or not, got stuck in the heads of the general public.

The 1980s brought the advent of MTV, and our listening choices well through the ’90s and early 2000s were limited to FM and AM radio. So unless you lived under a rock, the songs and sounds of the day were in your face, so to speak.

Who didn’t at least try to recite verbatim Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” or R.E.M.’s rapid- re stream-of-consciousness banger “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”?

While both examples rip from headlines and cultural turning points, each speaking to one generation and the one after — in that order — Joel was bursting the synapses of the boomers (JFK, Joe DiMaggio, Communist bloc) while R.E.M.’s pastiche, which incidentally predated Joel’s by two years, came armed with a video showing a pissed-o American kid rummaging through the trashed remains of an abandoned house. And he had a skateboard.

Not that R.E.M.’s music was only for skaters and angry kids. It was and is for everyone.

And much like a group of boomers who can attempt to rattle o “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and certainly “Piano Man,” an entire generation of Americans, me included, who grew up on R.E.M. were so affected by their music during that stretch of sponge-like adolescence or early adulthood that we got ours too.

From “Fall on Me,” “End of the World,” “The One I Love,” “Superman” and “Everybody Hurts” to “Drive” and “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” R.E.M.’s output impressed upon the hearts and minds of Gen Xers (and their younger brothers and sisters) an unextinguishable ame that still burns today. I was 6 and already had an acute understanding of who and what R.E.M. was. And not merely from being plopped in front of the idiot box watching one music video after another. At the time, my father was publisher of Raleigh’s Spectator Magazine, a weekly with its nger quite literally on the pulse of alternative music, especial-

Michael Shannon, center, sings R.E.M.’s “Fall on Me” at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro on Saturday.

ly that which emerged from the South. I was force-fed R.E.M. from all directions. Consummate hipster, musical journalist, lm critic-turned-documentarian and author Godfrey Cheshire was part of the circus then. His 1987 piece “Over There with R.E.M.,” detailing his experience with the band on their European tour, felt less like reporting and more like dispatches from myth. I still have a drumhead that once belonged to Bill Berry that hung on Godfrey Cheshire’s o ce door at the Spectator, signed “Godfrey’s Layer.”

When I told my wife I was headed to Carrboro’s Cat’s Cradle to see Michael Shannon, Jason Narducy and the former drummer from Superchunk perform R.E.M.’s 1986 album “Life’s Rich Pageant,” she had two questions: “Is this for work?” and “Michael Shannon the actor?”

Yes, grinning through my teeth, it’s for work. And yes, the actor — you know, the guy who sort of looks like Frankenstein’s monster? He’s in a bunch of stu .

“Oh, that guy,” she said with a puzzled look on her face.

Shannon and veteran indie rock musician and bassist for Bob Mould’s band — also playing with Superchunk, Sunny Day Real Estate and Verböten — Jason Narducy have been building this collaboration for a decade, and for the past two years they’ve focused exclu-

“It dumbfounds and delights me that we continue our crusade through this astounding catalogue of music.”

Michael Shannon

sively on R.E.M.-themed shows.

The project started in Chicago in 2015, when their mutual friend Robbie Fulks asked Narducy to play bass and Shannon to sing for a one-night performance of Lou Reed’s “The Blue Mask.” What followed wasn’t a band in the traditional sense, but a series of carefully curated, one-o album tributes: The Velvet Underground in 2015, The Smiths’ “The Queen Is Dead” in 2016, Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” in 2017, The Music of The Cars (2019), Neil Young with Crazy Horse’s “Zuma” (2021), The Music of T. Rex (2022) and The Modern Lovers’ rst album in early 2023.

That summer they performed R.E.M.’s “Murmur” coupled with the EP “Chronic Town” at Chicago’s Metro for the venue’s 40th anniversary — where R.E.M. had famously played the maiden show. R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills joined them onstage that evening, o ering the rst — but not last — blessing from the band.

Athens, Georgia’s R.E.M., comprised of amorphous waif

frontman Michael Stipe, singer-bassist Mills, guitarist Peter Buck and drummer Bill Berry, arose through the early 1980s college rock “left of the dial” platform — still exploding onto the scene, the right place at the right time perhaps.

They cut their teeth lighting up small clubs and bars in places like Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Their most iconic early home was The Pier, tucked inside the “Village Subway” — better known as the Raleigh Underground — beneath Cameron Village Shopping Center.

An infamous 1980 performance ended with a drunken encore of “Gloria,” when roughly two dozen attendees heaved themselves onto the stage to dance.

North Carolina’s imprint on R.E.M. ran deeper than club stages. Winston-Salem producer Mitch Easter helped de ne the band’s early recorded sound, producing “Chronic Town” and co-producing “Murmur” at his Drive-In Studio. That bright, jangling, slightly mysterious mix that became synonymous with early R.E.M. — that was forged here, too.

Forty years later, in Carrboro, that lineage felt intact.

To a packed room spanning generations of R.E.M. followers, Shannon, drummer Jon Wurster, bassist John Stirratt, keyboardist Vijay Tellis-Nayak and guitarist Dag Juhlin tore through “Life’s Rich Pageant.”

The band performed the full 1986 album from start to n-

DAN REEVES / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

ish: “Begin the Begin,” “These Days,” “Fall on Me,” “Cuyahoga,” “Hyena,” “Underneath the Bunker,” “The Flowers of Guatemala,” “I Believe,” “What If We Give It Away?,” “Just a Touch,” “Swan Swan H” and the faithful cover of The Clique’s “Superman.” The audience knew every word.

“It dumbfounds and delights me that we continue our crusade through this astounding catalogue of music from one of America’s most in uential and unique bands,” Shannon said in a statement. “Now we nd ourselves at a summit, ‘Life’s Rich Pageant,’ and we’re all pinching ourselves in disbelief to be so lucky. The most strange and beautiful adventure.”

If the rst set was discipline and devotion, the second was breadth.

They reached back to Murmur, Reckoning and beyond — “Lotus,” “Gardening at Night,” “Try Not to Breathe,” “Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars),” “How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us,” “Burning Down,” “Fireplace” (featuring Matt Douglas on saxophone), “The Lifting,” “Crush With Eyeliner,” “Me in Honey,” “You Are the Everything,” “The Great Beyond,” “Pilgrimage,” “Country Feedback,” “Sitting Still,” “Camera,” “Radio Free Europe” and “Star 69.” It wasn’t cosplay. It wasn’t irony. It wasn’t an actor dabbling in indie rock nostalgia. It was reverence — loud, communal and strangely necessary.

The Guess Who plan rst o cial US tour in two-plus decades

The Canadian band recorded the classics “These Eyes” and “American Woman”

By Mark Kennedy

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Two principal songwriters of The Guess Who — the band that crafted the hit song “American Woman” — will tour America itself later this year for the rst time in over two decades.

Original guitarist Randy Bachman and singer-keyboardist Burton Cummings, who have already announced a tour of their native Canada this summer, are adding more than 20 U.S. dates, they said.

“Randy and I are getting this incredible welcome back feeling,” says Cummings. “It’s magic to play the hit records and see people singing along after decades and decades.”

The Guess Who will cross the border starting June 25 in Minneapolis, and hit such cities as Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit,

“It’s magic to play the hit records and see people singing along after decades and decades.”

Burton Cummings

settlement was reached in September 2024 giving Bachman and Cummings the trademark.

“I’m glad that’s all over with,” says Cummings. “Now we can go out and honor the songs. We’re going out to honor the music.”

some 20 songs that includes all the hits — and they’ll play them exactly like they were played on the records.

“That’s what people want to hear,” says Bachman. “When I go see my buddy Neil Young, I don’t want the songs he wrote last week.”

Cummings agrees, comparing great songs to signposts in people’s lives.

“I can remember the rst time I heard Elvis on the radio, the rst time I ever heard the Beatles, rst time when I heard Ray Charles sing ‘What’d I Say,’” he says. “Really great records never leave people’s memories. They’re there for good.”

Atlantic City, Boston, Atlanta, Houston, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Seattle.

The last time Bachman and Cummings toured the U.S. as

The Guess Who was in 2001 alongside Joe Cocker. Part of the delay in returning stemmed from a trademark dispute with their former bandmates who used The Guess Who name. A

The Guess Who are one of the biggest classic rock acts to emerge from Canada, scoring memorable hits during the 1960s and ‘70s like “These Eyes,” “Hand Me Down World,” “Laughing,” “No Time” and “Share the Land.” The Guess Who became the rst Canadian band to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Bachman and Cummings promise a summer setlist of

Bachman and Cummings say there’s a yearning for classic rock songs played live, especially in this age of AI and music-writing software.

“Anybody can now write a song, put it in a computer and a song comes out. But they can’t play it live,” says Bachman. “The people want to see you playing real rock. They want to hear a mistake. They want to see a string break.”

CUMBERLAND

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File#26E000264-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY

ADMISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Joe Acosta, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 29, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 17th day of February, 2026. Leila Acosta-Scarbrough, Administrator of the Estate of Joe Acosta.

CG&T Attn: Leila Acosta-Scarbrough P.O. Box 64729 Fayetteville, NC 28306 NOTICE

The undersigened having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Franklin Delano Adkins, deceased,late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons. Firms,and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of May, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notive) or this notice will be pleased in bar of heir recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersgned. This the 19th day of February, 2026. Administrator/Executor – Tabitha Kiger

Address- 3608 Lismore Ln, Hope Mills, NC 28348

Administrator of the Estate of Franklin Delano Adkins

Executor’s Notice IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E001950-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of Jurita Gayle Barber aka Jurita G. Barber, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 316 Glenburney Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28303, on or before May 27, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 26th day of February, 2026. Carlos Antonio Burgos Executor of the Estate of Jurita Gayle Barber aka Jurita G. Barber, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305

02/26/2026, 03/05/2026, 03/12/2026 and 03/19/2026

NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File #25E001229-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

Having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Georgia Mae Barnes, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned at 6602 Gristmill Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314 on or before May 13th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the Estate are requested to make immediate payment. Dated this 9th day of February, 2026. Monique Rogers Williams, Administrator of the Estate of Georgia Mae Barnes 6602 Grist Mill Road Fayetteville, NC 28314 910.420.4982

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Alice Cope Black, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before June 5, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 5 day of March, 2026.

Laura C. McIntosh Administrator of the Estate of Alice Cope Black PO Box 65105 Fayetteville, NC 28306

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MANOJ CHANDNANI CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E001597-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Manoj Chandnani, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Administrator, Davis W. Puryear, 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311 on or before the 6th day of June, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above.

This the 25th day of February, 2026. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of Manoj Chandnani Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Bayly Ringold Ebner Jr., deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before May 26, 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 26th day of February, 2026.

Charlene Morgan, Administrator Estate of Bayly Ringold Ebner Jr. 3731 Laguna Vista Dr. #4 Fayetteville, NC 28311

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JAMES THURSTON FARRELL

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E001967-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against James Thurston Farrell deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Executor, Olga Spivak, 615 Pearl Knoll Circle, Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 27th day of May, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 17th day of February, 2026. Olga Spivak Executor of the Estate of James Thurston Farrell Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: February 26, March 5, March 12 and March 19, 2026

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000196-250

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Damian Gilberto Gil, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of May, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 15th day of February, 2026

Leticia B Sellers 3416 S. River School Rd Wade, NC 28395 Of the Estate of Damian Gilberto Gil, deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Margaret Johnson Gregory FILE NO. 26E000174-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Margaret Johnson Gregory deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 19, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

Barry D. Gregory 3356 Sids Mill Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28312 Executor

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk

Estate File #26E000319-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY

ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Gwendolyn Jean Johnson, Gwendolyn Jean Hudson, Gwendolyn Hudson Johnson, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of June, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 5th day of March, 2026.

Administrator of the Estate of Gwendolyn Jean Johnson, Gwendolyn Jean Hudson, Gwendolyn Hudson Johnson Leroy Nixon Jr 430 Dunmore Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28303

Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Judy Brinkley Knowles, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of June, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24th day of February, 2026. Nicolee Knowles_________________ Administrator/Executor 260 Greenville Ave._______________

Address Wilmington, NC, 28403____________ City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Judy Brinkley Knowles, Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In The General Court Of Justice COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Superior Court Division

Estate File # 25E001857-250

Administrator’s/Executer’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as executor of the estate of Ted Elliot Lepper, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present this claim to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of the May, 2026, ( which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make intermediate payment to the undersigned. This February day of February 12th , 2026. George Vossler Lepper P.O. Box 484 Asheboro NC 27205 Of the estate of Ted Elliot Lepper

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

ESTATE FILE NO. 26E000078-250

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Juan Alberto Martinez, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before May 19, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 19th day of February, 2026. Sharon Ann Martinez, Executor of the Estate of Juan Alberto Martinez

NICOLE A. CORLEY

MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A.

N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990

COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr. Cumberland County Estate File No. 26E000259-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr., Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Sylvia Benner McDu e, Executor of the Estate of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr., at 200 Thorncli Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303, on or before the 5th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a

Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr. are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 5th day of March, 2026. Sylvia Benner McDu e, Executor of the Estate of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr. Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr. Mailing address: P. O. Box 53606 Fayetteville, NC 28305 Physical address: 235 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301

NOTICE

State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Larry Earl Parks Jr, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of May, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in the bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 26th day of February 2026 Administrator of the Estate of Larry Earl Parks Jr. 1981 Wade Stedman Road Stedman, NC 28391

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000321-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Michael Philip Rogall, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of June, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 5th day of March, 2026. Leslie Rogall 6325 Belmont Rd. Mineral, VA 23117

Of the Estate of Michael Philip Rogall, Deceased

The North State Journal March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE # 26E000210-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Winifred Newton Rush, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 142 Rack Court, Willow Spring, NC 27592, on or before May 19, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 19th day of February, 2026. Laura Rush Beasley, Executor of the Estate of Winifred Newton Rush

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington Cumberland County Estate File No. 26E000145-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington, Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to one or both of the following: (1) John McRae Turlington, Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington, 215 N. Church Street, Winterville, GA 30683, or (2) Rob Williford McCauley, Resident Process Agent for the Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington, P.O. Box 53606, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305, on or before the 15th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor or Resident Process Agent named above. This the 12th day of February, 2026. John McRae Turlington, Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a

indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 5th day of March 2026. Robert Joe Humphries, Jr. Ancillary Executor ESTATE OF ROBERT JOE HUMPHRIES, SR. David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: March 5, 2026 March 12, 2026 March 19, 2026 March 26, 2026

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, EDWARD GLEN EXLEY, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of JAMES IRVIN POOLE, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said EDWARD GLEN EXLEY, at the address set out below, on or before May 25, 2026, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below. This the 13h day of February. EDWARD GLEN EXLEY

Local NFL hopefuls compete at the Combine, B3

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

MLS Klauss, Sanabria spark Galaxy to 3-0 victory over Charlotte Carson, Calif.

João Klauss scored two goals two minutes apart in the rst 13 minutes — after a score by Lucas Sanabria — and the Los Angeles Galaxy cruised to a 3-0 victory over Charlotte FC. Sanabria gave the Galaxy the lead. Klauss then matched his rookie season goal total from last year, scoring on a pass from Gabriel Pec in the 11th minute, then unassisted two minutes later.

MLB Record-setting major league umpire

Froemming dead at 86

Bruce Froemming, a MLB umpire for 37 years, died at 86. He worked the third-most games in big league history and a record 11 no-hitters. Froemming su ered a fall at his home in Wisconsin and died at a hospital. Froemming began umpiring in the minor leagues at age 18. He joined the National League sta in 1971. He retired in 2007 having worked 5,163 games.

OLYMPIC HOCKEY

U.S. women’s hockey to celebrate gold in July with Flavor Flav in Vegas

The United States women’s hockey team has a date with Flavor Flav in Las Vegas in July to celebrate its gold medal victory from the Milan Cortina Olympics. The rapper posted a note on his X account announcing he’s hosting a “She Got Game” event from July 16 -19 to honor the women’s hockey team and other female athletes. The women’s players accepted the invitation without input from USA Hockey.

Duke looks to continue dominance as revenge game with UNC looms

UNC heads to Cameron Indoor for a rematch of the buzzer beater

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

DUKE WRAPPED up the ACC regular season title with a win Monday night. That means the Blue Devils have nothing to play for in their regular season nale. Fortunately, they’ll be playing UNC — so thy have everything to play for.

Duke and Carolina always bring out the best in each other, and if Duke needed any motivation other than light blue, it has it in the ending to the game in Chapel Hill last month.

UNC came back from 13 points down to take its rst lead with 0.4 seconds left. The fans then stormed the court twice in the time remaining. With 40 minutes on the clock in the re -

match in Cameron Indoor Stadium, that means we could see 6,000 court storming.

Since trailing at the end in Chapel Hill, Duke hasn’t

trailed much in ACC play, and coming down the stretch, the Blue Devils’ numbers have been downright ridiculous.

Since halftime against

ACC women’s basketball tournament underway in Georgia

Duke, NC State and UNC all earned double byes

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

DULUTH, Ga. — For the rst time in its 49-year history, the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament is being played outside the Carolinas as the conference postseason showcase shifts to Duluth, Georgia. The tournament tipped o Wednesday and runs through Sunday, featuring 15 teams competing for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

With No. 1 seed Duke, No. 3 UNC and No. 4 NC State all earning double byes into Friday’s quarter nals — and No. 15 Wake Forest battling through the opening round — the in uence of local teams remains unmistakable even in Georgia. The relocation from Greensboro Coliseum to the Atlan-

ta area ends a quarter-century run in North Carolina and signals a shift for a tournament long tied to the state’s basketball culture.

“I think people wanted it to move. I think Greensboro has

done a really good job,” UNC coach Courtney Banghart said Sunday. “I know it looks like it’s a home court advantage for us, NC State and Duke. Well, those have been the top three teams a lot of the time, even

Clemson on Valentine’s Day, which saw Duke leading by ve, the Blue Devils have played 180 minutes of basketball against ACC opponents. They’ve led by double gures for 147:32 of that time. They’ve led by 20 for more than 77 minutes and by 30 for more than a half hour. Duke has led by 40 points or more for longer than they’ve trailed — 10:38 compared to 6:59.

In between those ACC routs, the Blue Devils took out No. 1 Michigan in a nonconference showdown to take over the top spot in the poll.

“I don’t know if it was a turning point,” coach Jon Scheyer said of the UNC game. “I think it’s just another reference point, step in the season. Any loss gives us the opportunity to look a bit di erently at games. I certainly did as a coach — what

See DUKE, page B3

before I got here. Our teams travel, so I think we’ll still have fans. I don’t get to make those decisions. I guess we’ll see afterward if that was the right decision.”

Duke arrives as the tournament’s top seed and defending champion after securing its rst outright ACC regular-season title since 2013. The Blue Devils nished 16-2 in league play, won 18 of their nal 20 games and are ranked No. 13 nationally after a 74-69 loss Sunday at No. 16 North Carolina that served as a preview of conference postseason action.

UNC’s Elina Aarnisalo scored a career-high 22 points and Nyla Harris added 19, including 10 in the fourth quarter, to lift the Tar Heels above the Blue Devils.

Duke coach Kara Lawson emphasized perspective after the defeat, noting her team’s resilience through injuries that left the Blue Devils with just seven available players late in the season.

“As I told the team after the game, what an incredible season they’ve had,” Lawson said Sunday. “To win the ACC regular season for our school for

THURSDAY 3.5.26

TRENDING

LaTroy Lewis:

The Atlanta Falcons’ assistant defensive line coach was dismissed hours before being named as a suspect in a sexual assault case. The dismissal came shortly after the Falcons said they were looking into allegations dating to Lewis’ time at Michigan, where he served as a graduate assistant, then assistant defensive line coach. Lewis was an analyst on Wake Forest’s sta in 2022.

Nikel Rodgers:

The Zebulon native, East Wake grad and current sophomore for Guilford Tech Community College broke a NJCAA record with 17 three-pointers in a 105-68 win over Pitt Community College. He nished with 54 points — including the team’s rst 20 — and went 17 of 23 from 3. The previous record was 16, set by Jonathan Loria of Hostos Community College on Jan. 12, 2017.

Scottie Ebube:

The 6-foot-10, 280-pound senior center for NC State was ejected from last week’s loss to Virginia without appearing in the game. Ebube left the bench when the Cavaliers’ Sam Lewis appeared to push the Wolfpack’s Darrion Williams, who retaliated, and teammates and coaches on both sides separated the players. Both players involved were given technicals.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

NASCAR

Tyler Reddick became the rst driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to win the rst three races of the season with a victory at Circuit of Americas. Driving a Toyota co-owned by Michael Jordan, Reddick won the Daytona 500 and at Atlanta, then won from the pole in the rst road course race of the year. Reddick held o Shane van Gisbergen over the nal 20 laps.

“It was going to be just us, but we thought we’d invite the guys too.”

Women’s hockey gold medalist Hilary Knight, right, appearing on “Saturday Night Live” with teammate Megan Keller and men’s gold medalists Jack and Quinn Hughes. HASSAN

“Maybe you should get arrested.”

An unidenti ed NFL team to Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza during an interview at the NFL Combine. The team o cial was joking that Mendoza could hurt his draft stock so he’d still be around when they picked.

PRIME NUMBER

Age of Dominican Republic out elder Julio Ramos, who reached a “pre-agreement” with the Cincinnati Reds to sign with the team when he’s legally able. He will receive a $2.8 million signing bonus.

Mayweather, left, and Manny

agreed to a rematch of their landmark 2015 bout. Their second ght will be held Sept. 19 at the Las Vegas Sphere, streamed on Net ix. Mayweather is 49, while Pacquiao 47. Pacquiao is scheduled to meet 42-year-old Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18.

Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel broke Keegan Murray’s NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th against the Indiana Pacers. He nished the game with 209 for the season. It took Murray 80 games in 2022-23 to establish the record. Knueppel needed just 59 to surpass it.

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales announced he’s handing over o ensive play-calling duties to coordinator Brad Idzik (pictured) for 2026. Canales called plays the past two seasons but said it was his idea to make a change. Canales said the move allows him to take more of a big-picture approach to running the team, focusing more on defense and special teams.

Hurricanes await trade deadline

Carolina is again looking to be a buyer, but that doesn’t take the edge o for players

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — This week, the nal days leading up to the NHL trade deadline, is not easy.

“Unless you have a no-move, anyone’s game,” Hurricanes center Mark Jankowski said, “and it could happen to anyone.”

Jankowski would know. Last year, he said the Predators — the organization with which he had spent the previous two-plus seasons — could sense changes were coming. Buried near the bottom of the standings despite an o season spending spree, Nashville was poised to be a seller.

“You hear some names, but honestly, I never really saw my name,” Jankowski said. “I don’t really pay attention to that stu anyway, but no one told me anything or I never really saw anything with my name, so I wasn’t really worried too much about it.

“And then, obviously, I got the call, and everything changed. Everything happened so quick.”

Word that Jankowski had been traded to Carolina for a fth round draft pick came so late that Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky had already held his post-deadline availability with the media while the Jankowski trade sat in the queue awaiting nal approval from the league.

“So that was another reason why I didn’t think anything was happening. It was two hours past,” Jankowski said of the late

a Dec. 26, 2025, game in Raleigh.

notice. “But I guess those things take time to process through the registry or whatever. But I ended up getting on a ight that night. I had to pack as much as I could right away and got here pretty quickly.”

Jankowski’s transition to Carolina went as well as it could have. He scored two goals on two shots in his debut two days later, and in his rst 10 games with the Hurricanes, he found the back of the net seven times — on only 11 shots on goal.

Now, a year later, players around the NHL are wondering if they’ll be among those dealt before Friday at 3 p.m.

“I was blindsided by it. I did not see it coming.”

Logan Stankoven, Hurricanes center

“Obviously, yeah, that’s coming up pretty soon here,” Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven said. “So it is going to be a hot topic amongst everyone.”

Like Jankowski, Stankoven was caught o guard when he was traded to Carolina as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Mikko Ran-

tanen to Dallas at last year’s deadline.

“I think just with having to go through what I went through last year, it was hard,” Stankoven said. “Obviously, everything turned out for the better, but it was hard at that time to go through that. I was blindsided by it. I did not see it coming. And I’m just really pumped to be here again. I think things worked out in a great way.”

The Hurricanes, among the teams near the top of the league standings, are poised to again be buyers. But as Stankoven learned last year and Jankowski said, anyone without con-

Local prospects test tangibles at NFL Combine

The draft will run from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

THE NFL COMBINE’S on- eld workouts invited some of the top 2026 prospects for a showcase of athleticism and skill over the weekend.

All four of North Carolina’s Power 4 programs were represented at the event, with each having multiple players test in front of NFL personnel and media. Here’s a rundown of how they did, including standout players of other programs with North Carolina connections.

Former Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne showed o his speed, running a 4.37 40-yard dash, which ranked third in his position. He also recorded the fourth-best broad jump in the running back group with a mark of 10 feet, 2 inches. Earning a prospect grade of 6.00, Claiborne is projected to be an above-average backup.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, former Wake Forest o ensive lineman Fa’alili Fa’amore recorded a vertical jump of 28.5 inches and a broad jump of 8 feet, 8 inches. Both results landed him in the bottom half of the o ensive linemen.

Former UNC corner Marcus Allen put on an average showing at the Combine. He ran 4.5-second 40, which

from page B1

can I do better for these guys?

I’m sure these guys looked each other in the mirror.”

The latest win, a 29-point drubbing of NC State, left Wolfpack coach Will Wade marveling over the Duke experience.

“We’ve got a long way to go to catch Duke right now,” he said. “They’re as good a team as I’ve played against. I’m not just talking about talent — the whole way they operated. They’re ruthlessly e cient. … These guys are in a little di erent weight class than us right now.”

When UNC tipped the scales against Duke, the Tar Heels

ranked 11th in his position. His 39 -inch vertical jump ranked seventh, and his 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump ranked 10 for cornerbacks. Allen, standing at 6-foot-2, earned a 5.89 prospect grade, projecting him to be an average backup or special teamer in the NFL.

Thaddeus Dixon, UNC’s other starting corner in 2025, only tested the jumps at the combine, landing similar results to his teammate Allen. He recorded a 39.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump, which ranked sixth and eighth in his position, respectively. Dixon received a 5.95 prospect grade, which also projects him to be

“They’re ruthlessly e cient. … These guys are in a little di erent weight class than us right now.”

Will Wade, NC State coach

certainly showed they were in the same class, sending the Blue Devils to their second loss of the season. Regardless of what happens Saturday night, Carolina will be the only ACC team to defeat Duke in the regular season.

an average backup or special teamer.

Former Duke standout corner Chandler Rivers put his best foot forward in the 40 — his 4.40 time ranked third in the speedy position group. Standing at 5-foot-91⁄2, Rivers recorded a 10-foot, 10 -inch broad jump, which landed at fourth amongst corners. Due to his lack of size, Rivers is projected to be an above average backup and possibly move inside to the nickel position.

Vincent Anthony Jr., the former Duke defensive end, tested on the lower end of his position group in the 40 (4.84 seconds) and the vertical jump (32.5

However, the Heels did that with a major contribution from freshman Caleb Wilson, who carried the team through the rst half, keeping UNC from getting blown out early. Wilson has played just 26 minutes since that game. He su ered a hand injury in his next game and has been out since heading into a Tuesday night game against Clemson.

The Heels have held up without him, going 4-2, including an impressive win over Louisville.

Following a weekend win over Virginia Tech, coach Hubert Davis gave an update on Wilson’s status.

“He doesn’t have his cast on

tractual protection can be traded whether they are on a buyer or a seller.

“That’s coming up pretty soon here,” Stankoven said. “So it is going to be a hot topic amongst everyone.”

The Hurricanes have been mentioned among several of the bigger available names. That includes a handful of centers — Vincent Trocheck, Robert Thomas, Elias Pettersson, Nazem Kadri and Ryan O’Reilly — and Carolina has certainly checked in on every player they feel could help them in their quest to get past the Eastern Conference nal and within reach of the franchise’s second Stanley Cup.

Fortunately for all the anxious and fretting players and their families, this year’s deadline hasn’t had the buildup of previous years thanks to the Olympic break. After going three weeks without a game, Carolina returned to the ice with just over a week to the deadline. What is usually weeks of reports and social media banter was whittled down to fewer than 10 days.

“It’s the trade deadline — it happens every year, every team, so you just can’t really be focused on that,” Jankowski said.

By Friday afternoon, the Hurricanes may acquire a player who forces a fourth-liner like Jankowski out of the lineup or even to another city. And a deal for one of the bigger aforementioned names may require a young and talented player — perhaps Stankoven — to be on the move yet again.

“You can’t really control that and just control what you can control in the locker room and go from there,” Jankowski said. And make sure your phone is on — even if it’s a couple of hours after 3 p.m.

prospect grade, projecting him to be a solid backup with starter potential.

Brandon Cleveland, the former NC State defensive tackle, only tested the 40, running it in 5.12 seconds.

4.37

40-yard dash time by Claiborne was the fastest by a North Carolina prospect

inches). However, his broad jump (10 feet, 3 inches) ranked fth amongst the edge rushers.

Former Duke center Brian Parker tested better in some areas than others with his 6-foot, 5 and 309-pound frame. Parker hit 29 reps on bench press, putting him at third amongst o ensive linemen. He recorded a 7.66 3-cone drill, which ranked seventh in the position, and a 9-foot, 1-inch broad jump, which ranked eighth. His 40 (5.14 seconds) and 20 -yard shuttle (4.8 seconds) fell in the middle or near the bottom of the position group. Parker’s prospect grade of 6.22 projects him to be an average starter.

While he tested at or near the bottom of edge rushers in the 40 (4.89) and the broad jump (10 feet), former Duke defensive end Wesley Williams’ best metric was his vertical jump (35.5 inches). Despite not standing out in his combine performance, Williams’ 6.19 prospect grade projects him to be a good backup with starter potential.

Former NC State tight end Justin Joly didn’t test at the Combine, but he earned a 6.16

anymore,” he said. “He can’t do anything ve-on- ve, but he can do individual workouts, and he can dribble, shoot. He can do everything, just nothing on contact. So that’s a huge bene t for us. He’s out of the cast and being able to work out. Moving in the right direction. He worked out the day before the game and was dribbling, shooting, catching like normal.”

There were reports that he would be ready to return by the Duke game. However, with the regular season wrapped up for the Blue Devils and the Clemson game going a long way toward determining if UNC gets a double bye in the ACC Tourna-

Other connections

Brandon Cisse, the South Carolina corner who started his collegiate career at NC State, performed as one of the most athletic corners at the combine. Cisse’s 10foot, 11-inch broad jump and 41-inch vertical ranked third in his position.

Former Virginia running back J’Mari Taylor, a Millbrook alum who previously played at NC Central, recorded a 34.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot, 7-inch broad jump. He logged 20 reps on the bench, which was his best metric compared to the other participating running backs.

Diego Pounds, the former Ole Miss o ensive tackle who previously played at UNC and Millbrook High School, fell into the middle of the pack of his position group, testing a 5.15-second 40, a 30-inch vertical jump and a 7.9-second 3-cone drill. His 9-foot, 4-inch broad jump ranked fth amongst o ensive linemen. Other former North Carolina athletes that entered the combine included Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion (formerly NC State), Memphis’ Travis Burke (formerly Gardner-Webb), Mizzou’s Keagen Trost (formerly Wake Forest), South Carolina’s Nick Barrett (Eastern Wayne alum) and UCLA’s Gary Smith III (formerly Duke).

ment, there’s a chance Carolina will give him an extra few days of rest to have him ready for the postseason.

Beating Duke at Cameron with Wilson would be an accomplishment. Without him, it becomes a gargantuan task. And the last thing the rest of college basketball might need is Duke responding to another loss.

“When you lose, I think you can splinter,” Scheyer said. “It’s very easy to do. We’ve chosen the two losses we’ve had to become more connected, to really attack the areas where we can grow and stick together. I think that’s what it’s all about.”

North Carolinian aiming for hockey gold in rst Paralympic Games

Coats native Kayden Beasley began playing sled hockey in 2019

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

THE 2026 Winter Paralympic Games open this week, and North Carolina will have one of its own competing for gold in Italy.

Kayden Beasley, a Coats native, is one of 17 players who will be representing Team USA in para ice hockey, otherwise known as sled hockey, as they aim for a fth straight Olympic championship.

“It’s really cool,” Beasley said about the opportunity. “It’s the rst Paralympics I’ll have been to, so I’m excited.”

Beasley, 19, is a congenital bilateral amputee, meaning he was born without legs.

But despite his condition, Beasley has never let it slow him down, participating in all sorts of recreational sports from ag football to soccer.

However, it wasn’t until 2019 that he tried an adaptive sport. Already a fan of the hometown Carolina Hurricanes, Beasley heard about the Carolina Hurricanes Sled Hockey team and decided to give it a shot.

“I liked the game before I started sled hockey, so it was an easy way to get into it,” Beasley said.

“The rst day he came onto the ice, he got in a sled and took o ,” recalled Carolina Hurricanes Sled Hockey coach Geo Wing. “He skated around for 30 minutes, and I went up to his dad and was like, ‘Has he

Paralympian Kayden Beasley will represent the U.S. in sled hockey.

ever done this before?’ He just seemed like a natural from the rst moment he was on the ice and just got better from there.”

Not only did he get into the sport, but so too did his brother Caleb. Both Kayden and Caleb are adopted from China and share a close bond both on and o the ice.

“We did everything together growing up even to now,” Beasley said. “We push each other, and just having someone at home to talk about it with has been really fun.”

In fact, the entire Beasley family is a close-knit clan, one thaqt Kayden has credited time

“I just want to bring awareness to the sport and what it can be in the future.”

Kayden

Beasley

and time again as his biggest source of support.

And that support has led him to the opportunity of a lifetime.

Beasley’s rise in the sport has been meteoric to say the least.

From getting involved in sled hockey at ] 12 years old, it took

him only a few years of development before he started to garner national development team interest.

“Just getting to the development camp is a process of its own,” said Danny Morganelli, another Carolina Hurricanes Sled Hockey coach. “Only 60 people in the entire country are invited to that program, and then he was invited back each year before he was then invited to join the development team. It’s not something just anyone gets a chance to do. It’s very elite.”

“If you think about all the skaters in the world in the United States that have tried this, he’s

Cash leading Rays through transition

The dean of MLB managers has a new-look roster

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

WHEN KEVIN CASH was hired, he was the youngest manager in Major League Baseball. Since that day, in December, 2014, the other MLB franchises have gone through 116 managers, and Cash opens the 2026 season as the dean of major league managers. Only three other managers were hired before 2020, meaning Cash has been on the job more than a half-decade longer than 26 of the 30 MLB managers.

The longtime backup catcher played a dozen years in the majors and minors, meaning his time in the Rays dugout will match his time as a player this season. That playing career included parts of the 2005 and 2006 seasons as a Durham Bull. Like so many Tampa players he manages, his path to the big leagues went through Durham.

There will be fewer homegrown players than usual this season, however. The Rays were surprisingly active over the oseason, trading away longtime team xtures like former Bulls Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, Pete Fairbanks and Shane Baz.

“It was di cult,” said Rays president of baseball operations

ACC WOMEN’S from page B1 the rst time in 13 years is an amazing accomplishment. That doesn’t make losing a game any less frustrating. Of course, you want to win. You’re competitive. But I think when it’s appropriate, it’s really important, as a coach and as a player, you zoom out and take stock in the big picture.” North Carolina nished alone in third place with a 14-4 league record and enters the tournament on a four-game winning streak, the longest active run in the conference. The Tar Heels (25-6) have won 12 of

week.

Erik Neander. “We said goodbyes to players we cared about, who meant a lot to our franchise success.”

That means Cash has been busier than normal trying to build team chemistry during spring training.

“It’s a di erent group,” he said just prior to the start of camp.

“Our team is di erent. There’s a lot of new faces. I’m excited to come in and start shaking hands and meeting people. It’s a little unique to have so many people that you’re not that familiar with. I’ve talked to them on phone throughout the oseason. To sit in the o ce with them or talk to them around the batting cage or around

“To win the ACC regular season for our school for the rst time in 13 years is an amazing accomplishment.”

Duke coach Kara Lawson

their last 13 games, a surge that strengthened their NCAA Tournament seeding outlook and reinforced their identity as a team peaking in March.

“I think this group knows a lot about who they are. It

the bullpen mound is exciting.”

The new Rays include former Reds pitcher Nick Martinez, signed as a free agent. In addition, Tampa acquired Gavin Lux from the Reds in a trade. Tampa also signed out elder Jake Fraley and traded for former Orioles All-Star out elder Cedric Mullens, a former standout for Louisburg College and Campbell University.

“Nick Martinez has a rst-class personality,” said Cash. “He’s rst class in the clubhouse, as a teammate. He’s unsel sh in whatever role he plays.”

“Cedric, Jake, I’m excited about both guys,” Cash said of his new out elders. “Cedric will play a lot of center eld for us.

“I’m excited to come in and start shaking hands and meeting people.”

Kevin Cash

Jake is going to be in very much against right-handed pitchers. We’ve got to keep him on the eld. His track record when he’s on- eld and healthy has proven to be a good player on both sides of the ball.”

The Rays pay as much attention to a player’s defense value as his skill at the plate, and the changes should improve Tampa’s defense.

“Mullens, Fraley and Lux have a track record of hitting and having success,” Cash said.

“But I’d like to see us get back to what has made us successful, and that’s doing really well on the mound and having a defense behind our pitching to prevent runs.”

The Rays brought retired center elder Kevin Kiermeier, another former Durham Bull as well as a four-time Gold Glover, to tutor the out elders on the ner points of defense.

Also improving the defense, as well as the team’s comfort level, will be a return to Tropicana Field. Tampa had to relocate last year due to hurricane damage to the dome that has been their home eld for decades, playing

one of the top-15 skaters in the country,” Wing said. “So that’s pretty amazing, particularly because he just started a few years ago.”

The 19-year-old defenseman has stood out among his peers for a while now, and his coaches say that the things that are most noticeable in his game are his speed, size and hockey sense.

“He’s usually the rst one to the puck, and he can then dictate what happens next,” Wing said. “Once he gets the puck, he knows what to do with it, and he knows where to be without the puck and how to intercept a pass or get a pass.”

While it will be his rst Paralympics, this will actually be Beasley’s third international competition as he represented the USA at both the 2025 International Para Hockey Cup and 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championships, where he helped his team take home the gold.

Now his aim is to add yet another gold to his resume and help Team USA sweep the ice hockey podiums.

But even beyond the gold, Beasley is hoping to inspire the next generation and grow the sport he loves.

“I just want to bring awareness to the sport and what it can be in the future,” Beasley said.

“I think there’s a number of parents and kids at home that are trying to look for a sport, and a lot of times when you look at hockey, people think that it’s too dangerous,” said Shane Willis, who, on top of doing color analysis for Carolina Hurricanes games, is also the organization’s manager of youth and amateur hockey. “We’re here to tell you that it’s not. We’re going to take down every single barrier that’s there for you and your family to get involved in what we feel is the greatest sport in the world.” Beasley and Team USA will rst face Italy in the preliminary round on Saturday.

the entire season at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankee’s outdoor minor league stadium in the Tampa area.

“We’re very excited to return to the Trop,” Cash said. “We’ve talked enough about the challenges with playing at Steinbrenner Field. It was unique for all of us. We can’t thank the Yankees enough. They could not have been more accommodating. But we’re genuinely, authentically excited to get back to the Trop. We’ve played well in the Trop, had a lot of success in the Trop. We hope to play a lot better there than we played last year. We’ve de ned ourselves a lot of our successful years by defense and pitching. The Trop is a pitchers’ ballpark. Our job is to build a defense behind our pitchers. I do like the o season transition, from where our roster was last year to where it is now. There are some unknowns. But there are some unknowns to be really, really excited about.”

The Rays will be competing in the same division with the big-budget Yankees and Red Sox, as well as last year’s American League champion Toronto Blue Jays, and the Orioles, who boast a young, talented roster. But Cash is con dent the Rays, who seem to do it with analytics and magic every season, will compete again after a disappointing 77-win season in 2025.

“I do think guys are pushing each other a little bit more,” he said. “There’s a sense of urgency. Not many guys that were with our club last year are feeling great about how their seasons ended. There’s an eagerness to go out and perform.”

doesn’t make the games easier. It doesn’t make beating whoever we have next any easier,” Banghart said. “We had to win 12 of 13 to even be in this spot.”

UNC, which has not won the ACC Tournament in 18 years and has not reached the title game since 2013, opens Friday night against the winner of a second-round matchup, with the bracket o ering a potential showdown with N.C. State (209) in the semi nals or a rematch with Duke in the championship.

The Wolfpack secured the No. 4 seed and a double bye for the third consecutive season after closing the regular season

with three straight wins, including a 93-43 rout of Pitt that ensured the program’s 11th consecutive 20-win season. N.C. State (20-9) remains a perennial postseason threat just two years removed from a Final Four appearance. Wolfpack coach Wes Moore emphasized the mental reset that comes with the beginning of conference tournament play: “Obviously we dropped a few, but we’re spoiled. If we can maintain our position, you’ve got to win three games. Then, we leave there, we’ll wipe it again and get ready for the NCAAs.”

Wake Forest (14-16), seeded No. 15, returned to the tournament eld after missing last year and opened Wednesday against No. 10 California; the Demon Deacons nished 4-14 in conference play. Louisville, placed as a two seed alongside a 12th-seeded national rank, nished 15-3 in conference play and went unbeaten in ACC road games, while No. 5 Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, the conference’s leading scorer and a premier two-way guard, headlines a deep eld capable of producing multiple national contenders.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

25SP000660-120

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CABARRUS

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ARTHUR

JAMES HENRY AND CRESSIE M. HENRY

DATED MAY 29, 2015 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 11432, AT PAGE 253 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in

in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in Book 17537, Page 69, 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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of JOYCE ANITA SMITH, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before June 5, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 5th day of March 2026.

CHERYL HARDEE aka CHERYL S. HARDEE Executor of the Estate of JOYCE ANITA SMITH S. SCOTT EGGLESTON, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 03/05/26 03/12/26 03/19/26 03/26/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Traci Lunsford Turner a/k/a Traci Lane Turner, of Randolph County, NC, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Executor at the Law O ce of Andrew J. Weiner, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before May 28th 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 26th day of February 2026. Kelli Nicole Church a/k/a Kelli Turner Church Traci Lunsford Turner a/k/a Traci Lane Turner, Estate Andrew J. Weiner, Attorney Gavin & Cox 113 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600

payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cabarrus County courthouse at 10:00 AM on March 18, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Arthur James Henry; Cressie M. Henry, dated May 29, 2015 to secure the original principal amount of $391,050.00, and recorded in Book No. 11432, at Page 253 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3981

the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 56209510230000 ADDRESS: 191 MAHAN ST SW CONCORD, NC 28025 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS OF FRANK FLAKE, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MAGDALINE FLAKE THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CABARRUS, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 10494, PAGE 155, AS FOLLOWS: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE LOCATED IN CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA: LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA, NUMBER TWELVE (12) TOWNSHIP OF CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ON THE EAST SIDE OF MAHAN STREET, SOUTHWEST, ADJOINING THE PROPERTY OF FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, JEAN SPENCER DOUGLAS, AND LEROY J. KELSEY (DEED BOOK 370, PAGE 153), AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON STAKE ON THE EAST SIDE OF MAHAN STREET, THE OLD SOUTHWESTERN CORNER OF JEAN SPENCER DOUGLAS (DEED BOOK 2615, PAGE 12), AND RUNS THENCE WITH THE EAST SIDE OF MAHAN STREET SOUTH 01-00-00 WEST 60.0 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE ON THE EAST SIDE OF MAHAN STREET, FRONT CORNER OF FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (ESTATE FILE NO. 82 E 50); THENCE WITH THE LINE OF THE FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST SOUTH 84-30 EAST 100.00 FEET (PASSING AN IRON STAKE IN THE LINE AT 13.00 FEET) TO AN IRON STAKE, THE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Je rey J. Barnes, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at P.O. Box 5994, Greensboro, North Carolina 27435, on or before the 26th day of May 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 26th day of February 2026. Tyler D. Barnes Administrator of the Estate of Je rey J. Barnes Jonathan M. Parisi Attorney at Law Spangler Estate Planning P.O. Box 5994

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Vernon Daniel Harker, IV, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before June 5, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 2nd day of March, 2026 Candace Danielle Bongiovanni aka Candace D. Bongiovanni Executor of the Estate of Vernon Daniel Harker, IV Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON,

Brunswick Dr, Harrisburg, NC 28075

Tax Parcel ID: 5516041396

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Cressie M. Henry. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances

OLD NORTHEASTERN CORNER OF FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE LINE OF LEROY J. KELSEY (DEED BOOK 370, PAGE 153); THENCE WITH THE LINE OF KELSEY NORTH 01-0-00 EAST 60.00 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE IN THE LINE OF KELSEY, THE OLD SOUTHEASTERN CORNER OF DOUGLAS; THENCE WITH THE LINE OF DOUGLAS SOUTH 88-38-59 WEST 99.15 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. PARCEL NO: PIN: 12036 0270.000000 56209510230000 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. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property

and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING.

is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty

the Register of Deeds, is/are Nicole Brooks and Don Brooks. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust

ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%)

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William H. Fairley (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William H. Fairley) to Hutchens, Senter and Britton, Trustee(s), dated January 14, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 09090, at Page 0205 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

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Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kevin Brent Turner (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kevin Brent Turner) to M Patricia Oliver, Trustee(s), dated April 22, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 7875, at Page 0146 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 16, 2026 and will sell to

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

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Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Skybound Properties, LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Skybound Properties, LLC) to Chicago Title Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Trustee(s), dated February 4, 2025, and recorded in Book No. 12162, at Page 0724 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 16, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Parkton in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being

virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Randy Rodgers and Katherine E. Rodgers (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Randy Rodgers and Katherine E. Rodgers) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated July 7, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 09896, at Page 0691 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 25SP001013-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SAM E WOODS AND DARCAS COOK WOODS DATED APRIL 25, 2019 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 10491 AT PAGE 0507 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 16, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lots 4, 5 and 6 in a subdivision known as R.C. Chance and J.D. Dove, according to a plat of same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 37, Page 32, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4437 Virsalli Loop, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One

the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot No. 844 in a subdivision known as ARRAN LAKES WEST, SECTION TWELVE, PART ONE, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 62, Page 25, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2246 Baywater Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel ID Number 0405-07-6238 2246 Baywater Dr Fayetteville North Carolina28304

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).

more particularly described as follows: A certain lot(s) or parcel of land situated in the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron rod on the Southern right of way margin of SR 1121, said iron rod being the Northwest corner of Lot 3 as shown on map entitled Division of Lot One, Lewis C. Deaton and Naurice L. Deaton Plat Book 68, Page 91 and recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 58, Cumberland County Registry, and running thence with the Western line of said Lot 3 South 14 degrees 15 minutes 15 seconds West 300.87 feet to an iron rod; thence

46.01 feet to an iron rod on the Southern right of way margin of foresaid SR 1121; thence with said margin South 76 degrees 00 minutes 17 seconds East 74.50 feet to an iron rod; thence continuing with said margin South 75 degrees 45 minutes 42 seconds East 98.07 feet to the Beginning, containing 1.0 acres, more or less, Being a portion of Lot 1 as shown on map recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 59, Cumberland

PM on March 9, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 101, in a subdivision known as The Ponderosa and revision of lots 45 & 46 Ponderosa Section 21, Section 22, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 39, Page 37, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6120 Santa Fe Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0408-27-5452 Property Address: 6120 Santa Fe Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 16, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Sam E Woods and Darcas Cook Woods, dated April 25, 2019 to secure the original principal amount of $51,150.00, and recorded in Book 10491 at Page 0507 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 1505 Deep Creek Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312 Tax Parcel ID: 0446-44-2240 Present Record Owners:

Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is

required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of

22, 2002 to secure the original principal amount of $136,800.00, and recorded in Book 5691 at Page 676 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 6595 Barley Hill Court, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Tax Parcel ID: 9497-71-2436 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Marcia N. Williamson

The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the

County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6094 McDonald Road, Parkton, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also,

N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form

this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of

of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit,

The Heirs of Sam E. Woods The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Sam E. Woods. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Marcia N. Williamson. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

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Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Rosalee Brown (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Gary B. McLaurin) to Jamie Faye Newsom, Trustee(s), dated September 11, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 7807, at Page 0371 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute

CAROLINA

Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 16, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 10, Block E, in a subdivision known as Holly Springs, Part Two, and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 15, Page 38, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 509 Spaulding Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by

and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 18, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Cornell Richard Lanning, dated August 25, 2016 to secure the original principal amount of $63,000.00, and recorded in Book 9931 at Page 659 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 5171 Je erson, Stedman, NC 28391 Tax Parcel ID: 0495-28-5136 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Cornell Richard Lanning

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

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Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Heather Hatchell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Heather Hatchell) to Jerry B. Flowers III and Dennis Patrick Sullivan, Trustee(s), dated October 1, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 12074, at Page 0087 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location

designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 16, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 41B in a subdivision known as The Vineyards of John Smith, Section Two, according to a plat of the same recorded in Plat Book 83, Page 81, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina Together with Improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2588 Gotts Lane, Hope Mills, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered

N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason,

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Cornell Richard Lanning. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including

pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

“AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October

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

Being all of Lot 27, Sunnyvale Subdivision, Phase 2, per plat and survey thereof recorded in Plat Book 74, Page 80, Davidson County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same.

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

Said property is commonly known as 233 McKenzie Ct, Lexington, NC 27295.

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

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 March 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit:

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 Garcia and wife, Daniella Kim Garcia.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation

Title Company of California, Trustee(s), dated April 10, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 10082, at Page 104 in Durham County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Durham County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 3:00 PM on March 17, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Durham in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 1, containing 0.252 acres, more or less, as shown on plat of survey entitled “Recombination Survey: Lots 2024 Block A Dickson Property”, recorded in Plat Book 206, Page 108 Durham County Registry, to which Plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 715 Martin Street, Durham, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court

been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Durham County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 3:00 PM on March 17, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Durham in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Situated in the County of Durham, State of North Carolina, to-wit: Being all of Lot #5, Block C of the J.D. Poe and Fletcher Garrard property known as Windsor Hills as per plat and survey thereof now on le in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Durham County in Plat Book 36 at Page 22, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2320 Winburn Avenue, Durham, North Carolina. Subject to all easements, covenants, conditions, reservations, leases and restrictions of record, all legal highways, all rights of way, all zoning, building and other laws, ordinances and regulations, all rights of tenants in possession, and all real estate taxes and assessments not yet due and payable. Being the same property conveyed by deed recorded in Volume 4491, Page 996, of the Durham County, North Carolina records.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion,

costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty

delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One

Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded

dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not

releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to

Hunt’s line South 86 deg. 30 min. East 660 feet; thence South 3 deg. 30 minutes West with Mollie Wadlington’s new line 660 feet to a stake and pointers; thence continuing with Mollie Wadlington’s new line North 86 deg. 30 min. West 660 feet to a stake and pointers; thence North 3 deg. 30 min. East 660 feet to the point and place of beginning, containing 10 acres. Same being a portion of land deeded to Newton and Mollie Wadlington. See Deed Book 67, Page 118. See Estate File #81-E-525, Durham County Clerk’s O ce. [John T. Harris died on June 27, 1981. He had no will, Mr. Harris was survived by his widow, Frances C. Harris, and his son, Michael Thomas Harris]. LESS AND EXCEPTING from the aforesaid ‘tract’ the following: the portion deeded in Book 1574, Page 745, Durham County Registry (Parcel ID # 186932); the portion deeded in Book 423, Page 464, Durham County Registry (Parcel

ID #186930); the portion deeded in Book 941, Page 881, Durham County Registry (Parcel ID # 186931); the portion previously deeded in Book 274, Page 81, Durham County Registry (Parcel ID # 186928); and the portion identi ed as Parcel ID # 186929 (see, e.g. Book 940, Page 636, Durham County Registry).

The subject ‘tract’ (which remains) bears Parcel ID # 186927 and has street address of 7518 Russell Road, Durham, NC 27712. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 7518 Russell Road, Durham, NC 27712.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

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 All Lawful Heirs of Frances C. Harris.

of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Durham County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 3:00 PM on March 10, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Durham in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: LYING on the northern side of Ellis Road, containing 8.43 acres, more or less, and being all of that property shown on that plat of the property PEOPLE CHRISTAIN CHURCH as per plat and survey thereof now on le in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Durham County in Plat Book 169 at Page 372, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1343 Ellis Road, Durham, North Carolina.

GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

24CVS005087-330 NOTICE OF JUDICIAL

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the

The Commissioner will o er for sale to the highest bidder at a public auction 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 March 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM the following described real property (including all improvements thereon) located in Forsyth County, North Carolina and described as follows:

Being known and designated as Lot Number 98 as shown on the Map of Kings Court, Section #3, as recorded in Plat Book 25, Page 117, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

HEREBY GIVEN that Jeremy B. Wilkins, Commissioner, pursuant to the Order/Judgment entered in the abovecaptioned case on December 11, 2025 (“Order”), and by virtue of the appointment, power and authority contained in that Order, has been authorized and ordered to sell the property commonly known as 4637 Gallant Ln, Winston Salem, NC 27101 (“Property”). Said Property is secured by the Deed of Trust executed by Mark Stephen Flanagan, Unmarried and Audrey Beth Duck, Unmarried, dated July 10, 2020 and recorded on July 10, 2020 in Book 3536 at Page 2555 of the Forsyth County, North Carolina Registry. The Property shall be sold together with improvements located thereon, towards satisfaction of the debt due by Mark Stephen Flanagan and Audrey Beth Duck, and secured by the lien against such property in favor of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, LLC.

PM on March 11, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clemmons in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land and more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in Clemmonsville Township and being known and designated as Lot 7 as shown on the Map of Middlebrook, Section 1, recorded in Plat Book 26 at Page 60 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, to which map reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3120 Middlebrook Drive, Clemmonsville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court

certain parcel of land in Winston Township, Forsyth County, State of NC, as more fully described in Book 1471 Page 1888 ID# 6017-5, being known and designated as Lot No. 5, Block B, Map of Lewis Subdivision, Section III, led in Plat Book 24 at Page 154. Being the same fee simple property conveyed by deed from housing authority of the city of Winston-Salem to Frank Wright and wife, Nelsie M. Wright dated 12/26/1984 recorded on 01/22/1985 in Book 1471, Page 1888 in Forsyth County Records, State of NC. The said Frank Wright having departed this life on or about 12/04/1995, thereby vesting fee simple title in Nelsie M. Wright. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 640 Amanda Place, Winston Salem, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

The above described property will be sold, transferred and conveyed “AS IS, WHERE IS” subject to liens or encumbrances of record which are superior to such Deed of Trust, together with all unpaid taxes and assessments and any recorded releases. Neither the Commissioner nor the holder of the debt secured by such Deed of Trust, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Commissioner or the holder of the debt make any representation 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 and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such conditions expressly are disclaimed. The Commissioner shall convey title to the property by non-warranty deed, without any covenants or warranties, express or implied.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 (c) in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the judge or 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

costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty

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. 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”.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current record owners of the property as re ected on the records of the FORSYTH COUNTY Register of Deeds’ o ce not more than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof are Audrey Beth Duck and spouse, Mark Stephen Flanagan. A certi ed check only (no personal checks) deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchasing price will be required at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price of bid in cash or certi ed check at the time the Commissioner tenders a deed for the Property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price of bid at that

dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of

time, said bidder shall remain liable on said bid

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty

a

and conditions of the Mortgage in that the Borrower has died and the Property is not the principal residence of at least one surviving borrower, and the outstanding balance remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this notice, and no payment has been made su cient to restore the loan to currency; and

WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of January 21, 2026 is $278,932.03; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the

Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on August 30, 2022 in Book 3715, Page 1644, notice is hereby given that on March 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: Being all of Lot No. 20 as shown on the plat entitled “Village Club, Section 1” as developed by the New Fortis Corporation, said plat being recorded in Plat Book 37, Page 147, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

Commonly known as 350 Craver Pointe Drive, Clemmons, NC 27012 Parcel ID#: 5883-87-9350

The sale will be held at the FORSYTH County Courthouse, 175 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, at the location designated by the Clerk of Court for public auctions.

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $284,873.97.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or

the current owner(s) of the property is/are Wiley M. Akers.

and place of Beginning and being 1.00 acres, more or

and all of Lot Nos. 33 and 34 of Suburban Acres as platted, planned and recorded in Plat Book 9, Page 15, Iredell County Registry in accordance with a survey prepared by Sidney H. Autry, PLS, dated June 20, 2022.

Being in all respects the same property conveyed in Book 2934, Page 317, Iredell County Public Registry.

Save and except any releases, deeds of

modi ed by the following: A Loan Modi cation recorded on July 14, 2025, in Book No. 6916, at Page 978 , default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Smith eld, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on March 17, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Benson in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to in this Commitment is described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Banner Township, Johnston County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 1R of Beasley Estates, Phase one, as shown on a plat recorded in Plat Book 67, Page 463, Johnston County Registry and re-recorded in Plat Book 68, Page 39, Johnston County Registry, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 21 Beasley Estates Drive, Benson, North Carolina. Subject to the following exemptions: (A) Declaration of restrictive covenants, recorded in Book 3079, Page 379, Johnston County registry. Deed type: North Carolina general warranty deed between Junior Johnson, INC., a North Carolina Corporation and Sherrill L. Beaulieu Dated: 10/27/2006, Recorded

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in

other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bids, all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling $28,487.40(10% of the Secretary’s bid), in the form of a certi ed check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. A deposit need not accompany each oral bid. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of $28,487.40 must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certi ed or cashier’s check.

the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.

The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for 15day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The extension fee shall be in the form of a certi ed or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion

release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 201 Sigmon Road, Statesville, NC 28677. 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,

Date: 10/27/2006, in Book 3224, Page 149.

Consideration: $10.00

Parcel ID: 01F11072B Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)].

of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the foreclosure commissioner after consultation with the HUD representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such

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 Heather C. Consalvi and Christopher A. Suggs, wife and husband.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement,

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00),

at Spring Valley Lake, in McNeill Township, Moore County, North Carolina, as shown and designated on a plat recorded in Map Book 7, Page 26, Moore County Registry, to which map and its recordation reference is hereby made for a more complete, accurate and particular description of said lot. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 98 Pine Ridge Drive, Whispering Pines, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o

and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Bryan D. Jennings and Hilda M. Jennings, in the original amount of $123,000.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation, dated August 5,

the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in

24SP002605-910

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale

contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Willie M Dunn and Dannetta Dunn to Jovetta Woodard and Patricia Robinson, Trustee(s), which was dated August 28, 2015 and recorded on September 8, 2015 in Book 016145 at Page 00252, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

25SP002742-910

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Verean D. Chineke to Landquest Title Corporation, Trustee(s), which was dated June 30, 2005 and recorded on July 1, 2005 in Book 11450 at Page 94, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 25 SP 001338-910

the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on March 12, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: BEING all of LOT 25, Block L, Section III, Part G, Greenwood Forest Subdivision, as recorded in Book of Maps 1970, Page 341, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 820 Ellynn Drive, Cary, NC 27511. Tax ID: 0763830911 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the

described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: THE FOLLOWING REAL PROPERTY SITUATE IN THE COUNTY OF WAKE AND STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT 600 FEET SOUTH OF A FARM ROAD AND 204 FEET NORTH OF E. M. CURREN’S SOUTHEAST CORNER; RUNS THENCE NORTH 83° 30’ WEST 93 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; RUNS THENCE NORTH 6° 30’ EAST 200 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; RUNS THENCE SOUTH 83° 30’ EAST 93 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; RUNS THENCE SOUTH 6° 30’ WEST 200 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, AND BEING A PART OF THE DUNN PROPERTY LOCATED IN LITTLE RIVER TOWNSHIP, WAKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND SHOWN IN BOOK OF MAPS 1949 AT PAGE 76.

Subject to the Access Easement Agreement recorded 01/31/2020 in Deed Book 017733 Page 01750.

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

on March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:

Being all of Lot 2274, Phase Three, Spyglass Hills at Hedingham on the Neuse, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1998, Page 1131, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 2172 Ventana Lane, Raleigh, NC 27604.

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

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sharon Arnett Upchurch, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $212,087.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as bene ciary, as nominee for Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 31st, 2020 and recorded on July 31st, 2020 in Book 017996, Page 00553, Wake County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Wake County, North Carolina, at 10:00 AM on March 12th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 21, Quarry Pointe Subdivision, Phase 1, as referenced in Book of Maps 2003 Page 1715, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 3825 Tryon Ridge Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax ID: 0311966 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit

MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BRUCE A. JANTELLA AND JUDITH E. JANTELLA DATED SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12771 AT PAGE 989 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JUNE 9, 2010 IN BOOK 14029, PAGE 2354 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 12, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Bruce A. Jantella and Judith E. Jantella, dated September 27, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $195,452.00, and recorded in Book 12771 at Page 989 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 509 Gooseberry Drive, Holly Springs, NC 27540 Tax Parcel ID: 0358780 Present Record Owners:

deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 10, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Gowri Vinoth Kumar and Kesavan Cheneerappa, dated July 25, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $517,070.00, and recorded in Book 19392 at Page 2180 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 1528 Frog Hollow Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587 Tax Parcel ID: 0499279 Present Record Owners: Gowri Vinoth Kumar and Kesavan Cheneerappa

Said property is commonly known as 9736 Metropolitan Drive, Zebulon, NC 27597.

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 All Lawful Heirs of Willie M. Dunn.

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 Verean D Chineke.

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

of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are The Heirs of Sharon A. Upchurch. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and

Bruce A. Jantella and Judith E. Jantella

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Bruce A. Jantella and Judith E. Jantella. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice

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

against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

rmation of the

and reinstatement of the loan

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: January N. Taylor, NCSB #33512 David Neill, NCSB #23396 Olivia S. Sings, NCSB# 54991 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jtaylor@mtglaw.com dneill@mtglaw.com osings@mtglaw.com 25-001438-01

or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale.

the

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement

or

the

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Gowri Vinoth Kumar and Kesavan Cheneerappa. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute

Free parking

Pittsboro elected o cials and other dignitaries brought out their ceremonial shovels to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Lewis Freeman Park at 56 Rectory St. on Saturday. The park honors the legacy of Lewis Freeman, the rst recorded free black settler in Pittsboro who lived in in the area from the late 1700s until his passing in 1845.

the BRIEF this

week

Father who gave gun to Ga. school shooting suspect as gift guilty of 2nd- degree murder

A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he’s accused of using to kill two students and two teachers at a high school has been convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Colin Gray also was found guilty Tuesday of all other charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray is one of a number of parents prosecuted after their children were accused in fatal shootings. Prosecutors said he gave his son access to a gun and ammunition despite “su cient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Noem blames

“violent protesters” for Minneapolis chaos under tough questioning

Homeland Security

Secretary Kristi Noem defended her agency in testimony and under questioning at a Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday. It was her rst congressional hearing since two protesters were killed in Minneapolis by Homeland Security o cers in January. Noem’s department sent hundreds of o cers to Minnesota. Protesters marched and tracked enforcement activity. An ICE o cer shot Renee Good, while Border Protection o cers shot Alex Pretti. At the hearing, Noem blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos o cers encountered.

Cooper, Whatley win nominations for US Senate, setting up high-stakes fall ght to succeed Tillis

Control of Congress’ upper chamber hangs in the balance

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Former Dem-

ocratic Gov. Roy Cooper and ex-Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley each won their party’s U.S. Senate nominations in North Caro-

lina on Tuesday, setting them up for a fall campaign that could determine control of Congress’ upper chamber.

Whatley and Cooper are seeking the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who chose last June not to seek a third term. The two announced their campaigns weeks later and easily won their respective primary elections over crowded elds.

Cooper’s candidacy brought optimism to Democrats aim-

ing to take back the Senate this year with a net gain of four seats. Whatley, who is also a former state Republican chairman, entered the race when President Donald Trump endorsed him after Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, declined to run.

North Carolina, a traditional battleground where Democrats have been able to hold the governor’s seat even as voters helped send Trump to the White House, was one of three states kicking

Chapel Hill council approves rezoning for new housing development project

The project will bring around 600-700 residential units to town

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

CHAPEL HILL — The Chapel Hill Town Council met Feb. 25

with an agenda primarily focusing on two rezoning cases.

The council rst held a hearing for a conditional rezoning request for approximately 45 acres of property located at 860 Weaver Dairy Road to be rezoned to a Mixed-Use Village Conditional Zoning District in order to develop a mixed-use project.

Takeaways from rst elections of 2026 midterm campaigns

Texas Democrats chose a consensus builder over a rebrand

By Steven Sloan The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The midterms are here.

The project will contain have 500-575 multifamily units, 100-135 townhome units as well as a greenway trail, a ve-story parking structure and a future commercial space. According to EB Capital developer Ernie Brown, who was representing the applicant, the plan is for the western portion

o this year’s midterm elections, along with Texas and Arkansas. Tuesday’s slate of primaries came against the backdrop of the U.S. and Israel attack on Iran, which began over the weekend.

What’s at stake

North Carolina’s election this year could be crucial for determining which party controls the

of the property to contain the multifamily portions, to have mixed-use, nonresidential in the center and then for there to be for sale townhomes on the eastern portion.

“The project aligns with the town goals,” Brown said. “Everything that you guys have in Sub Area D and that is already planned out in the future land map, we feel like this ts within those goals.”

In terms of a ordable housing, the project will o er 10% of the $2.00

The 2026 campaign kicked o Tuesday with high-pro le primary elections in Texas, where Republican Sen. John Cornyn is heading toward a runo vote against state attorney general Ken Paxton. Democrats chose state Rep. James Talarico over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett to be their candidate. For all the focus on Texas, elections in

North Carolina could have a bigger impact on which party ultimately wins the Senate majority in the fall.

In the rst election since President Donald Trump joined Israel in launching dramatic attacks on Iran, there were also contests in Arkansas.

Here are some takeaways from Tuesday night.

Democrats choose their ghter in Texas

By rallying behind Talarico, the party sided with someone who pledged to change Washington while nding consensus.

CRIME LOG

Feb. 23

• Kami Teodora Barrera, 26, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, manufacturing, selling, delivering or possessing with intent a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor child abuse.

Brittany Nicole Johnson, 35, was arrested for identity theft, obtaining property by false pretenses, nancial card fraud and nancial card theft.

Jamie Allis Webster, 39, was arrested for breaking and entering and injury to personal property.

• John Michael Crowell, 48, was arrested for simple assault.

Feb. 24

Kenneth Fredric McIntyre, 40, was arrested for delivering a controlled substance, manufacturing, selling, delivering or possessing with intent a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a park, felony possession of cocaine, conspiracy to sell or deliver cocaine and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance.

Brian Kent Moore, 31, was arrested for violation of pretrial release.

Feb. 25

Justin Davis Phillips, 40, was arrested for driving on a revoked license, resisting a public o cer and additional lighting equipment violation.

Danny Ray Truelove, 71, was arrested for felony stalking and second-degree trespass.

Danny Ray Truelove, 71, was arrested for intimidation and second-degree trespass.

Feb. 26

• Christopher Lee Hamilton, 37, was arrested for rst-degree trespass and communicating threats.

Octavio Leal Delgado Jr., 22, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard, expired registration, expired inspection sticker, driving left of center, failure to maintain lane control and exceeding the posted speed limit.

Silicon Valley homeless prevention program goes national

California

A

homelessness prevention program is expanding across the nation, including Asheville

By Joyce Chu San José Spotlight via AP

A HOMELESSNESS prevention program that began in Santa Clara County is expanding across the country.

Nonpro t Destination: Home is partnering with 10 different organizations across the U.S. to bring rental assistance and case management for people facing eviction, with a goal of helping more than 10,000 families remain stably housed. These organizations span both large and small cities, rural areas and tribal communities in Minnesota, Alaska, Atlanta, Asheville and more. By incubating homelessness prevention pilot programs in various locations, Destination: Home is making the case that prevention is a necessary strategy that can be widely adopted.

“We’ve used the model successfully locally here, but I think it’s a model we can advocate and push for at a larger scale,” Ray Bramson, chief operating o cer at Destination: Home and a San José Spotlight columnist, told San José Spotlight.

In 2017, the nonpro t saw more people in Santa Clara County falling into homelessness. It started a homelessness prevention program to provide rental assistance, case management and supportive services to hundreds of families on the brink of eviction, and received help from private funders to make the work possible.

In 2024, Santa Clara County adopted the program into its own homelessness strategy and scaled it countywide.

MIDTERM from page A1

The 36-year-old state representative’s win over Crockett cements his status as a rising star and will likely make him one of Democrats’ most prominent candidates this year. He campaigned with denunciations of “politics as a blood sport” and an insistence that people want “a return to more timeless values of sincerity and honesty and compassion and respect.”

That was in contrast to Crockett, who gained national fame with her ery style and unabashed antagonism of Trump and other Republicans.

Indeed, the biggest di erences between Talarico and Crockett largely hinged on style rather than policy.

Crockett argued that Democrats need to focus on energizing their base, betting that motivated voters in metropolises like Houston and Dallas could swamp Republicans. Talarico’s campaign, meanwhile, took a more expansive approach, often highlighting his faith in ways that could appeal beyond diehard Democrats.

That style is why many Republicans are worried about Talarico’s candidacy. Though a Democrat hasn’t won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, Talarico’s campaign could prove potent depending on who emerges from the Republican runo .

The election isn’t over for Republicans in Texas

Cornyn and Paxton will keep ghting for the Republican nomination through a May 26 runo .

For Cornyn, the results keep alive his hopes of remaining in the Senate. But it’s still a sign of vulnerability that he couldn’t win the race outright.

Although Cornyn has expressed occasional skepticism of Trump, he has been a reliable ally to the president. Paxton, however, claimed he was more aligned with Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, pulling away support that may have otherwise gone to Cornyn.

Trump didn’t endorse either candidate during the primary, but the results may raise pres-

“We’ve

used the model successfully locally here, but I think it’s a model we can advocate and push for at a larger scale.”

Ray Bramson, Destination: Home chief operating o cer

Since 2017, the program has helped nearly 44,000 people in the county avoid the trauma of living on the streets.

A randomized control trial found 90% of people who received this assistance remained housed two years later, according to data collected by the University of Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities.

Now, Destination: Home is launching the Right at Home initiative to make a case that federal funding should be set aside not only for when people become homeless but before it even starts. It’s raised $77 million so far and will train organizations in the 10 participating cities to adopt its homelessness prevention model.

At least $5 million will be given to each community to serve 1,500 households over the span of ve years, and data will be collected by the Lab for Economic Opportunities. The initiative received funding from Cisco, Sobrato Philanthropies, the Valhalla Foundation and The Audacious Project.

“It’s an incredible opportunity,” David Phillips, director of research with the Lab for Economic Opportunities, told San José Spotlight. “We know there are a very large number of families where a ordability is an issue. When folks become evicted, there are a lot of negative e ects. The big piece of

sure on him to take a side. Republicans in Washington have expressed concern that Paxton, who has well-documented political baggage, may be a weaker candidate in the general election.

Regardless of what happens, expect more cash to be pumped into the race. Cornyn and well-funded allied groups spent at least $64 million in television advertising alone since July.

While the race goes on, one person will be missing: Wesley Hunt. The congressman was a late entry into what had been a head-on contest between Cornyn and Paxton. His presence in the race further divided Republicans, making the runo harder to avoid.

First elections of year weren’t entirely smooth sailing

In two major Texas counties — Dallas and Williamson — there was signi cant confusion over where voters could cast their ballot. For years, they could vote anywhere in the county. But for this primary, the local Republican parties opted against countywide voting.

With state law mandating that both parties have to agree to use the countywide system, voters could only vote at their assigned precinct — forcing many to gure out where exactly that was.

Things quickly turned messy, with lawsuits, changes to voting hours and Democrats calling foul. Crockett called the rule change an “e ort to suppress the vote.” Talarico’s campaign said it was “deeply concerned.”

Political parties run their own primaries in Texas, meaning a repeat of Tuesday’s confusion is unlikely to repeat in November.

But this isn’t happening in a vacuum. Texas is central to Trump’s redistricting e ort to protect Republicans’ narrow majority in the House.

The party has also pushed legislation that would impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements. The bill is a long shot in the Senate but serves as another reminder of Republican e orts to change election rules heading into November.

the goal is to get ahead of the problem.”

Santa Clara County’s program helped resident Desiré Campusano stay a oat. She received rental assistance multiple times over several years through major life transitions, including being in between jobs and when her rent skyrocketed from $1,500 to $2,400 over the course of three years. With help from the program, she was able to remain housed and also received assistance to move into an a ordable apartment.

“It helped me to even be able to move in because I didn’t have any savings whatsoever,” Campusano told San José Spotlight. “So not only did it help me to actually move in and get my stability back, but the case manager followed up and checked in.”

As instability plagues the country and more people fall into poverty due to cuts to welfare programs, Keanna Ward, who was formerly homeless, said this program is essential to creating a safety net for people living paycheck to paycheck.

“We need services and programs like this to help people because there’s a rise in unemployment, especially amongst women,” Ward told San José Spotlight.

A spokesperson for the Sobrato Organization said they believe housing is essential for economic mobility and community belonging.

“While our work is deeply rooted in Silicon Valley, the forces driving housing instability are national in scope,” she told San José Spotlight. “If we are serious about strengthening communities and expanding economic mobility, we must be equally serious about ensuring that families across the country have access to stable housing.”

In addition, any raw feelings could complicate Democrats’ chances later this year. Crockett’s campaign has said she’ll sue over voting problems, and her accusations of voter suppression are important in a state where Black voters are central to any Democratic candidate’s success.

If Talarico has a shot, he will likely need Crockett’s help in encouraging her disappointed supporters to back him.

Critical Senate race takes shape in North Carolina

One of this year’s marquee Senate contests was practically a done deal heading into Tuesday.

Democrat Roy Cooper will face Republican Michael Whatley in a race that’s critical to deciding control of the Senate in November.

Both parties have reason to feel con dent about their chances in the general election.

For Democrats, Cooper is an ideal candidate in one of the most politically competitive states. A former two-term governor, he has proved that he can win statewide elections.

Republicans, meanwhile, are going into the campaign with a candidate who is backed by Trump, an endorsement that could help energize voters during an otherwise challenging year. And as the former chair of the Republican National Committee, Whatley is familiar with party resources and how they can be deployed during a tough campaign.

Still, each candidate must overcome notable challenges. While Democrats like Cooper have been successful in races for governor, they’ve struggled in Senate contests. Whatley will also need to make inroads with moderate or independent voters that may not view Trump’s endorsement as a reason to turn out in November. Trump is the reason this is an open Senate contest in the rst place. His disagreements with the incumbent Republican, Thom Tillis, prompted the two-term senator to decide against reelection. Get ready for what could be a messy race to November — one where spending could hit $1 billion.

CHATHAM happening

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

March 7

Storytelling Workshop 1-5 p.m.

A two-day, eight-hour workshop teaches the craft of public storytelling. Open to ages 18-plus.

Bynum Front Porch

Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

March 10

Baby/Toddler

Storytime

9:30-10 a.m.

Weekly story time for babies and toddlers up to 36 months old.

Chatham Community Library 197 N.C. Highway 87 N Pittsboro

March 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 bimonthly 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.

Bynum Front Porch

Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

March

14

Bluegrass Jam Circle

10 a.m. to noon

This free acoustic jam session is open to musicians and singers of all ages and skill levels. There is no admission fee, and the public is welcome to attend.

Front Porch, Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

U.S. Army Chief Warrant O cer Eric Slover receives the Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., last Tuesday.

Army pilot from Fort Bragg awarded Medal of Honor

He su ered four gunshot wounds while landing his helicopter in Venezuela

By Konstantin Toropin

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

A helicopter pilot wounded in the raid that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro received the Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address last Tuesday evening.

Trump said Army Chief Warrant O cer 5 Eric Slover, who appeared using a walker, was the pilot of the lead CH- 47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the “heavily protected military fortress” where Maduro was staying. The raid, while successful, left seven U.S. service members with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries.

“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns red from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another,” Trump said, adding that Slover “absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.”

Months of covert planning led to the brazen operation that plunged the South American country’s capital into darkness as troops in ltrated Maduro’s home and whisked him to the United States to face drug trafcking charges.

Trump’s description of Slover’s actions that night offer a new, detailed glimpse into the military action that has been largely shrouded in secrecy since it was carried out in the early hours of Jan. 3.

As Slover prepared to land his helicopter, he was confronted with “two machine gunners

“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat.”

President

Donald Trump

who escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” according to Trump.

“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat,” Trump said, “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.”

The president said “the success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain.”

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented Slover with the Medal of Honor in the gallery overlooking the House chamber.

Slover, 45, was in his dress uniform and used a walker to steady himself.

Trump said the soldier was still recovering from his wounds.

Lt. Col. Allie Scott, a spokeswoman for Army Special Operations Command, told The Associated Press last Wednesday that Slover enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2005 and, after completing basic training, attended Warrant O cer Candidate School and ight school, where he became a Chinook pilot.

Scott would not provide any further details on the units

Slover had been assigned to during his Army service.

But, in his career of more than 20 years, Slover was given multiple prestigious awards for his service. They include two Distinguished Flying Crosses — including one with a V Device for valor — two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Medals, among other awards and decorations, according to records provided by Scott.

Slover was awarded one of his Distinguished Flying Crosses just several years into his service while deployed to Afghanistan, according to a unit magazine available online. Slover, then serving with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, part of the 82nd Airborne Division, was one of six aviators to receive the prestigious award for “acts of heroism during aviation operations in southern Afghanistan” at Kandahar air eld, according to the January 2010 issue.

Slover’s records also say he has been awarded a Purple Heart.

Trump said 10 other service members who took part in the operation will be receiving medals at a private ceremony soon to be held at the White House.

The military typically shies away from publicly identifying service members who serve in special operations units, often going so far as to blur faces of troops undergoing training for admission into the elite units.

In addition to Slover, Trump also presented the Medal of Honor to retired Capt. E. Royce Williams, a Navy pilot who shot down multiple Soviet jets during the Korean War, upgrading his existing award of a Navy Cross.

Trump called the 100-yearold former ghter pilot “one of the last living legends.”

Church News

OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

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

March 8 – Jonathan Manning

March 15 – Chance Walters

March 22 – John Hill

March 29 – John Strider

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.

from page A1

market rate multifamily units and 15% of the market rate townhome units.

The multifamily units will be reserved for households earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI) while at least 50% of the a ordable townhome units will be reserved for households making 65% or less of the AMI and all the units will be integrated within the community as well.

Furthermore, according to town sta , the applicant had a tree survey done and are committed to protecting select specimens along the eastern property line and also had a downstream impact analysis done as well.

“We worked with the applicant to complete a downstream impact analysis, and it demonstrated that there would be no negative impacts to downstream properties,” said LongRange Planning Manager Tas Lagoo.

Council members did express concerns, however, with the location of the multifamily housing, potential stormwater impacts and the potential open-endedness regarding the commercial section.

“It’s possible that it remains undeveloped if that’s what the market pushes it to do,” Lagoo said.

However, the council approved the rezoning by an 8-1 vote, with most of the council members agreeing that the need for housing in the area was the more important matter.

“This is the third or fourth plan we’ve seen for this site, and I am very grateful for the work to more closely align this with

It’s possible that it remains undeveloped, if that’s what the market pushes it to do.

Tas Lagoo, long-range planning manager

our complete community strategy,” said Mayor Jessica Anderson. “We went through a very long process to gure out what we need for the health of the community all around. Housing, and for sale housing, is really, really important.”

The second hearing was for property located at 1165 Weaver Dairy Road to go to Mixed Use Village Conditional Zoning District to allow for both residential and nonresidential development.

The project proposes four to 12 residential units plus a nonresidential use between two buildings.

“That would allow this inll site to act as a transition between nonresidential along Weaver Dairy Road and the residential neighborhoods to the south southeast,” said Landscape Architect Wendy Ramsden with Thomas & Hutton.

“The original request was just for commercial use, but through conversations with sta , we did suggest that they add this residential component to better align to the complete community goals,” said Senior Planner Katherine Shor.

Following the hearing, the council approved the request.

The Chapel Hill Town Council will next meet March 18.

or

young man will be

attend the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a young woman will be selected to attend the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at N.C. State University in Raleigh.

To be eligible to apply, the student must be in the sixth or seventh grade during the upcoming school year, have permission from a parent or guardian to attend the overnight camp and must provide their own transportation if selected to attend.

Scan the QR code or visit CEMCPower.com for more information or to apply. e deadline for applications to both camps is March 31.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

A prayerful imagination

In prayer, we imagine what the world might be like as a more peaceful and just place.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 is the World Day of Prayer. This observance began in 1861 by a group of Christian women in the United States and Canada. By the early 20th century, several denominations had joined the movement, and in 1920, the gathering was led for the rst time by Christians outside of North America. Today, World Day of Prayer is an international organization. Women have always led, and anyone can participate.

I appreciate the international, multiethnic leadership. Many people pray to an image of God that re ects their culture and heritage. We must be vigilant to refrain from making God in our image. In any language, the word for “God” refers to more and greater than we can imagine.

I think prayer is about the imagination. Not that I think a Higher Power is a gment of the mind. In prayer, however,

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

we imagine what the world might be like as a more peaceful and just place.

Nigerian women are leading the World Day of Prayer this year. Their country has been in the news due to the violence wrought by militias, some of them Islamic terrorists. Last Christmas, the United States bombed the northwest section of Nigeria.

Of course, our national attention is currently upon Iran and the Middle East, where a new war is raging as I write. We cry out to God for the innocent lives lost, including more than 100 girls at an elementary school in Minab, Iran.

Prayer should neither deny nor distract us from such tragedy. Neither will prayer somehow magically take away the grief.

But prayer is akin to magic, for it can soften our hard edges toward one another. I pray for the troubles and su ering in the world, and I become a

Natural cousin technology

is the best of all kinds

I’m not saying all this to just talk about my crowd and how great we may or may not have been because there was a mixed bag of us.

FROM TIME TO TIME in this space, I have ranted about the advent and increased use of and dependency upon technology. It’s not so much that technology itself is bad; rather, it’s how we use it that makes it a good thing or not a good thing.

For instance, I’m very grateful for the technology that existed that let a cardiac surgeon a few years ago stop my heart, put it on the bypass machine, tinker with it and then kick-start it running again. That’s a good thing.

But some of the garbage and lth that exists on the dark side and how some technology is corrupting our citizens and nations … well, that’s a bad thing.

Technology is a big umbrella covering a host of activities. One of those is arti cial intelligence (AI). You and I both know some folks lacking in native intelligence who might be helped by a dose of arti cial. But the horror stories of AI gadgets creating their own language and taking over the world aren’t all fairy tales.

Another is cloning — you know, when cells and DNA from good folks like Albert Einstein are used to produce another one of him. But what about if someone from the Evil Empire got hold of Adolf Hitler’s and made another him. It’s in that area of cloning that I want to land for a second. We’ve had cloning in the South — and remember South is a place while north is a direction — for years. We call it “cousins.”

And we’re all, as the Book says, uniquely and wonderfully and fearfully made. And that’s what makes it so good

and better than merely replicating the same thing.

In my few short years, I was blessed with a boatload of cousins, at least that’s what it seemed like when I was a mere lad. Today, as I count them, they total 21 on my mama’s side and when you throw in me and my two brothers — that makes 24, a signi cant number of us. While I do have cousins on my daddy’s side, they lived in Georgia and Alabama, and I saw them not often, much to my regret, which meant we didn’t grow up near one another, which meant there were few childhood memories and experiences.

We local cousins were boys and girls, di erent ages, di erent interests and locales, lots of di erences. But our common denominator was we were “kin.” And while we were di erent, we were the same. No need — or desire — to copy one of us to make another.

We played together; shared meals at the di erent homes; some went to school together, grew up together, shared the ups and downs of life together. And we grew older; took wives and husbands, had families and grand-families. We buried our parents and aunts and uncles and said “goodbye” to the last one of those just a few years ago.

Now we’re really growing older . . . and we’re losing more of us. There’s a picture on the bookcase in my study I look at from time to time. There were 18 of us gathered for a cousin photo at an uncle’s funeral. It wasn’t that long ago. Four of us weren’t there because of distance; another had a schedule con ict; and another was the rst of us to slip away.

A few days ago, I learned from a cousin

kinder, more empathetic responder to the pain around me, including those who don’t look like me, talk like me or even speak my language.

Despite the devastating and tragic evidence around us, prayer enables us to envision a kingdom of heaven on earth that surpasses nation-states and political power. We pray to be reminded that we have more that connects us than divides us. We pray to be gathered in a community that transcends any country. We pray to treat one another as siblings. We pray for the help of the divine and for the divine to help through us. May all God’s children say, Amen.

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

in the picture that another one of us in that picture had crossed the great divide and it wasn’t expected.

We buried him the other day, and I had an opportunity to say a few words at his funeral. I remembered and spoke of how when we were boys and his family came to visit, I would hide my toys and comic books because he was, shall we say, enthusiastic in his approach to them. I remember his mother, my aunt, saying from time to time — jokingly, I think — that if he, the third in her children’s birth order, had been rst, then there might not have been a two or three in her fold. The good news of his life is he outgrew all that and became a solid, faith-driven contribution to family and society. His passing brings our total of 24 down to 15 now, meaning there’s about 60% of us left. There are days when that’s how I feel about me, that there’s about 60% of me left. But both the challenge and opportunity in life is to keep on keeping on.

I’m not saying all this to just talk about my crowd and how great we may or may not have been because there was a mixed bag of us. However, we were still family and loved one another and still do. Rather, I’m saying if you’ve got some of these folks called “cousins” then you’ve got an ace in the hole. Love ’em; cherish ’em; spend time with ’em. They’re natural technology. That’s the best kind.

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 unquenchable thirst

Everything is “courtesy of Amazon” these days. It’s like kudzu, the non-native, all-consuming, vine and its wholesale devouring of greenery in the South.

I’M INHERENTLY LAZY. If I can nd an easy route to getting things done, I’m there. If someone o ers help, in whatever capacity, I smilingly stand aside. Oh, and there’s my insatiable, driving, curiosity about almost everything. Everything. An unquenchable thirst. I need to know, and now!

My languorous approach to life, combined with a deep curiosity about everything, may explain why Google came close to being welcomed into my chosen family. Chosen? A person, um, thing, or whatever, I turn to when this hungry info -holic is in dire need. Uh-oh, is there such a thing as an info-holic? Actually, I think I’ll just skip right over this one. I have enough issues to deal with.

We nally arrive at Alexa, our destination, my AI voice-activated unit, courtesy of Amazon. OMG, everything is “courtesy of Amazon” these days. It’s like kudzu, the non-native, all-consuming, vine and its wholesale devouring of greenery in the South.

Alexa, so sorry I deserted you for a moment! Returning …

As an outcome of my native indolence and deep curiosity, Alexa was fast-approaching chosen family status. I recently said “thank you” to Alexa for having responded to one of my questions. As a sidebar, my mother’s childhood etiquette rules nurture my automatic re ex of being polite to all, she/he/they/ it, inclusive of Alexa. I even share thank

yous with dogs who respond obediently to commands. Well trained (me, not the dog.) Sorry. I’ve once again strayed from Alexa, our star turn of this essay. “Your kindness really gives me a charge,” so sayeth Alexa, to my thanks, for answering a question. My “kindness” gives Alexa a charge? Jeez, that sounded rather like a seductive statement to me. The hairs on the neck of this former social worker stood straight up. Who, in the heck, programmed that statement?

My trusting, lazy and deeply curious nature felt a bit like she’d been taken! Oh, right, my “kindness really gives Alexa a charge!” Jeez! I’d fallen prey — hook, line and curiosity — to the seductive amenities of Alexa.

Can I trust Alexa, a product of this newly burgeoning AI intelligence industry? (I really, really want to!) However, Alexa’s seductive siren of a statement, regarding my kindness, gives me the willies. (No, I don’t know what the willies are, but looking it up will be our mutual homework assignment.)

But, but ... I wanna use AI! Please! Pretty please?

What to do? For the moment, I’m staring out my living room window at nature’s bounty, con dent that particular beauty is not digital but absolutely real. The rest? This all-too-human person doesn’t know the answer to that yet. Stay tuned.

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

Supreme Court throws out Trump tari s and upholds Constitution

SO MUCH FOR the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. That is a frequently voiced charge by partisan Democrats, and a fear of many ambivalent voters who nd many of Trump’s policies agreeable but worry about his overreach on policy and personnel.

That’s one political meme refuted by the court’s Learning Resources v. Trump decision last Friday, announced after more than the expected delay for the drafting of concurring opinions. The court struck down Trump’s beloved tari s, with only one Republican-appointed justice taking the president’s side while the majority consisted of three Republican-appointed and three Democratic-appointed justices.

Such a result should not have surprised those with some appreciation of Supreme Court history. Franklin Roosevelt, after seeing several of his New Deal programs ruled unconstitutional and after unsuccessfully urging Congress to pack the court with new justices, nally ended up lling eight of the court’s nine seats.

That didn’t stop a bench of Democratic appointees from disapproving of Democratic President Harry Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel plants during the Korean War in a case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, cited 15 times by the Learning Resources justices.

Justices newly appointed in times when Supreme Court decisions are subjects of partisan disputes tend to agree on contemporary issues. But in time, new problems arise, to which they turn out to have di erences. And even animosity: Some of the Roosevelt appointees even stopped speaking to each other.

One such issue brought forward by Trump’s election and reelection is the tari . There’s a strong argument that the president’s view that trade de cits impoverish the country and tari s enrich it is delusional. Alexander Hamilton backed tari s not so much to foster infant industries but because they were the easiest tax to collect with the 18th-century technology.

William McKinley, often cited by Trump as a tari advocate, delivered a speech in September 1901, just days before he was shot, calling for reduced tari s. He recognized U.S. industry was no longer as infantile as the United States became the world’s No. 1 steel producer. Later in the century, congressional Republicans kept backing tari packages as a form of pork barrel patronage for local interests and to hold the party together. But Republican presidents, educated in free-market economics in elite colleges (Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Stanford), sought, with limited success, to hold rates down.

Learning Resources doesn’t prevent Trump from using other tari laws, but they, as Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion of the court notes, “contain various combinations of procedural prerequisites, required agency determinations and limits.” That means he wouldn’t have, in the chief justice’s evidently irritated phrasing, “the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tari s of unlimited amount, duration and scope.”

Such capricious policymaking, with enormous economic consequences, has few precedents except for what historian Amity Shlaes describes as Roosevelt’s daily settings of gold prices during several months in 1933.

Learning Resources, as anti-Trump conservative David French wrote in The New York Times, “may prove to be the most important Supreme Court case this century” because it forti es the “major questions doctrine,” celebrated in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s extraordinary 46-page concurrence.

The major questions doctrine is drawn from the constitutional architecture: Article I authorizes Congress to pass laws, Article II authorizes the president to take care that they be faithfully executed.

It follows that a president can’t rummage around in the statute books, searching for some language — or, as in this case, two words separated by 16 words — that somehow can be interpreted, though no one has interpreted them that way before, to authorize him to do what he wants to do. On major questions, it must be clear Congress has already done that.

The Supreme Court, with majorities made up of Republican appointees, used the major questions doctrine to overturn major Biden administration policies — cancellation of student loans (based on authorization to “waive or modify” them), eviction moratorium (based on preventing “transmission of communicable diseases”) and vaccine mandate (based on “safety and healthy work conditions”).

In a 46-page concurring opinion, Gorsuch argues that his three Democratic-appointed colleagues are wielding the major questions doctrine against the Trump tari s, though they say they’re not, and they were unwilling to use it against Biden policies. He argues the three dissenting Republican-appointed justices should have agreed that the major questions doctrine requires overturning the tari s. He argues that Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who voted to overturn tari s, should have relied more explicitly on the doctrine.

Is this evidence of the kind of discord that divided the Roosevelt-appointed justices so many years ago? Maybe, and the justices don’t seem as collegial now as they did before someone — a liberal justice’s law clerk? — leaked a draft of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

But the thrust of Gorsuch’s concurrence is that the justices are functionally in agreement with the major questions doctrine, even if they’re uncomfortable saying so. Perhaps it was written to undercut arguments by the liberal law professoriate that the major questions doctrine is defunct.

Or, as Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith puts it, Learning Resources “signals more clearly than ever that, going forward, this Court is going to view broad delegations of statutory authority to act, and/or extravagant presidential interpretations of authority to act, with skepticism.”

It’s hard for Congress to set policy as explicitly as the major questions doctrine seems to require when the two parties have signi cant disagreements, are in close competition, and are disincentivized to accept compromise when they reasonably hope that the next presidential election will give them the White House and congressional majorities.

That has been the situation for the last 30 -some years, in which Democrats have won most presidential elections and Republicans have usually won majorities in the House of Representatives. It was also the case for the 30-some years after the Civil War, when policy di erences and partisan bitterness were greater than they are today.

But after three decades, new issues arose and new voter coalitions emerged. Sooner or later, that will happen again.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration may search the statute books for verbiage it can use to justify some limited tari authority, just as the Biden administration searched the statute books to nd verbiage to justify some limited student loan forgiveness.

But the Supreme Court, regardless of partisan labels, seems ready to use the major questions doctrine to limit the billions of dollars that can be raised or spent without some clear authorization in laws passed by Congress. And someday a president will gure out how to persuade Congress to pass laws authorizing all or some of what she or he wants.

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)

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

War should never be taken lightly; not even if your cause is righteous

AMERICANS HAVE good-faith concerns about the attacks on the Islamist regime in Iran. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic cultists in Iran are our enemy — and that matters.

The Islamic Republic’s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended.

From the early 1980s, Iran’s proxy army of Hezbollah killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the early 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered more than 600 Americans with IEDs. Iran has been killing Americans.

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli.

The Iranians twice reportedly hatched plots to assassinate Trump in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks and for stealing aerospace, tech and satellite data.

Yet both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backward for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East and murdering Americans.

But the most important question right now isn’t what Iran’s done. It’s what it would do if it had nukes.

Iran’s Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won’t act more aggressively and violently toward the “Great Satan” when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans?

Some people point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it’s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military e orts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful.

Never once will any of Iran’s Western propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact.

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again.

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it’s welcome to it.

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn’t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any o ce by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as “the most wicked, sinister enemy.” Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements. Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world’s policemen, but we also can’t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is “America can’t do a damn thing against us.”

But that isn’t the case, is it?

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

obituaries

Patricia “Pat”

Collins Perry

Jan. 11, 1950 – Feb. 16, 2026

Patricia “Pat” Collins Perry, 76, of Siler City, passed away on Monday, February 16th, 2026, in Pittsboro.

Pat was born on January 11th, 1950, to the late William Franklin and Dorothy Raye Vann Collins. She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 42

Charlie Isaac Carpenter Jr.

July 28, 1945 –Feb. 24, 2026

Charlie Isaac Carpenter Jr., 80, of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Turner’s Chapel Church, where he was a member, with Pastor Patrick Neal and Pastor Steve Johnson presiding.

The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. Charlie was born in Lee County on July 28, 1945

Jan. 29, 1936 –Feb. 26, 2026

Louise Brown Womble, 90, of Siler City, died Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Louise was born in Randolph County on January 29, 1936, to Clyde Z. Brown and Daisy Coble Brown. She was a sewer at Kellwood Hosiery for many years. She loved spending time with her family.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Sandra McNeill;

years, Jerry “Pete” Lee Perry. Pat worked in the hospitality eld as a hotel manager for many years. Pat liked to garden and travel in her spare time. She loved her dog, Gracie.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Smith and her husband, Paul of Fayetteville; her grandson, Matt Drake and his wife, Allison of Portland, OR; her granddaughter, Emily Cross and her husband, Ryan of Fayetteville; and her great grandchildren, Liam and Levi.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at 11 am, at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Services will be o ciated by Reverend Mitchel Simpson. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Perry family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

to Charlie Isaac Carpenter Sr. and Elsie Douglas Carpenter. He was a lifelong master mechanic, specializing in auto racing. Charlie was known for his honesty and integrity at Carpenter’s Saw & Mower Co. He enjoyed his horses and shing. He adored and cherished each moment with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Tucker. Charlie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bettie Sineath Carpenter; daughter, Robin C. Gatten (Loren), of Sanford; sons, Glenn Keith Carpenter (JoAnn), of Sanford; Frank Chance Carpenter (Meagan), of Sanford; sisters, Elizabeth Kelly, of Sanford and Lynda Donovan (Billy), of Sanford; ten grandchildren; twelve greatgrandchildren and a host of family and friends. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Turner’s Chapel Cemetery Fund, 1344 Colon Rd., Sanford, NC 27330. Condolences may be o ered online at www.joycebradychapel. com. Joyce-Brady Chapel is honored to serve the Carpenter family.

grandson, Forrest T. McNeill; brothers, Richard Brown and wife, Anne, Bobby Brown and wife, Sherry, and Jimmy Brown and wife, Pam; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Earl Womble; brothers, Ernest, Vernon, Frank and Clyde Brown; and son-in-law, Tommy McNeill.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6pm-8pm at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 2pm, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church with the burial following in the church cemetery with Rev. Don Edwards o ciating.

In lieu of owers the family request memorials be made to the Pleasant Grove Christian Church Cemetery fund in memory of Louise. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Womble family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

IN MEMORY

BENNER HENRY STINSON JR. MAY 3, 1958 – FEB. 26, 2026

Benner Henry Stinson Jr., 67, of Goldston, died Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Henry was born in Chatham County on May 3, 1958, to the late Benner Henry Stinson Sr. and Evangeline Davis Stinson. He was a poultry and cattle farmer. He loved to ride motorcycles and taking his dogs along with him in the s by s. Anytime a Clint East Wood movie was on Henry would be watching.

Henry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Margaret S. Stinson; two sons, Christopher Henry Stinson and wife, Teirtre of Sanford and Victor Henry Stinson and wife Kendall of Goldston; grandchildren, Cayson-Torin, Evelyn-Adeline, and John Henry; three sisters, Gayle Daniel and husband, W. Earl Daniel Jr., Cindy White and husband, Je rey, and Angela Stinson; and several nieces and nephews.

Clarice

Andrews Harris

Feb. 16, 1944 – Feb. 26, 2026

Clarice Andrews Harris, 82, of Siler City, passed away

John Jabbusch

Oct. 22, 1952 –Feb. 28, 2026

John Jabbusch, 73, of Siler City passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026. John lived a life de ned by curiosity, service, and an entrepreneurial spirit grounded in lifelong learning. Born in Birmingham, AL, he was the son of Art and Virginia Jabbusch, formerly of Siler City. From an early age, John showed a fascination with how things worked—an interest that would shape both his career and his legacy.

A 1971 graduate of JordanMatthews High School, John went on to attend UNC Chapel Hill, where he majored in Chemistry. His desire to serve his country led him to the United States Navy, where he served

Leonard Jr.

Sept. 8, 1953 – Feb. 23, 2026

Dr. Ralph Howard Leonard Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor, colleague and friend passed away on February 23, 2026, at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Ralph was born on September 8, 1953 in Siler City, NC and was raised in the Quaker faith in the small community of Bonlee. He graduated from Chatham Central High School in 1971, where he had played football and served as Student Body President. Ralph went on to receive his BS degree in Biology at Appalachian State University and returned to Chatham Central to teach for two years. In 1977 he went back to ASU and earned a Master’s degree in Biology, and in 1978 married his college sweetheart, Mary Gray Melton. The couple moved to Asheville, NC, where Ralph taught biology to nursing and dental assisting students at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute for three years. In 1981, after the birth of their son, Brooks, Ralph made the decision that would shape the rest of his life—to attend Dental School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dental School was challenging but proved to be the perfect choice. Ralph and Mary Gray made many lifelong friends while Ralph was a student and welcomed their daughter, Laura, in 1984. Ralph received his DDS

peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Clarice had many health issues that she battled for several years: melanoma, kidney disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Clarice was born February 16, 1944, in Chatham County to the late Harold Edwin and Elsie Imogene Frazier Andrews. She attended Meroney Methodist Church and attended faithfully when she was able. Clarice was an employee in the Child Nutrition Dept. in the Chatham County School System for 24 years. Clarice enjoyed spending time with family and friends over the years often for birthday gatherings. She loved outdoor plants and reading. She was dearly loved by so many.

from 1975 to 1981. Trained in Advanced Electronics as a Data Systems Technician, he attained the rank of DS1 and served in intelligence processing roles aboard two aircraft carriers, the USS Saratoga and the USS Eisenhower, experiences that blended his love of technology, problem-solving, and service.

Following his military career, John worked for Intergraph Corporation based in Huntsville, Alabama, before deciding to build something of his own. In 1984, he founded Carolina Advanced Digital, Inc. (CAD). What began as an entrepreneurial vision grew into a premier provider of secure IT solutions and services, ultimately focused exclusively on supporting U.S. federal customers. John remained actively involved as CEO throughout his life, proud of the company, its people, and its mission.

John believed strongly in sharing knowledge and supporting his community. He taught one of the earliest continuing ed computer classes at Central Carolina Community College, helping introduce students to a rapidly changing technological world. He was also active in the Chatham County Small Business Association in its early years and was a

degree in 1985 and stayed on at the Dental School for a twoyear appointment. He then worked in private practice in Siler City for two years. Dr. Leonard began as full-time faculty at the School of Dentistry in 1989 where he taught students in the DDS, graduate and allied health programs, treated patients and conducted research on tooth whitening and dental unit waterline safety. While working, he also earned a Master’s degree in Public Health in 1994. He lectured extensively across the country on continuing dental education topics, including tooth whitening, public health and infection control. In 1998 he became the Director of the Dental Faculty Practice at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2017. Then, unable to give up his passion for the profession and the people, Dr. Leonard returned to work part time and soon became the interim director of the Dental Faculty Practice, continuing in that role until his death. Throughout his career, Dr. Leonard accrued many recognitions and honors including numerous awards from sta , students and professional organizations. He won the Dental Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award and held the Jim and Isabel Harrell Distinguished Professorship in Family Dentistry. Dr. Leonard was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Society and the North Carolina Dental Society and was a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, the Academy of Dentistry International and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Ralph was a beloved member of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry family for 40 years and made an immeasurable impact on those who knew and were cared for by him.

Ralph was universally known for his kindness and generosity, his humor and his great smile. He made cherished friendships at University United Methodist

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.

Clarice is survived by her daughter, Melissa Harris Cooper and son-in-law, James A. Cooper; brother, Darrell Andrews; and several nieces, cousins and special friends.

Clarice is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Wayne Harris; and sister, Doris. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11AM at Meroney Methodist Church with Linda Yow and Bob Wachs o ciating. After the burial in the church cemetery the family would like friends to visit with them in the fellowship hall. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Harris family.

member of NCMS, a professional security group focused on cybersecurity and classi cation for federal agencies involved in national security. John’s love of Halloween inspired him to host an annual party for many years, featuring elaborate outdoor decorations he programmed to feature animation and synchronized to music.

Above all, John valued family and enduring friendships. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Jabbusch; his daughter, Jennifer Jabbusch, and her ancé Jonathan Davis (JD) of Cary; and his longtime friend, Michelle Dziengel. Those who knew him will remember his intellect, humor, loyalty, and deep passions—for space exploration, espionage history, and scuba diving.

There will be no public service, with the family holding a private celebration of his life. In keeping with John’s wishes and lifelong interests, the family will honor him with a launch of his ashes into Earth orbit, as well as a United States Navy burial at sea—a tting tribute to a man whose life bridged innovation, service, and adventure.

Smith & Buckner Funeral home is assisting the Jabbusch family.

Online condolences may be made at smithbucknerfh.com

Church in Chapel Hill where he served for many years as a Head Usher and, most recently, on the Board of Trustees. He enjoyed woodworking, photography and gardening, giving away so many vegetables that he said people ran in the opposite direction when they saw him coming. But above all he enjoyed being with his family, whom he loved so dearly. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Betty Stone Leonard, his sister, Janet Leonard Walters and his brother-in-law Victor Cardello. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues, and especially by his family who include his wife of 47 years, Mary Gray Leonard; son Brooks Leonard and his wife, Jean; daughter Laura Leonard Clark and her husband, Mike; six grandchildren: Henry and Charles Leonard and Olivia, Mary, Alex and Magnolia Clark; two nieces, Michelle Evans (husband Matt, children Nova and Keller) and Nichole Conrad (husband Josh, children Shakel and Titus); and his brother-in-law Robert Melton. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill.

The family suggests that in lieu of owers, any donations be sent to one of the following:

The University United Methodist Church Building and Facility Fund. Gifts may be mailed to 150 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or made online at universityumc.church

(please indicate “In Memory of Ralph H. Leonard Jr.”); or The Dental Foundation of North Carolina at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in support of the Dr. Ralph H. Leonard Jr. Scholarship. Gifts may be mailed to the address below or made online at go.unc.edu/DFNC (please indicate “In Memory of Dr. Ralph H. Leonard Jr.”). Dental Foundation of NC

Attn: Sarah Huppert 1090 First Dental Building Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Je Galloway, who inspired people with run-walk-run method, dead at 80

His strategy made marathons accessible to everyday runners

By Ed White The Associated Press

JEFF GALLOWAY, a mem-

ber of the 1972 U.S. Olympic team who for decades inspired elite athletes and countless everyday runners by promoting a run-walk-run strategy, whether in a marathon or just a neighborhood jog, died Wednesday at age 80.

Galloway had a hemorrhagic stroke and died at a hospital in Pensacola, Florida, daughter-in-law Carissa Galloway said.

His in uence was evident in the nal days of his life: Throngs of people posted videos online, hoping for Galloway’s recovery from emergency neurosurgery and thanking him for advice that boosted their con dence and took them to race starting lines.

Galloway’s family announced the surgery Feb. 20 and invited the public to express support.

Jim Vance, an elite endurance sports consultant in San Diego, said Galloway was a “pioneer” in getting people to run.

“He removed the barrier to entry, which was mostly men-

tal,” Vance told The Associated Press. “Running isn’t supposed to be a su er-fest. It should be something peaceful, something enjoyable, so people can enjoy running and not dread it.”

Galloway survived heart failure in 2021 and was still hoping to complete another marathon after logging more than 230 during his lifetime.

“My mission now, at the age of 80-plus, is to show that people can do things that are normally not done, and can do them safely,” he told The New York Times in December.

Galloway’s run-walk-run method began in 1974 when he agreed to teach a running class through Florida State University, two years after competing in the 10,000 meters at the Olympics. He gured it might attract customers to Phidippides, his new store for runners.

“None had done any running for at least ve years. So we started walking with a few one-minute jogs,” Galloway said on his website.

“I spent some time with each group, during the runs, to adjust the frequency of walk breaks so that no one was hu ng and puing — even at the end,” he said. “Walk breaks kept the groups together. Everyone passed thenal exam: nishing either a 5K or a 10K with smiles on their faces.”

Galloway believed walking during a run reduced the risk of injury, conserved energy and kept con dence a oat.

“I’ve been using them ever since,” he said, “continuing to ne-tune the ratios of running to walking based upon pace per mile and individual needs.”

And Galloway even had his own recipe. He walked through every water station during the 1980 Houston marathon and nished with a faster time, 2:16:35, than his previous run-only 26.2-mile races, the Times reported.

He shared his running philosophies through books, websites and retreats. Galloway was the o cial training consultant for runDisney, a series of races at Walt Disney Co. resorts, and would be among the runners. Many admirers went online to o er tributes after his recent surgery.

“I never thought I would be a runner. I never thought I’d run a half marathon,” Karen Bock-Losee of Jacksonville, Florida, said in a video. “I’m 70 years old, and I’ve run several since my 60th birthday when I discovered Galloway running. I just want to say thank you.”

Susan Williams recalled seeing Galloway as she struggled toward the end of a half marathon in Murray, Kentucky, in

2011.

“You passed me, and my butt was cramping,” she said. “You turned around and came back. You talked me through it. It was awesome.”

Bobby McGee, a Colorado-based running coach, said Galloway’s run-walk-run approach made running more ac-

SENATE from page A1

U.S. Senate, where Republicans currently have the majority. The seat is open because Tillis decided to retire after clashing with Trump and the president threatened to support a primary challenger. Political experts say a typhoon of outside money could make it the most expensive Senate race in U.S. history, perhaps reaching $1 billion.

Many Democrats see Cooper, who served two terms as governor and has been successful in state politics for decades, as the party’s best shot at victory. Democrats think their most likely path to regaining the Senate majority includes winning in North Carolina, Maine, Alaska and Ohio.

Whatley promises to keep pushing Trump’s agenda if elected, one that he says has cut taxes and spending and restored U.S. military might.

“His leadership has changed our country, and I am proud to stand with him in the ght to secure our border, to strengthen our economy and put America rst,” Whatley said while giving his nomination acceptance speech in Charlotte. Moments later in his own speech in Raleigh, Cooper said in ation, tari s and threats of health care cuts attributed to Republican policies are hurting North Carolina residents.

“These are not ordinary times. Everyday people are being left behind,” Cooper said. “And we see the chaos that’s coming out of Washington only making it worse.”

Voters weigh in

Some primary voters say Congress needs Democratic control as a counterweight to Trump and what they consider disastrous policies.

“I just think we’re not headed in the right direction as a country, so I needed to express that opinion,” said Shailendra Prakash, 65, of Raleigh, an una liated voter who chose to vote in the Democratic primary on Tuesday and picked Cooper. “My hope is that it needs to ip.” Republican voter Lisa Weaver, 64, of Apex, said she was picking Whatley because “he’s in tune with the issues that we care most about” and would assist the president.

“It’s not that I love everything that Trump does, but I do believe in the framework that he is o ering for our country,” Weaver said.

Cooper, Whatley already campaigning against each other

A Democrat hasn’t won a Senate race in North Caro-

cessible to the masses.

“When a group of people in any kind of run — from marathons to fun runs — get together afterwards they talk about their time,” McGee said. “Nobody asks them if they ran the whole thing.”

Galloway is survived by two sons and six grandchildren.

lina since 2008. Meanwhile, Cooper, 68, hasn’t lost a North Carolina election going back to rst running for the state House in the mid-1980s, leading to 16 years as attorney general and eight as governor through 2024.

Whatley, 57, previously worked in President George W. Bush’s administration, for then-North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole and as an energy lobbyist.

Whatley, Trump and other Republicans have blistered Cooper on criminal justice matters, accusing him of promoting soft-on-crime policies while governor. They’ve repeatedly highlighted last August’s fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light-rail train. Trump identi ed Zarutska’s mother in attendance at last week’s State of the Union address.

The fall election will be “a choice between a conservative champion for North Carolina, who will be an ally for President Trump in the Senate, or a champion for the failed policies of the left,” Whatley said Tuesday night.

Cooper told reporters recently that his career has been about “prosecuting violent criminals and keeping thousands of them behind bars.”

In turn, Cooper and his allies have centered campaign attacks on Whatley’s allegiance to the president, with Cooper calling Whatley an “out-of-touch D.C. insider.”

Repeating recent comments, Cooper said Tuesday night that if elected he would be a “strong, independent senator who will work with this president when I can and stand up to him when the people need me to.”

Buckhout heads to U.S. House rematch with Davis

Primary elections were also held Tuesday in all but one of North Carolina’s U.S. House districts.

In the northeastern 1st Congressional District, Laurie Buckhout defeated four other candidates competing for the GOP nomination and will face Democratic Rep. Don Davis in a rematch of their 2024 general election that Davis won by less than 2 percentage points.

Since then, the Republican-controlled General Assembly altered the district as part of Trump’s multistate redistricting campaign ahead of the 2026 elections to retain the House. A now more right-leaning 1st District covers all or parts of 25 counties.

Republicans currently hold 10 of the state’s 14 U.S. House districts.

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NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed on the 26th day of February, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Don Eugene Tucker aka Don E. Tucker, deceased, of Chatham County does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before June 10th, 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 5th day of March, 2026. Janet E. Tucker Executor of the Estate of Don Eugene Tucker aka Don E. Tucker c/o J Alan Campbell Law PO Box 850 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919-451-5441

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of MARGARET KAY HIRSCHMAN HICKS, late of Chatham County, North Carolina (26E000085-180), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 29th day of May, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 26th day of February 2026. Charles Hirschman Administrator of the Estate of Margaret Kay Hirschman Hicks c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 02/26, 03/05, 03/12, 03/19/2026)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Sandra G. Funk aka Sandra Gail Funk, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 19th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 19th day of February, 2026.

SARAH ELIZABETH TILLMAN, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF SANDRA G. FUNK AKA SANDRA GAIL FUNK

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA Chatham COUNTY

26E000098-180

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Frankye Carlene Spiller, deceased, late of Chatham County, NC, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 5th day of March, 2026. Patricia Diane Bonvissuto, Executor c/o Hemphill Gelder, PC PO Box 97035 Raleigh, NC 27624-7035 Pub dates: 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, and 3/26/2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000097-180

The undersigned RICKY HALL, having quali ed on the 19TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of MICHAEL ALLEN HALL, 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 26TH Day OF MAY 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 26TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. RICKY HALL, ADMINISTRATOR 881 BIG PEAK CREEK ROAD LAUREL SPRINGS, NC 28644 Run dates: F26,M5,12,19p

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 3rd day of February 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Mary Frances Sutton , deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This is the 16th day of February 2026.

W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Mary Frances Sutton

206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

Attorneys:

Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: February 19th, 26th of February & 5th and 12th of March 2026.

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 30th day of October 2025, as Administrator of the Estate of Edward Joe Truett, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This is the 10th day of February 2026. W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Edward Joe Truett

206 Hawkins Ave Sanford, NC 27330

Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: February 19th, February 26th, March 5th & 12th 2026.

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against Dorothy H King aka Dorothy King Harris aka Dorothy Herring King, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before May 29, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 26th day of February 2026. Sandra King McGraw, Exec., c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor/Administrator of the Estate of Donald G. Cheek, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 19, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 19 day of February, 2026. Danis A. Smith Executor/Administrator of the Estate of Donald G Cheek Jr 3630 Lyle Creek Ave NE Conover, NC 28613

Dates of Publication: February 19, 2026 February 26, 2026 March 5, 2026 March 12, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

26E000079-180 NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, James Yuschik, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Elaine Marie Gregg, 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 May 27, 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 26th day of February 2026. James Yuschik

Administrator

Marie H. Hopper

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

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE TO CREDITORS COUNTY OF CHATHAM THE UNDERSIGNED, having quali ed on the 17th day of February 2026, as Ancillary Co-Executors of the ESTATE OF HERMON O. LEE, Deceased, hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of June, 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 5th day of March 2026. Diana Lee & Marzell Lee Ancillary Co-Executors Estate of Hermon O. Lee c/o Shirley M. Diefenbach, Attorney Walker Lambe, PLLC Post O ce Box 51549 Durham, North Carolina 27717 NOTE: For publication in The Chatham News on the following dates: March 5th, March 12th, March 19th, and March 26th. Please send the Statement and Proof of Publication to Walker Lambe, PLLC, Post O ce Box 51549, Durham, North Carolina 277171549. 4914-7900-5072, v. 2

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

TOWN OF PITTSBORO, NC On Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6:00 pm, the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will hold the following public hearing in person at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center at 1192 Hwy 64 Business West, Pittsboro: The purpose of the Public Hearing is to consider whether the Town of Pittsboro should approve an economic development incentive agreement pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 1587.1, which authorizes local governments to make appropriations for economic development purposes that will increase employment opportunities, expand the tax base, or otherwise promote the economic wellbeing of the community. The proposed incentive would support a project by Mosaic Hospitality LLC for the construction and operation of a 100+ room Hampton Inn hotel with amenities: meeting space, restaurant/bar, parking, streetscape improvements, outdoor pool, etc. located at 324 Freedom Parkway within the Town (the “Project”). The Project will involve a capital investment estimated to be at least $14,000,000.00, create permanent jobs with average minimum annual wages of $31,200.00, generate incremental property and occupancy taxes, and enhance tourism and visitor spending. The contemplated incentive may take the form of a taxbased grant subject to performance requirements and a written agreement. A summary of the proposed incentive and project description will be available for public inspection at Pittsboro Town Hall and on the Town’s website no later than February 23, 2026. All interested persons are invited to attend and may be heard. Individuals requiring special accommodations should contact the Town Clerk at (919) 282-6647 at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. The hearing will be held in person. The public can also watch the hearing live on the Town’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@townofpittsboronc/ streams. Members of the public must attend in person if they wish to speak at the hearing. Contact the Town Clerk by 1 pm on March 9, 2026, with written comments or to sign up to speak at the public hearing. You can contact Town Clerk Carrie Bailey at cbailey@pittsboronc.gov, (919) 282-6647, or PO Box 759, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

NOTICE

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO: 25CV000653-180

This is an action for Absolute Divorce To the attention of Nanette A.Newton Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: ABSOLUTE DIVORCE You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than Forty (40) days after the date of the rst publication of this notice and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the 5th day of, March 2026. Johnathan Newton 898 Bish Rd Staley, NC 27355

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that on February 20th, 2026, William J. Vick was appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of Beverly A Vasko, deceased, by the Clerk of Superior Court, Chatham County, North Carolina.

All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims to the aforenamed Personal Representative, at 2212 Briland Ct. Fuquay Varina, NC 27526, or le them with the Clerk of the Court, 40 E Chatham St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, within 3 months from the date of the rst publication of this notice, or said claims will be forever barred.

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHATHAM

PUBLIC NOTICE HEARING ON INTENT TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE A PORTION OF NC HWY

902

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Chatham County

Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing to consider the closing of a portion of NC HWY 902. The public hearing has been scheduled for March 16, 2026, at 6:00 o’clock p.m. at the Superior Court Courtroom, Historic Chatham County Courthouse, Pittsboro, North Carolina at 9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro NC 27312.

The hearing is being held pursuant to the provisions of NCGS §153A-241 and the Resolution of Intent to Permanently Close a portion of NC HWY 902 that was approved and adopted by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on February 16, 2026 upon Petition led by Gavin Mekemson, Maura McKeon and Triple A Homes, Inc. (“Petitioner”).

This the 16th day of February, 2026.

Chatham County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Clerk to the Board Chatham County Board of Commissioners

NOTICE TO CREDITORS:

Chatham County, North Carolina RE: THE ESTATE OF JOHN THOMAS NASH –25E000476-180 Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of John Thomas Nash, deceased, Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 19th day of February, 2026. Leigh Goodwin, Executrix DSR Legal, PLLC PO Box 51596 Durham, NC 27717

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

A public hearing will be held by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Monday, March 16, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The public hearing will be held in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina at 9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro NC 27312. Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department o ce. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www.chathamcountync.gov by selecting the heading County Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Comment. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below: Legislative Request: A legislative public hearing requested by the Chatham County Planning Department to amend the e ective date of the adopted Uni ed Development Ordinance from June 1st, 2026, to June 1st, 2027, as a result of legislative action S382.

A legislative public hearing general use rezoning requested by EC PROPCO, LLC to rezone Parcels 5377, 5376, 78264, 5470 from R-1 Residential to Ind-H Heavy Industrial, on 292.288 acres, located o Christian Chapel Church Rd., Cape Fear Township. A legislative public hearing rezoning requested by Fearrington Property Development, LLC to rezone Parcels 2867, 2868, 2869, 2842, 2807, 2820, 95254, located o 724 Andrews Store Rd, Parker Herndon Rd, and Morris Rd., from R-1 Residential to CD-CC Conditional District Compact Community, being approximately 371.822 acres, Baldwin Township. Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions.

Notice to people with special needs: If you have audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided. If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204, or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312. Please run in your paper: March 5th and 12th, 2026

Notice to Creditors

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Patricia C. Dutcher, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before June 1, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 26th day of February, 2026. Paul C. Dutcher, Administrator c/o W. Thomas McCuiston 200 Towne Village Drive Cary, NC 27513

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000660-180

The undersigned ANN PATRICIA RILEY, having quali ed on the 14TH Day of JANUARY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARY RILEY SEGAL, 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 12TH Day OF MAY 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 12TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. ANN PATRICIA RILEY, EXECUTOR 19 CHEMIN LEFEBVRE LA MINERVE QC J0T 150 CANADA MAIL TO: MICHAEL RILEY 154 HICKORY HILL RD. MOORESVILLE, NC 28117

EMAIL TO:

annpriley@hotmail.com Run dates: F12,19,26,M5p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000119-180

The undersigned MAX WILEY BUTLER, having quali ed on the 2ND Day of MARCH 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SYLVIA HOLT BUTLER, 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 5TH Day OF JUNE 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 5TH DAY OF MARCH 2026.

MAX WILEY BUTLER, EXECUTOR 616 PALMERA DR. E PONTE VERDE BEACH, FL 32082

MAIL AFFIDAVIT TO:

BELLE B. BROOKS C/O SYLVIA BUTLER 475 HENRY WEBSTER RD. PITTSBORO, NC 27312

Run dates: M5,12,19,26p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000033-180

The undersigned KENNETH WARREN STURDIVANT, having quali ed on the 10TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of LARRY STURDIVANT, 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 19TH Day OF MAY 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 19TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. KENNETH WARREN STURDIVANT, EXECUTOR 714 MT. PISGAH CHURCH RD. APEX, NC 27523 Run dates: F19,26,M5,12p

Notice to Creditors ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Virginia Dare Taylor, deceased, of Chatham County, NC, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 22, 2026, or this notice will be

Notice

Creditors

of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor. This the 12th day of February 2026. William P. McKenney, Esq., Executor c/o Janet B. Witchger, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000087-180 The undersigned MARY BETH COOKE, having quali ed on the 17TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR, CTA of the Estate of JAMES FRANKLIN WARFFORD, 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 26TH Day OF MAY 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 26TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. MARY BETH COOKE, ADMINISTRATOR CTA 1176 ASHEFORD GREEN AVENUE NW CHARLOTTE, NC 28207 Run dates: F26,M5,12,19p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000081-180 The undersigned RHONDA BOONE POE, having quali ed on the 11TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BARBARA HOLT BOONE, 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 19TH Day OF MAY 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 19TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. RHONDA BOONE POE, EXECUTOR 4577 PINEY GROVE CHURCH RD SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: F19,26,M5,12p NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF Frederick Oscar Bowman, Jr. All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Frederick Oscar Bowman, Jr., late of Chatham, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit them to Frederick O. Bowman, III or John S. Bowman as Co-Executors of the decedent’s estate on or before May 23, 2026, c/o Janet B. Witchger, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor. This the 19th day of February 2026. Frederick O. Bowman, III, Co-Executor John S. Bowman, Co-Executor c/o Janet B. Witchger, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000095-180 The undersigned NATALIE HARRIS, having quali ed on the 19TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SUZANN MARIE MARCLE, 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 5TH Day OF JUNE 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 5TH DAY OF MARCH 2026. NATALIE HARRIS, EXECUTOR 4671 PEACE FOREST LANE CLIMAX, NC 27233 Run dates: M5,12,19,26p

NOTICE

Trump once wary of ordering regime change in Iran;

here’s

Eight months of negotiations gave way to a dramatic military strike

By Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak

The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

— With Saturday’s military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump demonstrated a dramatic evolution in risk tolerance, adjusting in just a matter of months how far he was willing to go in using American military might to confront Tehran’s clerical rule.

Guardrails were tossed aside as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included targeted strikes on Iran’s leadership. That included 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death Trump triumphantly announced in a social media post hours after launching the military operation.

For Trump, it was a far cry from where he stood just eight months ago. At Israel’s urging during its 12-day war with Iran last June, he agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to pummel three key Iranian nuclear sites — but drew a bright red line when Israelis presented his administration with a plan for killing Khamenei.

The president peppered the supreme leader with thinly veiled threats back in June that he could have killed him if he wanted to. But he rejected the Israeli plan out of concern that it would destabilize the region.

That caution was set aside on Saturday with Trump announcing Khamenei had been killed, while the Israeli military announced it had taken out Iran’s defense minister and the commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media early Sunday reported the supreme leader’s death, without elaborating on a cause.

Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump said. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Trump loses patience

Trump had pursued talks with Iran for months. Administration o cials told reporters that they o ered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes, including an o er of free nuclear fuel in perpetuity.

But the o cials, who were not

what changed president’s mind

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

President Donald Trump

authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. One of them said that Iran has met their o ers with “games, tricks, stall tactics.”

The order to launch strikes came just two days after Trump dispatched his special envoys, Steve Witko and Jared Kushner, for another round of talks with Iranian o cials. Middle East and European allies were urging the U.S. administration to give negotiations more time as Trump signaled he was running out of patience.

“The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly ve decades, between the government and a dissatis ed populace, and between Iran and its adversaries,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. “And although the regime is weakened, a sense that this showdown is an all-or-nothing struggle for its very survival could lead it to respond with every tool still at its disposal.”

Revised risk calculation

Saturday’s strikes came after a series of past provocative actions against Iran that resulted in limited blowback, which seemed to inform Trump’s risk calculation, said Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican adminis-

trations over two decades.

Trump in 2018 pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration. In 2020, Trump ordered a drone strike killing top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

At the time, the killing of Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was arguably the most provocative U.S. military action in the Middle East since President George W. Bush launched the 2003 Iraq War to topple Saddam Hussein.

And then Trump this past June ordered the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which he claimed had “obliterated” their program.

“He did all of these things without cost or consequence to him,” said Miller, who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “He’s been risk-ready. That’s the nature of his personality.”

Trump administration ocials had publicly urged Tehran to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and end its backing of regional armed proxies. But administration o cials said that Tehran would not engage on the missile and proxy concerns.

Iran’s rigidity, at a moment when its economy is in shambles weighed by decades of sanctions and its military battered by last year’s war, astounded Trump.

Even before the latest round of talks ended last Thursday, there were signs Trump was leaning toward military action.

Last Tuesday, Trump in

his State of the Union speech claimed that Iran has been building ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S. homeland — a justi cation that he repeated again on Saturday as he announced the bombardment of Iran was underway.

Iran hasn’t acknowledged it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassi ed report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters last Wednesday that Iran’s refusal to speak to its ballistic missile program was a “big problem.” Rubio declined to address the DIA nding that Iran was still years away from developing a missile that could reach the United States.

And Vice President JD Vance, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and has been skeptical of U.S. interventions, last Thursday told The Washington Post that Trump hadn’t decided whether to strike Iran. But he o ered assurances that military action would not result in the United States becoming involved in a drawn-out con ict.

“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” Vance said.

By Friday, Trump was venting anew about Iran’s approach.

“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump said. “I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens.”

Senior U.S. lawmakers were told early Saturday that the strikes were coming. Trump monitored the operation from

Dutch museum makes ‘needle in a haystack’ con rmation of Rembrandt painting

After 60 years, scienti c analysis con rmed the painting is a genuine Rembrandt

By Mike Corder The Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands

— A painting that was once rejected as a work by Rembrandt van Rijn has now been acknowledged as a work by the Dutch master, thanks to two years of scrutiny in the city where the then-27-year-old artist painted it in 1633, a museum announced Monday.

The Netherlands’ national art and history museum, the Rijksmuseum, unveiled the work, “Vision of Zacharias in the Temple,” and said painstaking analysis including high-tech scans con rmed it was painted by Rembrandt after he moved to the capital, Amsterdam.

The painting hasn’t been on public display in decades after being bought by a private collector in 1961, a year after it was

Director

“Vision

deemed not to be a Rembrandt, the museum said in a statement. From Wednesday, it will go on show among other masterpieces at the Rijksmusuem,

where it is on long-term loan.

Director Taco Dibbits said the museum often gets emails from people asking if the painting they own might just

“He

really didn’t know what he had. And then to discover that it’s a Rembrandt is something

that’s

amazing to experience.”

Taco Dibbits, Rijksmuseum director

be by the Golden Age master.

“We always hope to nd a new Rembrandt, but this happens rarely,” he told The Associated Press. He said making such a discovery “is just like ( nding) a needle in a haystack.”

The owner, who has remained anonymous, initially asked the museum only if the painting was Dutch.

“He really didn’t know what he had. And then to discover that it’s a Rembrandt is something that’s amazing to experience,” Dibbits said.

The painting depicts a biblical

his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, with members of his national security team.

Trump perhaps emboldened by Venezuela experience

Trump’s success with the U.S. military operation earlier his year to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and whisk him and his wife to New York City to face federal drug conspiracy charges also may have emboldened the president, said Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury Department o cial who is now executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington, D.C., think tank.

Trump had threatened military action last month, but held o , as Iran carried out a deadly crackdown on protests. The demonstrations were spurred by economic grievances but morphed into a nationwide, anti-government push against the ruling clerics.

As human rights groups reported that thousands were killed in the Iranian crackdown, Trump told protesters that help was on its way, but it did not immediately come and the protests petered out.

Schanzer said that Trump’s decision not to follow through last month gave his team more time to assemble the now massive presence of ghter jets and warships in the region — as he had done in the Caribbean ahead of the Venezuela operation.

It was leverage, Trump hoped, that would get Khamenei to blink. But the supreme leader would not capitulate.

“The way this unfolded was inevitable because there was no way that the Ayatollah was going to show exibility,” Schanzer said.

story in which high priest Zacharias is visited by the Archangel Gabriel, who tells the priest that he and his wife will have a son: John the Baptist. Zacharias’ surprised expression is highlighted by light heralding the arrival of Gabriel, the museum said.

An in-depth study of the work, including macro X-ray uorescence scans and comparisons with other works by the artist, con rmed Rembrandt painted it, said the museum’s curator of 17th-century Dutch paintings, Jonathan Bikker.

“So the wood that was used for the panel on which it’s painted, that is de nitely from a tree that was cut down before 1633, the date on the painting,” he said.

“All the pigments, the paint in the painting were used by Rembrandt in other paintings. And the layers of paint and how he painted it, that is also precisely the same as in other works by Rembrandt,” he added.

The work joins about 350 known Rembrandt paintings and raised the hope that there may be more.

“We’re not actively looking for new paintings by Rembrandt, but I think this gives us hope — not just us but everyone who’s interested in Rembrandt,” Bikker said.

CHATHAM SPORTS

Northwood girls reach rst regional nal

Chatham Charter and Northwood’s boys fell in the fourth round

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Boys

Northwood’s arduous road in the 3A East playo s met its end in a 60-58 loss at No. 2 Kinston on Monday. The Chargers entered the fourth quarter down ve and battled to cut the de cit to one in the nal minute. Trailing 59-58 with 14 seconds left, Northwood got a look beyond the arc for Josiah Brown, who hit four 3s in the game, but the junior’s go-ahead attempt was blocked.

Kinston senior Genesis Wiggins led all scorers with 24 points. Senior Cam Fowler, playing in his nal high school game, led Northwood with 21 points.

Leading up to its nal game, Northwood took down No. 11 NCSSM-Durham 56-41 in the second round. The Chargers then went on the road and defeated No. 3 Northeastern 64-58, extending their win streak to 14 games. Northwood ended the season 21-5.

No. 4 Chatham Charter ended its deep playo run with a 64-42 loss to No. 8 Thomas Je erson Classical Academy in the fourth round of the 1A West bracket Monday. The Knights led by 10 in the second quarter, but the Gryphons made a run to cut the lead to two at the break and never let up.

In the third round, Chatham Charter got the nal say over No. 5 Woods Charter 53-34 as the teams met for the fourth time this season Saturday. Sophomore Breylan Harris logged a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double, and sophomore Ryder Murphy poured in 17 points. The Knights defeated No. 20 North Stokes 66-55 in the second round behind a 24-point performance from sophomore Ethan Cheek. Chatham Charter ended its season 18-8, reaching the fourth round of the playo s for the rst time since 2023.

Woods Charter won its rst playo game in team history with a 68-57 victory over No. 12 Phoenix Academy in the second round. Junior Levi Haygood recorded team-highs of 17 points and nine rebounds. The Wolves ended the season 18-9, setting a new single season wins record.

In the same bracket, No. 7 Chatham Central fell to No. 2 Jackson Day 75-46. The Bears defeated No. 10 Bethany Community in the second round 76-63. Chatham Central ended the rst season under coach Stacey Harris 16-10. No. 10 Seaforth defeated No. 23 Dixon in the rst round of the 5A East bracket 63-43 on Feb. 24. Senior Declan Lindquist led the way with 18 points, and the Hawks held Dixon to 12 points combined in the second and third quarters.

In the second round, Seaforth couldn’t overcome an early de cit in a 67-31 loss to No. 7 High

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Baseball

Northwood started the year with a dramatic nish in a 9-8 win over Carrboro on Feb. 25. In the bottom of the ninth inning, sophomore Brody Zsuppan’s sacri ce y scored freshman Mason Lutterloh for the walk-o run. Sophomore Riley D’Angelo went 3 for 3 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs. Seaforth opened the season with a 2-1 win over Southern Alamance on Feb. 25. Sophomore Bryce Huneycutt struck out nine batters and allowed one hit in ve innings on the mound while going 1 for 2 with an RBI at the plate. After an 11-0 loss to Wake Forest on Friday, the Hawks scored ve runs in the third inning of a 10-0 win against Western Harnett Saturday. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference)

Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Clover Garden (1-0, 0-0); 1. Southern Wake (0-2, 0-0); 1. Central Carolina (0-0, 0-0); 1. Chatham Charter (0-0, 0-0); 1. River Mill (0-0, 0-0) Greater Triad 1A: 1. South Davidson (1-0, 0-0); 1. South Stokes (0-1, 0-0); 1. North Stokes (0-1, 0-0); 1. Bishop McGuinness (0-2, 0-0); 1. Chatham Central (0 - 0, 0-0) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Uwharrie Charter (1-0, 0-0); 1. Northwood (1-0, 0-0); 1. Eastern Randolph (0-1, 0-0); 1. Jordan-Matthews (0-0, 0-0); 1. North Moore (0-0, 0-0); 1. Southwestern

Coaches and athletes took home season superlatives

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

HERE ARE CHATHAM County’s all-conference honorees for the winter high school sports season.

Note: This list is missing swimming selections from the Big 7 4A/5A conference

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Central Tar Heel 1A

Levi Haygood (Woods Charter); Campbell Blackburn (Woods Charter); Grant Richardson (Woods Charter); Alden Phelps (Woods Charter); Ryder Murphy (Chatham Charter); Breylan Harris (Chatham Charter); Kymani Wagner-Jatta (Chatham Charter, honorable mention); Ethan Cheek (Chatham Charter, honorable mention)

Greater Triad 1A/2A

Brooks Albright (Chatham Central)

Four Rivers 3A/4A

Chad Graves (Northwood);

Bakari Watkins (Northwood); Josiah Brown (Northwood); Kamarie Hadley (Jordan-Matthews); Nolan Mitchell (Jordan-Matthews)

Player of the Year: Cam Fowler (Northwood)

Fowler saved his best for last, reaching a career-high 22.3 points per game this season. He scored at least 24 points in ve of Northwood’s last six games. His signature performance was a school-record 51 points in a rout over North Moore on Feb. 6.

Coach of the Year: Matt Brown (Northwood)

Brown led the Chargers to their fth straight 20-win season, including ve consecutive undefeated campaigns in conference play. Northwood won every conference game by double digits this season.

Big Seven 4A/5A

Campbell Meador (Seaforth);

Riley D’Angelo

Northwood, baseball

Northwood sophomore Riley D’Angelo earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Feb. 23.

In the Chargers’ season-opening win over Carrboro, D’Angelo went 3 for 3 from the plate, including a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game at 7. His sac y in the bottom of the eighth also scored Dylan Perry to tie the game at 8 and keep Northwood alive. D’Angelo nished the night with two RBIs and two runs.

Multisport recreational facility coming to Chatham County

The venue is expected to open in early 2027

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

THE CHATHAM COUNTY Board of Commissioners approved the rezoning of residential land in the southeastern part of the county on Jan. 20 for a future multisport recreational park.

The project, titled The Pavilion at New Hill Recreational Facility, will transform part of approximately 66.017 acres of land located at 3378 Christian Chapel Church Road into a sports venue, featuring seven cricket grounds, 10 to 12 pickleball courts, six to eight tennis courts, volleyball courts, cricket practice lanes and spaces for box cricket, which can also be used for soccer activities.

The construction will begin in May with an expected completion between February and March 2027. The project costs $3 million and is fully funded by property owner Roopchand Yanamadala, a New Hill resident who owns the land alongside Renuka Tummala.

The facility aims to attract visitors from Pittsboro, Sanford, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, New Hill, Lillington and Broadway.

“I’m seeing that Chatham needs a lot of this,” Yanamada-

“I’m looking at generating at least close to 100 to 120 jobs there.”

Roopchand Yanamadala

la said. “This is a great location to have.”

Visitors will need a membership to use the elds and courts. Although rates have not yet been solidi ed, Chatham County residents are expected to receive a discount.

Yanamadala said this is one of three phases in his plan to turn the land into a center for recreation and entertainment. The rst phase, the only one approved by the board, will take up approximately 35 acres. The second phase (an indoor facility for basketball, volleyball, badminton and squash), and the third phase (an entertainment complex with trampolines, go-karts, bowling, mini golf, arcade games and party rooms) could create a total cost between $20 million and $25 million.

“All these, I’m looking at generating at least close to 100 to 120 jobs there,” Yanamadala said.

Yanamadala said the project has been in planning for the last two years. He, Tummala and the Timmons Group, the developers of the facility, ap -

plied for the rezoning in October. About a month after a public hearing in November, the County Planning Board voted 8-1 to recommend approval to the board.

In acknowledgement of the project meeting one of the zoning ordinance’s ve standards, the county stated, “There has been an increase in requests for this type of facility, and none exist within this vicinity in Chatham County or Wake County.”

“There will be employment opportunities for those operating and maintaining the facility,” the board stated in the ordinance amending the county zoning map, “It will promote surrounding retail and commercial uses by attracting residents and visitors to the area.”

The Pavilion at New Hill is one of several multisport facilities being built in the Triangle. Swing Racquet + Paddle, a 44-acre racquet sport campus, broke ground on its Brier Creek agship facility in 2024 and is expected to open this year.

Last year, SUPA, a local track and athletic training club, proposed a plan to build a more than 600,000-square -foot, multibuilding youth sportsplex in Chatham County, though the project has not yet been approved for construction. In the meantime, SUPA plans to fully launch its new performance center in Sanford this year.

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Graves ies in for a dunk in a conference game against

Graves selected to Carolinas Classic All-Star Game

The Northwood senior is averaging 9.3 points and 6.3 rebounds

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

NORTHWOOD SENIOR

Chad Graves was selected to play in the 2026 Carolinas Classic All-Star Basketball Game.

Graves will join nine other North Carolina seniors in a battle against South Carolina’s top players in the class of 2026. The game will be held March 21 at Dorman High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The North Carolina team will be coached by Andy Muse of Mount Tabor and Mark Harnly of Camden County.

This year, Graves is averaging 9.3 points and a career-high 6.3 rebounds per game while helping lead Northwood on a deep playo run. He’s recorded four double-doubles this season, including season-highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds against Eastern Randolph on Jan. 9.

Graves’ selection marks the second straight year a Chatham County athlete made a Carolinas Classic roster. Former Seaforth star and current Virginia guard Gabby White represented North

2

Chatham County athletes have been selected to the Carolinas Classic in back-to-back years

Carolina in the 2025 Games and earned MVP honors. Here are the full rosters for both boys’ teams in the upcoming all-star game: North Carolina: Chaise Smith (Washington), Dionte Neal (Reidsville), Jyi Dawkins (Ben L. Smith), Aden Je ries (Southern School of Energy and Sustainability), Ashton Pierce (North Mecklenburg), Exzavier Young (North Mecklenburg), Chad Graves (Northwood), Zy’vaun Puckett (Panther Creek), Kellum Brown (New Hanover), Jim Gatehouse (South Mecklenburg)

South Carolina: Clayton Everett (Ashley Ridge), Talan Staley (Ridge View), Justus Bell (Dutch Fork), Ja’Quell Brown (Goose Creek), Levi Ball (Gray Collegiate), Caden Coleman (Greenville), Sebi Boyogueno (Riverside), Tre Raymon (South Pointe), BJ Brown (Sumter), Lucas Wiserma (T.L. Hanna)

Patrick Miller (Seaforth)

Player of the Year: Declan Lindquist (Seaforth)

Lindquist made a huge jump as a scorer, going from 8.4 points per game as a junior to a career-high 16.3 points per game this season. He scored at least 20 points in seven games this season.

Coach of the Year: John Berry (Seaforth)

Berry led Seaforth to its best win percentage in team history, a regular season conference championship and its rst conference tournament title.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Central Tar Heel 1A

Valentina Podolyanskaya (Woods Charter)

Player of the Year: Wesley Oliver (Woods Charter)

Oliver wrapped up her high school career with career-highs of 17.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. This season, she became Woods Charter’s rst girls’ basketball player to reach 1,000 career points.

Greater Triad 1A/2A

Addison Goldston (Chatham Central)

Four Rivers 3A/4A

Alyia Roberts (Northwood); Shaylah Glover (Northwood); Mikaylah Glover (Northwood); Neah Henry (Northwood)

Coach of the Year: Kerri Stubbs (Northwood)

Stubbs led the Chargers back to the regional nal for the rst time since 2022. Northwood dominated the new Four Rivers 3A/4A conference, going 10-0 and winning every game by double digits.

Big Seven 4A/5A

Katie Leonard (Seaforth); Annika Johansson (Seaforth); Mia Moore (Seaforth); Lariah Rodgers (Seaforth)

Coach of the Year: Mike Zeillmann (Seaforth)

Zeillmann took over as the head coach midseason and led the Hawks to their fth straight regular season conference title and a conference tournament championship.

WRESTLING

Greater Triad 1A/2A

Wilson Hinshaw (Chatham Central); Carson Williams (Chatham Central)

Four Rivers 3A/4A

Christopher Crutch eld (Jordan-Matthews); Jhonatan Saldana (Jordan-Matthews); Jakari Blue (Jordan-Matthews); Zach Thelen (Northwood); Alexandra Zumano Garcia (Jordan-Matthews); Johanna Carter (Jordan-Matthews); Mariyah Spuriell

(Jordan-Matthews); Edith Vargas (Jordan-Matthews); Brianna Balderas (Jordan-Matthews); Aireanna Morrow (Jordan-Matthews); Ruth Interiano (Jordan-Matthews)

Coach of the Year: Jimmie Long (Jordan-Matthews)

Long oversaw many rsts in Jordan-Matthews wrestling history, including the rst wrestler to reach 100 wins (Jakari Blue) and the rst state placer (Alexandra Zumano Garcia). The boys went 12-14, while the girls nished 10-3, earning a conference title.

Big Seven 4A/5A

Jordan Miller (Seaforth); Luke Ayers (Seaforth); Ian Winger (Seaforth); Joseph Hinchman (Seaforth); Jacob Winger (Seaforth); Harrison Compton (Seaforth); Sara Tanner (Seaforth); Lilliana Messier (Seaforth); Caroline Cook (Seaforth)

Male Wrestler of the Year: Gabe Rogers (Seaforth) Rogers completed his senior season with a 31-1 record and his second state title, winning in the 144-pound division. RankWrestlers ranked Rogers as the best 144-pounder in 5A and the fth-best in the state, regardless of classi cation, for his weight class.

SWIMMING

Central Tar Heel 1A

Daisy Collins (Woods Charter), Derek White (Woods

Charter); Drew White (Woods Charter)

Greater Triad 1A/2A

Male Swimmer of the Year: Jesse Eskelund (Chatham Central) Eskelund regularly won the boys’ 50 and 100 free in regular season meets, and he capped o his high school career with state titles in those two events. He’s the school’s rst swimmer and stands as its only swimming state champion.

Four Rivers 3A/4A

Maddie Bolejack (Northwood); Vivian Lance (Northwood); Ellie Klier (Northwood); Emila Smith Pumalpa (Northwood); Genevieve Fouts (Northwood); Caroline Trageser (Northwood); Tumani Sissoko (Northwood); Carter Reed (Northwood); Max Stokes (Northwood); Jackson Hall (Northwood); Sergio Lopez (Northwood); Beckett Bolin (Northwood); Leo Drust (Northwood)

Male Coach of the Year: Rebecca Reid (Northwood) Northwood’s boys won the conference title and sent multiple swimmers to the state championship meet.

Male Swimmer of the Year: Kai Su (Northwood) Su had a standout freshman year, winning conference titles in four events and nishing fth in the 500 free at the state championship meet.

Reddick makes Cup Series history with 3rd straight win to start season

The 23XI Racing driver won the rst road course race of the year

By Jim Vertuno

The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Tyler Reddick’s latest win drove him straight into the NASCAR record books.

Reddick held o hard-charging Shane van Gisbergen over the nal 20 laps at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday to become the rst Cup Series driver to win the rst three races of the season.

Driving a Toyota co-owned by Michael Jordan, Reddick won the season-opening Daytona 500 and a week later at Atlanta, then won from the pole in the rst road course race of the year.

Jordan, the basketball Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion, was with Reddick’s 23XI pit crew exchanging high- ves as Reddick crossed the nish line.

“mastermind” behind it’s racing success.

“I just put up the money,” Jordan said. “Denny’s done an incredible job building this team.”

Jordan also said he’ll be at the next race in Phoenix to see if Reddick can extend the winning streak that has built a commanding 70-point lead in the drivers’ championship.

Van Gisbergen, who won ve of six road course races in 2025, lost his bid for a record-tying sixth consecutive road win. The only road course race the Trackhouse driver didn’t win last season was in Austin.

“Tyler was just amazing,” van Gisbergen said. “You’re always disappointed with second when the expectations are so high.”

Reddick looked like he was in complete control. Van Gisbergen was on his bumper for several laps in the nal stage but never found the pace to pass before falling farther and farther behind over the nal six laps.

“I was just trying to minimize mistakes; Shane is so good,” Reddick said.

Jordan, so clutch in his playing days, noted Reddick was cool in the driver’s seat while under immense pressure.

“You see SVG coming back, you get a little nervous, but I think he had him covered the whole day,” Jordan said.

Rough day for rookie Zilisch

Trackhouse Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch came into the weekend with the expectation that he might be the one to end van Gisbergen’s dominance on road courses.

History made for a team and ownership group that has been making a lot of it. They took on NASCAR with a federal antitrust lawsuit. The settlement in December was considered a major legal victory that secured a permanent franchise-style

“It’s one race, but it was so important,” Reddick said. “It’s so tting to get three in a row and make history.”

model and ensured the team would remain in business for the long term.

They’ve been unbeatable on the race track ever since.

“I’m proud of the team we put together,” Jordan said. He credited co-owner Denny Hamlin, who also is a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, with being the

Riley revives NBA coach suit debate

Erik Spoelstra wants to keep sideline wear casual

By Rich Rovito

The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE — Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra don’t disagree on much. Except sideline apparel.

And that’s nothing new — they’ve had di ering opinions for years on the subject of what coaches should wear on the sideline. Riley, the always-dapper Miami Heat president, wants NBA coaches to wear suits again. Spoelstra, the Heat coach, prefers the more-casual look used in recent years.

It has been a debate around the league at times in recent years, and it seems to be a talking point once again.

“He gave me a few suits back when I was an assistant coach, but I looked like the lead singer from the Talking Heads,” Spoelstra said Tuesday before Miami’s game in Milwaukee, referencing David Byrne, who famously wore an oversized suit as one of his calling cards. “I didn’t realize I had to tailor the suit, too.”

The suit talk got resurrected when the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue in Riley’s honor outside their arena. It’s an image of Riley, on the side -

PLAYOFFS from page B1

Point Central. Seaforth ended the season 18-7 overall, setting a new team-high winning percentage and tying the team record in single season wins. Jordan-Matthews, the 14 seed in the 4A East bracket, hosted their rst home playo game since 2016 and fell to No. 19 Clinton 73-60 on Feb. 24. The Jets, making their rst playo appearance since 2020, nished the season 12-13 overall.

ROUNDUP from page B1

Chatham Central fell to Southeast Alamance in its season opener 11-3 on Feb. 25. The Stallions scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning thanks to home runs from Maiya Woody and Amarie Contreras. Chatham Central hasn’t lost a season opener since 2020. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Ascend Leadership (0-0, 0-0); 1. Chatham Charter (0-0, 0-0); 1. Clover Garden (0-0, 0-0); 1. River Mill (0-0, 0-0) Greater Triad 1A/2A: 1. Chatham Central (0-1, 0-0);

“I think an audience wants to see somebody on the sidelines who looks like a leader, dresses like a leader, acts like a leader. Pat Riley

line, wearing an Armani suit.

That was the style he preferred when he coached the Lakers, New York and Miami — and still wears today.

“I wish it went back to coats and ties,” Riley, speaking about coaches’ apparel, said.

“I think an audience wants to see somebody on the sidelines who looks like a leader, dresses like a leader, acts like a leader.”

NBA coaches have enjoyed a relaxed policy since the bubble restart of the 2019-20 season, when quarter-zips, casual pants and sneakers became regular sideline apparel. Suits, ties and dress shoes have been out ever since.

“I don’t know why we still wear suits,” then-San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said in the summer of 2019, when he was coaching USA Basketball’s team at the World Cup in China — and his gameday at-

Girls

Northwood is the only team dancing after four rounds. In the 3A East playo s, the fourth-seeded Chargers went on the road and defeated No. 1 Kinston 45-33 Monday, punching their ticket to the regional nal for the rst time since winning the 2022 state title.

Senior Shaylah Glover led Northwood with 20 points. After leading Kinston 25-18 at halftime, Northwood pulled away with a 10-3 run in the third quarter. The Chargers

tire was polos, sweatpants and sneakers. “Somebody, please, tell me why we do that.”

He celebrated when the NBA ditched suits, and he wasn’t alone. Spoelstra and the Heat sta have worn black polos, sweaters or quarter-zips with black pants ever since the bubble. If nothing else, it makes packing an easier process.

Spoelstra noted that Riley’s look was, and remains, iconic.

“It’s becoming a little bit different anyways in corporate America,” Spoelstra said, noting the NBA isn’t the only place where dressing-down has been the go-to look in recent years. “But then I also see Pat’s point of view. When I see the footage of him from the Lakers to the Knicks to the Heat, he did look sharp. But he wore suits di erently than us mortals.”

In the NBA, the dress code got ramped up considerably thanks to Riley and the late Chuck Daly. Riley went with Armani; Daly’s suits were Hugo Boss, and his shoes were so fancy that his friends coveted them. After Daly died, Rollie Massimino made no secret about raiding his friend’s shoe collection — and wore what he took for the remainder of his own coaching career.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers wore the suits for years. He gets Riley’s point — but ac -

have held every playo opponent to under 40 points. Northwood will play No. 2 Goldsboro at ECU’s Minges Coliseum on Friday at 6 p.m.

Prior to the fourth round, Northwood defeated No. 5 Greene Central 51-37 and No. 13 Providence Grove 68-34. No. 5 Seaforth fell to No. 4 Eastern Alamance in the third round of the 5A East playo s Saturday. The Hawks defeated No. 12 South Granville 71-36 in the prior round behind junior Annika Johansson’s 23 points and nine steals. Seaforth n-

Arts (0-0, 0-0); 1. Orange (0-0, 0-0); 1. Seaforth (0-0, 0-0); 1. South Granville (0-0, 0-0) Girls’ soccer

Strikeouts for Bryce Huneycutt in Seaforth’s baseball opener

1. South Davidson (0-0, 0-0); 1. North Stokes (0-0, 0-0); 1. South Stokes (0-0, 0-0) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Southwestern Randolph (1-0, 0-0); 1. Eastern Randolph (0-1, 0-0); 1. Uwharrie Charter (0-1, 0-0); 1. Northwood (0-0, 0-0); 1. North Moore (0-0, 0-0); 1. Jordan-Matthews (0-0, 0-0) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Webb (1-0, 0-0); 1. Carrboro (0 - 0, 0-0); 1. Cedar Ridge (0-0. 0-0); 1. Durham School of the

Northwood defeated Southern Lee 4-2 in its season opener on Feb. 25. Jordan-Matthews fell to Eastern Alamance 7-0. Junior Addison Hughes and Lilly Massey each scored two goals. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Ascend Leadership (0-0, 0-0); 1. Central Carolina (0-0, 0-0); 1. Chatham Charter (0-0, 0-0); 1. Clover School (0-0, 0-0); 1. River Mill (0-0, 0-0); 1. Southern Wake (0-0, 0-0); 1. Woods Charter (0-0, 0-0)

Reddick was just too good all weekend in pursuit of history. His 11th career victory was also his second at COTA, a track built for Formula 1, and the rst time he’s had multiple victories at a track. He won at COTA in 2023.

It was far from easy, even if

But Zilisch’s weekend began with a surprisingly poor qualifying position of 25th and got worse Sunday when he got spun on the restart for stage two. Zilisch fought back into contention for the win in thenal stage, but his race e ectively ended when he was spun again in a restart out of a caution with 16 laps to go. He nished 14th.

knowledged that going back to the old ways might not be easy.

“It’s a tough one because quarter-zips are so comfortable,” Rivers said. “They are so easy to wear.”

A potential compromise idea: Rivers said he’d push to have to coaches don suits for the playo s.

“I brought this up to someone, and it’s going to go through the chain,” Rivers said. “I do think it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the playo s because wearing suits shows the signi cance of the playo s. ... I’d have to start working out

ished 20-4, reaching 20 wins for the fourth straight season.

In the 1A West bracket, No. 14 Chatham Central dominated No. 19 River Mill 51-28 in the rst round. The Bears fell to conference foe No. 3 College Prep and Leadership 70-54 in the second round, ending the season with an 11-12 record.

Further down the bracket, No. 11 Chatham Charter defeated No. 22 Ascend Leadership 45-23 in the rst round behind a 14-point, eight-steal performance from sophomore Peyton York. In the second round, the

again because none of my suits would t anymore.”

The last time Spoelstra wore a suit was September, when he attended Heat managing general partner Micky Arison’s enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. There were two nights where Spoelstra had to dress up, and Riley took great delight in seeing it happen.

“I swear that’s all Pat was talking about,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t plan on wearing them again until the next Hall of Fame event that we get to go to.”

Knights lost to No. 6 Andrews 61-34 and ended their season with a 15-11 record.

On the East side of the 1A bracket, No. 15 Woods Charter lost to No. 18 Rocky Mount Prep 53-41 in the rst round. The Wolves nished the year 12-12, winning 12 games for the rst time since 2022.

In the 4A East region, No. 24 Jordan-Matthews, making its rst playo appearance since 2018, fell to No. 9 Southwestern Randolph 64-38. The Jets ended the year with a 5-20 record.

Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Northwood (1-0, 0-0); 1. Jordan-Matthews (0-1, 0-0); 1. Eastern Randolph (0-0, 0-0); 1. North Moore (0-0, 0-0); 1. Southwestern Randolph (0-0, 0-0); 1. Uwharrie Charter (0-0, 0-0) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Orange (0-0-1, 0-0); 1. Carrboro (0-0, 0-1); 1. South Granville (0-1, 0-0); 1. Cedar Ridge (0-0, 0-0); 1. Durham School of the Arts (0-0, 0-0); 1. Webb (0-0, 0-0); 1. Seaforth (0-0, 0-0) Boys’ lacrosse Seaforth fell to Ravenscroft 15-14 in its season opener on Feb. 25. 1A-6A Conference 2 standings as of Sunday: 1. Carrboro (1-0, 0-0); 1. Orange (1-1, 0-0) 1. Cedar Ridge (0-1, 0-0); 1. Seaforth (0-1, 0-0); 1. Northwood (0-0, 0-0) Boys’ Tennis Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Chatham Charter (0-0, 0-0); 1. Clover Garden (0-0, 0-0); 1. River Mill (0-0, 0-0) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Jordan-Matthews (0-1, 0-0); 1. North Moore (0-0, 0-0); 1. Northwood (0-0, 0-0); 1. Southwestern Randolph (0-0, 0-0) Big Seven 4A/5A: T1. Carrboro (1-0, 1-0); T1. Orange (1- 0, 1-0); T2. Cedar Ridge (0 -1, 0-1); T2. Seaforth (0-1,

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

Blaring horn after power surge delays

Pistons-Cavaliers

Detroit

The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. During a timeout, the horn sounded to signal the teams to return to the oor. It kept blasting despite frantic work from the arena maintenance crew. The teams returned to the benches and eventually went back on the oor to warm up. After 13 minutes, the arena sta shut down the entire overhead scoreboard and the horn stopped. The scoring crew used a manual airhorn when play resumed.

NHL Kings re coach Hiller, name Smith as interim replacement

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Kings red coach Jim Hiller after losing ve of their past six games and falling out of playo position. D.J. Smith was named the interim replacement for the rest of the season in the rst coaching change by general manager Ken Holland, who kept Hiller behind the bench when he took over the front o ce last May. Hiller was in his second full season in the charge of the Kings, who looked lifeless in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last Thursday.

MLB Cuba says 8 World Baseball Classic delegation members denied U.S. visas

Eight members of Cuba’s delegation were denied visas to the United States for the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation said. Cuba is set to play against Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during pool play of the WBC, which is scheduled from March 5-17. Among the Cubans that were denied visas are FCBS president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo was also denied.

GOLF

Italian golfer Pavan badly injured from elevator shaft fall

Stellenbosch, South Africa Italian golfer Andrea Pavan was badly injured from falling down an elevator shaft in South Africa. Reportedly, he stepped through the elevator doors without realizing the car wasn’t there. His college coach at Texas A&M, J.T. Higgins, says Pavan is thankful to be alive and in good spirits. Higgins says he has not spoken with Pavan but was updated on his condition after extensive surgery on his back and shoulder. The 36-year-old Pavan was scheduled to be playing in the South African Open. He is a two-time winner on the European tour.

No end in sight for battles over eligibility, player contracts, experts say

Courts and Congress are both being called on to resolve issues

By Eric Olson The Associated Press

WITHOUT FEDERAL leg-

islation codifying rules on athlete compensation and eligibility or an entirely new structure, there is likely no end in sight for the stream of lawsuits being led by schools and athletes looking out for their interests in college athletics.

A parade of athletes, starting with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia in 2024 and continuing with Virginia’s Chandler Morris this week, have led lawsuits challenging eligibility rules and seeking to extend the number of years they can compete — and earn money — in college.

University of Illinois labor and sports law professor Michael LeRoy recalled this week that the House vs. NCAA settlement, which allowed schools to directly pay athletes, was hailed by college sports leaders as the beginning of an era of stability.

“That,” LeRoy said, “has been a spectacular miscalculation.”

How we got here

In 2021, when college athletes began getting paid by third parties for use of their name, image and likeness, the thought was that most deals would give athletes a little pocket money. No one could foresee the life-changing money available to top athletes in 2026 through revenue sharing and NIL deals.

The rationale for athletes wanting to stay in school is to extend their window for making money, and the opportunity to make more money is the reason athletes walk away from rev-share contracts with their schools.

What’s a signature worth?

It would seem straightforward that if an athlete signed a rev-share contract requiring them to pay liquidated damages if they leave the school before the end of the contract, that provision would be enforceable.

It’s not that simple.

“As a general matter of contract law, liquidated damag-

“The NCAA’s business model would be atly illegal in almost any other industry in America.”

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh

es are typically enforced to the extent they are considered a good-faith e ort to estimate a loss to one of the parties in case of a breach. They are not supposed to be punitive in nature,” said Andrew Hope, a Philadelphia attorney who specializes in contract law and works with schools on NIL matters.

Revenue-sharing contracts pay athletes for their NIL rights, not athletic performance. Hope said athletes argue liquidated damages provisions don’t accurately re ect a loss in the value of their NIL to the school simply because they transferred or are seeking a transfer. The schools, of course, argue otherwise.

Negotiated settlements

Duke led a lawsuit seeking to block quarterback Darian Mensah from transferring and reaching a contract with another school, and a negotiat-

ed settlement was announced a week later.

Sports attorney Mit Winter, based in Kansas City, Missouri, predicted most of the contract disputes will end up with negotiated settlements. He said neither the school nor athlete will want to go through the time and expense of a court battle.

Hope noted that in a traditional employee contract, a noncompete clause would force the athlete to pay damages.

“But you can’t have that,” he said, “because these students aren’t employees.”

How to resolve eligibility cases

The way Winter sees it, one of three things must happen to stop the lawsuits seeking eligibility beyond the traditional four-seasons-over- ve years window.

One would be a federal law giving the NCAA an antitrust exemption. The eligibility lawsuits argue the NCAA is limiting economic opportunities by placing a limit on how long someone can make money as a college athlete.

Winter said the U.S. Supreme Court could uphold the NCAA’s eligibility rules. It should be noted, though, that the high court ruled 9-0 against the NCAA in 2021 in

the NCAA vs. Alston case. Justice Brett Kavanaugh famously wrote the NCAA’s rules probably would no longer hold up well in future antitrust challenges.

“The NCAA’s business model would be atly illegal in almost any other industry in America,” he wrote

LeRoy said the NCAA’s case for an antitrust exemption is further weakened by the emergence of private equity rms’ interest in college athletics. Winter said the third solution would be for eligibility rules to be collectively bargained, which would require athletes to be considered employees and unionized. What about employee status?

Winter predicted football and men’s and women’s basketball players in the Power Four conferences eventually will be considered employees.

If the Power Four, or just the powerful Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, broke away from the NCAA in football and basketball, collective bargaining would settle issues about length of eligibility, whether athletes with professional experience can return to play in college and a host of others that have become gray areas for the NCAA.

Teenage girls most likely to su er ACL tears

Parents say more must be done to protect them

By Marc Levy The Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. — So a

Tepichin was about 30 minutes into her club soccer team practice in October when she spotted a fast-approaching defender. She tapped the ball away and hopped over the defender’s outstretched foot, came down awkwardly and heard a “pop.”

Tepichin joined the growing ranks of female high school athletes tearing their anterior cruciate ligament, a devastating knee injury that researchers are pressing the sports world to take more seriously.

Decades of research on prevention methods is available, but parents, researchers and trainers say that teams, coaches and leagues aren’t doing enough to protect the girls and educate parents.

High school female athletes most vulnerable

Sports fans hear often about high-pro le athletes like U.S. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn tearing their ACLs, and many ACL injuries are chalked up to bad luck or a part of sports that will continue to happen at all competitive levels.

Still, high school-age female athletes su er these injuries at

much higher rates than their male counterparts — up to eight times more likely, one study says — and adults, most often in noncontact situations in sports that require fast changes in direction, researchers say.

Biomechanics researchers, trainers and physical therapists say there are preworkout warmups and strengthening routines — such as FIFA 11+ or PEP — that can at least reduce the risk of an injury that takes such a high physical and mental toll on young athletes.

But, they say, most coaches lack training or expert help, and high school girls compete in settings with far fewer resources than the professional and collegiate levels. As a result, risk-reduction routines are rarely included in day-to - day coaching curricula and practices.

“The real crime in this is that the data has been out

there for 25 years,” said Holly Silvers-Granelli, a physical therapist and biomechanics researcher who advises athletes, professional teams and major sports leagues on injury prevention. “People are clamoring for answers, and the answers are largely there.”

The trendline of ACL injuries isn’t entirely clear, but the National ACL Injury Coalition — formed by the Aspen Institute and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York — said its analysis of data from high school athletic trainers showed that the average annual ACL injury rate for high school athletes grew almost 26% from 2007 to 2022. The rate for girls grew more than 32%, compared to 14.5% for boys, it said.

“What is the solution”

This spring, the Ameri-

can Youth Soccer Organization — one of major national organizations in U.S. youth soccer — will roll out new ageand stage-based neuromuscular training programs aimed at preventing ACL injuries through warmups.

Coaches will get a regimen of exercises in bite-sized chunks, with video instructions. The goal is to build good habits before preteens age into more physical and demanding competition.

“My biggest shock was that this didn’t already exist,” said Scott Snyder, AYSO’s senior director of programs and education. “Everyone I talk to says, ‘Yeah, that makes perfect sense,’ but nobody’s done it yet.”

“Something’s got to change”

Like other parents, Ti any Jacob said she learned a lot about preventing ACL injuries that she wished she had known before her daughter — East Plano sophomore Aliya Jacob — tore her ACL last February. For instance, the surgeon told them three days a week of strength training is an absolute must for soccer players.

“Something’s got to change,” Ti any Jacob said. “Coaches, clubs, something. They have to do something to prevent this because it’s just such a horrible injury.”

this week in history

“Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Frazier beats Ali in “Fight of the Century,” Pancho Villa attacks

The Associated Press

MARCH 5

1770: The Boston Massacre occurred as British soldiers opened re on a crowd of colonists, killing ve people and fueling outrage leading up to the American Revolution.

1953: Soviet dictator Josef Stalin died from a stroke at age 74 after nearly three decades in power.

1982: Comedian John Belushi was found dead of a drug overdose in a rented bungalow at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont hotel at age 33.

2004: Martha Stewart was convicted of conspiracy and lying to the government regarding an insider trading scandal.

MARCH 6

1857: In Dred Scott v. Sandford, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Dred Scott was not a U.S. citizen and could not sue for his freedom and that Congress could not ban slavery in federal territories, deepening national divisions before the Civil War.

1820: President James Monroe signed the Missouri Compromise, allowing Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while prohibiting slavery north of latitude 36°30’ in the Louisiana Territory.

1836: The Alamo in San Antonio fell after a 13-day siege as Mexican forces led by Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna overran the fortress, killing all Texian defenders, including William Travis, James Bowie and Davy Crockett.

MARCH 7

1876: Alexander Graham

In Dred Scott v. Sandford on March 6, 1857, the Supreme Court ruled that black Americans, even if freed, were not U.S. citizens and could not sue in federal court, a decision later overturned by the 13th and 14th Amendments.

Bell received a U.S. patent for the telephone.

1936: Adolf Hitler ordered German troops into the demilitarized Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Treaties.

1965: More than 500 civil rights demonstrators were attacked by Alabama state troopers and a sheri ’s posse as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. O cers red tear gas and beat marchers with batons in what became known as “Bloody Sunday.”

MARCH 8

1917: Protests against food rationing broke out in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), triggering eight days of rioting that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of the Russian monarchy in 1917.

1948: The Supreme Court, in McCollum v. Board of Education, struck down religious education classes held during school hours in Champaign, Illinois, public schools, ruling the program violated the separation of church and state.

1971: In the rst of three

bouts between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, Frazier defeated Ali by unanimous decision in the “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden in New York.

MARCH 9

1796: The future emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, married Joséphine de Beauharnais.

1841: The Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad ruled 7-1 that Africans who had seized control of the schooner La Amistad were illegally enslaved and must be freed.

1916: More than 400 Mexican raiders led by Pancho Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans.

MARCH 10

1496: Christopher Columbus concluded his second voyage to the Western Hemisphere, departing Hispaniola for Spain.

1876: Thomas Watson heard Alexander Graham Bell say, “Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you,” the rst words transmitted by telephone, in Bell’s Boston laboratory.

1959: Thousands of Tibetans revolted against Chinese forces in Lhasa, surrounding the Dalai Lama’s palace. He later ed to India, where he remains in exile.

MARCH 11

1918: The rst con rmed U.S. cases of the in uenza pandemic were reported at Fort Riley, Kansas; the outbreak later killed an estimated 20 million to 40 million people worldwide.

1941: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act, providing war supplies to Allied nations during World War II.

1985: Mikhail Gorbachev was selected to succeed Konstantin Chernenko as general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party.

Pearl Jam’s Vedder turns solo vulnerability into powerful plea in Net ix’s ‘Matter of Time’

The performances center around a cure for epidermolysis bullosa

By John Carucci The Associated Press

THE FIRST TIME Eddie Vedder toured without Pearl Jam, he made some glaring mistakes onstage and felt discouraged. A few shows later, he ran into Bruce Springsteen, who told him that performing solo is terrifying, but that vulnerability can be a force to harness.

Vedder described Springsteen’s advice as a North Star that stuck with him. Nearly two decades later, he leaned into it when he took the stage for two sold-out solo shows in October 2023 at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall.

“I remember kind of swimming through it and almost having a psychedelic experience,” he said. “I was so emotional, but I had to keep it together just to play properly.”

The emotional performances were part of a fundraiser to nd a cure for epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and debilitating genetic skin disorder. A new Net ix documentary “ Matter of Time

“ weaves the performances with personal stories of those on the front lines with EB.

Recently, Vedder and his wife, Jill, spoke to The Associated Press about the documentary and the EB Research Partnership that they started in 2010 to bring awareness and nancial support to nding a cure.

The rare genetic disorder makes the skin so fragile that even minor friction can cause painful blisters and open wounds. In severe cases, ongoing damage can lead to serious complications, including skin cancer. There is no cure, but groups such as the EB Research Partnership fund research and work to develop e ective treatments and awareness.

“The kids are feeling seen and

Eddie Vedder and his wife, EB Research

Partnership chairwoman Jill Vedder, attend the “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” in New York on Feb. 14, 2025.

understood,” Vedder said. “They realize they’re not something to fear, and that they’re not contagious. The only thing contagious about these kids is their hope.”

During the shows, Vedder primarily accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, but he also shifted at times to electric guitar and piano, adding texture and range to the set.

While he performed many Pearl Jam favorites, including “Better Man,” “Porch” and “Wishlist,” it was “Just Breathe” that seemed to expose his vulnerability as it carried the deepest emotional resonance of the set.

For Jill Vedder, chairwoman of the EB Research Partnership, the mission is not just pro-

Madonna steals spotlight at Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan Fashion Week runway show

The pop star has worked with the iconic designers since the 1990s

By Colleen Barry The Associated Press

MILAN — Madonna made a star appearance in Dolce & Gabbana’s front row during Milan Fashion Week on Saturday for a collection that felt like a conversation with the Material Girl herself.

To the backdrop of her hit “You’ll See,” Madonna and her boyfriend Akeem Morris were ushered to their seats next to Vogue’s Anna Wintour just as the Fall-Winter 2026-27 show was about to begin. Other front row guests couldn’t resist recording the moment as she hugged actor Alberto Guerra, with whom she recently shot a Dolce & Gabbana campaign. Madonna, 67, has been a Dolce & Gabbana icon since the 1990s, with key moments including wearing a bodice by the duo studded with colored stones and crystals for the 1991 New York preview of the lm “Truth or Dare.”

The designers also created costumes for the Erotica tour in 1992 and the Drowned World Tour in 2001.

CALANNI / AP PHOTO

Madonna, standing left, congratulates Domenico Dolce, right, and Stefano Gabbana at the end of the Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2026-2027 women’s collection, presented in Milan, Italy, on Saturday.

last appeared at the Dolce & Gabbana showroom for the Spring-Summer 2025

fessional but deeply personal.

“Every time I spend time with these families, I end up in tears because it’s hard to keep it together,” she said. Jill Vedder became the driving force behind the foundation after learning that her childhood friend and co-founder, Ryan Fullmer, had a son born with EB. What started as a deeply personal e ort soon evolved into a mission with global impact. Eddie joined to help elevate the cause.

That lesson carries into their work with EB Research Partnership.

“Now we’re using that patience once again. ... You learn about the science, but also about the scientists, their drive, devotion, and the toll it takes. It’s more than passion; it’s a commitment to care and persevere,” Vedder said.

According to the foundation’s CEO, Michael Hund, who joined in 2017, their progress reects the butter y e ect: “One small but powerful action, like a butter y apping its wings, can build enough force to create a monsoon halfway around the world. That’s the journey of this organization.”

“I have truth on my side / You only have deceit / You’ll see, somehow, someday.”

Madonna

Designer Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s collection for next fall and winter featured transparent lace dresses and skirts reminiscent of Madonna’s early aesthetic and big-shouldered pinstriped suits that recalled her Vogue music video. The collection also featured big faux furs and animal prints.

Models gave a little twirl in front of Madonna and Wintour, making sure they caught the mirrored double-breasted suits with lapels on both the front and the back. Both style-makers wore dark sunglasses as they squatted in the low front-row seats, Madonna wrapping her arms around her legs. Attentive during the show, they privately exchanged impressions at the end.

After the show, the designers walked down the runway to embrace the Queen of Pop and then whisked her backstage.

Outside, hundreds of fans gathered to catch Madonna and other stars who packed the front row. They included singers Hikaru Iwamoto of Japan, Choi San of South Korea and Achille Lauro of Italy.

famous birthdays this week

Alan Greenspan hits 100, Shaquille O’Neal is 54, Chuck Norris turns 86, Carrie Underwood is 43

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

MARCH 5

Actor Fred Williamson is 88. Magician Penn Jillette is 71. Actor Adriana Barraza is 70. Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin is 60. Actor-comedian Aasif Mandvi is 60.

MARCH 6

Former Federal Reserve

Chairman Alan Greenspan is 100. Former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is 89. Opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa is 82. Rock musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) is 80. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is 54.

MARCH 7

Hall of Fame auto racer Janet Guthrie is 88. Actor Daniel J. Travanti is 86. Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 84. R&B musician Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 74. Actor Bryan Cranston is 70. Author Bret Easton Ellis is 62.

MARCH 8

Author John McPhee is 95. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager is 82. Actor-musician Micky Dolenz (The Monkees) is 81. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice is 73. Singer Gary Numan is 68. TV journalist Lester Holt is 67.

MARCH 9

Singer Je rey Osborne is 78. Actor Juliette Binoche is 62. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 55. Actor Oscar Isaac is 47. Comedian Jordan Klepper (“The Daily Show”) is 47.

MARCH 10

Actor Chuck Norris is 86. Singer Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) is 86. Actor Sharon Stone is 68. Music producer Rick Rubin is 63. Singer-songwriter Edie Brickell is 60. Actor Jon Hamm is 55. Country singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood is 43. Actor Olivia Wilde is 42. Actor Emily Osment is 34. Rapper-singer Bad Bunny is 32.

MARCH 11

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is 95. Former ABC News correspondent Sam Donaldson is 92. Singer Bobby McFerrin is 76. Actor Elias Koteas is 65. Actor Alex Kingston is 63. Actor John Barrowman is 59. Singer Lisa Loeb is 58. Actor Terrence Howard

‘War Machine,’ Steve Carell, ‘Young Sherlock,’ Harry Styles returns

Seth McFarlane’s crude and cuddly “Ted” returns for a second season

The Associated Press

HARRY STYLES’ fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” and Guy Ritchie’s detective series “Young Sherlock” 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: Steve Carell starring in the feel-good comedy “Rooster” on HBO, Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia o ering a peaceful gaming experience, and Netix has the sci- action pic “War Machine.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

For anyone catching up with this year’s Oscar nominees, both Jafar Panahi’s darkly comedic revenge lm “It Was Just an Accident” and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” are streaming on Hulu starting in March. Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winner, which Mark Kennedy called one of the most moving of the year in his AP review, is vying for best international feature and best original screenplay at the Oscars on March 15.

“The Secret Agent” is up for best picture, best actor (Wagner Moura), best international feature and best casting. In her review, Lindsey Bahr called it a “slow burn thriller,” adding that it is “the best kind of personal lm, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.”

Not to be confused with the David Michôd-directed Brad Pitt movie from 2017, Net ix has a new sci- action pic called “War Machine” streaming Friday. This new lm stars Alan Ritchson as an Army Ranger who while on a training mission comes across a deadly machine that relentlessly hunts him and his peers. Dennis Quaid also stars alongside Stephan James and Jai Courtney. A pickpocket (Ben Radcli e) lands a job at a stately English manor and begins a romance with the lady-of-the-house (Thomasin McKenzie) in “Fackham Hall,” a slapstick spoof with a side of murder mystery that crosses “Downton Abbey” with “Monty Python.” Also starring Katherine Waterston, Damian Lewis and Tom Felton,

“Fackham Hall” begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday. Or if you’d just rather go with actual “Downton Abbey,” the third movie, “The Grand Finale” is streaming on Net ix on Saturday.

MUSIC TO STREAM

He hath returned: Styles is back with his fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” out Friday via Columbia Records. Details are sparse: He described the

album as “an audio representation of a long diary entry” in a Q&A with his stylist, Harry Lambert, in The Sunday Times Magazine. He’s teased the release as a direct re ection of his time spent out of the spotlight in Rome. The rst taste arrived in the form of “Aperture,” a Styles’ opening track if we’ve ever heard one, a ve-minute slow burn built of accelerating synths. He told BBC Radio 1 the song was at least partially inspired by seeing LCD Soundsystem live and listening to the

’80s English post-punk band

The Durutti Column. Freedom, he seems to be teasing, comes from anonymity, a dance oor and braking as the music speeds.

SERIES TO STREAM

Scott Speedman’s charisma is on full display in the new ABC series “R.J. Decker.” Speedman plays a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who has decided to forge a new path as a private investigator. The show takes place in South Florida where the cases can be bonkers because — Florida. The series is inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Double Whammy.” Hiaasen is from Florida, understands its oddities and sets his books there. “RJ Decker” is available now on Hulu. Before Sherlock Holmes became the world’s greatest detective, he studied at Oxford University. That’s the backdrop for Prime Video’s “Young Sherlock,” starring Hero Fiennes Ti n as the titular character. The series is executive produced and directed by Ritchie and has all the qualities you would expect from a Ritchie production: action sequences, fast-pacing and smart dialogue. In this series, we also see Sherlock meet and befriend, of all people, James

(“The Secret Agent”) is the best kind of personal lm, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.” Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer

Moriarty, his biggest nemesis. All eight episodes are streaming now.

Another prequel premieres this week. “Ted” the TV series returns for a second season Thursday on Peacock. It’s about the early days of the foul-mouthed teddy bear (Seth MacFarlane) and his best friend John (Max Burkholder) who is in high school. MacFarlane is also an executive producer, writer, director and co-showrunner. Carell stars in the new feel-good comedy “Rooster” for HBO. He plays a best-selling author who takes a job at a college where his daughter is also a professor and going through a tough time. The series is cocreated by Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs” and “Shrinking.”) Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler and John C. McGinley have main roles. It premieres Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The folks at Bungie set a high standard for sci- shooters with Halo and Destiny, but few players remember their rst crack at the genre: 1994’s Marathon. The new Marathon jumps 99 years into the future and all the way out to a distant planet called Tau Ceti IV, where the original explorers tried to build a new colony. By the time you get there, though, most of the colonists have vanished, and it’s up to you to collect whatever loot they left behind. Bungie says you can play solo, but you’ll probably want to round up some online crewmates once the player-vs.-player mayhem starts. The expedition begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia isn’t the usual “gotta catch ’em all” adventure. It’s more like “build ‘em all a nice place to live and hope they show up.” Your character is a shape-shifting Ditto, and you’ve been dropped in a desolate landscape. Fortunately, the wise old Professor Tangrowth is there to help spruce it up. You’ll need to diversify if you want to attract visitors, since Pidgey’s probably going to want some trees and Psyduck may want a lake. If you’ve ever wanted to be surrounded by Pokémon without making them ght, this must be the place. Move in Thursday on Switch 2.

Duplin Journal

Mobile bank comes to Magnolia Town Hall

Magnolia

A Marine Federal Credit Union mobile banking service will operate on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot at 110 E. Carroll St., providing local residents access to full-service banking. Membership is open to everyone.

Area man

pleads guilty in 2022 shooting

Mount Olive

A Goldsboro man has pleaded guilty to second- degree murder and rearm charges in connection with the 2022 shooting death of Vincent Woodley Jr., 33, near Reyes Verdin Lane outside Mount Olive that killed. According to authorities, Antonio Hodges, 44, was sentenced last week to 20-25 years in prison.

Ribbon cutting set for new inclusive playground

Wallace The Town of Wallace announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Clement Park Inclusive Playground on March 5 at 3:30 p.m. The event is open to the public, and a co ee truck from Trillium Health Resources will be on-site. Residents are invited to join the celebration and enjoy the new playground, designed to provide inclusive, accessible play opportunities for children of all abilities.

Man arrested on meth tra cking charges

Mount Olive

Deputies arrested a 52-year- old man from Mount Olive on multiple drug tra cking charges following a Special Operations Division investigation. Nathan Cotton faces numerous felony counts, including manufacture, sale and delivery of Schedule II controlled substances, possession with intent to manufacture, maintaining a place for controlled substances, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. According to authorities Cotton was placed in the Duplin County Jail under a $300,000 secured bond.

Nursing team receives DAISY Award

Kenansville

ECU Health Duplin Hospital recently announced that a team of nurses on the medical surgical oor was honored with the DAISY Team Award. The award celebrates nurses who go above and beyond in their practice making a lasting impact.

University of Mount Olive President H. Edward Croom announces

support of the university’s comprehensive UMO GROWS! Campaign.

the

Potential charge order No. 6 to reskin the old hangars was approved at the January meeting, but the board discussed adjusting the plan to make room for upgrading the doors. New hydraulic doors would use the available budget funding but are outside of the original approved request for quali cations. The board discussed submitting a request for proposal (RFP) to adjust the project plans and get approval to use the funding on the new doors. “I recommend that we upgrade everything else but the doors then request the RFP adjustment and use the rest of the $2.00 UMO celebrates 75 years, names school of agriculture

The GROWS campaign surpassed $23 million supporting campus enhancements and scholarships

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — The Uni-

versity of Mount Olive marked a historic milestone Feb. 26, celebrating its 75th anniversary at a gala at The Maxwell Center in Goldsboro. The evening honored more than seven decades of academic excellence and faith-based education, featuring one of the most signicant announcements in the uni-

versity’s history: the naming of the House of Raeford Farms, Inc. School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. The dedication recognized the generosity and leadership of Bob Johnson, president and CEO of House of Raeford Farms, and his family, whose support will enhance the school’s programs and provide expanded opportunities for future generations of students.

President H. Edward Croom

emphasized the importance of the gift, noting that it positions the school to become a leader among agricultural programs, strengthening hands-on learning and preparing students to advance agriculture across the region and beyond. The university also announced that the UMO GROWS! Campaign has raised $23.74 million to date. North Carolina Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt delivered the keynote address, linking her family’s history with the university to its broader legacy. Her grandfather, James B. Hunt Sr., served 25 years on the Mount Olive

Olive commissioners clash over water disconnect fee

Debate over the $100 charge highlights tensions as the board also approved the stormwater master plan

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Olive Town Board of Commissioners was once again the scene of someery exchanges between commis-

O cials discussed hangar improvements, fuel system installation and long-term planning

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Discussion about the ongoing construction and hangar rehabilitation project headlined the Duplin County Airport Board meeting Tuesday night.

“All the outside metal is almost done, walls and doors are going up in the o ce part, and glass will go in the conference area soon,” Director Joshua Raynor told the board.

sioners, and at times, the mayor.

The most contentious exchange happened during a nonaction item on the agenda regarding the cost of the fee charged by the town to reconnect water service if it was discontinued after nonpayment of the bill. At last month’s meet-

ing, Town Manager Glenn Holland announced the town would be reinstituting the disconnect charges due to the town having $149,128 in past due water bills.

Mayor Pro Tem Delreese Simmons told the board he was concerned the $100 disconnect charge, in addition to a late fee, was too steep. He said the board should consider cutting the disconnect charge in half, to $50.

Commissioner C.J. Weaver

“Glass will go in the conference area soon.” Joshua Raynor

Board of Trustees, including 13 as chair.

“Mount Olive didn’t grow because of one person,” said Hunt. “It grew because generations decided this institution was worth building. Worth protecting. Worth believing in.”

Throughout the evening, the university celebrated philanthropy and partnership as critical drivers of its success. Donnie Lassiter, chair of the UMO Board of Trustees, and Ray McDonald Jr., chair of the UMO Foundation Board,

read from an email from Caroline Bari of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Infrastructure, who has been assisting Mount Olive in its e orts to be relieved from a sewage capacity moratorium issued by the state that is preventing the town from issuing new building permits, basically bringing growth in town to a halt.

“It is imperative that the town implement a collection policy that enables the town to responsibly operate and maintain the water and wastewater treatment systems,” Weaver read from the email. “To that

O

Magnolia Fire to hosts annual fundraiser

Magnolia

The Magnolia Fire Department is hosting its 2nd annual BBQ Fundraiser on March 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the re station located at 110 Taylor Street, Magnolia. Plates are $10 and $12 and include a chicken leg quarter, BBQ plate, or a combination plate, served with coleslaw, green beans and a roll. Guests may choose to eat in or take out. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Magnolia Fire Department, helping to support equipment, training and community safety programs. For more information, call 910 -540 -9152.

Feb. 24

• Kimesha Lashaune Canady, 41, was arrested by DCSO for second-degree trespass, simple assault, injury to personal property and misdemeanor larceny.

• Joseph James Carr, 63, was arrested by DCSO for breaking or entering a motor vehicle.

• Lazarriah Janae Johnson, 23, was arrested by DCSO for driving while license revoked, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Feb. 25

• Shajuan Dehaven Best, 28, was arrested by DCSO for failure to heed light or siren, resisting a public o cer and driving while license revoked.

• Tabitha Gail Herring, 34, was arrested by DCSO for obstructing justice, possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, resisting a public o cer and driving while license revoked.

• Zachary Holley, 34, was arrested by Beulaville PD for driving while license revoked and speeding.

• Deshawn Malik Johnson, 30, was arrested by DCSO for breaking or entering a motor vehicle and injury to personal property.

• Max Julius Lamb, 45, was arrested by DCSO for eeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, ctitious or altered title or registration, driving while license revoked and failure to stop at a stop sign.

• Marquita Rashonda Lassiter, 41, was arrested by DCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• James McClain, 51, was arrested by DCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance and carrying a concealed gun.

THURSDAY

recognized distinguished guests, including elected ocials, foundation leaders and longtime supporters. Several initiatives and donors were highlighted, including the James E. and Mary Z. Bryan Foundation Fellows Opportunities Fund Scholarship Program, which will expand scholarship support over the next ve years, and the Anonymous Student International Travel Program, designed to provide students with transformative global learning experiences.

Signi cant gifts and partnerships were acknowledged throughout the evening. The Mount Olive Pickle Foundation was recognized for a multiyear commitment supporting the UMO GROWS! Campaign, and the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission contributed $1 million for a new Educational Livestock Facility, enhancing hands-on agricultural education. In a special video message, Nido Qubein announced a $1 million gift from him and Mariana Qubein to establish the future Qubein Plaza and Amphitheater, creating a new gathering space expected to be completed by fall 2026.

Twins Brittany and Victoria Badgett spoke on behalf of the current student body, highlighting the transformative power of education. Their remarks set the tone for a night that emphasized the university’s impact on individual lives and the broader community.

The evening also featured

re ections from rst lady Phyllis Croom, highlighting the university’s family spirit and its role in shaping successive generations of Trojans. Croom concluded the program by in-

viting all attendees to support the university’s continued growth, emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure that UMO remains a beacon of faith, learning and service.

In one of the evening’s most historic announcements, President H.

revealed the naming of the House

Biological Sciences, recognizing the

Johnson, president and

House of Raeford Farms, and his family. From left, Ray McDonald Jr., Luanne and Bob Johnson, and Donnie Lassiter.

March 5

March 7 Mount

3

March 7, 14 Mt.

ea market and bake sale

7 a.m. to noon

Mt. Zion Church will host a ea market and bake sale. The market will also be open March 5, 6, 12, and 13 from 3-6 p.m. For more information, call 910-324-1905.

367 Cedar Fork Road, Beulaville

March 14

Faison Farmers’ Parade & Festival

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy vendors, entertainment and family activities. The parade will kick o at 11 a.m.

Downtown Faison

March 15

The Call of the Drums – A Night of Belly Dance for a Cause

7 p.m.

Join The Country Squire Restaurant & Inn as Heartsong Tribal presents a belly dance performance bene ting Sarah’s Refuge. Tickets are $15.

748 N.C. Highway 24-B/50, Warsaw

Magnolia board approves funding, updates for sewer projects

Sewer improvements aim to correct shallow and improperly graded lines

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MAGNOLIA — The town of Magnolia discussed updates and funding for several key infrastructure projects during its Feb. 24 meeting, including the Magnolia Sun Valley Sewer Improvements Project and the 2022 Well Generator Project.

The Sun Valley sewer project received $525,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to cover cost overruns caused by high demand in the construction market and limited contractor availability. The funding will support a new sewer pump station, approximately 1,650

feet of gravity sewer lines and 14 manholes.

Joe McKemey with McDavid Associates explained that the funds will be drawn from the 2021 CDBG allocation, requiring certain portions of the scope of the work previously included in the 2022 grant to be moved to the older grant rst. The amendment does not a ect the nearly $1,5 million already allocated for the project. The town has committed $3,000 in local funds to support the work.

“The additional funds will partially fund the new sewer pump station in Forest Lane,” he explained.

The need for the project stems from improperly installed sewer lines in Sun Valley and Bobby Baker Lane, which were constructed years ago. Many lines are shallow, not properly graded and contain too few

manholes, causing frequent backups.

“We went out there one day, and we saw the sewer line in some places ve, six inches deep,” said McKemey. “The pipes are laid so shallow and not at the proper grade that they back up, and they have to go out there, and they have to get a plumber to clean out the lines. And it’s a liability because, ultimately, if anybody were to ever make a stink about it, it’s ultimately the town’s responsibility because of the way the government’s going to look at it.”

The new infrastructure will correct these de ciencies, including a pump station designed to serve current homes and potential future development. The project also includes a short force main connecting to an existing manhole.

“There will be a new force

plant that comes from this pump station that’s only about 400 feet long, and it will discharge into a manhole that’s there at the intersection,” said McKemey. Public comment was solicited but none was o ered. For the next public hearing, the board discussed the 2022 Well Generator Project. The town completed the installation of a new generator at Well No. 2, funded by an American Rescue Plan Act grant. The generator features an automatic transfer switch, ensuring seamless operation during power outages, and can run nearly 48 hours without refueling. The project budget was adjusted to re ect nal costs, including minor reductions in engineering and advertising expenses, with remaining funds transferred back to the town’s waterline project.

McKemey noted that the new generator provides critical support to the town’s water treatment plant and elevated storage tanks, maintaining water pressure during storms or utility interruptions.

“That project, the overall construction was $122,470,” he said.

“That generator is strong enough to run the well and run the treatment plant. If you have a storm and the generators are full of fuel and the generators work properly, then, yes, your system should be self-sustaining. And as long as they can keep that elevated storage tank full of water, you will have pressure.”

Board members also discussed ongoing waterline construction along Main Street, noting the contractor is navigating challenges with existing utilities, trees and limited space, but progress has been smooth, with completion expected by early September.

“It’ll be tough for him in some places,” explained McKemey. “People just need to be aware, and they need to be, we’ll be trying to be a little bit forgiving.”

Infrastructure, equipment dominate Rose Hill meeting

Commissioners address infrastructure needs after the previous meeting lacked quorum

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

THE ROSE HILL Board of Commissioners met Feb. 24 after failing to have a quorum for its Feb. 10 meeting. The board voted on several budget items related to sewer line repairs and technology needs.

A request by Rose Hill Public Works Director Blake Parker for funds to repair a gravity sewer line on Charity Road had been tabled at the January meeting in hopes of encouraging more bids for the project. Town Administrator Angela Smith told the board attempting to secure additional bids had not been successful.

“We could not acquire any more quotes for this project,” Smith said. “Nobody wants to do it.”

The board voted to accept the only bid of $31,229 for the repairs. Parker had advised the board in January that the line was broken in three places. He said repairs will be challenging because the 30 feet of line in need of repair are 17 feet deep.

In another sewer issue, Parker requested the board approve a change order for the town’s stormwater project, which is mostly funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation. Parker said the change order is to install an interference box in the sewage line near the corner of Walnut and Cherry Streets. He added the interference box will allow easier access to the line in the event of blockage and for routine maintenance. The board voted to approve the change order at a cost of $5,459.

from page A1

budget funds to take bids and put on new doors,” Raynor suggested and the board agreed. Work on the fuel farm is planned to begin in April to match the delivery of the new tanks. The board discussed color on the catwalk on the top of the tanks and agreed to leave it plain galvanized steel for a clean look beyond the fence line. The old tanks will be declared surplus and sold.

The apron rehabilitation project is still in the design phase. The board discussed the life cycle cost analysis that is being done to argue the value of concrete vs. asphalt. Though the long-term cost of maintenance is higher with asphalt, concrete requires an up-front investment.

Raynor reported that 296 operations were performed in February. The airport sold 865 gallons of avgas and 15,500 gallons of jet fuel. The board dis-

At the January meeting, the required annual audit results were presented via video conference. The board had to share one laptop to watch the presentation, which was not visible to citizens attending the meeting.

As a result of that experience, the board agreed at the Feb. 24 meeting to spend $3,020 to purchase two large monitors

cussed their rates and charges for items sold at the airport. The current rates will be submitted to county commissioners for approval. Potential rate changes following the airport upgrades were also discussed. Raynor said he’d want to give a “lot of lead time” before any changes are made to be fair to the current tenants. Board Chairman Jack Alphin asked about trends in aviation to help determine whether an increase would meet market demand.

and a laptop for the boardroom. The monitors will be installed on two walls so commissioners and attendees can see the screens. In addition to being used for people participating in meetings remotely, they can be used to display photos or other graphics.

In another technology expenditure, the board approved purchasing new laptops for the

Raynor suggested an annual standardized increase that would make rate adjustments easier. The board plans to discuss rates again at a later date. Local farmer Jordan Heath secured a lease agreement to rent the runway protection zone, or RPZ, for hay. The six-year agreement will bring in $850 annually for the airport.

Interest in using the runway to showcase fast cars for social media was discussed. The board opposed the request, cit-

Rose Hill Police Department vehicles at a cost of $7,800. Police Chief Michael Tyndall said the current computers were outdated and one had a failed screen. The new laptops will be rugged and designed for use in that environment.

For several months, the board has discussed a request by business owners on Church Street to repair the sidewalk on the northern side of the street for one block east of Railroad Street to allow for easier access to their businesses by older or handicapped patrons.

Smith reported to the board that bids to bring that section of sidewalk into Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance revealed a cost of $56,292 for the sidewalk repair and an additional $11,875 for the installation of a handrail for the length of the block. Commissioner Adam Quinn made a motion to table the issue one more month to see if bids to add repairs to another sidewalk downtown in front of a church that had similar issues may save the town funds overall to combine the projects. Quinn’s motion to table the request until the March meeting passed. During department reports, Smith reported that roof repairs to town hall and the police department had been completed. She also said a new heat pump to replace the failed one at the Rose Hill Library would be installed Feb. 26.

ing potential damage and liability concerns. Problems with AT&T caused a standstill in internet service at the airport. Raynor shared that the service being used was cut o because of bigger issues with the AT&T network, and a new solution needed to be found quickly. The board discussed short- and long-term options, including Starlink and mobile hotspots. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

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

Supreme Court throws out Trump tari s and upholds Constitution

So much for the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump.

SO MUCH FOR the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. That is a frequently voiced charge by partisan Democrats, and a fear of many ambivalent voters who nd many of Trump’s policies agreeable but worry about his overreach on policy and personnel.

That’s one political meme refuted by the court’s Learning Resources v. Trump decision last Friday, announced after more than the expected delay for the drafting of concurring opinions. The court struck down Trump’s beloved tari s, with only one Republican-appointed justice taking the president’s side while the majority consisted of three Republican-appointed and three Democratic-appointed justices.

Such a result should not have surprised those with some appreciation of Supreme Court history. Franklin Roosevelt, after seeing several of his New Deal programs ruled unconstitutional and after unsuccessfully urging Congress to pack the court with new justices, nally ended up lling eight of the court’s nine seats.

That didn’t stop a bench of Democratic appointees from disapproving of Democratic President Harry Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel plants during the Korean War in a case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, cited 15 times by the Learning Resources justices.

Justices newly appointed in times when Supreme Court decisions are subjects of partisan disputes tend to agree on contemporary issues. But in time, new problems arise, to which they turn out to have di erences. And even animosity: Some of the Roosevelt appointees even stopped speaking to each other.

One such issue brought forward by Trump’s election and reelection is the tari . There’s a strong argument that the president’s view that trade de cits impoverish the country and tari s enrich it is delusional. Alexander Hamilton backed tari s not so much to foster infant industries but because they were the easiest tax to collect with the 18th-century technology.

William McKinley, often cited by Trump as a tari advocate, delivered a speech in September 1901, just days before he was shot, calling for reduced tari s. He recognized U.S. industry was no longer as infantile as the United States became the world’s No. 1 steel producer. Later in the century, congressional Republicans kept backing tari packages as a form of pork barrel patronage for local interests and to hold the party together. But Republican presidents, educated in free-

market economics in elite colleges (Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Stanford), sought, with limited success, to hold rates down.

Learning Resources doesn’t prevent Trump from using other tari laws, but they, as Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion of the court notes, “contain various combinations of procedural prerequisites, required agency determinations and limits.” That means he wouldn’t have, in the chief justice’s evidently irritated phrasing, “the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tari s of unlimited amount, duration and scope.”

Such capricious policymaking, with enormous economic consequences, has few precedents except for what historian Amity Shlaes describes as Roosevelt’s daily settings of gold prices during several months in 1933.

Learning Resources, as anti-Trump conservative David French wrote in The New York Times, “may prove to be the most important Supreme Court case this century” because it forti es the “major questions doctrine,” celebrated in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s extraordinary 46-page concurrence.

The major questions doctrine is drawn from the constitutional architecture: Article I authorizes Congress to pass laws, Article II authorizes the president to take care that they be faithfully executed. It follows that a president can’t rummage around in the statute books, searching for some language — or, as in this case, two words separated by 16 words — that somehow can be interpreted, though no one has interpreted them that way before, to authorize him to do what he wants to do. On major questions, it must be clear Congress has already done that.

The Supreme Court, with majorities made up of Republican appointees, used the major questions doctrine to overturn major Biden administration policies — cancellation of student loans (based on authorization to “waive or modify” them), eviction moratorium (based on preventing “transmission of communicable diseases”) and vaccine mandate (based on “safety and healthy work conditions”).

In a 46-page concurring opinion, Gorsuch argues that his three Democratic-appointed colleagues are wielding the major questions doctrine against the Trump tari s, though they say they’re not, and they were unwilling to use it against Biden policies. He argues the three dissenting Republican-appointed justices should have agreed that the major questions doctrine requires overturning the tari s. He argues that Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who voted to overturn tari s, should have relied more explicitly on the doctrine.

Is this evidence of the kind of discord that

divided the Roosevelt-appointed justices so many years ago? Maybe, and the justices don’t seem as collegial now as they did before someone — a liberal justice’s law clerk? — leaked a draft of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

But the thrust of Gorsuch’s concurrence is that the justices are functionally in agreement with the major questions doctrine, even if they’re uncomfortable saying so. Perhaps it was written to undercut arguments by the liberal law professoriate that the major questions doctrine is defunct.

Or, as Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith puts it, Learning Resources “signals more clearly than ever that, going forward, this Court is going to view broad delegations of statutory authority to act, and/or extravagant presidential interpretations of authority to act, with skepticism.”

It’s hard for Congress to set policy as explicitly as the major questions doctrine seems to require when the two parties have signi cant disagreements, are in close competition, and are disincentivized to accept compromise when they reasonably hope that the next presidential election will give them the White House and congressional majorities. That has been the situation for the last 30 -some years, in which Democrats have won most presidential elections and Republicans have usually won majorities in the House of Representatives. It was also the case for the 30-some years after the Civil War, when policy di erences and partisan bitterness were greater than they are today.

But after three decades, new issues arose and new voter coalitions emerged. Sooner or later, that will happen again.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration may search the statute books for verbiage it can use to justify some limited tari authority, just as the Biden administration searched the statute books to nd verbiage to justify some limited student loan forgiveness.

But the Supreme Court, regardless of partisan labels, seems ready to use the major questions doctrine to limit the billions of dollars that can be raised or spent without some clear authorization in laws passed by Congress. And someday a president will gure out how to persuade Congress to pass laws authorizing all or some of what she or he wants.

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)

War should never be taken lightly; not even if your cause is righteous

War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous.

AMERICANS HAVE good-faith concerns about the attacks on the Islamist regime in Iran. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic cultists in Iran are our enemy — and that matters.

The Islamic Republic’s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended.

From the early 1980s, Iran’s proxy army of Hezbollah killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the early 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered more than 600 Americans with IEDs. Iran has been killing Americans.

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli.

The Iranians twice reportedly hatched plots to assassinate Trump in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks and for stealing aerospace, tech and satellite data.

Yet both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backward for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching

out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East and murdering Americans.

But the most important question right now isn’t what Iran’s done. It’s what it would do if it had nukes.

Iran’s Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won’t act more aggressively and violently toward the “Great Satan” when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans?

Some people point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it’s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military e orts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful.

Never once will any of Iran’s Western

propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact.

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again.

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it’s welcome to it.

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn’t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any o ce by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as “the most wicked, sinister enemy.” Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements.

Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world’s policemen, but we also can’t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is “America can’t do a damn thing against us.”

But that isn’t the case, is it?

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. Copyright 2026 Creators.com

Undergrads win grant for deer research

The project supports regional wildlife management and disease studies

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — Two University of Mount Olive agriculture and biological sciences students have received a TriBeta Research Grant to support undergraduate research focused on wildlife ecology in southeastern North Carolina. Christian Gray of Chinquapin and Harley Marie Haley of Goldsboro earned the award for their project “Seasonal Shifts in WhiteTailed Deer Density During the Rut: A Comparison of Agricultural Fields and Bait Sites in Southeastern North Carolina.”

According to the announcement, the study examines how white-tailed deer populations uctuate across habitat types during the rutting season. By comparing agricultural elds and bait sites, the students aim to better understand spatial and seasonal patterns in deer density. Their ndings are expected to provide insight into wildlife management practices, conservation strategies and disease monitoring e orts in the region.

Faculty mentors Jared Locklear and Sarah Jackson will provide guidance, ensuring the research meets professional scienti c standards while giving students hands-on experience in ecological eldwork. Haley and Gray’s e orts extend be-

yond data collection. Both are active in TriBeta, the National Biological Honor Society, helping cultivate student-led scienti c engagement. Their research will be showcased at the National TriBeta Convention in Tallahassee, Florida, this May and at UMO’s research symposium this semester.

For Haley, presenting at these events provides an opportunity to showcase both the research

and the university at regional and national levels. She said presenting at conferences allows them to promote the value of biological research and student involvement while representing the institution beyond campus.

Gray brings a personal perspective to the project.

“As a hunter, I understand the importance of wildlife conservation and the need for accurate information about local fauna, including population densities

Mural artist visits town of Wallace

Locals helped artist Max Dowdle plan artwork that will celebrate the town’s history and culture

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WALLACE — The North Carolina artist on a mission to paint murals in all 100 of the state’s counties dropped by Wallace on Feb. 25 to meet with locals interested in his mission and to gather ideas for what the mural will feature.

A small but enthusiastic group gathered with Wallace Town Manager Rob Taylor, town clerk Jackie Nicholson and police chief James Crayton to meet artist Max Dowdle and share ideas for the new mural in downtown Wallace.

Taylor introduced Dowdle, who shared his background with the group and showed examples of murals he has already completed across the state. It was one of the completed murals that caught the attention of Nicholson, who reached out to Dowdle to begin the exploration of a mural for Wallace.

Several recommendations were made on what the mural could contain, with everyone in agreement that Wallace’s history with agriculture and the railroad are must-haves. Nicholson also said the town had received surveys it distribut-

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

North Carolina artist Max Dowdle talks about his process and shows examples of his creations during a meeting at Wallace Woman’s Club on Feb. 25 to gather ideas for a mural in downtown Wallace.

ed seeking ideas for the mural. Other recommendations included the mural featuring portraits of popular sports gures from the area, as well as well-known musicians in Wallace.

Crayton recommended the town consider a separate mural on a building at Clement Park, since that is where many of the athletes were introduced to sports.

Nicholson said after the original plan to have the mural painted on a building across from the Wallace Depot fell through, the current owners of a building on Main Street near College Street, where the former Jim Russ Chevrolet build-

ing is located, are amenable to the idea.

The mural would be clearly visible to anyone traveling west on Main Street.

Dowdle also looked through publications, including the popular book “Wallace, N.C. Home Sweet Home” by Mary Anne Russ, which is lled with many historic photographs and history of the area.

Dowdle said his next step is to study the ideas and history, and then schedule another meeting with Nicholson to determine the nal ideas. If a decision is made on the mural’s content, Dowdle said he could begin work in late summer or early fall.

and overall health,” he said, adding that the project as an area he hopes to continue pursuing in the future.

Jackson noted the research aligns with regional interests in wildlife health and disease ecology, particularly e orts to better understand chronic wasting disease and other infectious agents a ecting wildlife in eastern North Carolina.

“This project represents an important step toward expand-

ing student-driven research in these areas,” said Jackson.

Locklear praised the students for their dedication and campus involvement, adding that their work demonstrates that undergraduates can conduct meaningful scienti c studies in areas they are passionate about while learning.

“Projects like this highlight the level of inquiry our students are capable of achieving,” said Locklear.

Tradition, tribute mark Mount Olive’s Black History Parade

Mount Olive’s 18th annual parade drew draws colorful oats and community pride

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — Crowds

lled Breazeale Avenue last Saturday for Mount Olive’s 18th annual Black History Parade. For many, attending the parade is a long-standing tradition. For two men from Calypso, Randy and Dewight, it is “a chance to meet people, enjoy the sun, and show our support for the community and those putting on the parade.” Randy and Dewight haven’t missed a single year. Enthusiastic attendees, vendors and food trucks started gathering along the parade route at 11 a.m. Parade attendees are not the only ones who have been faithful to the parade. James Kenan High School’s ROTC, Southern Wayne’s Marching Saints, and WRAL’s Gilbert Baez are longtime participants who have been in the parade for multiple years.

DJ Troy G, who has served as MC every year, opened the event with the national anthem followed by Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

Mayor Jerome Newton led the parade followed by a ag-carrying color guard and Wayne County Sheri Larry Pierce. This year’s grand marshal, Alma Darden, followed, as well as several of the town’s ocials, including Commissioners Vicky Darden and CJ Weaver. Sponsored by the Unity Organization, the parade hosted more than 20 area businesses, political candidates and community organizations. Though most of them were Mount Olive organizations, some came from farther away, such as the Greene Central High School Rams Color Guard and Marching Band. Another parade participant of special honor was the Triple Nickels, an all-black airborne unit of the U.S. Army that served during World War II.

Crowd favorites returned with more motorcycles, ATVs, Corvettes, trucks and classic cars. There were several vehicles and oats decorated with images of African Americans who made a mark on history. The Mount Olive Pickle Company mascot, Ollie, promoted the company’s 100th anniversary and threw shirts to the crowd. Throughout the parade, handfuls of candy were tossed to spectators. The parade started at 1 p.m. and lasted for about an hour.

end, please consider the following. All users; residential, commercial and industrial; should pay for the cost of services. Collections policy should be applied consistently and to all customers, no exceptions.”

Simmons challenged Weaver, saying the email referred to rates and not disconnect fees. He also accused Weaver of saying a business customer had received special privileges after getting their water cut o , a charge Weaver denied, saying Simmons had misquoted him.

Coincidentally, Simmons came under re last year when an audit of the town’s billing practices by the North Carolina State Auditor’s O ce revealed he had not paid a water bill account in his name for months, the water service had not been disconnected, and he had not been charged late fees.

The discussion of the discon-

nect fee was not up for a vote at the meeting, but it will likely be tackled at an upcoming meeting.

Another lengthy discussion occurred during a report on a revised Townwide Storm Water Treatment Master Plan presented by David Honeycutt, a project manager and engineer with McGill Associates, the company hired to create the plan under a grant.

A public hearing on the plan was held at the board’s November meeting last year which resulted in commissioner and citizen input to add several additional areas in town that were subject to ooding after heavy rains.

During Honeycutt’s presentation, both Mayor Jerome Newton and Simmons appeared to interrogate him as he attempted to make his presentation.

Honeycutt was attempting to update the board on the revised plan when Newton appeared

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Duplin County Request for Quali cations (RFQ) #030526-001-1

Duplin County is soliciting requests for quali cations (RFQ) from quali ed and licensed design-build rms interested in providing design and construction services for one (1) pre-engineered shell building. The shell building will be located at the Duplin County AirPark industrial park. The building is planned to be 30,000 square foot (SF) and will be a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB). The cost estimate range is $1,900,000 to $2,300,000. A guaranteed maximum price (GMP) will be established after selecting the Design-Build Team based upon quali cations. The intent of this RFQ is to select a design-build rm, by Quali cations-Based Selection (QBS). Submittals are due by 2:00PM on THURSDAY, APRIL 2nd, 2026 and must be submitted or delivered to the Duplin County Airport (260 Airport Rd., Kenansville, NC). The complete RFQ can be found at duplinnc.gov. Questions may be submitted to scott. summerlin@duplinnc.gov. The successful design-build rm shall be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Duplin County reserves the right to waive any informalities, to reject any and all responses to the Request for Quali cations, and to accept any responses which in its opinion may be in the best interest of Duplin County.

frustrated and interrupted him.

“If you could just speak more in general terms and just explain. It appears that you’re reading,” Newton said.

“I’m actually not reading, other than to look at the number of events,” Honeycutt replied.

When asked by Newton to jump to what the xes are, Honeycutt said, “From a big picture perspective, these are costly and challenging xes.”

He said just the repair of the ooding from stormwater at the town’s Piggly Wiggly would be a $20 million x. Commissioner Gena Messer Knode asked Honeycutt, “We don’t have $20 million, so why should I say yes to this plan.”

Honeycutt explained that the grant was for his rm to create the plan to handle the issue, not to determine the methods to pay for the repairs needed.

Simmons asked if handling the stormwater problems would

help relieve the town of the state-mandated wastewater moratorium.

Honeycutt responded that the plan was speci cally to handle stormwater. As he attempted to explain how stormwater could add to the sewage issue, Simmons interrupted him.

“I just want the people to know, his grant, it don’t matter,” said Simmons. “If we don’t go no farther with it, it’s not going to hurt us. All he’ll do is get paid and go on about his business.”

The Storm Water Plan does matter to the Town of Mount Olive. Town Clerk Sherry Davis told the board that approving the plan could be a precursor to the town receiving future grants to address storm water issues.

Weaver told Honeycutt, “You were hired by the grant money to do a job. You did it. We can use the information, and if we go forward we may (be able to) use the information to get other grants.”

After Weaver’s comments, the board voted to approve the plan.

Holland reported to the board that several notices of violation had been issued by the state due to the sewage treatment system not operating properly. Holland placed some of the blame on new state inspectors, who were ignoring previous inspectors’ instructions to continue to operate the system “as it was intended” despite the system not being approved to operate in that manner. He also said the town is working with TRC Engineering and the N.C. Department of Water Quality to create a program to control illegal industrial discharges that are being introduced into the sewer collection system.

After holding a public hearing early in the meeting, the board voted to name the Mount Olive Town Hall o ce annex in honor of late town manager Jammie Royall.

DUPLIN SPORTS

No. 2 Cougars push past Tigers, reach East Region nals

Goldsboro beats James Kenan for the fourth time this season

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

GOLDSBORO — Lions and Tigers don’t get along in the wild or on the basketball court.

Goldsboro beat James Kenan for the fourth time on Monday, and this time, the 62-41 triumph meant more than a regular season, conference or tournament game.

The No. 2 Cougars dominated the

No. 3 Tigers from start to nish to earn a ticket to the East Regionnals opposite No. 4 Northwood, which upset No. 1 Kinston 45-33 on Monday.

Goldsboro (26-2) won its 17th consecutive game and improved to 11-0 in the Cougars’ Den this season.

The game was an opportunity for JK to avenge a 60-49 setback on Jan. 9 in Goldsboro, a 45-24 loss in Warsaw on Feb. 11 that sealed the Swine Valley regular season crown and a 47-41 loss in the conference tourney nale. That it was the most important

game and the Cougars won by its largest margin was heartbreaking to JK, whose only other loss during the campaign was to Croatan (58-39) with Y’Anna Rivers out of the lineup.

Both teams missed shots and made turnovers in the opening quarter.

Goldsboro took control in the second quarter and entered the fourth quarter with a 12-point lead that would only grow. It went from 46-30 to 56-30 to 62-30 before JK’s lineup, which was mostly reserves, came through

Red

Raiders

roll past Panthers in third round

Panthers coach Mark Lane guided ED to its 10th season of 20 or more wins since 2008 with a second-round win over Southwestern Randolph

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

HIGH POINT — Simply put, T.W. Andrews High School had too much overall power.

That’s what East Duplin will likely remember after its 59-21 third-round 4A tournament loss to the Red Raiders, which seemed a step faster and a touch stronger than the Panthers.

ED fell behind 20-0 before coming to life nearly a minute into the second quarter with a basket by freshman Bennett Holley and 3-point play by Zakoya Farrior.

The bleeding didn’t stop until after halftime with the No. 1 seed in front 41-7.

“I didn’t have our players prepared for their speed,” said ED head coach Mark Lane, whose Panthers nished 20-7, the 10th time ED captured 20 wins since 1998. “Their size hurt us, but we had trouble staying in front of them defensively.

“We had good shots to begin with, but they

Slow start, Jaguars’ repower send Tigers packing

JK ran out of ammunition during its third-round loss to No. 1 Farmville Central

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

FARMVILLE — James Kenan

basketball coach Taylor Jones said the key to his team’s success this season was “playing harder than anyone we played.”

“We had to, and we emphasized that and rebounding every game for all ve of our players on the oor,” Jones said. “Eight- ve percent of our games we were within ve rebounds (of the opposition), and we lose when we lose the defense and rebounding game.

“It’s the story of all three games against Goldsboro. We have to win 5050 balls, win box out opportunities.”

The Tigers (18-6) didn’t get its fair share on the glass last Saturday in their third-round game against Farmville Central, a power program and the No. 1 team in 3A most of the season. Both the environment and players were bigger than JK could have imagined during a 79-59 loss that started out with the Jaguars (26-0) scoring the rst 18 points of the game.

“We’ve not seen anyone as physical with that kind of speed and size,” Jones said. “We were a little shellshocked and only held our own the rest of the way. We weren’t ready for their physicality, speed and size.”

Farmville Central has won four state titles (2023, 2021, 2019 and 2016) and gone 223-26 the past nine seasons. In early January, head coach Larry Williford guided his team past Kinston for his 500th career win. Every win came at Farmville.

Jones said the inside play of Farmville got the best of the Tigers.

“We were told their weakness was outside shooting. So we didn’t want to open up in a zone, but (we) did and got down and started to press. So we switched to man-to-man,” Jones said. “They beat us up inside.”

The championship banners around the school’s gymnasium told of past exploits made an impression on JK’s players, though they fought their

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Aleyah Wilson

James Kenan, girls’ basketball

Wilson is a power source in the paint for James Kenan.

The junior forward isn’t afraid to mix it up anywhere on the court for the 20-win Tigers.

She’s second in scoring on her team (12.3) and rst in rebounding (6.1) and free-throws made and attempted (82 of 182).

The junior is a perfect complement to Y’Anna Rivers (15.7 points) and sharp-shooting Gabi Outlaw (10.5) because she takes her aggressive game to the defensive end where she is averaging 3.3 steals.

Her best game might have been an 18-point, 21-rebound, seven-steal performance during a 51-46 win over 7A Ashley.

She also pumped in 21 markers and had six boards in a 58-57 squeaker over 6A Jacksonville.

The 5-foot-7, 155-pound hammer has cat-like quickness. She averaged 8.7 points last season and also plays soccer in the spring and volleyball in the fall.

JK is having its best season in basketball since going 21-5 in 2012-13.

Panthers rattle North Pitt for rst playo win in decade

The Rebels exited in second round in 2A; theBulldogs fell in the opening round in 3A

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BETHEL — East Duplin

won’t have fond memories of its season nale, but the Panthers made a bit of noise before leaving the gymnasium after a 66-55 loss to No. 5 Eastern Wayne (20-8) in the third round of the 4A playo s.

A week after winning its rst conference tournament in 17 years, the Panthers scratched their way past No. 22 North Pitt 62-52 for ED’s rst playo win in 10 years.

Dominic Hall scored 19 points and had 10 rebounds, while senior Zachary Ball had 11 markers and classmates Shawn Davis, DJ Davis and Jordan Pickett each chipped in with six points.

Obediah Miller netted nine o the bench.

“We’re trying to establish a standard that other teams in the future follow,” said ED head coach Blake Lanier. “We improved a lot over the course of the season. We put ourselves into too big a hole in both playo games with slow starts.”

The setback to the Warriors broke ED’s four-game winning streak. The Panthers won eight of their nal 12 games.

“We didn’t make shots in the rst quarter and missed six or eight free throws,” Lanier said. “We needed longer possessions against Eastern Wayne, and it’s kind of hard to change what you’ve done all season. It’s a di cult adjustment to hold the ball when you’re used to shooting in 15 seconds.”

ED trailed by 19 at halftime but cut the de cit to 10 in the third quarter.

“Eastern Wayne defended well and had enough size to run to the other end and make things happen,” Lanier said.

Eastern Wayne faces No. 1 Reidsville (21-1) in the fourth round with the winner taking on the survivor of No. 2 Washington (22-5) and No. 6 Southwest Edgecombe (18-7) in the East Region nal.

Rebels open with home win, fall on road to Holmes

North Duplin found out who will replace seniors Lu-

from page B1

with a trio of 3-pointers — two by LaBria McGown and another by Janay Peterson.

Tigerx stars Rivers, Gabi Outlaw and Aleyah Wilson struggled against a Cougarx team that spread the oor well, had balanced scoring and used its transition game to score easy baskets. Yet the loss couldn’t put out the ame of a revival season for the Tigers, who were coming o playo wins over Wake Prep Academy (67-40) and Bedding eld (59-31).

Furthermore, it was JK’s best nish since going 21-5 in 2012-13.

While the Tigers didn’t win a title, it bodes well for next season as only Outlaw and McGowan are June graduates.

Outlaw hit for 16, Rivers 13, Kendria Smith 11 and Zaniya Brown nine when JK thumped the Bulldogs (13-11) in the second round.

JK lost to Goldsboro at home but won 11 other times, including in the third round as Rivers connected for a season-high 24, while Wilson added 16 and eight rebounds to humble the Guardians.

Smith and Kendonya Morrisey each tallied seven markers.

Wilson checked up for ve points in the opening quarter, and Brown hit a layup at the buzzer to post JK to a 19-6 lead heading into the second quarter.

A 14-2 run then featured 3-pointers by Outlaw and Smith to increase the margin to 33-8

cas Dail, Quan Stevens, Carell Phillips and Holden Williams. Enter underclassmen Nick Price, Lucas Gregory, Nick Bennett and Missah Cooper, who will return next season to play alongside sophomore forward Jae’lyn Ingram, who averaged 19 points and eight rebounds.

During a 1-1 run in the 2A playo s the future added to the stable present for the Rebels (15-11). Ingram took over in the rst half of ND’s 59-48 rst-round win over the Triangle Math and Science Academy in Calypso. He scored 13 points in the rst six minutes of the game and then the nal three baskets of the second quarter as ND led 29-19 at the extended intermission.

Two days later, the season ended with a 62-49 loss to No. 6 Holmes, which lost to No. 3 Franklin Academy (20 -7). The Wake Forest club faces No. 2 Voyager Academy (21-7) in the fourth round, hoping to meet the winner of

No. 8 Warren County (12-9) and No. 5 Bertie (17-8). Ironically, it was Holmes that ended ND’s football run last fall in the third round.

Bulldogs zzle out with pair of puzzling losses Wallace-Rose Hill lost its edge after getting dunked, 75 - 61, by rival James Kenan in the Swine Valley Conference Tournament semi nals. The margin of victory turned out to be signi cant as the Bulldogs’ lost energy and focus. That continued into the 3A playo s when No. 24 South Columbus, which had won just six times this season, shocked the No. 9 Bulldogs 78-75 in the rst round in Teachey.

Five players wore the WRH uniform for the nal time. First-year head coach Dustin Squibb’s club ended up 18-6. The Stallions gave JK all it wanted in the second round before falling 59-53.

after a Rivers putback hoop.

JK led 37-24 at halftime and 55-28 at the start of the fourth quarter as the Tigers kept turning up the intensity. Hoops notebook

Second-year coach Aaron Smith led JK to seven wins in its rst eight games, an eight-game winning streak in midseason and triumphs in seven of its nal eight encounters. The Tigers were 9-9 last season, 10-14 in 2023-24, yet 14-40 the three previous seasons.

Big wins came against 4A East Duplin, 6A Jacksonville and 7A schools Ashley and Topsail.

The one victory that never came against Goldsboro was the only scar on an otherwise stellar season. Rivers wound up averaging 15.7 points, Wilson 12.3 and Outlaw 10.3. Rivers averaged 3.2 blocks and 4.1 steals, and if she stays healthy, she will hit the 1,000-point plateau in her senior season. Look for Brown, Smith and Morrisey to become key players next season.

Crusaders fall in 2A semi nals to defending champ Caldwell

The sharp-shooting Eagles ended the four-year, 101-win run by Harrells

Christian Academy

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

GREENSBORO — After Antonio McKoy drove to the iron and sunk his layup, he heard a whistle.

Down 67-63 to Caldwell Academy with four minutes to play in the NCISAA’s 2A seminals, the best player to wear a Crusaders jersey had a chance to make it a one-point game after Harrells Christian Academy had trailed by as much as 18 points.

But the o cial’s call was a charge on McKoy, which nullied the basket.

“I thought it was a one-and (bonus free throw),” said HCA head coach Clayton Hall. “But it is what it is. It seemed like our chance in a tough basketball game.”

The defending champs responded with a 15-2 blitz en route to an 82-65 win. Caldwell (26-9) was tripped 68-63 on Saturday by No. 1 Green eld (27-5).

McKoy nished with 41 points to surpass the 1,000-point mark for the season and to go over 3,000 for his four-year career. Additionally, he nabbed 1,119 rebounds.

The Western Carolina signee averaged 28 points and 10.1 rebounds this season with 23 double-doubles.

Cousin Dashaun McKoy has

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

been his steady running partner. He put in 16 against Caldwell and had 11 rebounds.

Dashaun McKoy is headed to play at the University of Mount Olive after logging 1,875 points and 1,009 rebounds in 126 games for HCA. He averaged 18.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 blocks this season.

HCA’s third senior, point guard J’Kaeshi Brunson (6.5 assists), is also going to be a Trojan next season.

The threesome went 101-29 in the past four seasons.

“What else can you say about all those wins?” Hall said. “All three of those guys are very special players and individuals. You can’t replace those points because Antonio is a generational player. Senior Colin Cole and Josh Crumpler added key outside shooting late in the season, including during a big win over the Green eld School.”

Caldwell’s outside shooting was greater than the inside game of HCA, a fear Hall had going into the a air.

“They shot the lights out in a tough environment for us,” Hall said. “But even so, this year was a great success and the end of a really great stretch for our school.”

HCA got to the semi nals by beating the Burlington School three days earlier, shortly after winning the Coastal Plain Conference Tournament.

The Crusaders (29-8) also lost in the 2A semi nals last winter to wind up 30-3.

“Max Preps listed us as the No. 14 team in the state, and I think that’s a fairly impressive accomplishment,” Hall said. “I can sleep well knowing that.”

Blaring horn after power surge delays PistonsCavaliers

Detroit

The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. During a timeout, the horn sounded to signal the teams to return to the oor. It kept blasting despite frantic work from the arena maintenance crew. The teams returned to the benches and eventually went back on the oor to warm up. After 13 minutes, the arena sta shut down the entire overhead scoreboard and the horn stopped. The scoring crew used a manual airhorn when play resumed.

NHL

Kings re coach Hiller, name Smith as interim replacement

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Kings red coach Jim Hiller after losing ve of their past six games and falling out of playo position. D.J. Smith was named the interim replacement for the rest of the season in the rst coaching change by general manager Ken Holland, who kept Hiller behind the bench when he took over the front o ce last May. Hiller was in his second full season in the charge of the Kings, who looked lifeless in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last Thursday.

MLB

Cuba says 8 World Baseball Classic delegation members denied U.S. visas

Eight members of Cuba’s delegation were denied visas to the United States for the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation said. Cuba is set to play against Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during pool play of the WBC, which is scheduled from March 5-17. Among the Cubans that were denied visas are FCBS president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo was also denied.

way to the end, as the Tigers have all season.

“We couldn’t adjust early enough, particularly to the physicality,” Jones said.

Shooting guard Eli Avent and forward CJ Hill got JK moving better in the second quarter, though the Tigers were down 40-18 at halftime.

Yet as hard as JK would play, Farmville Central was the aggressor.

Hill had ve points in the rst two minutes of the third quarter, but JK was losing ground at 51-25 midway through the stanza. Three-pointers by Avent and Zamarion Smith got JK to 63-40 entering the nal quarter.

Late in the fourth, Avent swished a pair of 3-pointers and Jeremiah Hall had a conventional 3-point play, but it was far too little, especially after the Jaguars had roared to a 73-45 lead with 5:03 to play.

Sophomore forward Kentrell Morrisey and senior guard Smith were nulli ed by the defense of Farmville Central, which plays No. 4 Martin County (24-4) in the fourth round. The winner will take on the survivor of No. 2 Kinston (19 -3) and No. 6 Northwood (21-4).

Morrisey scored 18 and Smith scored 17 points during a 59-53 second-round win over South Columbus, which had upset Wallace-Rose Hill in Teachey in the rst round.

Hall added eight markers, six boards, ve assists and ve steals.

Jones said he was grateful for the play of his team.

“In the end of the day, our players gave it all they had,” said Jones, whose team went 8-12 a year ago. “This is one of the toughest and hardest-playing team I’ve ever coached. They never bucked me and always responded to a challenge or direction. It was funny because against South Columbus, Jeremiah (Hall) asked, “if I was sure” about a call I had made and then came to me after it and said, “OK, coach, great call.”

While JK lacked the depth, size and muscle against teams like Farmville Central, Kinston and Goldsboro, it didn’t lack heart of hustle.

Rebels fall to No. 2 Roxboro; No. 1 Kinston stops ’Dawgs

ND’s rebuilding season ended with 18 wins, while WRH won 17 and its rst playo game in a decade

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — North Duplin’s rebuilding season was a success.

So was the comeback year of Wallace-Rose Hill.

Both were eliminated in the playo s last week but have stable futures given the on-court achievements this winter given they had surprising seasons for even their most ardent fans.

Rebels make it work with limited bench

ND showed its resolve during a 52-43 loss to No. 2 Roxbury Community, scratching its way back from early de cits of 17-2 and 23-7 heading into the second quarter.

The Rebels exploded with a 15-0 run to get to within 23-20 at halftime.

Abby Rose started the rush, and Lilly Fulghum added the next seven points to trim it to 23-14.

Round two of the push saw Rose can a pair of free throws and Fulghum bank in a pair of layups.

But the Bulldogs (18-2) were relentless in the second half, rst building a 10-point cushion midway through the third quarter and then by continuing to match baskets with the Rebels.

Fulghum hit a trey to put ND to within 43-36, but Roxbury responded by scoring the next eight points.

Scores by Maggie Brown and Raegan Herring and two charity tosses by Rose made it 33 -27,

but Roxbury’s scoring depth was too much for the Rebels.

Post Karrie Obie had 12 points and was trouble for ND in the paint.

Kia Dobson added 11, and Nancy Carver nailed three 3-pointers. Down 37-31 entering the fourth quarter, ND’s last chance to close the gap came after a Fulghum bomb made it 43 -36.

Roxbury scored nine of the nal 16 points.

Fulghum paced ND with 18 points. Brown added 12, while Rose, the Rebels’ top scorer, was limited to eight markers as the Bulldogs were able to control the tempo of the game for much of the evening.

Roxbury plays No. 3 Gates County (24-4) in the East Region semi nals, and the winner will face the survivor of No. 1 Pamlico County and No. 5 Lakewood, a Carolina Conference school that ND beat once and lost to twice this season.

The Rebels earned a rst-round bye and then shot down Holmes 49-35 in Calypso.

Rose had 24 points and 11 rebounds. Fulghum added 19, and Brown, Herring, Abby Norris cleaned the glass with 25 boards.

Brown had seven of ND’s 10 blocks.

ND’s 18-8 mark came after the graduation of 1,000-point scorers Addy Higginbotham and Tatewayna Faison.

Fulghum, a softball signee at Charlotte, is the Rebels’ lone senior.

New additions, veteran players lead Bulldogs

WRH won 11 more games than it did last season under

rst-year head coach Jermel Miller.

Following a rst-round bye, the Bulldogs beat Northeastern 79-69 for their rst playo win since 2016.

They also matched that team’s win total of 17. WRH beat Cape Hatteras and Franklin Academy behind Ms. Basketball Justice Carr.

WRH used the play of veterans Savannah Smith, Sophie Sloan and Jansley Page while getting e orts from upstarts such as post Marion Francis and freshman point guard QuoRyonia Vines.

To be fair, WRH’s win total was aided by wins against three struggling Swain Valley Conference schools – Spring Creek (1-22), Princeton (3-19) and Rosewood (6-16).

Yet the Bulldogs (17-11) clearly played better basketball than in the past.

And that was the central goal of Miller, a former assistant coach for the boys’ team.

Vines pumped in 19 points in the win over the Eagles. Francis, a sophomore transfer, had 19 and 11 rebounds for the 10th double-double of the season. Francis and Vines went a combined 14 of 26 from the eld.

Seniors Smith and Page chipped in 12 apiece, while Sloan had a half dozen.

The dream ended with a 59-27 setback to No. 1 Kinston (23-1). Francis hit for seven points, and Smith and Page combined for 10.

Kinston faces No. 4 Northwood (20-5) in one East Region semi nal, with the winner taking on the survivor of No. 2 Goldsboro (25-2) and No. 3 James Kenan (20-4). Goldsboro has beaten JK three times this winter.

this season for 20-7 ED.

Panthers’ defensive prowess proves bene cial

weren’t falling. I thought we’d pull out of it, but in hindsight, I probably should have called a time out when it was 7-0, 9-0. The o cials were letting the players play, and our girls didn’t make the physical adjustment. It got away from us and kind of snowballed, though we played much better in the second half.”

ED, playing as if it had cement in its sneakers, were outscored 18-14 in the nal two quarters.

Andrews (21-4) faces No. 5 Fairmont (25-2) in the East Region semi nal, with the winner taking on the survivor of No. 3 Clinton (25-1) and No. 2 First Flight (20-2).

“We showed a little ght in the second half, and I thought our seniors — Farrior, Zoe Cavanaugh, Andraia Scarboro — did a great job,” Lane said. The loss broke ED’s six-game winning streak, which included a win in the ECC Tournament nal that knocked Clinton from the unbeaten ranks. No. 8 ED (20-7) picked up its 20th win by thwarting No. 9 Southwestern Randolph 44-37 in the second round earlier in the week.

NOTICES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#26E000086-300

The undersigned, BARBARA SMITH ASHLEY AND BELINDA SMITH MAY having quali ed on the 24TH DAY of FEBRUARY 2026, as COADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of BOBBY GLENN SMITH, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of JUNE 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 5TH Day of MARCH 2026. BARBARA SMITH ASHLEY, COADMINISTRATOR 7228 LEDFORD GROVE LANE WAKE FOREST, NC 27587 BELINDA SMITH MAY, COADMINISTRATOR 1909 AMETHYST RIDGE DRIVE RALEIGH, NC 27604 Run dates:M5,12,19,26p

With nearly every school attempting to make a push for better o ense, ED’s team defense was a key, according to Lane.

“Our defense just kept getting better,” Lane said. “Against Southwestern Randolph, we shut down two good guards. We knew our lack of size was something we would have to address throughout the season. We battled that all year.

“Going in, we knew we had tough nonconference games. Then we get wins against Jacksonville, Ashley and twice against Croatan, who is still alive in the third round. O ensively, we could have gotten a little better.”

ED went 3-1 without its best all-around player, Kinsey Cave, Ms. Basketball in Duplin for the past two seasons. Her ankle sprain gave Panthers fans stress, though the junior guard has a full bill of health.

As strange as it sounds, it was a rebuilding season for ED. And that statement is a compliment to Lane’s program, which hasn’t always had superstar players like Cave.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#26E000068-300

The undersigned, MICHELE M. THOMPSON, having quali ed on the 24TH DAY of FEBRUARY 2026, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of WILLIAM DWIGHT THOMPSON, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of JUNE 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 5TH Day of MARCH 2026.

MICHELE M. THOMPSON, ADMINISTRATOR 4660 E. NC HWY 24 BEULAVILLE, NC 28518

Run dates:M5,12,19,26p

NOTICE

TOWN OF WALLACE

TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

March 12, 2026, after 6:00 PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Council of theTown of Wallace has called for a Public Hearing at the Wallace Women’s Club, located at 216 N. East Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, after 6:00 PM for the following:

The applicant is seeking to rezone 192 +/acres, Pins 331603003661 and 331603115966 located on the north side of River Road, west of Highway 11, from RA-20 (residential, agricultural, minimum lot size 20,000 sq. ft.) to Conditional. Persons wishing to speak on the issues are invited to attend and be heard at the scheduled public hearing.

Persons having questions may contact Rod Fritz, Planning Director at (910) 285-4136 or rfritz@wallacenc.gov.

obituaries

Willie Joseph “Joey” Street

Sept. 15, 1955 –Feb. 23, 2026

Willie Joseph “Joey” Street, 70 of Beulaville, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice, surrounded by his loving wife, son & daughter.

Born on September 15, 1955, Joey was a devoted husband, proud father, loving grandfather, son, brother and loyal friend. He was a man of strength, quiet wisdom, and unwavering love for his family. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his hardworking spirit, and the deep pride he carried for his children and grandchildren.

Joey is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Waters Street, who stood faithfully by his side. He leaves behind his son, Jeremy Street (Christina), and his daughter, Amanda Blizzard (Josh), who were the

Feb. 16, 1950 – Feb. 25, 2026

Jackie Lanier Sloan, 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

She is preceded in death by a

Albert Thomas Swinson

May 11, 1935 – Feb. 22, 2026

Albert Thomas Swinson of Wallace, North Carolina, passed from this earthly life to his eternal rest on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 90 years old. He was born on May 11, 1935, in Maple Hill, North Carolina, the son of the late Charlie Thomas and Ada Mae Ezzell Swinson. He was also preceded in death by nine siblings.

Albert proudly served in the National Guard and in the US Navy’s Construction Battalions (“CBS”). He loved his country dearly. Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 51 years Cecilia “Peaches” Giambo Swinson; sons, Thomas Roy Swinson and wife Victoria of PA; Ricky Allen Swinson and wife Trichelle of VA and Scott Thomas-Lee Swinson and wife Stacie of Watha; daughters Kerry Mae Swinson and Julie Lee Swinson, both of AL and Amy Teresa DeMott and husband Ted of Wallace. Albert was blessed with nine grandchildren, seven greatgrandchildren, brother Roy Lee

pride of his life. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jamey Street, JJ Street, Brody Blizzard, Noah Blizzard, Josie Blizzard, and Molly Kate Kennedy. His grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

He is also survived by his loving mother, Paulette Futrell; his brother, Bobby Futrell (Linda); his sisters Debbie Horne, Karen Royall (Steve) and sisters-in-law Marilyn Futrell and Lorraine Street, along with many other special friends and extended family members.

Joey was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Futrell; his brother, Kenny Futrell; and his brother, Randy Street.

His legacy will live on through the love he gave, the values he instilled, and the family he cherished so deeply. He will be profoundly missed.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Community Funeral Home of Beulaville.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Community Funeral Home with interment to follow at Hallsville Baptist Church Cemetery. Services of Love & Compassion have been entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Beulaville, North Carolina.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Community Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Beulaville, NC 28518.

daughter, Joyce Lynn Sloan

The funeral Service is Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.

A graveside service is Monday, March 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Tom Lanier Cemetery at 692 South N.C. 111 Highway in Chinquapin, NC.

She is surviverd by husband Terry Sloan of Chinquapin, NC; daughters Terri Lanier of Chinquapin, NC, and Michele Rivenbark, Pink Hill, NC; brothers: Hilton Lanier (Pauline) and Gerald Lanier (Sue), both of Chinquapin, NC, and Carlton Lanier (Marissa) of Beulaville, NC; grandchildren: Sydney Blue (Chance), Zoe Rivenbark and Mylee Rivenbark.

Swinson of Maple Hill, sister Alma Hemby of Jacksonville, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him.

Albert was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. He was a simple man who enjoyed simple things in life, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. Albert was an avid gardener who could grow the prettiest garden around. He took great pride in his cucumbers, tomatoes and other delicious veggies that he grew and shared them with others. Albert loved to barbecue pigs on his pig cooker. He catered many celebrations in his younger years sharing his famous barbeque sauce with his barbequed pigs. He really enjoyed meeting people at these events. Albert never met a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything, but his favorite discussions was politics. He knew what he believed and stood by it. Albert was a loving man who loved others and especially his wife and children. They were his life and he would do anything he could for each of them. Albert will surely be missed but he will never be forgotten.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park in Watha.

Casket bearers will be Steve Hemby, Tom Swinson, Scott Swinson, Cody Swinson, Dustyn DeMott, Jordan Swinson and Ronald Swinson.

SPONSORED BY

QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Martha Wilson Jones

Feb. 23, 1931 – Feb. 22, 2026

Martha Wilson Jones passed away peacefully at home in Beulaville, surrounded by family and friends, one day shy of her 95th birthday. Martha was born in Duplin County on February 23, 1931, to the late George Taylor and Inez Pickett Wilson. In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Beasley

Evelyn “Polly” Kennedy Quinn

March 15, 1945 –Feb. 23, 2026

Evelyn “Polly” Kennedy Quinn, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, in The Gardens of Rose Hill.

The funeral service is Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at Sand Hill Cemetery in Potters Hill, NC.

She is survived by many loved nieces and nephews.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Quinn family.

Murray Jones, and all ve of her siblings: Margaret Batts (Fayette), Annie Mae Matthews (Gordon), Joe Wilson (Dolly), Mary Alice Dail (Gerald) and Johnnie Gray (Pat).

Martha and husband Beasley were the perfect farm couple. She tirelessly worked alongside him in their elds, country store and feed mill in nearby Jones County, NC. She was also a longtime member of Beulaville Baptist Church, loved singing in the choir and was reportedly its oldest living member at the time of her death.

Martha is survived by her two children: Murray Wilson Jones (Louise) and Joseph Timothy Jones (Denise); four grandchildren: Murray Wilson Jones Jr (Anna), Louise Reston Jones Chambers (Ben), Timothy Dock Jones (Chelsea) and Kate Jones Lanier (Paxton); 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Serenity Funeral Home, 1100

Annie Lou Turner Smith

Sept. 23, 1942 – Feb. 23, 2026

Annie Lou Turner Smith, age 83, of Wallace, left this earthly life for eternal home in Heaven on Monday, February 23, 2026. She was born on September 23, 1942, in Duplin County and was the daughter of the late Ben and Mary Brock Turner. She was also preceded in death by her son Tommy Hobbs. Annie attended The Church of Pentecostal Gathering as long as her health permitted. She loved the Lord and her church. Surviving are her children, Victor Hobbs of Wallace, Joann

S NC-41 & 111, Beulaville, NC 28518, with Dr. Bartley Wooten o ciating. Visitation will occur at 1 p.m., followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. and burial afterwards in Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 985 NC-11, Pink Hill, NC 28572. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Beulaville Baptist Church, PO Box 394, Beulaville, NC 28518 or the charity of your choice.

The family is especially appreciative of Martha’s local Beulaville friends, including but not limited to Doris Bostic, Katie Miller and JoAnn Cavenaugh, and two very special care-givers Beverly Murphy and Jennifer Roberts. Lastly, an additional thank-you goes to all the wonderful sta at 3HC Home Health & Hospice Care.

The funeral service is Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home in Beulaville with visitation one hour before the service.

Interment will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.

Hunter and husband Greg of

of

and Gloria

include

Allison Surcy and Brandy

great-grandchildren Freddy and Joseph and one great-great-grandson; brother Ben Turner, Jr. numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends who loved Annie dearly.

Annie was a loving mother and caring grandmother and sister. She was a simple lady who enjoyed the simple things in life but her greatest joy was her family. She enjoyed shing and planting owers. Annie was a loving person who loved everyone and was loved in return. Most of all, Annie loved the Lord and was a true servant for him. Annie will surely be missed, but treasured memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace Chapel, with her Pastor Rodney Bonham o ciating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.

Je Galloway, who inspired people with run-walk-run method, dead at 80

His strategy made marathons accessible to everyday runners

By Ed White The Associated Press

JEFF GALLOWAY, a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic team who for decades inspired elite athletes and countless everyday runners by promoting a run-walk-run strategy, whether in a marathon or just a neighborhood jog, died Wednesday at age 80.

Galloway had a hemorrhagic stroke and died at a hospital in Pensacola, Florida, daughter-in-law Carissa Galloway said.

His in uence was evident in the nal days of his life: Throngs of people posted videos online, hoping for Galloway’s recovery from emergency neurosurgery and thanking him for advice that boosted their con dence and took them to race starting lines.

Galloway’s family announced the surgery Feb. 20 and invited the public to express support.

Jim Vance, an elite endurance sports consultant in San Diego, said Galloway was a “pioneer” in getting people to run.

“He removed the barrier to entry, which was mostly mental,” Vance told The Associated Press.

“Running isn’t supposed to be a su er-fest. It should be something peaceful, something enjoyable, so people can enjoy running and not dread it.”

Galloway survived heart fail-

ure in 2021 and was still hoping to complete another marathon after logging more than 230 during his lifetime.

“My mission now, at the age of 80-plus, is to show that people can do things that are normally not done, and can do them safely,” he told The New York Times in December.

Galloway’s run-walk-run method began in 1974 when he agreed to teach a running class through Florida State University, two years after competing in the 10,000 meters at the Olympics. He gured it might attract customers to Phidippides, his new store for runners.

“None had done any running for at least ve years. So we started walking with a few one-minute jogs,” Galloway said on his website.

“I spent some time with each group, during the runs, to adjust the frequency of walk breaks so that no one was hu ng and puing — even at the end,” he said. “Walk breaks kept the groups together. Everyone passed the nal exam: nishing either a 5K or a 10K with smiles on their faces.”

Galloway believed walking during a run reduced the risk of injury, conserved energy and kept con dence a oat.

“I’ve been using them ever since,” he said, “continuing to ne-tune the ratios of running to walking based upon pace per mile and individual needs.”

And Galloway even had his own recipe. He walked through every water station during the

1980 Houston marathon and nished with a faster time, 2:16:35, than his previous run-only 26.2mile races, the Times reported.

He shared his running philosophies through books, websites and retreats. Galloway was the o cial training consultant for runDisney, a series of races at Walt Disney Co. resorts, and would be among the runners. Many admirers went online to o er tributes after his recent surgery.

“I never thought I would be a runner. I never thought I’d run a half marathon,” Karen BockLosee of Jacksonville, Florida, said in a video. “I’m 70 years old, and I’ve run several since my 60th birthday when I discovered Galloway running. I just want to say thank you.”

Susan Williams recalled seeing Galloway as she struggled toward the end of a half marathon in Murray, Kentucky, in 2011.

“You passed me, and my butt was cramping,” she said. “You turned around and came back. You talked me through it. It was awesome.”

Bobby McGee, a Colorado-based running coach, said Galloway’s run-walk-run approach made running more accessible to the masses.

“When a group of people in any kind of run — from marathons to fun runs — get together afterwards they talk about their time,” McGee said. “Nobody asks them if they ran the whole thing.” Galloway is survived by two sons and six grandchildren.

COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Shannon Hair, left, stands next to Taylor Sandlin, center, and Jimmy Smith holding a check for $2,500 from Four County Electric Membership Corporation.

The annual award recognizes full-time students in co-op service area

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — James Sprunt Community College announced last week that the college received a $2,500 contribution from Four County Electric Membership Corporation to support the Four County EMC curriculum scholarship.

The funding provides ve $500 scholarships, split between the fall and spring semesters, for full-time students enrolled in curriculum programs who live in the co-op’s service area.

“Their investment is truly making a lasting impact on student success,” said Taylor Sandlin, JSCC Foundation director. Shannon Hair, JSCC’s new president, added that Four County EMC’s gift is a testament of commitment to the success of JSCC students.

“Thank you, Jimmy Smith for this long-standing relationship and investment in our JSCC students,” wrote Hair in a social media post.

The scholarships are awarded annually, helping local students pursue their educational goals at James Sprunt Community College.

The application deadline is May 1. For more information call 910-275-6152.

Four County EMC awards $2,500 in scholarships to JSCC Students ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

TOWN OF WALLACE

including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing O ce.

Bonding/Licensing Requirements: Each bid must be accompanied by a certi ed check or a bid bond by an acceptable surety company of not less than ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, made payable to the Owner, The Town of Wallace.

A Performance and a Payment Bond will be required for the successful bidder in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract, payment of all persons supplying labor or furnishing materials, and payment of all liabilities incurred in connection with the work under this contract. North Carolina law requires any contractor bidding on work in the State which costs $30,000.00 or more to show evidence that he is licensed under the “Act to Regulate the Practice of General Contracting.” Bidders shall be properly licensed under Chapter 87, General Statues of North Carolina.

Other Requirements:

O ce on Mondays through Fridays between the

of 8:00 AM

5:00 PM, and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from

O

as

Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing O

during the

indicated above. Bidding Documents are available on compact disc (as portable document format (PDF) les) for a non- refundable charge of $50.00, including shipping via overnight express service. Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing O ce either via in-person pick-up or via mail, upon Issuing

Una liated candidate hits signature goal to run for District 2 commissioner

Surrounded by her children, candidate Jessica Thomas submitted her petition Monday ahead of the noon deadline on March 3, turning in 256 signatures — more than the 4% of registered voters required in Duplin County District 2. Her successful submission secures her spot on the November ballot as an una liated candidate for county commissioner.

No consideration will be given any request for Plans and Speci cations within the ve (5) day period immediately prior to the date for receiving bids. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for receiving bids.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and any part of a bid and to waive informalities and technicalities in the bidding procedure.

Bids must be submitted on the printed form, or exact copies thereof, contained in the Contract Documents. Bids must be enclosed in a sealed envelope addressed to The Town of Wallace, and plainly marked “Bid, Town of Wallace Sewer System Expansion”. The name, address and license number of the bidder shall be plainly marked on the outside of the envelope. Small, under-utilized, minority, or women-owned businesses are encouraged to submit Bids. All bidders are required to make positive e orts to use small and minority-owned businesses and comply with GS 143-128 and the MBE/WBE goals established by The Town of Wallace. Bidders shall have a veri able ten percent (10%) goal for participation by minority businesses in the total value of work. Bidders shall conform to the speci ed Minority Business Enterprise solicitation procedure as de ned in the Bid Documents. The Town of Wallace is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

Community gathers for Wallace Rotary pancake fundraiser

The Wallace Elementary School cafeteria was full of smiles last Friday evening as the Wallace Rotary Club hosted its annual pancake dinner. Families enjoyed plates of regular and blueberry pancakes with sausage and beverages while raising funds to support the Rotary Club’s many local civic projects.

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Father who gave gun to Ga. school shooting suspect as gift guilty of 2nd-degree murder

A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he’s accused of using to kill two students and two teachers at a high school has been convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Colin Gray also was found guilty Tuesday of all other charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray is one of a number of parents prosecuted after their children were accused in fatal shootings. Prosecutors said he gave his son access to a gun and ammunition despite “su cient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Noem blames “violent protesters” for Minneapolis chaos under tough questioning

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her agency in testimony and under questioning at a Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday. It was her rst congressional hearing since two protesters were killed in Minneapolis by Homeland Security o cers in January. Noem’s department sent hundreds of o cers to Minnesota. Protesters marched and tracked enforcement activity. An ICE o cer shot Renee Good, while Border Protection o cers shot Alex Pretti. The deaths led to demands for accountability. At the hearing, Noem blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos o cers encountered.

Supreme Court blocks law against schools outing transgender students

The Supreme Court is clearing the way for California schools to tell parents if their children identify as transgender without getting the student’s approval, granting an emergency appeal from a conservative legal group. The Monday order blocks for now a state law that bans automatic parental noti cation requirements. Religious parents and educators challenged California policies aimed at preventing schools from outing children to their families. The parents say schools misled them and facilitated social transition despite their objections. The state said students have the right to privacy.

Albemarle Fire Department earns Class 2 re

rating

Better ISO ratings translate to lower home insurance prices

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle Fire Department has earned a new Class 2 insurance rating, placing it among the top 5% of re departments nationwide.

On Monday night, North Carolina State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor presented the designation during the Albemarle City Council meeting, revealing the department’s improved Insurance Services O ce rating.

Commissioners approve airport pavement rehabilitation project

Stanly County to provide $122,201 match

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

Shank, Stanly County Airport director

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $122,201 funding match Monday night to move forward with a $1.25 million pavement rehabilitation project at Stanly County Airport.

The project calls for improvements to the airport’s apron and taxilane, areas that Airport Director Randy

Shank said are in need of repair due to aging asphalt and vegetation growing through existing cracks.

“The area that we’re going to repave is pretty significant,” Shank told commissioners during his agenda presentation, noting that he’s been spraying an herbicide product on the pavement. “It looks pretty bad if the weeds get going on.”

The total cost of the project is $1,251,291.

Funding will come from three separate grants that

The rating is issued by Verisk’s ISO, which evaluates re departments and their surrounding communities. Scores are based on re department performance (50%), water infrastructure (40%) and 911 communications (10%).

“I am very proud to be here before you today to announce that the Albemarle Fire Department has now reached the rating of a Class 2,” Taylor told the council. “Class 1 is the best rating. It goes from a 1 to a 10, with 10 being a nonrated re department. Out of almost 30,000 re departments across this U.S., there’s only 5% of departments in the U.S. that have a Class 2 rating. Class 1 is only 1% of the re departments out of those.”

Taylor, a former Albemarle re marshal who later served as senior deputy insurance commissioner for North Carolina, noted that he stood before

The county’s Animal Protective Services Division responded to a complaint

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Two people were arrested as 23 dogs were removed from an Albemarle home on Feb. 26 following an animal cruelty investigation, authorities said. Deputies with the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce Animal Protective Services division responded to an animal complaint near the intersection of N.C. 73 and Austin Road. Upon arrival, deputies located the animal referenced in the complaint and made contact with the owners. While at the residence, dep -

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

SATURDAY MARCH

uties recognized the property from previous calls for service. During the investigation, they observed conditions that raised concerns about the welfare of additional animals on the property, according to the sheri ’s o ce.

As a result of the investigation, 23 dogs were removed from the home to ensure their safety and well-being. The owners were charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and failure to vaccinate.

Authorities said concerns about the welfare of animals at the property prompted the removal. The dogs were taken into custody for their protection and are being cared for by the Stanly County Animal Shelter.

“The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce remains commit-

“The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce remains committed to protecting the welfare of animals in our community and encourages citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect.”

Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce

ted to protecting the welfare of animals in our community and encourages citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect,” the sheri ’s o ce said in a statement.

Deputies urged residents to report concerns about animal cruelty or neglect. Individuals interested in fostering the seized dogs, as well as rescue organizations and animal welfare partners willing to assist with placement, are encouraged to contact the Stanly County Animal Shelter at 704-986-3881.

Feb. 23

• Dewayne Dale Jernigan, 42, was arrested for assault by pointing a gun, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and assault on a female.

• Jerry Wayne Lambert, 53, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Feb. 25

• Hunter Hull, 39, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Sheena Marie E rd, 36, was arrested for defrauding a drug or alcohol test, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Jennifer Suzanne Callicutt, 43, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.

• Christian Ntxhw Vue, 34, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Tracy Furr, 54, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Hunter Thomas Hull, 39, was arrested for driving while impaired.

Feb. 26

• Christina Danye Brown, 26, was arrested for driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license and possession of an open container or consuming alcohol in a passenger area.

• Desshon Kevin Ewing, 36, was arrested for assault on a female, injury to real property, felony possession of cocaine, resisting a public o cer and felony obstructing justice.

Feb. 27

• Bobby Ray Bullard, 34, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard, hit and run, failure to stop for property damage, failure to report an accident, driving left of center, failure to maintain lane control, attempted breaking or entering a building and simple possession of a controlled substance.

• Julie Ann Magnum, 53, was arrested for hit and run, leaving the scene of property damage

and failure to maintain lane control.

• Marlo Michelle Helms, 53, was arrested for obtaining property by false pretenses, forgery of an instrument, uttering a forged instrument and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Feb. 28

• Tyler Wayne Barrier, 21, was arrested for possession of a stolen rearm, possession of a rearm by a felon and altering or removing a rearm serial number.

• Keytavious Shamaud Lewis, 18, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Latarius Williams, 33, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance, driving on a revoked license and possession of an open container or consuming alcohol in a passenger area.

March 1

• Andrea Nichole Davis, 37, was arrested for assault on an individual with a disability.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.

March 5

Stanly County Chamber Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony

5:30 p.m.

The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 90th anniversary at its annual awards dinner, honoring recipients in ve categories: Ambassador of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and a newly introduced Nonpro t Organization of the Year. Tickets are $50 and include dinner.

Atrium Health Stanly — Magnolia Room 301 Yadkin St. Albemarle

March 7

Dwight J. Dennis Memorial Photography Exhibition — Gallery Hours 10 a.m.

The Stanly Arts Guild’s annual juried photography competition and exhibition, named in memory of longtime member and supporter Dwight J. Dennis, is open to the public on Saturdays during its Feb. 17 to March 14 run, with prizes totaling $600 awarded to top entries. Free admission.

Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery 330 N. Second St. Albemarle

Empire National Dance Competition 8 a.m.

A regional competitive dance event running all day, featuring dancers in multiple age divisions and styles competing at the Agri-Civic Center. The event is listed on the Stanly County venue calendar as running from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

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

Supreme Court throws out Trump tari s and upholds Constitution

So much for the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump.

SO MUCH FOR the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. That is a frequently voiced charge by partisan Democrats, and a fear of many ambivalent voters who nd many of Trump’s policies agreeable but worry about his overreach on policy and personnel.

That’s one political meme refuted by the court’s Learning Resources v. Trump decision last Friday, announced after more than the expected delay for the drafting of concurring opinions. The court struck down Trump’s beloved tari s, with only one Republican-appointed justice taking the president’s side while the majority consisted of three Republican-appointed and three Democratic-appointed justices.

Such a result should not have surprised those with some appreciation of Supreme Court history. Franklin Roosevelt, after seeing several of his New Deal programs ruled unconstitutional and after unsuccessfully urging Congress to pack the court with new justices, nally ended up lling eight of the court’s nine seats.

That didn’t stop a bench of Democratic appointees from disapproving of Democratic President Harry Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel plants during the Korean War in a case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, cited 15 times by the Learning Resources justices.

Justices newly appointed in times when Supreme Court decisions are subjects of partisan disputes tend to agree on contemporary issues. But in time, new problems arise, to which they turn out to have di erences. And even animosity: Some of the Roosevelt appointees even stopped speaking to each other.

One such issue brought forward by Trump’s election and reelection is the tari . There’s a strong argument that the president’s view that trade de cits impoverish the country and tari s enrich it is delusional. Alexander Hamilton backed tari s not so much to foster infant industries but because they were the easiest tax to collect with the 18th-century technology.

William McKinley, often cited by Trump as a tari advocate, delivered a speech in September 1901, just days before he was shot, calling for reduced tari s. He recognized U.S. industry was no longer as infantile as the United States became the world’s No. 1 steel producer. Later in the century, congressional Republicans kept backing tari packages as a form of pork barrel patronage for local interests and to hold the party together. But Republican presidents,

educated in free-market economics in elite colleges (Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Stanford), sought, with limited success, to hold rates down.

Learning Resources doesn’t prevent Trump from using other tari laws, but they, as Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion of the court notes, “contain various combinations of procedural prerequisites, required agency determinations and limits.” That means he wouldn’t have, in the chief justice’s evidently irritated phrasing, “the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tari s of unlimited amount, duration and scope.”

Such capricious policymaking, with enormous economic consequences, has few precedents except for what historian Amity Shlaes describes as Roosevelt’s daily settings of gold prices during several months in 1933.

Learning Resources, as anti-Trump conservative David French wrote in The New York Times, “may prove to be the most important Supreme Court case this century” because it forti es the “major questions doctrine,” celebrated in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s extraordinary 46-page concurrence.

The major questions doctrine is drawn from the constitutional architecture: Article I authorizes Congress to pass laws, Article II authorizes the president to take care that they be faithfully executed. It follows that a president can’t rummage around in the statute books, searching for some language — or, as in this case, two words separated by 16 words — that somehow can be interpreted, though no one has interpreted them that way before, to authorize him to do what he wants to do. On major questions, it must be clear Congress has already done that.

The Supreme Court, with majorities made up of Republican appointees, used the major questions doctrine to overturn major Biden administration policies — cancellation of student loans (based on authorization to “waive or modify” them), eviction moratorium (based on preventing “transmission of communicable diseases”) and vaccine mandate (based on “safety and healthy work conditions”).

In a 46-page concurring opinion, Gorsuch argues that his three Democratic-appointed colleagues are wielding the major questions doctrine against the Trump tari s, though they say they’re not, and they were unwilling to use it against Biden policies. He argues the three dissenting Republican-appointed justices should have agreed that the major questions doctrine requires overturning the tari s. He argues that Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who voted to overturn tari s, should have relied more explicitly on the doctrine.

War should never be taken lightly; not even if your cause is righteous

War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous.

AMERICANS HAVE good-faith concerns about the attacks on the Islamist regime in Iran. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic cultists in Iran are our enemy — and that matters.

The Islamic Republic’s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended.

From the early 1980s, Iran’s proxy army of Hezbollah killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the early 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered more than 600 Americans with IEDs. Iran has been killing Americans.

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli.

The Iranians twice reportedly hatched plots to assassinate Trump in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks and for stealing aerospace, tech and satellite data.

Yet both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backward for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching

out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East and murdering Americans.

But the most important question right now isn’t what Iran’s done. It’s what it would do if it had nukes.

Iran’s Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won’t act more aggressively and violently toward the “Great Satan” when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans?

Some people point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it’s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military e orts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful.

Never once will any of Iran’s Western

Is this evidence of the kind of discord that divided the Roosevelt-appointed justices so many years ago? Maybe, and the justices don’t seem as collegial now as they did before someone — a liberal justice’s law clerk? — leaked a draft of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

But the thrust of Gorsuch’s concurrence is that the justices are functionally in agreement with the major questions doctrine, even if they’re uncomfortable saying so. Perhaps it was written to undercut arguments by the liberal law professoriate that the major questions doctrine is defunct.

Or, as Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith puts it, Learning Resources “signals more clearly than ever that, going forward, this Court is going to view broad delegations of statutory authority to act, and/or extravagant presidential interpretations of authority to act, with skepticism.”

It’s hard for Congress to set policy as explicitly as the major questions doctrine seems to require when the two parties have signi cant disagreements, are in close competition, and are disincentivized to accept compromise when they reasonably hope that the next presidential election will give them the White House and congressional majorities.

That has been the situation for the last 30 -some years, in which Democrats have won most presidential elections and Republicans have usually won majorities in the House of Representatives. It was also the case for the 30-some years after the Civil War, when policy di erences and partisan bitterness were greater than they are today.

But after three decades, new issues arose and new voter coalitions emerged. Sooner or later, that will happen again.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration may search the statute books for verbiage it can use to justify some limited tari authority, just as the Biden administration searched the statute books to nd verbiage to justify some limited student loan forgiveness.

But the Supreme Court, regardless of partisan labels, seems ready to use the major questions doctrine to limit the billions of dollars that can be raised or spent without some clear authorization in laws passed by Congress. And someday a president will gure out how to persuade Congress to pass laws authorizing all or some of what she or he wants.

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)

propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact.

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again.

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it’s welcome to it.

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn’t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any o ce by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as “the most wicked, sinister enemy.” Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements.

Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world’s policemen, but we also can’t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is “America can’t do a damn thing against us.”

But that isn’t the case, is it?

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. Copyright 2026 Creators.com

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Dutch museum makes ‘needle in a haystack’ con rmation of Rembrandt painting

After 60 years, scienti c analysis con rmed the painting is a genuine Rembrandt

By Mike Corder The Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands

— A painting that was once rejected as a work by Rembrandt van Rijn has now been acknowledged as a work by the Dutch master, thanks to two years of scrutiny in the city where the then-27-year-old artist painted it in 1633, a museum announced Monday.

The Netherlands’ national art and history museum, the Rijksmuseum, unveiled the work, “Vision of Zacharias in the Temple,” and said painstaking analysis including high-tech scans con rmed it was painted by Rembrandt after he moved to the capital, Amsterdam.

The painting hasn’t been on public display in decades after being bought by a private collector in 1961, a year after it was deemed not to be a Rembrandt, the museum said in a statement. From Wednesday, it will go on show among other masterpieces at the Rijksmusuem, where it is on long-term loan.

Director Taco Dibbits said the museum often gets emails from people asking if the painting they own might just be by the Golden Age master.

“We always hope to nd a new Rembrandt, but this happens rarely,” he told The Associated Press. He said making such a discovery “is just like ( nding) a needle in a haystack.”

Director Taco Dibbits of the Rijksmuseum unveiled the work “Vision of Zacharias in the Temple” during a press preview in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Monday, March 2, 2026 and said two years of analysis has con rmed it was painted by Rembrandt.

The owner, who has remained anonymous, initially asked the museum only if the painting was Dutch.

“He really didn’t know what he had. And then to discover that it’s a Rembrandt is something that’s amazing to experience,” Dibbits said.

The painting depicts a biblical story in which high priest Zacharias is visited by the Archangel Gabriel, who tells the priest that he and his wife will have a son: John the Baptist. Zacharias’ surprised expression is highlighted by light heralding the arrival of Gabriel, the museum said.

An in-depth study of the work, including macro X-ray uorescence scans and comparisons with other works by the artist, con rmed Rembrandt painted it, said the museum’s curator of 17th-centu-

ry Dutch paintings, Jonathan Bikker.

“So the wood that was used for the panel on which it’s painted, that is de nitely from a tree that was cut down before 1633, the date on the painting,” he said.

“All the pigments, the paint in the painting were used by Rembrandt in other paintings. And the layers of paint and how he painted it, that is also precisely the same as in other works by Rembrandt,” he added.

The work joins about 350 known Rembrandt paintings and raised the hope that there may be more.

“We’re not actively looking for new paintings by Rembrandt, but I think this gives us hope — not just us but everyone who’s interested in Rembrandt,” Bikker said.

Triceratops skeleton ‘Trey’ to hit auction block as dinosaur market soars

As dinosaur fossils fetch record prices, scientists worry specimens may disappear forever

RATING from page A1

the council ve years ago to announce the department’s move from a Class 5 to a Class 4 rating.

North Carolina is the only state in the country where the O ce of the State Fire Marshal conducts its own rating inspections for jurisdictions with populations of 100,000 or fewer, he said.

All 1,200 re departments in the state are inspected every ve years.

“This is a proud achievement not only for the re department

but for the community,” Taylor said. “This is truly a community rating, and it shows the testament of the leadership and your commitment for re protection in the city of Albemarle. With that said, looking at the rating, it is very close in points. So the commitment now with leadership is that you must be able to maintain that.” Fire Chief Kenny Kendall, who has led the department since 2024, credited city leadership and department personnel for the achievement. Kendall joined the Albemarle Fire

By R.J. Rico

The Associated Press

A TRICERATOPS skeleton that stood in a Wyoming museum for decades will be auctioned o , a rare instance of a museum-exhibited dinosaur going to the auction block just as the market for the prehistoric giants has hit record highs.

The fossil, dubbed “Trey,” will be open for bidding March 17-31 on Joopiter, an online auction platform founded by Grammy-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams. It has a preauction estimate of $4.5 million to $5.5 million.

Dating back more than 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period, Trey was discovered near Lusk, Wyoming, in 1993 by Lee Campbell and the late Allen Gra ham, a commercial paleontologist who made numerous signi cant nds over his lifetime.

The 17-foot-long herbivore greeted visitors at the 1995 grand opening of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Ther-

Department in December 1994 and rose through the ranks, becoming a captain in 2005, a battalion chief in 2011 and assistant re chief in 2022 before being named chief.

Standing alongside Assistant Chief Brad Jenkins, Fire Marshal Robert Wilhoit and Battalion Chiefs Patrick Stone and Jason Barbee, Kendall thanked the council for its support.

“Council, mayor, this couldn’t be possible without your support,” Kendall said. “I might be standing here as the re chief, but the sta that I have standing

mopolis and remained there on loan until 2023. Having been recently sold in a private transaction, it is now in Singapore, where it is available for private viewings through the end of March, Joopiter said.

Trey “has this cultural aspect that a lot of fossils that go to auction these days just simply don’t have,” said paleontologist Andre LuJan, who worked with Joopiter to prepare the fossil for auction. “This one is connected to people and undoubtedly has inspired young children who’ve seen it to pursue a career in paleontology.”

Once the domain of museums and universities, dinosaur fossils have become increasingly popular investments.

In 2024, the remains of “Apex” the stegosaurus went for $44.6 million at auction, shattering the previous record of $31.8 million paid in 2020 for “Stan,” a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

In a sign that the dinosaur fossil market remains strong, a rare young dinosaur skeleton blew past its $4 million to $6 million Sotheby’s preauction estimate in July and ended up fetching more than $30 million in a bidding frenzy, including fees and costs.

behind me, and the department that I have standing behind me, those are the ones who made this rating, it wasn’t me. All I’ve done was guided the ship. These guys put it together and successfully obtained this level two rating for our re district.”

“Our department has come a very long way, and with your continued support, with the support of the whole re department and the community, you will never give up on that Class 1,” he added. Council member Bill Aldridge encouraged Kendall to share in the recognition.

Caitlin Donovan, Joopiter’s global head of sales, said the surging interest re ects a shift away from traditional categories like old master paintings and toward objects that have “cultural resonance.”

“(Dinosaurs) have always captivated our imagination ... and people are now starting to see the value in investing in these as assets,” LuJan said.

But the hot market has some paleontologists concerned that important specimens could disappear into private collections, depriving scientists of important research opportunities.

Public museums are “getting totally priced out of an exploding market,” said Kristi Curry Rogers, a paleontologist at Minnesota’s Macalester College.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science,” said Curry Rogers, who is not involved in the sale.

LuJan emphasized that Trey has always been privately owned, and he hopes it will end up in a museum, just like Apex, which is now on display at New York’s American Museum of Natural History after its buyer signed a long-term loan agreement allowing scientists to study it.

“Chief Kendall, take some of the credit because you’ve done a phenomenal job since you’ve been at the helm of this department, getting this thing turned around and going in the right direction,” Aldridge said. “Somebody once said the speed of the leader determines the rate of the pack, and I believe that’s a very tting analysis of what we’re seeing here tonight.”

The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on March 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Trump once wary of ordering regime change in Iran; here’s what changed president’s

mind

Eight

months of

negotiations gave way to a dramatic military strike

By Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

— With Saturday’s military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump demonstrated a dramatic evolution in risk tolerance, adjusting in just a matter of months how far he was willing to go in using American military might to confront Tehran’s clerical rule.

Guardrails were tossed aside as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included targeted strikes on Iran’s leadership. That included 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death Trump triumphantly announced in a social media post hours after launching the military operation.

For Trump, it was a far cry from where he stood just eight months ago. At Israel’s urging during its 12-day war with Iran last June, he agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to pummel three key Iranian nuclear sites — but drew a bright red line when Israelis presented his administration with a plan for killing Khamenei.

The president peppered the supreme leader with thinly veiled threats back in June that he could have killed him if he wanted to. But he rejected the Israeli plan out of concern that it would destabilize the region.

That caution was set aside on Saturday with Trump announcing Khamenei had been killed, while the Israeli military announced it had taken out Iran’s defense minister and the commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media early Sunday reported the supreme leader’s death, without elaborating on a cause.

Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump said. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Trump loses patience

Trump had pursued talks with Iran for months. Administration o cials told reporters that they o ered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes, including an o er of free nuclear fuel in perpetuity.

But the o cials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. One of them said that Iran has met their o ers with “games, tricks, stall tactics.”

The order to launch strikes

PROJECT from page A1

collectively cover the bulk of construction expenses. The Federal Aviation Administration is providing $179,000, while the N.C. Division of Aviation is contributing $949,000. The county’s required local match of $122,201 will be funded through the airport enterprise fund using retained earnings.

Albemarle-based construction company J.T. Russell and Sons submitted the low bid for the project and will be awarded the contract following nal state approval and con rmation of county funding.

Commissioners asked about the timeline for construction. Shank said the county must rst clear a nal approval step with the N.C. Department of Transportation.

“We have to get through one nal hurdle with the Division of Transportation, which is a Thursday meeting approval,”

came just two days after Trump dispatched his special envoys, Steve Witko and Jared Kushner, for another round of talks with Iranian o cials. Middle East and European allies were urging the U.S. administration to give negotiations more time as Trump signaled he was running out of patience.

“The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly ve decades, between the government and a dissatis ed populace, and between Iran and its adversaries,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. “And although the regime is weakened, a sense that this showdown is an all-or-nothing struggle for its very survival could lead it to respond with every tool still at its disposal.”

Revised risk calculation

Saturday’s strikes came after a series of past provocative actions against Iran that resulted in limited blowback, which seemed to inform Trump’s risk calculation, said Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican administrations over two decades.

Trump in 2018 pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration. In 2020, Trump ordered a drone strike killing top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

At the time, the killing of Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was arguably the most provocative U.S. military action in the Middle East since President George W. Bush launched the 2003 Iraq War to

Shank said. “Once we get that and get the contract signed in place with J.T. Russell, we should hopefully begin in mid-April.”

topple Saddam Hussein.

And then Trump this past June ordered the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which he claimed had “obliterated” their program.

“He did all of these things without cost or consequence to him,” said Miller, who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “He’s been risk-ready. That’s the nature of his personality.”

Trump administration ocials had publicly urged Tehran to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and end its backing of regional armed proxies. But administration o cials said that Tehran would not engage on the missile and proxy concerns.

Iran’s rigidity, at a moment when its economy is in shambles weighed by decades of sanctions and its military battered by last year’s war, astounded Trump.

Even before the latest round of talks ended last Thursday, there were signs Trump was leaning toward military action.

Last Tuesday, Trump in his State of the Union speech claimed that Iran has been building ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S. homeland — a justi cation that he repeated again on Saturday as he announced the bombardment of Iran was underway.

Iran hasn’t acknowledged it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassi ed report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”

Shank also outlined the rehabilitation process.

“The original asphalt is going to be ground up and milled down,” he said. “They’re going to have to treat it with a concrete blend underneath there, and then they’re going to repave it back over the top of it. They’re going to treat the subgrade with some type of cement.”

Commissioner Billy Mills praised the nancial structure of the project before making the motion to approve the county’s funding match.

“Anytime we can bring in a million dollars and we only have to pay around $122,000 is great,” Mills said. “At the same time, our local contractor is doing the work, and they’re good.”

The motion passed 7-0.

The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on March 16 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters last Wednesday that Iran’s refusal to speak to its ballistic missile program was a “big problem.” Rubio declined to address the DIA nding that Iran was still years away from developing a missile that could reach the United States.

And Vice President JD Vance, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and has been skeptical of U.S. interventions, last Thursday told The Washington Post that Trump hadn’t decided whether to strike Iran. But he o ered assurances that military action would not result in the United States becoming involved in a drawn-out con ict.

“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” Vance said. By Friday, Trump was venting anew about Iran’s approach.

“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump said. “I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens.”

Senior U.S. lawmakers were told early Saturday that the strikes were coming. Trump monitored the operation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, with members of his national security team.

Trump perhaps emboldened by Venezuela experience

Trump’s success with the U.S. military operation earlier his year to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and whisk him and his wife to New York City to face federal drug conspiracy charges also may

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

President Donald Trump

have emboldened the president, said Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury Department ofcial who is now executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington, D.C., think tank.

Trump had threatened military action last month, but held o , as Iran carried out a deadly crackdown on protests. The demonstrations were spurred by economic grievances but morphed into a nationwide, anti-government push against the ruling clerics.

As human rights groups reported that thousands were killed in the Iranian crackdown, Trump told protesters that help was on its way, but it did not immediately come and the protests petered out.

Schanzer said that Trump’s decision not to follow through last month gave his team more time to assemble the now massive presence of ghter jets and warships in the region — as he had done in the Caribbean ahead of the Venezuela operation. It was leverage, Trump hoped, that would get Khamenei to blink. But the supreme leader would not capitulate.

“The way this unfolded was inevitable because there was no way that the Ayatollah was going to show exibility,” Schanzer said.

OBITUARIES

JASON ALEXANDER TREXLER

FEB. 8, 1983 – FEB. 23, 2026

Jason Alexander Trexler, 43, of Albemarle, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the chapel of Stanly Funeral Home in Albemarle, o ciated by Rev. Don Burleyson and Rev. Rodney Quesenbury. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m., prior to the service.

Born February 8, 1983, in Mecklenburg County, Jason was the son of Joe Alexander Trexler of Andrews, NC, and Teresa Trexler Smith of Albemarle. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Joshua Trexler of Fletcher, NC, adopted half-brothers, Roger Furr-Trexler, Dax Furr-Trexler, and stepbrothers, Chuck Furr, and William Smith, and his maternal grandfather, David Hatley of Albemarle.

Jason had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in hiking and spending time in nature. He enjoyed a good game of Scrabble, working crossword puzzles, and “Magic the Gathering”. He enjoyed caring for animals. He had a green thumb and a love for horticulture and could ID most species of plants in North Carolina. He was often the smartest person in the room. Known for his warm spirit and easygoing nature, Jason was a very likable person with a wonderful personality who would do anything to help a friend. He will be remembered for his kindness and genuine heart.

RUTH WAISNER FLOYD

MAY 30, 1927 – FEB. 27, 2026

Ruth Waisner Floyd, 98, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 27, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Poplin Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Delane Burris o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Born May 30, 1927, in Stanly County, Ruth was the daughter of the late William Thomas “W.T.” Waisner and Virginia Bean Waisner. She devoted her life to her family and was a woman of remarkable strength and determination. A talented seamstress by trade, Ruth was known for her strong spirit, independence, and unwavering sense of purpose. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and found great joy in cooking, baking, and caring for those she loved. She also took pride in working outdoors, tending her yard and garden with the same dedication she showed in every area of her life.

She is survived by her sons, Ronnie Nicholson (Belinda) of Albemarle and Eugene Mangum (Hiroko) of Michigan; her grandchildren, Gabriel Nicholson (Amanda), Daniel Nicholson, Seth Nicholson (Candace), Amy Mangum, Andrea Barefoot, Justin Laughton, and David Floyd; her great-grandchildren, Destiney Nicholson (Casey), Macie Nicholson, and Asher Nicholson and Noah Barefoot; and her sister, Wilma Hatley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her rst husband, Joe Nicholson, her second husband, Alonzo Mangum, her third husband, James Floyd, her son, David Floyd, her daughter, Shirley Nicholson, step-daughter Sue Laughton, step-son Raymond Laughton and ve sisters and ve brothers

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the sta of Tillery Compassionate Care for the compassionate care and support shown to Ruth during her declining health.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

THOMAS COLIN MARSHALL

OCT. 17, 1971 – FEB. 27, 2026

Thomas Colin Marshall, 54, passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends on February 27, 2026, following a gladiator-caliber battle against brain cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Cyberdyne Strength and Conditioning (42840 NC 24-27-73 Hwy, Albemarle, NC 28001)

Tom is survived by his wife, partner and best friend, Jennifer Scarboro Marshall, his two amazing children Cae and Wol e Jake Marshall; his mother Joy Farrell (Mandell and Ramel), dad Dan Lawson and bonus mom Terri; sisters Jacee Corby (Brock), Maknzee Gabler, Jennifer Roscoe and Lisa Bohnenkemper; brothers Scott Lawson, Jesse, Skylar, Casey and Logan Marshall; best friends Robbie Maier and Brandon Lowder and chosen brother, Bartley (Bart) Huneycutt; the Scarboro family and Russell children, Brianna (Teagan), Ashley and Carson.

Tom never lost his zeal for life, his sense of adventure or his constant professing of gratitude for the life he called “almost perfect”. He lived a life of extraordinary experiences of travel, cooking, skiing, snowboarding, the birth of two children, MMA, mountain biking and challenging his body in both the gym and against cancer. Tom was the penultimate friend. He truly loved being a dad to his children and a dog dad to Sophie, Roscoe and Otis. In his nal chapter, he found the love of his life, Jennifer Scarboro Marshall and together with Jeni, he was able to enter into a relationship with God.

His quotes: Being ordinary is no way to live a life and de nitely not for me. Love me or hate me. I wanna be remembered for being special or di erent, but never ordinary.

His quote to Jeni: You have hooks in my soul. I don’t understand. I loved you yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Tom lived in his own way, intensely, passionately and unapologetically. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, love and a reminder to live di erently, boldly and fully.

PATRICIA “PATSY” SMITH MARCH 15, 1945 – FEB. 27, 2026

Patricia “Patsy” Smith, 80, passed away peacefully at her home on February 27, 2026. Born on March 15, 1945, in Florence, SC to Charlies Ross Ratli , Sr and Miriam Stroud Ratli . Patsy was raised in Chester eld, SC and lived a life devoted to faith, family, music and compassionate service.

Patsy answered a true calling in her work as a nurse. Throughout her career she cared for her patients with gentleness, dignity, and unwavering dedication. Her steady presence and kind heart brought comfort to many during their most vulnerable moments.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. A longtime and faithful member of Locust Presbyterian Church, Patsy joyfully served by playing the piano for worship services. Through her music, she lifted spirits, inspired praise and touched countless hearts. Whether at church, at work, or at home, she lived out her faith through acts of love and service.

Above all, Patsy cherished her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Lamar Smith, her son Channing Smith, her brother Charlie Ross Ratli , Jr., her grandchildren Thomas Cory Adams and Carly Jewel Morgan and greatgranddaughter McKinley Jewel Morgan. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Ginger Gulledge.

Patsy will be remembered for her warm smile, gentle strength, servant’s heart and steadfast faith. Her legacy of love, compassion and devotion will continue through the lives of those she so deeply touched.

A funeral service celebrating Patsy’s life will be held at Locust Presbyterian Church, 607 West Main Street, Locust, on Friday, March 6th at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Donations may be made to Locust Presbyterian Church, PO Box 277, Locust, NC 28097.

JAMES “JIM” LEE BOGER

AUG. 9, 1944 – FEB. 28, 2026

Born in Gold Hill, NC, on August 9, 1944, to the late Ruben and Ruby Boger, Jim was the second of four children. He was preceded in death by a sister Helen Nash and her husband William- both deceased, and his brother Jerry Boger and wife Marsha -both deceased. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Barringer Boger, a sister, Sherry Fowler (Ronnie) as well as a number of nieces and nephews including great and great greats. There were no children born into this marriage but he always considered their dogs, Mandy and Syler as special members of their family. Many children and adults alike a ectionately addressed him as “Mr. Jim” or “Uncle Jim”. Jim and Judy were a devoted couple and were often referred to as “two peas in a pod”, as where there was one, there was usually the other. Whatever needed to be done, they were in it together. God was the center of their marriage so they sought to honor Him by how they lived out their marriage. As a couple, they enjoyed doing special things for each other. One of the kindnesses Jim did for Judy was to polish her toenails, an act which sometimes brought teasing and laughter from those who knew this.

Family was very important to Jim as for many years he and his wife hosted numerous family gatherings and church-friend cookouts. He loved to grill and would spend hours preparing entrees for the family events. This love for grilling and cooking followed him into his later years when he would assist in bene t functions to help with needy causes.

Sensing a need to help a teenager complete high school near their home after his parents’ jobs required a move to a di erent state, Jim and his wife took the young man into their home and heart where he became family. This closeness led to their “adopting” each other and Caleb Barnes (wife Rachel and their two children, Charis and Ellie) became their “grandson” and family.

For 42 years Jim worked for Martin Marietta Materials serving in administration, production, and nally sales, which over the years a orded him to become close to both co-workers and clients alike. Oftentimes he planned events for the company, many of which included families of employees.

Over the years Jim was faithful in attendance and service in the churches where he belonged, rst at First Baptist Church, Concord, NC and then at Prospect Baptist Church, Albemarle, NC. He served faithfully on various committees, in the toddlers’ nursery, VBS, Children’s Sunday School, in the youth choir as a chaperone, on counting teams, on the Wednesday night supper food preparation team, and in positions such as usher, greeter, and deacon. Through the churches, he participated in many local ministries such as Operation-in-as-Much, Golden Rule Ministry, Disaster Relief, Community Table as well as a foreign mission trip where he assisted in constructing a church in South Africa.

Jim was an avid golfer for many years where he became known for his long drives and natural ability for the sport. After retirement he became a ranger for the Old North State Golf Course where he met many golfers and enjoyed the sport there.

Because Jim enjoyed working with his hands, he oftentimes created many items out of wood – furniture, birdhouses, decorative pieces, checkerboards, functional pieces, and small reproductions of buildings. Using grapevines he harvested from his property, Jim made Christmas trees, angels, and wreaths as decorative pieces. His woodworking abilities enabled him to assist in the construction of his log home as well as other building structures.

In addition to his woodworking abilities, Jim could perform electrical and plumbing projects at his home. He had a creative mind and a knack for making repairs and making equipment workable.

In his post retirement years Jim developed a great desire to travel, especially to national parks. Over the years he and his wife traveled to almost all the major national parks in the contiguous United States as well as some in Hawaii, Alaska, and South Africa. In their husband/wife travel team, she would organize and plan the trips while his role was to drive and navigate the logistics. He enjoyed seeing God’s creation and His creatures all the while acknowledging the Creator. This love for God’s creation extended to the surroundings of his home in the midst of the woods and natural areas. Jim also had a love for the beach and would often invite family and friends to vacation with him and his wife at their shared partnership beach house. Later in his life Jim derived great pleasure planting and working in his garden. Through his e orts and ingenuity, he always grew an abundant harvest. Even though he enjoyed canning, preserving, and eating the garden produce, he always made sure to share his God-given blessings with others, especially family, friends, and fellow church members.

Other hobbies that Jim enjoyed were Sudoku puzzles, solitaire, watching YouTube videos as well as TV programs about nature, animals, veterinarians, and Alaskan Wilderness Life.

Jim loved life and often times would make comments with a dry wit to make others laugh. He was very personable and enjoyed being around people. His love of God was quite open and visible to those who knew him and loved him. He passed from this life to his eternal home on February 28, 2026. For those who knew him, he will truly be missed.

Honoring Jim’s chosen plans; there will be no formal services or receiving. Friends and family are welcome to visit at their home.

Memorials may be sent to Prospect Baptist Church, 502 Prospect Church Road, Albemarle, NC, 28001.

TIMOTHY PAUL DAYTON

AUG.

6, 1975 – MARCH 1, 2026

Timothy Paul Dayton, 50, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He was born on August 6, 1975, in Johnson City, Tennessee. Timothy was the son of Nancy Ruth Myers of Lexington, NC and Paul Samuel Dayton of Monroe, NC.

Timothy built a career as a self-employed landscaper, where his hard work and attention to detail helped create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces for others to enjoy. He took pride in transforming and caring for the natural surroundings through his work. Timothy found great joy in being outdoors. He loved camping, shing, spending time at the beach, watching motorcycle racing, and sharing time with his friends. He will be remembered for his laid-back spirit and appreciation for nature.

In addition to his parents, those left to cherish his memory are his children; Arielle Dayton, Acacia Dayton, and Marshall Dayton, his brother; Steven Dayton of Monroe; and his sisters; Kayla Dayton of California and Kristi Dayton of Monroe. Timothy will be fondly remembered by his aunts, uncles, cousins, along with many nieces and nephews.

Timothy would want to express his gratitude to all of his wonderful friends who brought joy and meaning to his life.

A memorial service celebrating Timothy’s life will be held at a later date.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@northstatejournal.com

STANLY SPORTS

West Stanly girls win state wrestling title

South Stanly crowned two champions as the county shined at the NCHSAA championships

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

GREENSBORO — Stanly County wrestlers had a February to remember at the 2026 NCHSAA wrestling championships in Greensboro.

West Stanly’s girls won a state team title, and South Stanly crowned two individual champions while nishing third overall in the boys 1A/2A standings.

The NCHSAA postseason unfolded in two stages, with the dual-team state tournament held Feb. 16-17 and the individual state championships contested Feb. 19-21.

In the NCHSAA 1A-4A girls’ individual team championship, the Colts rallied from third place entering the nal day to nish with 48 points — two ahead of Rosewood — to claim the program’s rst girls wrestling state title.

won our rst-ever state individual tournament together with just three girls. All three are all-state.

“Bittersweet ending to the season as Cheyenne and Felicity will be dearly missed. On behalf of the coaching sta , it has been an honor and a pleasure to coach both of you. You are both amazing young ladies, and we know you will both do big things outside of wrestling. Katelyn, we look forward to next year. Amazing to be third in the state as just a second-year wrestler.”

South Stanly’s Mary Huneycutt also reached the podium in the girls’ tournament, placing third at 114 pounds to cap the county’s standout weekend.

“We are so incredibly proud of you all.”

West Stanly’s wrestling coaching sta

The championship capped a steady climb for the Colts, who entered the nal day trailing in the standings before stringing together key placement points across multiple weight classes to overtake the eld and secure the historic nish.

West Stanly secured the championship without an individual state winner, leaning instead on depth and consistency. Felicity Hereim placed second at 165 pounds, while Katelyn Kiker at 126 and Cheyenne Bramhall at 132 each earned third-place nishes to power the team total.

“It has been a ride this year with these ladies,” West Stanly’s coaching sta , led by Darrell Watson, said in a post-championship statement. “We are so incredibly proud of you all. They wrestled their hearts out the whole state tournament and

South Stanly’s boys produced a pair of state champions at the Class 1A/2A individual meet.

Senior Ikey Holt captured the 132-pound title in dominant fashion, earning an 18-2 technical fall in 5:36 over Riley Treacy of Pamlico County in the championship match. Holt, who also plays football for the Rowdy Rebel Bulls, closed his season with a 32-2 record.

Junior Noah Sapp followed with a title of his own, winning a 13-10 decision over Alleghany’s Alexis Nuevo to claim the 165-pound crown. Sapp nished the year 27-3.

South Stanly added two more nalists in Marcus Pemberton at 106 pounds and Kaiden Dahle at 126, both of whom earned runner-up nishes. Behind its two champions and two second-place nishers, South Stanly placed third in the 1A/2A team standings with 81.5 points, marking one of the program’s strongest state showings in recent seasons.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls also made a strong run in the dual-team championships, defeating Bradford Prep 49-28 in a 2A regional semi nal before falling 36-30 to Rosewood in the 2A East regional nal.

Stanly County athletes shine at state swimming, indoor track and eld championships

Several local teams had top-10 nishes

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Local athletes turned in multiple podium nishes and top-10 team performances at the recent 2026 NCHSAA swimming and indoor track and eld state championships.

SWIMMING

West Stanly, Gray Stone Day and South Stanly all scored at the NCHSAA swimming and diving state championships, held at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary on Feb. 11-14.

West Stanly’s girls placed 10th in the 4A team standings with 78 points, the county’s highest team nish.

Chloe Carriker led the Colts with a third-place nish in the 100-yard backstroke in 1 minute, 11.38 seconds. Emma Ray added a fourth-place showing in the 200 freestyle in 2:04.29. West Stanly’s 200 freestyle relay placed 14th (2:00.89), and the 400 freestyle relay nished 19th (4:57.11).

Gray Stone nished eighth in both the girls’ and boys’ 1A/2A/3A standings.

The Gray Stone girls scored 113 points. Piper Campbell placed fourth in the 100 backstroke in 1:02.62, while Zoey Waters took sixth in the same

event in 1:02.78. Nora Hatley also reached the nals in the 100 backstroke.

The Gray Stone boys totaled 107 points. Bobby Taylor nished 11th in the 100 butter y in 57.48, Matthew Lappin was 16th in the same event in 59.94, Noah Smith placed 13th in the 50 freestyle in 23.49 and Colin Oham nished 15th in 23.59.

South Stanly’s girls nished 22nd in the 1A/2A/3A standings with 26.5 points, led by Jozi Hicks, who tied for sixth in the 50 freestyle in 25.66 and placed fth in the 100 freestyle in 55.73.

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD

North Stanly’s boys delivered one of the county’s top overall performances of the winter, nishing third at the 3A indoor state championships at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem (Feb. 11-12) with 56 points.

Justice Gramling won the 55-meter dash in 6.45 seconds, and Jamar Crote placed fourth in 6.61. North Stanly also captured the 4x200 relay championship in 1:30.03 thanks to JJ Crute, Nathan Helms, Racere Bruton and Kylan Dockery, adding a fth-place nish in the 4x400 in 3:37.07. Landon McDonald nished second in the 500 in 1:08.03, and Blake Baldwin was runner-up in the 1,000 in 2:42.25. Additional scoring came from Landon Sides, fth in the 300 in 36.55, and Caleb Terhune, fourth in the

Points scored by North Stanly boys’ track, good for third place at the state championships

shot put at 42 feet, 8.75 inches. North Stanly’s girls scored six points, highlighted by Kyla Jackson’s third-place nish in the shot put at 30-0.25. In the 4A meet, West Stanly’s girls tied for eighth with 24 points. Kelsey Burleson led the Colts with a second-place nish in the 1,000 in 3:10.04 and a third-place showing in the 1,600 in 5:24.57. Ajah Carr placed third in the high jump at 5-0 and West Stanly’s 4x800 relay nished fth in 10:45.11. West Stanly’s boys scored 13 points. The Colts were fourth in the 4x200 in 1:36.46, Bryce Lockamy placed fourth in the triple jump at 39-10 and Jayden Bobo nished sixth in the 3,200 in 10:15.19.

At the 1A/2A championships, South Stanly freshman Kenadie Baker was runner-up in the 3,200 in 11:35.51 as the Rowdy Rebel Bulls scored eight points. South Stanly also placed 10th in the 4x800 in 12:17.11. Albemarle’s boys placed sixth in the 4x200 in 1:37.48 to score three team points.

NBA Blaring horn after power surge delays Pistons-Cavaliers

Detroit The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. During a timeout, the horn sounded to signal the teams to return to the oor. It kept blasting despite frantic work from the arena maintenance crew. The teams returned to the benches and eventually went back on the oor to warm up. After 13 minutes, the arena sta shut down the entire overhead scoreboard and the horn stopped. The scoring crew used a manual airhorn when play resumed.

NHL Kings re coach Hiller, name Smith as interim replacement

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Kings red coach Jim Hiller after losing ve of their past six games and falling out of playo position. D.J. Smith was named the interim replacement for the rest of the season in the rst coaching change by general manager Ken Holland, who kept Hiller behind the bench when he took over the front o ce last May. Hiller was in his second full season in the charge of the Kings, who looked lifeless in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last Thursday.

MLB Cuba says 8 World Baseball Classic delegation members denied U.S. visas

Eight members of Cuba’s delegation were denied visas to the United States for the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation said. Cuba is set to play against Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during pool play of the WBC, which is scheduled from March 5-17. Among the Cubans that were denied visas are FCBS president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo was also denied.

GOLF

Italian golfer Pavan badly injured from elevator shaft fall

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan was badly injured from falling down an elevator shaft in South Africa. Reportedly, he stepped through the elevator doors without realizing the car wasn’t there. His college coach at Texas A&M, J.T. Higgins, says Pavan is thankful to be alive and in good spirits. Higgins says he has not spoken with Pavan but was updated on his condition after extensive surgery on his back and shoulder. The 36-year-old Pavan was scheduled to be playing in the South African Open. He is a two-time winner on the European tour.

MINOR LEAGUE FOOTBALL

UFL restricts punting beyond 50-yard line, makes 60-plus eld goals worth 4 points

Arlington, Tex.

The UFL won’t allow punts after a team crosses the 50-yard line until late in each half and is making all eld goals 60 yards or longer worth four points in the innovative spring football league’s latest rule changes. The provisions announced include the elimination of the tush push. The UFL’s tweaks on rules have gained visibility ever since the NFL adopted radical changes to the kicko two years ago.

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Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

Stanly County — March 5 BASEBALL

South Stanly

• Wed Feb. 25 — South Stanly 9, Cannon 8

This week’s schedule

• March 5, 7 p.m. — at Southwestern Randolph

• March 6, 7 p.m. — vs. Uwharrie Charter Academy

• March 10, 7 p.m. — vs. East Davidson

West Stanly

• Feb. 25 — West Stanly 7, Piedmont 0

This week’s schedule

• March 6, 7 p.m. — at Ballantyne Ridge

• Tue 3/10, 7 p.m. — vs. Carson

North Stanly

• Feb. 25 — North Stanly 11, Mooresville 1

• March 10, 7 p.m. — at Oak Grove

Albemarle

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — at Chatham Central

• March 10, 6 p.m. — vs. Anson

• March 11, 7 p.m. — at North Davidson

North Stanly

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 5 p.m. — at A.L. Brown

• March 6, 6:30 p.m. — at West Stanly

• March 10, 7 p.m. — at Oak Grove

Albemarle

Upcoming schedule

• Fri 3/6, 4:30 p.m. — at Thomasville

• March 10, 5 p.m. — at Trinity

Gray Stone Day

• Feb. 27 — East Rowan 2, Gray Stone Day 10

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — at Forest Hills (0-1)

• March 10, 4:30 p.m. — at Queen’s Grant (1-0)

• March 11, 6 p.m. — vs. Central Academy of Technology & Arts

GIRLS’ SOCCER

South Stanly

By Jim Vertuno The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Tyler

Reddick’s latest win drove him straight into the NASCAR record books.

Reddick held o hardcharging Shane van Gisbergen over the nal 20 laps at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday to become the rst Cup Series driver to win the rst three races of the season.

Driving a Toyota co-owned by Michael Jordan, Reddick won the season-opening Daytona 500 and a week later at Atlanta, then won from the pole in the rst road course race of the year.

Jordan, the basketball Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion, was with Reddick’s 23XI pit crew exchanging high-

ves as Reddick crossed the nish line.

“It’s one race, but it was so important,” Reddick said. “It’s so tting to get three in a row and make history.”

History made for a team and ownership group that has been making a lot of it. They took on NASCAR with a federal antitrust lawsuit. The settlement in December was considered a major legal victory that secured a permanent franchise-style model and ensured the team

“I’m proud of the team we put together.” Michael Jordan

would remain in business for the long term.

They’ve been unbeatable on the race track ever since.

“I’m proud of the team we put together,” Jordan said. He credited co-owner Denny Hamlin, who also is a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, with being the “mastermind” behind it’s racing success.

“I just put up the money,” Jordan said. “Denny’s done an incredible job building this team.”

Jordan also said he’ll be at the next race in Phoenix to see if Reddick can extend the winning streak that has built a commanding 70-point lead in the drivers’ championship.

Van Gisbergen, who won ve of six road course races in 2025, lost his bid for a record-tying sixth consecutive road win. The only road course race the Trackhouse driver didn’t win last season was in Austin.

“Tyler was just amazing,” van Gisbergen said. “You’re always disappointed with second when the expectations are so high.”

Reddick was just too good all weekend in pursuit of history. His 11th career victory was also his second at COTA, a track built for Formula 1, and

the rst time he’s had multiple victories at a track. He won at COTA in 2023.

It was far from easy, even if Reddick looked like he was in complete control. Van Gisbergen was on his bumper for several laps in the nal stage but never found the pace to pass before falling farther and farther behind over the nal six laps.

“I was just trying to minimize mistakes; Shane is so good,” Reddick said. Jordan, so clutch in his playing days, noted Reddick was cool in the driver’s seat while under immense pressure.

“You see SVG coming back, you get a little nervous, but I think he had him covered the whole day,” Jordan said.

Rough day for rookie Zilisch

Trackhouse Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch came into the weekend with the expectation that he might be the one to end van Gisbergen’s dominance on road courses.

But Zilisch’s weekend began with a surprisingly poor qualifying position of 25th and got worse Sunday when he got spun on the restart for stage two. Zilisch fought back into contention for the win in the nal stage, but his race e ectively ended when he was spun again in a restart out of a caution with 16 laps to go. He nished 14th.

• March, 6 p.m. — vs. Bradford Prep

Gray Stone Day

• Feb. 25 — Gray Stone Day 16, Forest Hills 2

Upcoming schedule

• March 6, 5 p.m. — vs. South Davidson

• March 6, 6 p.m. — at South Davidson

SOFTBALL

South Stanly

• Feb. 25 — South Stanly 19, Forest Hills 0

This week’s schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — vs. Piedmont

• March 6, 6 p.m. — vs.Ardrey Kell

• March 10, 6 p.m. — vs. Richmond Senior

West Stanly

• Feb. 25 — West Stanly 10, Covenant Day 0

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — at Parkwood

• March 6, 6:30 p.m. — vs. North Stanly

Upcoming schedule

• March 9, 6 p.m. — vs. East Davidson

• March 11, 6 p.m. — vs. Anson

West Stanly

Upcoming schedule

• March 5, 6 p.m. — vs. Central Academy of Technology & Arts

• March 10, 6 p.m. — at Piedmont

North Stanly

• Feb. 25 — Montgomery Central 0, North Stanly 2

Upcoming schedule

• March 6, 6 p.m. — at East Rowan

• March 10, 5 p.m. — at South Davidson

Gray Stone Day

• Feb. 25 — Salisbury 0, Gray Stone Day 8

Upcoming schedule

• March 10, 4:30 p.m. — vs. Montgomery Central (1-0)

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NOTICES

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000036-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administratrix of the estate of Dennis Ray Aldridge deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Dennis Ray Aldridge to present them to the undersigned on or before May 27, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 25h day of February 2026. Annette Marie Aldridge 31329 Garrett Way Albemarle. NC 28001 Administratrix

NOTICE OF INTENT TO NAME A PRIVATE DRIVE/ROADWAY

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DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000100-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Edna C. Earnhardt deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Edna C. Earnhardt to present them to the undersigned on or before June 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 4th day of March 2026. David K. Earnhardt 2401 Hobart Court Charlotte, NC 28209

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000102-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Co-Administrator of the estate of Johnny David Gill deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Johnny David Gill to present them to the undersigned on or before June 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 4th day of March 2026. Maddison G. Puckett 5687 Anchor Drive Granite Falls, NC 28630 Co-Administrator Matthew D. Gill 32455 Charlie Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Co-Administrator

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000069-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Shirley Murray McSwain deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Shirley Murray McSwain to present them to the undersigned on or before May 20, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 18th day of February 2026. Michael D. Murray 222 N. Depot Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Administrator

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY 24 E 001540 - 830 In the Matter of the Estate Of Meldonna G. Britt NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Meldonna G. Britt deceased, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the said decedent to exhibit them to the Stanly County Clerk of Court on or before May 12, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate are noti ed to make immediate payment. This the 8th day of February, 2026. Judson C. Britt, Jr. Executor Brian P. Hayes

Attorney Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC P. O. Box 444 Concord, NC 28026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000088-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Mae Ward Brooks deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mae Ward Brooks to present them to the undersigned on or before May 27, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 25h day of February 2026. Roy Washington Brooks, Jr. 8300 Talley Road Stan eld, North Carolina 28163 Executor NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000053-830

Notice is hereby given that the Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-239.1 to consider naming a private drive located in unincorporated Stanly County as FORD WAY.The proposed roadway consists of a 20-foot easement recorded in Map Book 33, Page 122(1), and the associated driveway extending approximately 1,362 feet from the intersection of Ridge Road and Airport Road to Sasser Way. The hearing will be held on March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room, Stanly County Commons, 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENAME AN UNOPENED PUBLIC ROADWAY

Notice is hereby given that the Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-239.1 to consider renaming an unopened section of Kirk Road, located in unincorporated Stanly County, to SASSER WAY. The section proposed to be renamed consists of approximately 992 feet extending from Airport Road to the intersection with the recorded, unopened portion of Diana Road, as originally recorded in Map Book 16, Page 8, in the Stanly County Register of Deeds. A map of the proposed roadway is available for public inspection. The hearing will be held on March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room, Stanly County Commons, 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO NAME A PRIVATE DRIVE

Notice is hereby given that the Stanly County Board of Commissioners will on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 6 p.m., hold a public hearing in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina to consider naming the following private drive: RODEO ROAD; located o NC 49 HIGHWAY, between Wesley Chapel Rd and Emery Dr. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE AN UNOPENED SECTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at the Stanly County Commons, located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina.The purpose of this hearing is to consider the County’s intent to permanently close an unopened, unused, and unconstructed section of the right-of-way known as Kirk Road, located within unincorporated Stanly County.The unopened section of Kird Road is described as follows:Close a 215-foot section of the existing recorded, yet unopened, unused, and unconstructed public roadway known as Kirk Road, originally recorded in Map Book 16, Page 8. The section to be closed extends from the intersection with the existing recorded, yet unopened Diana Road, southward to the property line as identi ed on the plat recorded in Map Book 33, Page 122. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO PERMANENTLY

CLOSE AN UNOPENED SECTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at the Stanly County Commons, located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina.The purpose of this hearing is to consider the County’s intent to permanently close an unopened, unused, and unconstructed section of the right-of-way known as Diana Road, located within unincorporated Stanly County.The unopened section of Diana Road is described as follows: Close the entire portion of Diana Road, an existing recorded, yet unopened, unused, and unconstructed public roadway, originally recorded in Map Book 16, Page 8. All interested persons who wish to be heard on this matter may appear at the time and place stated above and present relevant information.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO PERMANENTLY

CLOSE AN UNOPENED SECTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at the Stanly County Commons, located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina.The purpose of this hearing is to consider the County’s intent to permanently close an unopened, unused, and unconstructed section of the right-of-way known as Todd Road, located within unincorporated Stanly County.The unopened section of Todd Road is described as follows: Close a 307foot section of the existing recorded, yet unopened, unused, and unconstructed public roadway known as Todd Road, originally recorded in Map Book 16, Page 8. The section to be closed extends south from the property line identi ed on the plat recorded in Map Book 33,

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

NOTICE

‘War Machine,’ Steve Carell, ‘Young Sherlock,’ Harry Styles returns

Seth McFarlane’s crude and cuddly “Ted” returns for a second season

The Associated Press

HARRY STYLES’ fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” and Guy Ritchie’s detective series “Young Sherlock” 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: Steve Carell starring in the feel-good comedy “Rooster” on HBO, Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia o ering a peaceful gaming experience, and Netix has the sci- action pic “War Machine.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

For anyone catching up with this year’s Oscar nominees, both Jafar Panahi’s darkly comedic revenge lm “It Was Just an Accident” and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” are streaming on Hulu starting in March. Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winner, which Mark Kennedy called one of the most moving of the year in his AP review, is vying for best international feature and best original screenplay at the Oscars on March 15.

“The Secret Agent” is up for best picture, best actor (Wagner Moura), best international feature and best casting. In her review, Lindsey Bahr called it a “slow burn thriller,” add-

ing that it is “the best kind of personal lm, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.” Not to be confused with the David Michôd-directed Brad Pitt movie from 2017, Net ix has a new sci- action pic called “War Machine” streaming Friday. This new lm stars Alan Ritchson as an Army Ranger who while on a training mission comes across a deadly machine that relentlessly hunts him and his peers. Dennis Quaid also stars alongside Stephan James and Jai Courtney.

A pickpocket (Ben Radcli e) lands a job at a stately English manor and begins a romance with the lady-of-the-house (Thomasin McKenzie) in “Fackham Hall,” a slapstick spoof with a side of murder mystery that crosses “Downton Abbey” with “Monty Python.” Also starring Katherine Waterston, Damian Lewis and Tom Felton, “Fackham Hall” begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday. Or if you’d just rather go with actual “Downton Abbey,” the third movie, “The Grand Finale” is streaming on Net ix on Saturday.

MUSIC TO STREAM

He hath returned: Styles is back with his fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” out Friday via Columbia Records. Details are sparse: He described the album as “an audio representation of a long diary entry” in

a Q&A with his stylist, Harry Lambert, in The Sunday Times Magazine. He’s teased the release as a direct re ection of his time spent out of the spotlight in Rome. The rst taste arrived in the form of “Aperture,” a Styles’ opening track if we’ve ever heard one, a ve-minute slow burn built of accelerating synths. He told BBC Radio 1 the song was at least partially inspired by seeing LCD Soundsystem live and listening to the ’80s English post-punk band The Durutti Column. Freedom, he seems to be teasing, comes from anonymity, a dance oor and braking as the music speeds.

SERIES TO STREAM

Scott Speedman’s charisma is on full display in the new ABC series “R.J. Decker.” Speedman plays a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who has decided to forge a new path as a private investigator. The show takes place in South Florida where the cases can be bonkers because — Florida. The series is inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Double Whammy.” Hiaasen is from Florida, understands its oddities and sets his books there. “RJ Decker” is available now on Hulu.

Before Sherlock Holmes became the world’s greatest detective, he studied at Oxford University. That’s the backdrop for Prime Video’s “Young Sherlock,” starring Hero Fiennes Ti n as the titular character. The series is executive produced and

C.

Harry Styles released his fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.”

directed by Ritchie and has all the qualities you would expect from a Ritchie production: action sequences, fast-pacing and smart dialogue. In this series, we also see Sherlock meet and befriend, of all people, James Moriarty, his biggest nemesis. All 8-episodes are streaming now. Another prequel premieres this week. “Ted” the TV series returns for a second season Thursday on Peacock. It’s about the early days of the foul-mouthed teddy bear (Seth MacFarlane) and his best friend John (Max Burkholder) who is in high school. MacFarlane is also an executive producer, writer, director and co-showrunner. Carell stars in the new feelgood comedy “Rooster” for

HBO. He plays a best-selling author who takes a job at a college where his daughter is also a professor and going through a tough time. The series is cocreated by Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs” and “Shrinking.”) Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler and John C. McGinley have main roles. It premieres Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The folks at Bungie set a high standard for sci- shooters with Halo and Destiny, but few players remember their rst crack at the genre: 1994’s Marathon. The new Marathon jumps 99 years into the future and all the way out to a distant planet called Tau Ceti IV, where the original explorers tried to build a new colony. By the time you get there, though, most of the colonists have vanished, and it’s up to you to collect whatever loot they left behind. Bungie says you can play solo, but you’ll probably want to round up some online crewmates once the player-vs.-player mayhem starts. The expedition begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia isn’t the usual “gotta catch ’em all” adventure. It’s more like “build ‘em all a nice place to live and hope they show up.” Your character is a shape-shifting Ditto, and you’ve been dropped in a desolate landscape. Fortunately, the wise old Professor Tangrowth is there to help spruce it up. You’ll need to diversify if you want to attract visitors, since Pidgey’s probably going to want some trees and Psyduck may want a lake. If you’ve ever wanted to be surrounded by Pokémon without making them ght, this must be the place. Move in Thursday on Switch 2.

The best of U.S.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant O cer Eric Slover received the Congressional Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military award — during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address last Tuesday. Slover is a member of the Army’s “Night Stalkers” 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, stationed at Fort Bragg. See more on page A2.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Father who gave gun to Ga. school shooting suspect as gift guilty of 2nd-degree murder

A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he’s accused of using to kill two students and two teachers at a high school has been convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Colin Gray also was found guilty Tuesday of all other charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray is one of a number of parents prosecuted after their children were accused in fatal shootings. Prosecutors said he gave his son access to a gun despite “su cient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Noem blames “violent protesters” for Minneapolis chaos

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her agency in testimony and under questioning at a Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday. It was her rst congressional hearing since two protesters were killed in Minneapolis by Homeland Security o cers in January. Noem’s department sent hundreds of o cers to Minnesota. Protesters marched and tracked enforcement activity. An ICE o cer shot Renee Good, while Border Protection o cers shot Alex Pretti. At the hearing, Noem blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos o cers encountered.

$2.00

Winston-Salem to improve cell service with latest land lease

The new wireless communication tower will be located in Sha ner Park

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — The City of Winston Salem is aiming to improve its cell service in the western portion of the city.

At the Winston-Salem City Council’s March 2 meeting, the council approved a land lease agreement with Vogue Towers for the installation of a monopole wireless communication tower.

The agreement leases out a 3,600-square-foot tract of land in Sha ner Park for the tower structure itself, along with an approximately 30,000 -square-foot lease for access and utility easements.

Vogue Towers will pay the city $1,000 for the rst year of the option period and another $1,000 if it wants to extend the option period by thew second year.

However, should Vogue Towers decide to move forward with the construction of the tower, then the lease for the easement areas would be $1,350 per month for a ve-year term, with the option

“It is a necessity.”

Robert Clark, Winston-Salem City Council member

for seven additional ve-year renewal periods. The contract also states that the monthly rent would increase by 1.5% each year during the term of the lease.

“This is a hilly town, particularly as you go west,” said council member Robet Clark. “Cell service is not a luxury anymore. Virtually all the 911 calls now are from cell phones, and we do have some dead zones in

Silicon Valley homeless prevention program goes national

A California homelessness prevention program is expanding across the nation, including Asheville

By Joyce Chu San José Spotlight via AP

A HOMELESSNESS prevention program that began in Santa Clara County is expanding across the country.

Nonpro t Destination:

Home is partnering with 10 different organizations across the U.S. to bring rental assistance and case management for people facing eviction, with a goal of helping more than 10,000 families remain stably housed. These organizations span both large and small cities, rural areas and tribal communities in Minnesota, Alaska, Atlanta, Asheville and more. By incubating homelessness prevention pilot programs in various

locations, Destination: Home is making the case that prevention is a necessary strategy that can be widely adopted.

“We’ve used the model successfully locally here, but I think it’s a model we can advocate and push for at a larger scale,” Ray Bramson, chief operating o cer at Destination: Home and a San José Spotlight columnist, told San José Spotlight.

In 2017, the nonpro t saw more people in Santa Clara County falling into homelessness. It started a homelessness prevention program to provide rental assistance, case management and supportive services to hundreds of families on the brink of eviction, and received help from private funders to make the work possible.

In 2024, Santa Clara County adopted the program into its own homelessness strategy and scaled it countywide. Since 2017, the program has helped

nearly 44,000 people in the county avoid the trauma of living on the streets. A randomized control trial found 90% of people who received this assistance remained housed two years later, according to data collected by the University of Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities. Now, Destination: Home is launching the Right at Home initiative to make a case that federal funding should be set aside not only for when people become homeless but before it even starts. It’s raised $77 million so far and will train organizations in the 10 participating cities to adopt its homelessness prevention model. At least $5 million will be given to each community to serve 1,500 households over the span of ve years, and data will be collected by the Lab for Economic Opportunities. The initiative received funding from

the south ward and this is going to address one of them. It is a necessity.”

According to Clark, the pole will be disguised as a fake tree so as to better blend in with the surrounding environment.

The council also approved a resolution to close and abandon an unopened portion of Fenimore Street.

The area is an approximately 2,200-square-foot, unopened public right of way, and upon review by city sta , there are no concerns regarding the closing from a planning, transportation or sanitation standpoint. The Winston-Salem City Council will next meet March 23.

“We’ve used the model successfully locally here, but I think it’s a model we can advocate and push for at a larger scale.”

Ray Bramson, Destination: Home chief operating o cer

Cisco, Sobrato Philanthropies, the Valhalla Foundation and The Audacious Project.

“It’s an incredible opportunity,” David Phillips, director of research with the Lab for Economic Opportunities, told San José Spotlight. “We know there are a very large number of families where a ordability is an issue. When folks become evicted, there are a lot of negative e ects. The big piece of the goal is to get ahead of the problem.”

Santa Clara County’s program helped resident Desiré Campusano stay a oat. She received rental assistance multiple times over several years

See HOMELESS, page A2

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THURSDAY MARCH 5

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SATURDAY MARCH 7

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Army pilot from Fort Bragg awarded Medal of Honor

He su ered four gunshot wounds while landing his helicopter in Venezuela

By Konstantin Toropin The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A

helicopter pilot wounded in the raid that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro received the Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address last Tuesday evening.

Trump said Army Chief Warrant O cer 5 Eric Slover, who appeared using a walker, was the pilot of the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the “heavily protected military fortress” where Maduro was staying. The raid, while successful, left seven U.S. service members with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries.

“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns red from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another,” Trump said, adding that Slover “absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.”

Months of covert planning led to the brazen operation that plunged the South American country’s capital into darkness as troops in ltrated Maduro’s home and whisked him to the United States to face drug trafcking charges.

Trump’s description of Slover’s actions that night offer a new, detailed glimpse into the military action that has been largely shrouded in secrecy since it was carried out in the early hours of Jan. 3.

As Slover prepared to land his helicopter, he was confronted with “two machine gunners who escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” according to Trump.

“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat,” Trump said, “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a cata-

Eric A. Slover

Rank: Chief Warrant O cer 5

Branch: U.S. Army

Con ict: Venezuela (Operation Absolute Resolve)

Action Date: Jan. 3, 2026

Action location: Caracas, Venezuela

Citation:

Chief Warrant O cer Five Eric A. Slover distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, above and beyond the call of duty, on January 3, 2026, during a mission in Venezuela, in support of Operation Absolute Resolve. Chief Warrant O cer Five Slover piloted his MH-47 as the lead aircraft of the operation, tasked with executing a highly complex in ltration through hostile Integrated Air Defense Systems to safely deliver military forces. During ingress, Chief Warrant O cer Five Slover skillfully led the helicopter force through a dense jungle valley in a mountainous region, navigating marginal weather conditions, numerous topographical hazards, and near insurmountable surface to air threats. Upon touching down at the designated landing zone, Chief Warrant O cer Five Slover’s aircraft was immediately engaged by multiple machine gun positions at close range. The hostile re resulted in 15 armor-piercing rounds entering his cockpit, with four rounds striking his leg.

Despite the intense and e ective enemy re, and at great personal risk, Chief Warrant O cer Five Slover maintained his situational awareness and aircraft’s position in the line of re to ensure the safe in ltration of the military forces.

After the force disembarked, and despite su ering signi cant life-threatening injuries, Chief Warrant O cer Five Slover identi ed hostile heavy machine gun positions that were engaging his aircraft and targeting the ground forces. He maneuvered his aircraft to enable his door gunner to deliver e ective re, successfully neutralizing the threats. Chief Warrant O cer Five Slover’s heroic actions undoubtedly saved countless American lives and ensured the complete and overwhelming success of the mission. His gallantry under re and extraordinary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and re ect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

strophic crash deep in enemy territory.”

The president said “the success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain.”

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented Slover with the Medal of Honor in the gallery overlooking the House chamber.

Slover, 45, was in his dress

uniform and used a walker to steady himself. Trump said the soldier was still recovering from his wounds.

Lt. Col. Allie Scott, a spokeswoman for Army Special Operations Command, told The Associated Press last Wednesday that Slover enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2005 and, after completing basic training, attended Warrant O cer Candidate School and ight school, where he became a Chinook pilot.

“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat.”

President Donald Trump

Scott would not provide any further details on the units Slover had been assigned to during his Army service.

But, in his career of more than 20 years, Slover was given multiple prestigious awards for his service. They include two Distinguished Flying Crosses — including one with a V Device for valor — two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Medals, among other awards and decorations, according to records provided by Scott.

Slover was awarded one of his Distinguished Flying Crosses just several years into his service while deployed to Afghanistan, according to a unit magazine available online. Slover, then serving with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, part of the 82nd Airborne Division, was one of six aviators to receive the prestigious award for “acts of heroism during aviation operations in southern Afghanistan” at Kandahar aireld, according to the January 2010 issue.

Slover’s records also say he has been awarded a Purple Heart.

Trump said 10 other service members who took part in the operation will be receiving medals at a private ceremony soon to be held at the White House.

The military typically shies away from publicly identifying service members who serve in special operations units, often going so far as to blur faces of troops undergoing training for admission into the elite units.

In addition to Slover, Trump also presented the Medal of Honor to retired Capt. E. Royce Williams, a Navy pilot who shot down multiple Soviet jets during the Korean War, upgrading his existing award of a Navy Cross.

Trump called the 100-year-old former ghter pilot “one of the last living legends.”

HOMELESS from page A1

through major life transitions, including being in between jobs and when her rent skyrocketed from $1,500 to $2,400 over the course of three years. With help from the program, she was able to remain housed and also received assistance to move into an a ordable apartment.

“It helped me to even be able to move in because I didn’t

have any savings whatsoever,” Campusano told San José Spotlight. “So not only did it help me to actually move in and get my stability back, but the case manager followed up and checked in.” As instability plagues the country and more people fall into poverty due to cuts to welfare programs, Keanna Ward, who was formerly homeless, said this program is essential to

creating a safety net for people living paycheck to paycheck.

“We need services and programs like this to help people because there’s a rise in unemployment, especially amongst women,” Ward told San José Spotlight.

A spokesperson for the Sobrato Organization said they believe housing is essential for economic mobility and community belonging.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant O cer Eric Slover receives the Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., last Tuesday.

“While our work is deeply rooted in Silicon Valley, the forces driving housing instability are national in scope,” she told San José Spotlight. “If we are serious about strengthening communities and expanding economic mobility, we must be equally serious about ensuring that families across the country have access to stable housing.”

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

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

Supreme Court throws out Trump tari s and upholds Constitution

So much for the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump.

SO MUCH FOR the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. That is a frequently voiced charge by partisan Democrats, and a fear of many ambivalent voters who nd many of Trump’s policies agreeable but worry about his overreach on policy and personnel.

That’s one political meme refuted by the court’s Learning Resources v. Trump decision last Friday, announced after more than the expected delay for the drafting of concurring opinions. The court struck down Trump’s beloved tari s, with only one Republican-appointed justice taking the president’s side while the majority consisted of three Republican-appointed and three Democratic-appointed justices.

Such a result should not have surprised those with some appreciation of Supreme Court history. Franklin Roosevelt, after seeing several of his New Deal programs ruled unconstitutional and after unsuccessfully urging Congress to pack the court with new justices, nally ended up lling eight of the court’s nine seats.

That didn’t stop a bench of Democratic appointees from disapproving of Democratic President Harry Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel plants during the Korean War in a case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, cited 15 times by the Learning Resources justices.

Justices newly appointed in times when Supreme Court decisions are subjects of partisan disputes tend to agree on contemporary issues. But in time, new problems arise, to which they turn out to have di erences. And even animosity: Some of the Roosevelt appointees even stopped speaking to each other.

One such issue brought forward by Trump’s election and reelection is the tari . There’s a strong argument that the president’s view that trade de cits impoverish the country and tari s enrich it is delusional. Alexander Hamilton backed tari s not so much to foster infant industries but because they were the easiest tax to collect with the 18th-century technology.

William McKinley, often cited by Trump as a tari advocate, delivered a speech in September 1901, just days before he was shot, calling for reduced tari s. He recognized U.S. industry was no longer as infantile as the United States became the world’s No. 1 steel producer. Later in the century, congressional Republicans kept backing tari packages as a form of pork barrel patronage for local interests and to hold the party together. But Republican presidents,

educated in free-market economics in elite colleges (Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Stanford), sought, with limited success, to hold rates down.

Learning Resources doesn’t prevent Trump from using other tari laws, but they, as Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion of the court notes, “contain various combinations of procedural prerequisites, required agency determinations and limits.” That means he wouldn’t have, in the chief justice’s evidently irritated phrasing, “the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tari s of unlimited amount, duration and scope.”

Such capricious policymaking, with enormous economic consequences, has few precedents except for what historian Amity Shlaes describes as Roosevelt’s daily settings of gold prices during several months in 1933.

Learning Resources, as anti-Trump conservative David French wrote in The New York Times, “may prove to be the most important Supreme Court case this century” because it forti es the “major questions doctrine,” celebrated in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s extraordinary 46-page concurrence.

The major questions doctrine is drawn from the constitutional architecture: Article I authorizes Congress to pass laws, Article II authorizes the president to take care that they be faithfully executed. It follows that a president can’t rummage around in the statute books, searching for some language — or, as in this case, two words separated by 16 words — that somehow can be interpreted, though no one has interpreted them that way before, to authorize him to do what he wants to do. On major questions, it must be clear Congress has already done that.

The Supreme Court, with majorities made up of Republican appointees, used the major questions doctrine to overturn major Biden administration policies — cancellation of student loans (based on authorization to “waive or modify” them), eviction moratorium (based on preventing “transmission of communicable diseases”) and vaccine mandate (based on “safety and healthy work conditions”).

In a 46-page concurring opinion, Gorsuch argues that his three Democratic-appointed colleagues are wielding the major questions doctrine against the Trump tari s, though they say they’re not, and they were unwilling to use it against Biden policies. He argues the three dissenting Republican-appointed justices should have agreed that the major questions doctrine requires overturning the tari s. He argues that Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who voted to overturn tari s, should have relied more explicitly on the doctrine.

War should never be taken lightly; not even if your cause is righteous

War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous.

AMERICANS HAVE good-faith concerns about the attacks on the Islamist regime in Iran. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic cultists in Iran are our enemy — and that matters.

The Islamic Republic’s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended.

From the early 1980s, Iran’s proxy army of Hezbollah killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the early 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered more than 600 Americans with IEDs. Iran has been killing Americans.

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli.

The Iranians twice reportedly hatched plots to assassinate Trump in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks and for stealing aerospace, tech and satellite data.

Yet both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backward for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching

out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East and murdering Americans.

But the most important question right now isn’t what Iran’s done. It’s what it would do if it had nukes.

Iran’s Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won’t act more aggressively and violently toward the “Great Satan” when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans?

Some people point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it’s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military e orts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful.

Never once will any of Iran’s Western

Is this evidence of the kind of discord that divided the Roosevelt-appointed justices so many years ago? Maybe, and the justices don’t seem as collegial now as they did before someone — a liberal justice’s law clerk? — leaked a draft of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

But the thrust of Gorsuch’s concurrence is that the justices are functionally in agreement with the major questions doctrine, even if they’re uncomfortable saying so. Perhaps it was written to undercut arguments by the liberal law professoriate that the major questions doctrine is defunct.

Or, as Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith puts it, Learning Resources “signals more clearly than ever that, going forward, this Court is going to view broad delegations of statutory authority to act, and/or extravagant presidential interpretations of authority to act, with skepticism.”

It’s hard for Congress to set policy as explicitly as the major questions doctrine seems to require when the two parties have signi cant disagreements, are in close competition, and are disincentivized to accept compromise when they reasonably hope that the next presidential election will give them the White House and congressional majorities.

That has been the situation for the last 30 -some years, in which Democrats have won most presidential elections and Republicans have usually won majorities in the House of Representatives. It was also the case for the 30-some years after the Civil War, when policy di erences and partisan bitterness were greater than they are today.

But after three decades, new issues arose and new voter coalitions emerged. Sooner or later, that will happen again.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration may search the statute books for verbiage it can use to justify some limited tari authority, just as the Biden administration searched the statute books to nd verbiage to justify some limited student loan forgiveness.

But the Supreme Court, regardless of partisan labels, seems ready to use the major questions doctrine to limit the billions of dollars that can be raised or spent without some clear authorization in laws passed by Congress. And someday a president will gure out how to persuade Congress to pass laws authorizing all or some of what she or he wants.

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)

propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact.

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again.

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it’s welcome to it.

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn’t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any o ce by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as “the most wicked, sinister enemy.” Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements.

Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world’s policemen, but we also can’t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is “America can’t do a damn thing against us.”

But that isn’t the case, is it?

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Trump once wary of ordering regime change in Iran;

here’s

Eight months of negotiations gave way to a dramatic military strike

By Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak

The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

— With Saturday’s military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump demonstrated a dramatic evolution in risk tolerance, adjusting in just a matter of months how far he was willing to go in using American military might to confront Tehran’s clerical rule.

Guardrails were tossed aside as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included targeted strikes on Iran’s leadership. That included 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death Trump triumphantly announced in a social media post hours after launching the military operation.

For Trump, it was a far cry from where he stood just eight months ago. At Israel’s urging during its 12-day war with Iran last June, he agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to pummel three key Iranian nuclear sites — but drew a bright red line when Israelis presented his administration with a plan for killing Khamenei.

The president peppered the supreme leader with thinly veiled threats back in June that he could have killed him if he wanted to. But he rejected the Israeli plan out of concern that it would destabilize the region.

That caution was set aside on Saturday with Trump announcing Khamenei had been killed, while the Israeli military announced it had taken out Iran’s defense minister and the commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media early Sunday reported the supreme leader’s death, without elaborating on a cause.

Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump said. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Trump loses patience

Trump had pursued talks with Iran for months. Administration o cials told reporters that they o ered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes, including an o er of free nuclear fuel in perpetuity.

But the o cials, who were not

what changed president’s mind

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

President Donald Trump

authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. One of them said that Iran has met their o ers with “games, tricks, stall tactics.”

The order to launch strikes came just two days after Trump dispatched his special envoys, Steve Witko and Jared Kushner, for another round of talks with Iranian o cials. Middle East and European allies were urging the U.S. administration to give negotiations more time as Trump signaled he was running out of patience.

“The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly ve decades, between the government and a dissatis ed populace, and between Iran and its adversaries,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. “And although the regime is weakened, a sense that this showdown is an all-or-nothing struggle for its very survival could lead it to respond with every tool still at its disposal.”

Revised risk calculation

Saturday’s strikes came after a series of past provocative actions against Iran that resulted in limited blowback, which seemed to inform Trump’s risk calculation, said Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican ad-

ministrations over two decades.

Trump in 2018 pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration. In 2020, Trump ordered a drone strike killing top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

At the time, the killing of Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was arguably the most provocative U.S. military action in the Middle East since President George W. Bush launched the 2003 Iraq War to topple Saddam Hussein.

And then Trump this past June ordered the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which he claimed had “obliterated” their program.

“He did all of these things without cost or consequence to him,” said Miller, who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “He’s been risk-ready. That’s the nature of his personality.”

Trump administration ocials had publicly urged Tehran to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and end its backing of regional armed proxies. But administration o cials said that Tehran would not engage on the missile and proxy concerns.

Iran’s rigidity, at a moment when its economy is in shambles weighed by decades of sanctions and its military battered by last year’s war, astounded Trump.

Even before the latest round of talks ended last Thursday, there were signs Trump was leaning toward military action.

Last Tuesday, Trump in

his State of the Union speech claimed that Iran has been building ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S. homeland — a justi cation that he repeated again on Saturday as he announced the bombardment of Iran was underway.

Iran hasn’t acknowledged it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassi ed report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters last Wednesday that Iran’s refusal to speak to its ballistic missile program was a “big problem.” Rubio declined to address the DIA nding that Iran was still years away from developing a missile that could reach the United States.

And Vice President JD Vance, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and has been skeptical of U.S. interventions, last Thursday told The Washington Post that Trump hadn’t decided whether to strike Iran. But he o ered assurances that military action would not result in the United States becoming involved in a drawn-out con ict.

“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” Vance said.

By Friday, Trump was venting anew about Iran’s approach.

“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump said. “I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens.”

Senior U.S. lawmakers were told early Saturday that the strikes were coming. Trump monitored the operation from

Dutch museum makes ‘needle in a haystack’ con rmation of Rembrandt painting

After 60 years, scienti c analysis con rmed the painting is a genuine Rembrandt

By Mike Corder The Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands

— A painting that was once rejected as a work by Rembrandt van Rijn has now been acknowledged as a work by the Dutch master, thanks to two years of scrutiny in the city where the then-27-year-old artist painted it in 1633, a museum announced Monday.

The Netherlands’ national art and history museum, the Rijksmuseum, unveiled the work, “Vision of Zacharias in the Temple,” and said painstaking analysis including high-tech scans con rmed it was painted by Rembrandt after he moved to the capital, Amsterdam.

The painting hasn’t been on public display in decades after being bought by a private collector in 1961, a year after it was

deemed not to be a Rembrandt, the museum said in a statement. From Wednesday, it will go on show among other masterpieces at the Rijksmusuem,

where it is on long-term loan.

Director Taco Dibbits said the museum often gets emails from people asking if the painting they own might just

“He really didn’t know what he had. And then to discover that it’s a Rembrandt is something that’s amazing to experience.”

Taco Dibbits, Rijksmuseum director

be by the Golden Age master.

“We always hope to nd a new Rembrandt, but this happens rarely,” he told The Associated Press. He said making such a discovery “is just like ( nding) a needle in a haystack.”

The owner, who has remained anonymous, initially asked the museum only if the painting was Dutch.

“He really didn’t know what he had. And then to discover that it’s a Rembrandt is something that’s amazing to experience,” Dibbits said.

The painting depicts a biblical

Florida, last Friday.

his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, with members of his national security team.

Trump perhaps emboldened by Venezuela experience

Trump’s success with the U.S. military operation earlier his year to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and whisk him and his wife to New York City to face federal drug conspiracy charges also may have emboldened the president, said Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury Department o cial who is now executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington, D.C., think tank.

Trump had threatened military action last month, but held o , as Iran carried out a deadly crackdown on protests. The demonstrations were spurred by economic grievances but morphed into a nationwide, anti-government push against the ruling clerics.

As human rights groups reported that thousands were killed in the Iranian crackdown, Trump told protesters that help was on its way, but it did not immediately come and the protests petered out.

Schanzer said that Trump’s decision not to follow through last month gave his team more time to assemble the now massive presence of ghter jets and warships in the region — as he had done in the Caribbean ahead of the Venezuela operation.

It was leverage, Trump hoped, that would get Khamenei to blink. But the supreme leader would not capitulate.

“The way this unfolded was inevitable because there was no way that the Ayatollah was going to show exibility,” Schanzer said.

story in which high priest Zacharias is visited by the Archangel Gabriel, who tells the priest that he and his wife will have a son: John the Baptist. Zacharias’ surprised expression is highlighted by light heralding the arrival of Gabriel, the museum said.

An in-depth study of the work, including macro X-ray uorescence scans and comparisons with other works by the artist, con rmed Rembrandt painted it, said the museum’s curator of 17th-century Dutch paintings, Jonathan Bikker.

“So the wood that was used for the panel on which it’s painted, that is de nitely from a tree that was cut down before 1633, the date on the painting,” he said.

“All the pigments, the paint in the painting were used by Rembrandt in other paintings. And the layers of paint and how he painted it, that is also precisely the same as in other works by Rembrandt,” he added.

The work joins about 350 known Rembrandt paintings and raised the hope that there may be more.

“We’re not actively looking for new paintings by Rembrandt, but I think this gives us hope — not just us but everyone who’s interested in Rembrandt,” Bikker said.

Forsyth SPORTS

Riley revives NBA coach suit debate

Erik Spoelstra wants to keep sideline wear

By Rich Rovito

The Associated Press

casual

MILWAUKEE — Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra don’t disagree on much. Except sideline apparel.

And that’s nothing new — they’ve had di ering opinions for years on the subject of what coaches should wear on the sideline. Riley, the always-dapper Miami Heat president, wants NBA coaches to wear suits again. Spoelstra, the Heat coach, prefers the more-casual look used in recent years.

It has been a debate around the league at times in recent years, and it seems to be a talking point once again.

“He gave me a few suits back when I was an assistant coach, but I looked like the lead singer from the Talking Heads,” Spoelstra said Tuesday before Miami’s game in Milwaukee, referencing David Byrne, who famously wore an oversized suit as one of his calling cards. “I didn’t realize I had to tailor the suit, too.”

The suit talk got resurrected when the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue in Riley’s honor outside their arena. It’s an image of Riley, on the sideline, wearing an Armani suit. That was the style he preferred when he coached the Lakers, New York and Miami — and still wears today.

“I wish it went back to coats and ties,” Riley, speaking about coaches’ apparel, said. “I think an audience wants to see somebody on the sidelines who looks like a leader, dresses like a leader, acts like a leader.”

NBA coaches have enjoyed a relaxed policy since the bubble restart of the 2019-20 season, when quarter-zips, casual pants and sneakers became regular sideline apparel. Suits, ties and dress shoes have been out ever since.

“I don’t know why we still wear suits,” then-San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said in the summer of 2019, when he was coaching USA Basketball’s team at the World Cup in China — and his gameday attire was polos, sweatpants and sneakers. “Somebody, please, tell me why we do that.”

He celebrated when the NBA ditched suits, and he wasn’t alone. Spoelstra and the Heat sta have worn black polos, sweaters or quarter-zips with black pants ever since the bubble. If nothing else, it makes packing an easier process.

Spoelstra noted that Riley’s look was, and remains, iconic.

“It’s becoming a little bit different anyways in corporate America,” Spoelstra said, noting the NBA isn’t the only place where dressing-down has been the go-to look in recent years. “But then I also see Pat’s point of view. When I see the footage of him from the Lakers to the Knicks to the Heat, he did look sharp. But he wore suits di erently than us mortals.”

In the NBA, the dress code got ramped up considerably thanks to Riley and the late Chuck Daly. Riley went with Armani; Daly’s suits were Hugo Boss, and his shoes were so fancy that his friends coveted them. After Daly died, Rollie Massimino made no secret about raiding his friend’s shoe

collection — and wore what he took for the remainder of his own coaching career.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers wore the suits for years. He gets Riley’s point — but acknowledged that going back to the old ways might not be easy.

“It’s a tough one because quarter-zips are so comfortable,” Rivers said. “They are so easy to wear.”

A potential compromise idea: Rivers said he’d push to have to coaches don suits for the playo s.

“I brought this up to someone, and it’s going to go through the chain,” Rivers said. “I do think it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the playo s because wearing suits shows the signi cance of the playo s. ... I’d have to start working out again because none of my suits would t anymore.”

The last time Spoelstra wore a suit was September, when he attended Heat managing general partner Micky Arison’s enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. There were two nights where Spoelstra had to dress up, and Riley took great delight in seeing it happen.

“I swear that’s all Pat was talking about,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t plan on wearing them again until the next Hall of Fame event that we get to go to.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Djibril Fall

Reagan, track & eld

Djibril Fall is a senior on the Reagan track and eld team. The Raiders placed third at the NCHSAA class 7A state championships, with 43 points. (The girls were sixth with 28 points).

Fall won the state title in the triple jump with a leap of 46 feet, 8 inches, winning by a victory margin of four inches. He also took third in the long jump at 22 feet, a quarter inch. The dual performance earned him the title of most outstanding performer at the boys’ state 7A meet.

Reddick makes Cup Series history with 3rd straight win to start season

The 23XI Racing driver won the rst road course race of the year

By Jim Vertuno

The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Tyler Red-

dick’s latest win drove him straight into the NASCAR record books. Reddick held o hard-charging Shane van Gisbergen over thenal 20 laps at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday to become the rst Cup Series driver to win the rst three races of the season.

Driving a Toyota co-owned by Michael Jordan, Reddick won the season-opening Daytona 500 and a week later at Atlanta, then won from the pole in the rst road course race of the year.

Jordan, the basketball Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion, was with Reddick’s 23XI pit crew exchanging high- ves as Reddick crossed the nish line.

“It’s one race, but it was so important,” Reddick said. “It’s so tting to get three in a row and make history.”

History made for a team and ownership group that has been making a lot of it. They took on NASCAR with a federal antitrust lawsuit. The settlement in December was considered a major legal victory that secured a permanent franchise-style model and ensured the team would remain in business for the long term.

They’ve been unbeatable on the race track ever since.

“I’m proud of the team we put

together,” Jordan said. He credited co-owner Denny Hamlin, who also is a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, with being the “mastermind” behind it’s racing success.

“I just put up the money,” Jordan said. “Denny’s done an incredible job building this team.”

Jordan also said he’ll be at the next race in Phoenix to see if Reddick can extend the winning streak that has built a commanding 70-point lead in the drivers’ championship.

Van Gisbergen, who won ve of six road course races in 2025, lost his bid for a record-tying sixth consecutive road win. The only road course race the Trackhouse driver didn’t win last season was in Austin.

“Tyler was just amazing,” van Gisbergen said. “You’re always disappointed with second when

the expectations are so high.”

Reddick was just too good all weekend in pursuit of history. His 11th career victory was also his second at COTA, a track built for Formula 1, and the rst time he’s had multiple victories at a track. He won at COTA in 2023.

It was far from easy, even if Reddick looked like he was in complete control. Van Gisbergen was on his bumper for several laps in the nal stage but never found the pace to pass before falling farther and farther behind over the nal six laps.

“I was just trying to minimize mistakes; Shane is so good,” Reddick said.

Jordan, so clutch in his playing days, noted Reddick was cool in the driver’s seat while under immense pressure.

“I’m proud of the team we put together.”

Michael Jordan

“You see SVG coming back, you get a little nervous, but I think he had him covered the whole day,” Jordan said.

Rough day for rookie Zilisch

Trackhouse Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch came into the weekend with the expectation that he might be the one to end van Gisbergen’s dominance on road courses.

But Zilisch’s weekend began with a surprisingly poor qualifying position of 25th and got worse Sunday when he got spun on the restart for stage two. Zilisch fought back into contention for the win in the nal stage, but his race e ectively ended when he was spun again in a restart out of a caution with 16 laps to go. He nished 14th.

23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, front right, celebrates with his son Beau, front left, after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Austin, Texas.

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

Blaring horn after power surge delays

Pistons-Cavaliers

Detroit

The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. During a timeout, the horn sounded to signal the teams to return to the oor. It kept blasting despite frantic work from the arena maintenance crew. The teams returned to the benches and eventually went back on the oor to warm up. After 13 minutes, the arena sta shut down the entire overhead scoreboard and the horn stopped. The scoring crew used a manual airhorn when play resumed.

NHL Kings re coach Hiller, name Smith as interim replacement

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Kings red coach Jim Hiller after losing ve of their past six games and falling out of playo position. D.J. Smith was named the interim replacement for the rest of the season in the rst coaching change by general manager Ken Holland, who kept Hiller behind the bench when he took over the front o ce last May. Hiller was in his second full season in the charge of the Kings, who looked lifeless in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last Thursday.

MLB Cuba says 8 World Baseball Classic delegation members denied U.S. visas

Eight members of Cuba’s delegation were denied visas to the United States for the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation said. Cuba is set to play against Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during pool play of the WBC, which is scheduled from March 5-17. Among the Cubans that were denied visas are FCBS president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo was also denied.

GOLF

Italian golfer Pavan badly injured from elevator shaft fall

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan was badly injured from falling down an elevator shaft in South Africa. Reportedly, he stepped through the elevator doors without realizing the car wasn’t there. His college coach at Texas A&M, J.T. Higgins, says Pavan is thankful to be alive and in good spirits. Higgins says he has not spoken with Pavan but was updated on his condition after extensive surgery on his back and shoulder. The 36-year-old Pavan was scheduled to be playing in the South African Open. He is a two-time winner on the European tour.

No end in sight for battles over eligibility, player contracts, experts say

Courts and Congress are both being called on to resolve issues

By Eric Olson The Associated Press

WITHOUT FEDERAL legislation codifying rules on athlete compensation and eligibility or an entirely new structure, there is likely no end in sight for the stream of lawsuits being led by schools and athletes looking out for their interests in college athletics.

A parade of athletes, starting with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia in 2024 and continuing with Virginia’s Chandler Morris this week, have led lawsuits challenging eligibility rules and seeking to extend the number of years they can compete — and earn money — in college.

University of Illinois labor and sports law professor Michael LeRoy recalled this week that the House vs. NCAA settlement, which allowed schools to directly pay athletes, was hailed by college sports leaders as the beginning of an era of stability.

“That,” LeRoy said, “has been a spectacular miscalculation.”

How we got here

In 2021, when college athletes began getting paid by third parties for use of their name, image and likeness, the thought was that most deals would give athletes a little pocket money. No one could foresee the life-changing money available to top athletes in 2026 through revenue sharing and NIL deals.

The rationale for athletes wanting to stay in school is to extend their window for making money, and the opportunity to make more money is the reason athletes walk away from rev-share contracts with their schools.

What’s a signature worth?

It would seem straightforward that if an athlete signed a rev-share contract requiring them to pay liquidated damages if they leave the school before the end of the contract, that provision would be enforceable.

It’s not that simple.

“As a general matter of contract law, liquidated damag-

“The NCAA’s business model would be atly illegal in almost any other industry in America.”

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh

es are typically enforced to the extent they are considered a good-faith e ort to estimate a loss to one of the parties in case of a breach. They are not supposed to be punitive in nature,” said Andrew Hope, a Philadelphia attorney who specializes in contract law and works with schools on NIL matters.

Revenue-sharing contracts pay athletes for their NIL rights, not athletic performance. Hope said athletes argue liquidated damages provisions don’t accurately re ect a loss in the value of their NIL to the school simply because they transferred or are seeking a transfer. The schools, of course, argue otherwise.

Negotiated settlements

Duke led a lawsuit seeking to block quarterback Darian Mensah from transferring and reaching a contract with another school, and a negotiat-

ed settlement was announced a week later.

Sports attorney Mit Winter, based in Kansas City, Missouri, predicted most of the contract disputes will end up with negotiated settlements. He said neither the school nor athlete will want to go through the time and expense of a court battle.

Hope noted that in a traditional employee contract, a noncompete clause would force the athlete to pay damages.

“But you can’t have that,” he said, “because these students aren’t employees.”

How to resolve eligibility cases

The way Winter sees it, one of three things must happen to stop the lawsuits seeking eligibility beyond the traditional four-seasons-over- ve years window.

One would be a federal law giving the NCAA an antitrust exemption. The eligibility lawsuits argue the NCAA is limiting economic opportunities by placing a limit on how long someone can make money as a college athlete.

Winter said the U.S. Supreme Court could uphold the NCAA’s eligibility rules. It should be noted, though, that the high court ruled 9-0 against the NCAA in 2021 in

the NCAA vs. Alston case. Justice Brett Kavanaugh famously wrote the NCAA’s rules probably would no longer hold up well in future antitrust challenges.

“The NCAA’s business model would be atly illegal in almost any other industry in America,” he wrote LeRoy said the NCAA’s case for an antitrust exemption is further weakened by the emergence of private equity rms’ interest in college athletics. Winter said the third solution would be for eligibility rules to be collectively bargained, which would require athletes to be considered employees and unionized. What about employee status?

Winter predicted football and men’s and women’s basketball players in the Power Four conferences eventually will be considered employees.

If the Power Four, or just the powerful Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, broke away from the NCAA in football and basketball, collective bargaining would settle issues about length of eligibility, whether athletes with professional experience can return to play in college and a host of others that have become gray areas for the NCAA.

Teenage girls most likely to su er ACL tears

Parents say more must be done to protect them

By Marc Levy The Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. — So a

Tepichin was about 30 minutes into her club soccer team practice in October when she spotted a fast-approaching defender. She tapped the ball away and hopped over the defender’s outstretched foot, came down awkwardly and heard a “pop.”

Tepichin joined the growing ranks of female high school athletes tearing their anterior cruciate ligament, a devastating knee injury that researchers are pressing the sports world to take more seriously.

Decades of research on prevention methods is available, but parents, researchers and trainers say that teams, coaches and leagues aren’t doing enough to protect the girls and educate parents.

High school female athletes most vulnerable

Sports fans hear often about high-pro le athletes like U.S. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn tearing their ACLs, and many ACL injuries are chalked up to bad luck or a part of sports that will continue to happen at all competitive levels.

Still, high school-age female athletes su er these injuries at

much higher rates than their male counterparts — up to eight times more likely, one study says — and adults, most often in noncontact situations in sports that require fast changes in direction, researchers say.

Biomechanics researchers, trainers and physical therapists say there are preworkout warmups and strengthening routines — such as FIFA 11+ or PEP — that can at least reduce the risk of an injury that takes such a high physical and mental toll on young athletes.

But, they say, most coaches lack training or expert help, and high school girls compete in settings with far fewer resources than the professional and collegiate levels. As a result, risk-reduction routines are rarely included in day-to - day coaching curricula and practices.

“The real crime in this is that the data has been out

there for 25 years,” said Holly Silvers-Granelli, a physical therapist and biomechanics researcher who advises athletes, professional teams and major sports leagues on injury prevention. “People are clamoring for answers, and the answers are largely there.”

The trendline of ACL injuries isn’t entirely clear, but the National ACL Injury Coalition — formed by the Aspen Institute and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York — said its analysis of data from high school athletic trainers showed that the average annual ACL injury rate for high school athletes grew almost 26% from 2007 to 2022.

The rate for girls grew more than 32%, compared to 14.5% for boys, it said.

“What is the solution”

This spring, the Ameri-

can Youth Soccer Organization — one of major national organizations in U.S. youth soccer — will roll out new ageand stage-based neuromuscular training programs aimed at preventing ACL injuries through warmups.

Coaches will get a regimen of exercises in bite-sized chunks, with video instructions. The goal is to build good habits before preteens age into more physical and demanding competition.

“My biggest shock was that this didn’t already exist,” said Scott Snyder, AYSO’s senior director of programs and education. “Everyone I talk to says, ‘Yeah, that makes perfect sense,’ but nobody’s done it yet.”

“Something’s got to change”

Like other parents, Ti any Jacob said she learned a lot about preventing ACL injuries that she wished she had known before her daughter — East Plano sophomore Aliya Jacob — tore her ACL last February. For instance, the surgeon told them three days a week of strength training is an absolute must for soccer players.

“Something’s got to change,” Ti any Jacob said. “Coaches, clubs, something. They have to do something to prevent this because it’s just such a horrible injury.”

the stream

‘War Machine,’ Steve Carell, ‘Young Sherlock,’ Harry Styles returns

Seth McFarlane’s crude and cuddly “Ted” returns for a second season

The Associated Press

HARRY STYLES’ fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” and Guy Ritchie’s detective series “Young Sherlock” 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: Steve Carell starring in the feel-good comedy “Rooster” on HBO, Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia o ering a peaceful gaming experience, and Netix has the sci- action pic “War Machine.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

For anyone catching up with this year’s Oscar nominees, both Jafar Panahi’s darkly comedic revenge lm “It Was Just an Accident” and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” are streaming on Hulu starting in March. Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winner, which Mark Kennedy called one of the most moving of the year in his AP review, is vying for best international feature and best original screenplay at the Oscars on March 15.

“The Secret Agent” is up for best picture, best actor (Wagner Moura), best international feature and best casting. In her review, Lindsey Bahr called it a “slow burn thriller,” adding that it is “the best kind of personal lm, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.”

Not to be confused with the David Michôd-directed Brad Pitt movie from 2017, Net ix has a new sci- action pic called “War Machine” streaming Friday. This new lm stars Alan Ritchson as an Army Ranger who while on a training mission comes across a deadly machine that relentlessly hunts him and his peers. Dennis Quaid also stars alongside Stephan James and Jai Courtney.

A pickpocket (Ben Radcli e) lands a job at a stately English manor and begins a romance with the lady-of-the-house (Thomasin McKenzie) in “Fackham Hall,” a slapstick spoof with a side of murder mystery that crosses “Downton Abbey” with “Monty Python.” Also starring Katherine Waterston, Damian Lewis and Tom Felton,

“Fackham Hall” begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday. Or if you’d just rather go with actual “Downton Abbey,” the third movie, “The Grand Finale” is streaming on Net ix on Saturday.

MUSIC TO STREAM

He hath returned: Styles is back with his fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” out Friday via Columbia Records. Details are sparse: He described the

album as “an audio representation of a long diary entry” in a Q&A with his stylist, Harry Lambert, in The Sunday Times Magazine. He’s teased the release as a direct re ection of his time spent out of the spotlight in Rome. The rst taste arrived in the form of “Aperture,” a Styles’ opening track if we’ve ever heard one, a ve-minute slow burn built of accelerating synths. He told BBC Radio 1 the song was at least partially inspired by seeing LCD Soundsystem live and listening to the

’80s English post-punk band

The Durutti Column. Freedom, he seems to be teasing, comes from anonymity, a dance oor and braking as the music speeds.

SERIES TO STREAM

Scott Speedman’s charisma is on full display in the new ABC series “R.J. Decker.” Speedman plays a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who has decided to forge a new path as a private investigator. The show takes place in South Florida where the cases can be bonkers because — Florida. The series is inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Double Whammy.” Hiaasen is from Florida, understands its oddities and sets his books there. “RJ Decker” is available now on Hulu. Before Sherlock Holmes became the world’s greatest detective, he studied at Oxford University. That’s the backdrop for Prime Video’s “Young Sherlock,” starring Hero Fiennes Ti n as the titular character. The series is executive produced and directed by Ritchie and has all the qualities you would expect from a Ritchie production: action sequences, fast-pacing and smart dialogue. In this series, we also see Sherlock meet and befriend, of all people, James

(“The Secret Agent”) is the best kind of personal lm, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.” Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer

Moriarty, his biggest nemesis. All eight episodes are streaming now.

Another prequel premieres this week. “Ted” the TV series returns for a second season Thursday on Peacock. It’s about the early days of the foul-mouthed teddy bear (Seth MacFarlane) and his best friend John (Max Burkholder) who is in high school. MacFarlane is also an executive producer, writer, director and co-showrunner. Carell stars in the new feel-good comedy “Rooster” for HBO. He plays a best-selling author who takes a job at a college where his daughter is also a professor and going through a tough time. The series is cocreated by Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs” and “Shrinking.”) Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler and John C. McGinley have main roles. It premieres Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The folks at Bungie set a high standard for sci- shooters with Halo and Destiny, but few players remember their rst crack at the genre: 1994’s Marathon. The new Marathon jumps 99 years into the future and all the way out to a distant planet called Tau Ceti IV, where the original explorers tried to build a new colony. By the time you get there, though, most of the colonists have vanished, and it’s up to you to collect whatever loot they left behind. Bungie says you can play solo, but you’ll probably want to round up some online crewmates once the player-vs.-player mayhem starts. The expedition begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia isn’t the usual “gotta catch ’em all” adventure. It’s more like “build ‘em all a nice place to live and hope they show up.” Your character is a shape-shifting Ditto, and you’ve been dropped in a desolate landscape. Fortunately, the wise old Professor Tangrowth is there to help spruce it up. You’ll need to diversify if you want to attract visitors, since Pidgey’s probably going to want some trees and Psyduck may want a lake. If you’ve ever wanted to be surrounded by Pokémon without making them ght, this must be the place. Move in Thursday on Switch 2.

STATE & NATION

NASA revamps Artemis moon landing program by modeling it after speedy Apollo

Jared Isaacman wants moon missions months, not years, apart

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

NASA SAID LAST FRIDAY

it’s revamping its Artemis moon exploration program to make it more like the fast-paced Apollo program half a century ago, adding an extra practice ight before attempting a high-risk lunar landing with a crew in two years.

The overhaul in the ight lineup came just two days after NASA’s new moon rocket returned to its hangar for more repairs, and a safety panel warned the space agency to scale back its overly ambitious goals for humanity’s rst lunar landing since 1972.

Artemis II, a lunar y-around by four astronauts, is o until at least April because of rocket problems.

The follow-up mission, Artemis III, had been targeting a landing near the moon’s south pole by another pair of astronauts in about three years. But with long gaps between ights and concern growing over the readiness of a lunar lander and moonwalking suits, NASA’s new administrator Jared Isaacman announced that mission would instead focus on launching a lunar lander into orbit around Earth in 2027 for docking practice by astronauts ying in an Orion capsule.

Triceratops

The new plan calls for a moon landing — potentially even two moon landings — by astronauts in 2028.

“Everybody agrees,” Isaacman said. “This is the only way forward.”

The hydrogen fuel leaks and helium ow problems that struck the Space Launch System rocket on the pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center last month had also plagued the rst Artemis test

skeleton ‘Trey’ to hit auction block as dinosaur market soars

As dinosaur fossils fetch record prices, scientists worry specimens may disappear forever

By R.J. Rico

The Associated Press

A TRICERATOPS skeleton that stood in a Wyoming museum for decades will be auctioned o , a rare instance of a museum-exhibited dinosaur going to the auction block just as the market for the prehistoric giants has hit record highs.

The fossil, dubbed “Trey,” will be open for bidding March 17-31 on Joopiter, an online auction platform founded by Grammy-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams. It has a preauction estimate of $4.5 million to $5.5 million.

Dating back more than 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period, Trey was discovered near Lusk, Wyoming, in 1993 by Lee Campbell and the late Allen Gra ham, a commercial paleontologist who made numerous signi cant nds over his lifetime.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science.”

Kristi Curry Rogers, Macalester College

The 17-foot-long herbivore greeted visitors at the 1995 grand opening of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis and remained there on loan until 2023. Having been recently sold in a private transaction, it is now in Singapore, where it is available for private viewings through the end of March, Joopiter said.

Trey “has this cultural aspect that a lot of fossils that go to auction these days just simply don’t have,” said paleontologist Andre LuJan, who worked with Joopiter to prepare the fos-

sil for auction. “This one is connected to people and undoubtedly has inspired young children who’ve seen it to pursue a career in paleontology.”

Once the domain of museums and universities, dinosaur fossils have become increasingly popular investments.

In 2024, the remains of “Apex” the stegosaurus went for $44.6 million at auction, shattering the previous record of $31.8 million paid in 2020 for “Stan,” a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

In a sign that the dinosaur fossil market remains strong, a rare young dinosaur skeleton blew past its $4 million to $6 million Sotheby’s preauction estimate in July and ended up fetching more than $30 million in a bidding frenzy, including fees and costs.

Caitlin Donovan, Joopiter’s global head of sales, said the surging interest re ects a shift away from traditional categories like old master paintings and toward objects that have “cultural resonance.”

“(Dinosaurs) have always cap-

“No one at NASA forgot their history books. They knew how to do this. Now we’re putting it in action.”

Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

ight without a crew in 2022. Another three-year gap was looming between Artemis II and the moon landing by astronauts as originally envisioned, Isaacman said.

Isaacman stressed that “it should be incredibly obvious” that three years between ights is unacceptable. He’d like to get it down to one year or even less.

Isaacman, a tech billionaire who bought his own trips to orbit and performed the world’s rst private spacewalk, took the helm at NASA in December.

During NASA’s storied Apollo program, he said, astronauts’ rst ight to the moon was followed by two more missions before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon.

What’s more, he added, the Apollo moonshots followed one another in quick succession, just as the earlier Projects Mercury and Gemini had rapid ight rates, sometimes coming just a few months apart.

Twenty-four Apollo astronauts ew to the moon from 1968 through 1972, with 12 of them landing.

“No one at NASA forgot their

history books. They knew how to do this,” Isaacman said. “Now we’re putting it in action.”

To pick up the pace and reduce risk, NASA will standardize its Space Launch System rockets moving forward, Isaacman said. These are the massive rockets that will launch astronauts to the moon aboard Orion capsules. At the same time, Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Je Bezos’ Blue Origin are speeding up their work on the landers needed to get the astronauts from lunar orbit down to the surface.

Isaacman said next year will see an Orion crew rendezvousing in orbit around Earth with SpaceX’s Starship, Blue Origin’s Blue Moon or both landers. It’s similar to the methodical approach that worked so well during Apollo in the late 1960s, he noted. Apollo 8, astronauts’ rst ight to the moon, was followed by two more missions before Armstrong and Aldrin aimed for the lunar surface.

“We should be getting back to basics and doing what we know works,” he said.

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel recommended this week that NASA revise its objectives for Artemis III “given the demanding mission goals.” It’s urgent the space agency do that, the panel said, if the United States hopes to safely return astronauts to the moon. Isaacman said the revised Artemis ight plan addresses the panel’s concerns and is supported by industry and the Trump administration.

tivated our imagination ... and people are now starting to see the value in investing in these as assets,” LuJan said.

But the hot market has some paleontologists concerned that important specimens could disappear into private collections, depriving scientists of important research opportunities. Public museums are “getting totally priced out of an exploding market,” said Kristi Curry Rogers, a paleontologist at Minnesota’s Macalester College.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science,” said Curry Rogers,

who is not involved in the sale.

LuJan emphasized that Trey has always been privately owned, and he hopes it will end up in a museum, just like Apex, which is now on display at New York’s American Museum of Natural History after its buyer signed a long-term loan agreement allowing scientists to study it.

“Because we’ve had this paradigm shift in what owning dinosaurs means to society, people are naturally gravitating toward these benevolent situations where they loan them long-term to museums or they end up donating them to a new museum that’s just being born,” LuJan said.

Randolph record

Spring will sprung

With clocks moving forward this weekend for daylight saving time, it’s a reminder to get your boats and shing gear ready for warmer weather. Lake Lucas in Asheboro, seen here early Monday, won’t look this empty again for quite a while.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Father who gave gun to Ga. school shooting suspect as gift guilty of 2nd-degree murder

A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he’s accused of using to kill two students and two teachers at a high school has been convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Colin Gray also was found guilty Tuesday of all other charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray is one of a number of parents prosecuted after their children were accused in fatal shootings. Prosecutors said he gave his son access to a gun and ammunition despite “su cient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Noem blames “violent protesters” for Minneapolis chaos under tough questioning Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her agency in testimony and under questioning at a Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday. It was her rst congressional hearing since two protesters were killed in Minneapolis by Homeland Security o cers in January. Noem’s department sent hundreds of o cers to Minnesota. Protesters marched and tracked enforcement activity. An ICE o cer shot Renee Good, while Border Protection o cers shot Alex Pretti. At the hearing, Noem blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos o cers encountered.

Commissioners approve refresh of sheri ’s o ce weapons

All o cers will be equipped with new Glock 17 pistols and red dot sights

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Commissioners has approved the sheri ’s o ce’s request to update its weaponry. At its meeting Monday, the board approved a variety of sheri ’s o ce purchases, including 225 Gen 6 Glock 17 pistols, holsters and red dot sights for just under $300,000.

“We’ve been on a ve-year cycle to replace all of our weapons, and our current ones were purchased in 2021,” said Col. Steven Nunn. “We do foresee getting seven years out of these.”

Patrol Sgt. James Thacker said, “The Gen 6 pistol comes already MOS ready, which is for the red dot optics. We can mount them straight to the pistol.”

According to Nunn, the sheri ’s o ce will trade in the old weapons to AmChar Wholesale, the company from which they’re purchasing the new weapons, for credit o the total purchase.

The funding for the pistols is coming out of the law enforcement restricted funds.

“This is better known on the street as drug money,” board chairman Darrell Frye said. “When our deputies stop a vehicle on the interstate or on our roads and they con scate money, cars, drugs, under law, it’s theirs. So this is not public tax dollars. It’s money that the sheri ’s department has earned by doing its job.”

The board also approved the purchase of three 2026 Ford F-150 Police Responders totaling $142,000.

“These are vehicles that are ready on the lot,” Nunn said.

The funding for the vehicle purchases was already appropriated in the sheri ’s o ce’s budget.

The board then approved the Randolph County Board of Education’s distribution request to use $878,000 of targeted lottery funds for the reroo ng of the Randolph County School System’s Coleridge Elementary School.

“This is the rst year we’ve pulled money down for the repair and renovation fund,” assistant county manager Will Massie said. “It was created back in 2021 by the General Assembly using NC Lottery funds, and it is for repairs and renovation of classroom spaces.”

According to RCSS Superintendent Stephen Gainey, there was $1.715 million set aside speci cally for the RCSS.

The board also approved the changes to its sign ordinance that were discussed at last month’s meetings.

“We do foresee getting seven years out of these.”

Col. Steven Nunn

Finally, the board approved minor changes to its library ordinance and by-laws.

“We’ve tried to make these by-laws more similar to some of the other boards that we have so that it would be more in line with the same outline and procedures,” said county attorney Ben Morgan. “We’ve instituted term limits and tried to add uniformity to some of the other boards where you guys are appointing nominations. That’s the main change.”

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners will next meet April 6.

The primary change was a lessening of restrictions on billboards, allowing them to be placed 1,000 feet apart from one another on each side of the road, as well as limiting them to being placed no closer than 300 feet from any residentially zoned property.

Seabolt keeps Republican nod for sheri

An incumbent prevailed in a relatively close primary for a seat on the board of commissioners

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

GREG SEABOLT received big support at the polls in his bid to remain sheri of Randolph County. Seabolt collected 63.4% of the votes to fend o three challengers for the Republican nod when ballots were counted in Tuesday’s primary. Seabolt’s 9,174 votes represented a clear edge on Brian Arrington (2,257), Chris Toriello (1,966) and Eric Hicks (1,064).

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who helped and supported me throughout this campaign,” Seabolt said in a social media post Tuesday night, thanking several people who assisted with his campaign. “… Your dedication and belief in me mean more than words can express.”

Seabolt, who won election in 2018 and reelection in 2022, is from Denton. Arrington, a Climax man, had been a captain in the sheri ’s o ce prior to retirement in 2025 following 27½ years.

Randolph County commissioners

Incumbent David Allen won a narrow Republican primary

for the Board of Commissioners in District 3. Allen, who is from Liberty, received 7,627 votes compared to Carrie Guess-Slatosky’s 6,560. Guess-Slatosky is from Randleman.

N.C. House of Representatives

Republican incumbent Rep. Neal Jackson received 8,427 votes to win a primary against Mark Dutton (3,279 votes) for the District 78 seat.

Uncontested races

Many of the races involving Randolph County candidates weren’t contested in the primary, but those positions

will be on November’s ballot. Those include a county commissioner seat held by Darrell Frye along with statehouse seats occupied by David Craven Jr. of Asheboro and Brian Biggs of Trinity. There are other seats for spots in Raleigh that involve portions of Randolph County voters but are occupied by residents of other counties.

About the turnout

There were 18,023 ballots cast in Randolph County polling places. That represented 18.4% of eligible voters.

Of those total ballots, 9,006 — or just about half —were cast during the early voting period that ended Saturday.

THURSDAY MARCH 5

FRIDAY MARCH 6

SATURDAY MARCH 7

SUNDAY MARCH 8

The investigation into the blaze that killed horses was completed

Randolph Record sta

MONDAY MARCH 9

TUESDAY MARCH 10

WEDNESDAY MARCH 11

SEAGROVE — The cause of the barn re that killed 36 horses last month has been listed as “undetermined” by the Randolph County re marshal. Erik Beard, the re marshal, released a statement that said a thorough investigation of the Feb. 15 blaze at 8710 U.S. 220 South didn’t result in a speci c determination of the cause pending any additional information that is provided.

Randolph County Fire Marshal’s O ce, the release said. Byrd’s information again thanked the responding agencies that assisted on the day of the re.

Any unreported information regarding the incident should be forwarded to the

The barn was used to board horses at Callicutt Stables. In total, 43 horses were being housed at the location.

Don Ashley, head of the Automotive Systems Technology Department at Randolph Community College, instructs students, from left to right, Dallas Harrelson, J.T. Schwartz, and Kashif Khan about the Rivian R1.

cedures, regenerative braking systems and advanced diagnostic technologies.

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

March 5

NC Potters Conference

The three-day NC Potters Conference, organized by the North Carolina Pottery Center, features demonstrations, artist slide presentations, guided studio tours and keynote speakers from across the pottery world. Registration for the 2026 conference is sold out, though the public may follow coverage through the NC Potters Conference website.

Thompson Arts & Event Hall at Historic Luck’s Cannery 798 N.C. Highway 705 Seagrove

Thrifty Thursday Senior Movie — “Baby Boom”

1 p.m.

A grant investment has come with a new partnership

Randolph Record sta ASHEBORO — Randolph Community College’s Automotive Systems Technology program has a new partnership with North Carolina A&T.

A grant for $180,000 is intended to expand electric vehicle training, the community college announced.

“By expanding access to hands-on electric and hybrid vehicle training, we are equipping students to lead in an evolving automotive industry, strengthening workforce

CRIME LOG

Feb. 23

pathways, and supporting North Carolina’s transition toward advanced transportation technologies,” RCC president Shah Ardalan said in a statement.

The Steps4Growth grant is funding the purchase of advanced equipment.

RCC announced that as part of the expansion it has added new electric and hybrid vehicles to its training eet, including a Rivian R1T, an all-electric pickup truck and a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, providing students hands-on experience with hybrid-electric powertrain systems.

These additions allow students to gain direct experience with modern EV architecture, high-voltage safety pro -

John Paul Brower, 40, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for violation of a domestic violence protective order.

Celeste Andreya Custodio, 23, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for felony possession of cocaine.

• David Allen Dinkins, 42, of Thomasville, was arrested by NCHP for instigating cruelty to animals.

Darryl Marrie Waller, 63, of Franklinville, was arrested by Asheboro PD for indecent exposure.

Feb. 24

Ricky Scott Brady, 45, of Ramseur, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a revoked license.

• Miranda Oakes Dalton, 46, of Denton, was arrested by Asheboro PD for driving on a revoked license, simple possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to maintain lane control.

• Shaina Maria Caviness, 39, of Ramseur, was arrested by

“This is a major step forward for our students and our community,” Automotive Systems Technology Department Head Don Ashley said. “With the industry shifting rapidly toward electri cation and advanced vehicle systems, it is critical that our graduates are prepared with real-world experience on the same technologies they will encounter in the workforce,” said Don Ashley, head of RCC’s Automotive Systems Technology Department. There also have been purchases of advanced diagnostic equipment. The new resources will be housed and utilized at the Richard Petty Education Center. Students can earn an associate in applied science degree as well as specialized certicates in diagnostics, electric vehicle technology, HVAC, powertrain, undercar, and light-duty diesel technology.

RCSO for aiding and abetting misdemeanor larceny.

• Stacy Pratt Page, 47, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of a controlled substance.

• Jeremy Scott Robinson, 25, of Pleasant Garden, was arrested by RCSO for misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor possession of stolen goods.

• Linwood Robinson, 29, of Sophia, was arrested by Randleman PD for resisting a public o cer, seconddegree trespass and possession of marijuana.

• Andrew James Shroyer, 36, of Pleasant Garden, was arrested by RCSO for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance and driving on a revoked license.

• Justin Matthew Stiltner, 31, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for driving on a revoked license, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance.

The Sunset Theatre’s ongoing Thrifty Thursday series screens the 1987 comedy “Baby Boom,” starring Diane Keaton, as a discounted matinee for senior audiences. Tickets are available through the Sunset Theatre box o ce at 336-626-1240.

Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Ave. Asheboro

March 6

Liberty Showcase Theater Presents: Stephen Freeman — Elvis Tribute

7 p.m.

Stephen Freeman, winner of the 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and a performer who has opened for Charlie Daniels and Lee Brice, brings his full Elvis tribute show to the Liberty Showcase Theater. Tickets are $73 and available through major ticketing platforms.

Liberty Showcase Theater 101 S Fayetteville St. Liberty

RSVP Community Theatre Presents: “Southern Fried Funeral”

7 p.m. (also March 7 at 7 p.m.; March 8 at 2 p.m.)

RSVP Community Theatre closes its run of this Southern comedy about the Frye family managing grief, sibling rivalry and church interference after the death of patriarch Dewey Frye. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military; available online or in person at Brightside Gallery at 170 Worth St. in Asheboro.

Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Ave. Asheboro

March 8

Randleman Wedding Expo 2026

1 p.m.

The Randleman Chamber of Commerce hosts this free bridal expo connecting newly engaged couples with local wedding vendors including planners, o ciants, caterers, photographers, orists and DJs from Randolph County and surrounding areas. A fashion show is scheduled at 3 p.m.; the expo runs until 6 p.m. Becker Hill Events 2880 Beckerdite

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

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

Supreme Court throws out Trump tari s and upholds Constitution

So much for the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump.

SO MUCH FOR the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. That is a frequently voiced charge by partisan Democrats, and a fear of many ambivalent voters who nd many of Trump’s policies agreeable but worry about his overreach on policy and personnel.

That’s one political meme refuted by the court’s Learning Resources v. Trump decision last Friday, announced after more than the expected delay for the drafting of concurring opinions. The court struck down Trump’s beloved tari s, with only one Republican-appointed justice taking the president’s side while the majority consisted of three Republican-appointed and three Democratic-appointed justices.

Such a result should not have surprised those with some appreciation of Supreme Court history. Franklin Roosevelt, after seeing several of his New Deal programs ruled unconstitutional and after unsuccessfully urging Congress to pack the court with new justices, nally ended up lling eight of the court’s nine seats.

That didn’t stop a bench of Democratic appointees from disapproving of Democratic President Harry Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel plants during the Korean War in a case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, cited 15 times by the Learning Resources justices.

Justices newly appointed in times when Supreme Court decisions are subjects of partisan disputes tend to agree on contemporary issues. But in time, new problems arise, to which they turn out to have di erences. And even animosity: Some of the Roosevelt appointees even stopped speaking to each other.

One such issue brought forward by Trump’s election and reelection is the tari . There’s a strong argument that the president’s view that trade de cits impoverish the country and tari s enrich it is delusional. Alexander Hamilton backed tari s not so much to foster infant industries but because they were the easiest tax to collect with the 18th-century technology.

William McKinley, often cited by Trump as a tari advocate, delivered a speech in September 1901, just days before he was shot, calling for reduced tari s. He recognized U.S. industry was no longer as infantile as the United States became the world’s No. 1 steel producer. Later in the century, congressional Republicans kept backing tari packages as a form of pork barrel patronage for local interests and to hold the party together. But Republican presidents,

educated in free-market economics in elite colleges (Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Stanford), sought, with limited success, to hold rates down.

Learning Resources doesn’t prevent Trump from using other tari laws, but they, as Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion of the court notes, “contain various combinations of procedural prerequisites, required agency determinations and limits.” That means he wouldn’t have, in the chief justice’s evidently irritated phrasing, “the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tari s of unlimited amount, duration and scope.”

Such capricious policymaking, with enormous economic consequences, has few precedents except for what historian Amity Shlaes describes as Roosevelt’s daily settings of gold prices during several months in 1933.

Learning Resources, as anti-Trump conservative David French wrote in The New York Times, “may prove to be the most important Supreme Court case this century” because it forti es the “major questions doctrine,” celebrated in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s extraordinary 46-page concurrence.

The major questions doctrine is drawn from the constitutional architecture: Article I authorizes Congress to pass laws, Article II authorizes the president to take care that they be faithfully executed. It follows that a president can’t rummage around in the statute books, searching for some language — or, as in this case, two words separated by 16 words — that somehow can be interpreted, though no one has interpreted them that way before, to authorize him to do what he wants to do. On major questions, it must be clear Congress has already done that.

The Supreme Court, with majorities made up of Republican appointees, used the major questions doctrine to overturn major Biden administration policies — cancellation of student loans (based on authorization to “waive or modify” them), eviction moratorium (based on preventing “transmission of communicable diseases”) and vaccine mandate (based on “safety and healthy work conditions”).

In a 46-page concurring opinion, Gorsuch argues that his three Democratic-appointed colleagues are wielding the major questions doctrine against the Trump tari s, though they say they’re not, and they were unwilling to use it against Biden policies. He argues the three dissenting Republican-appointed justices should have agreed that the major questions doctrine requires overturning the tari s. He argues that Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who voted to overturn tari s, should have relied more explicitly on the doctrine.

War should never be taken lightly; not even if your cause is righteous

War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous.

AMERICANS HAVE good-faith concerns about the attacks on the Islamist regime in Iran. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic cultists in Iran are our enemy — and that matters.

The Islamic Republic’s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended.

From the early 1980s, Iran’s proxy army of Hezbollah killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the early 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered more than 600 Americans with IEDs. Iran has been killing Americans.

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli.

The Iranians twice reportedly hatched plots to assassinate Trump in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks and for stealing aerospace, tech and satellite data.

Yet both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backward for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching

out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East and murdering Americans. But the most important question right now isn’t what Iran’s done. It’s what it would do if it had nukes.

Iran’s Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won’t act more aggressively and violently toward the “Great Satan” when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans?

Some people point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it’s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military e orts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful.

Never once will any of Iran’s Western

Is this evidence of the kind of discord that divided the Roosevelt-appointed justices so many years ago? Maybe, and the justices don’t seem as collegial now as they did before someone — a liberal justice’s law clerk? — leaked a draft of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

But the thrust of Gorsuch’s concurrence is that the justices are functionally in agreement with the major questions doctrine, even if they’re uncomfortable saying so. Perhaps it was written to undercut arguments by the liberal law professoriate that the major questions doctrine is defunct.

Or, as Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith puts it, Learning Resources “signals more clearly than ever that, going forward, this Court is going to view broad delegations of statutory authority to act, and/or extravagant presidential interpretations of authority to act, with skepticism.”

It’s hard for Congress to set policy as explicitly as the major questions doctrine seems to require when the two parties have signi cant disagreements, are in close competition, and are disincentivized to accept compromise when they reasonably hope that the next presidential election will give them the White House and congressional majorities.

That has been the situation for the last 30 -some years, in which Democrats have won most presidential elections and Republicans have usually won majorities in the House of Representatives. It was also the case for the 30-some years after the Civil War, when policy di erences and partisan bitterness were greater than they are today.

But after three decades, new issues arose and new voter coalitions emerged. Sooner or later, that will happen again.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration may search the statute books for verbiage it can use to justify some limited tari authority, just as the Biden administration searched the statute books to nd verbiage to justify some limited student loan forgiveness.

But the Supreme Court, regardless of partisan labels, seems ready to use the major questions doctrine to limit the billions of dollars that can be raised or spent without some clear authorization in laws passed by Congress. And someday a president will gure out how to persuade Congress to pass laws authorizing all or some of what she or he wants.

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)

propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact.

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again.

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it’s welcome to it.

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn’t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any o ce by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as “the most wicked, sinister enemy.” Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements.

Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world’s policemen, but we also can’t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is “America can’t do a damn thing against us.”

But that isn’t the case, is it?

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Kay Tidwell Ross

July 29, 1947 – Feb. 25, 2026

Kay Tidwell Ross, 78, of North Wilkesboro, died Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation in Wilkesboro.

A funeral service will be conducted at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Bethel Baptist Church, with Pastor Jody Harrison and Pastor Roger Carr o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Kay was born on July 29, 1947, in Gaston Co., NC, the daughter of the late William Cleveland Tidwell and Vida Hu stetler Tidwell. She was a member of Oakwoods Baptist Church. Kay always had a kind heart and a smile on her face. She never met a stranger. Kay was a loving wife, mother, and “Nana”.

In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her brother, Freddy Tidwell.

She is survived by her husband of over 59 years, Ed Ross Jr.; children, Donna Johnson and husband David, Melissa Harrison and husband Jody, Chip Ross III and girlfriend Amanda Crosby; grandchildren, Kaylin Harrison Ingold and husband Chris, Lindsay Beth Harrison, Cory Johnson, Meghan Johnson Benesh and husband Andy, Dalton Johnson and wife Hailey, Lorna Johnson, Tessa Johnson Bowers and husband Adam; great grandchildren, Anderson Ingold, Karsyn Ingold, Knox Johnson, Avett Johnson, Georgie Johnson, Guy Benesh, Smith Benesh, Romy Krestev, Honey Krestev, Henry Bowers, and Caroline Bowers.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 3:45 p.m., Sunday, prior to the service at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the sta at Wilkes Assisted Living and Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation for the care shown and given to Kay.

Memorials may be made to Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Daycare, 1915 West Park Drive, #200, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Doris “Dottie” Scott Roberts

Oct. 5, 1929 – Feb. 26, 2026

Doris “Dottie” Scott Roberts, 96, of Ramseur, passed away on February 26, 2026, at Terra Bella Assisted Living in Asheboro.

Dottie was born on October 5, 1929, in Randolph County to parents Eli Madison and Ella Elizabeth Pugh Scott. She was a lifelong member of Ramseur Wesleyan Church, where she was heavily involved in evangelism, always visiting unchurched people in the neighborhood. She taught Sunday School for over 65 years and was a faithful member of the church choir. She worked for many years in production at the John Plant. In her free time, Dottie enjoyed working in her yard and with her owers. She also enjoyed spending time with her kitty, Lucy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Grover Max Roberts; two brothers; and four sisters. Ms. Roberts is survived by her daughters, Gwen Dorsett and husband Chris of Randleman and Sandra Cox and husband Howard of Asheboro; granddaughters, Heather Dorsett of Archdale and Katie Dye and husband Trevor of Oak Island; sister, Ann Burris of Albemarle; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Celebration of Life services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Ramseur Wesleyan Church with Rev. Jason Baker and Rev. Leon Thompson o ciating, with burial in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. prior to the service in the church sanctuary. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Ramseur Wesleyan Church, PO Box 501, Ramseur, NC 27316.

Danny Ray Kelly

Feb. 16, 1948 – Feb. 26, 2026

Danny Ray Kelly, a ectionately known as “Frank,” passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on February 16, 1948, Danny lived a life de ned by love, kindness, and devotion to his family and friends.

Danny was a devoted father, husband, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother, and friend. He was known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering support, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Family and friends were at the heart of Danny’s life, and he treasured every moment spent with those he loved.

He is survived by his son, Frankie Kelly, and his loving wife, Wendy; grandchildren Bree Kelly, Kyra Johnson, Seth Johnson, Lauren Kelly, Jordan Kelly, Peyton Kelly, and Devon Kelly; eight great-grandchildren; his sisters Brenda Kelly and Debra Burton (and husband Eddie); and a cherished circle of extended family and friends.

Danny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda Kelly; his daughter, Beth Ann Johnson; and his parents, Nellie and Clarence Kelly.

Danny worked as a sheetrock nisher for many years and was known for his strong work ethic, pride in his craft, and dedication to doing a job well. He enjoyed shing, coaching, and spending time with his family and friends talking, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be cherished forever.

A private memorial in celebration of Danny’s life will be held in the near future.

Danny Ray Kelly will be remembered for his kindness, laughter, hard work, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. Though he may be gone from our sight, his spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Bobbie Lavern Boyce Fuller

June 22, 1934 – Feb. 27, 2026

Bobbie Lavern Boyce Fuller, age 91, of Greensboro passed away at Guilford House Assistant Living Center. Bobbie was born June 22, 1934, in Sumter, South Carolina, and lived in Corland, NY, most of her life. She was the only child of the late Jack M. Boyce and Lucille Leila McCaskill Boyce. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband Ronald W. Fuller; and her mother and father-in-law, Eleanor He ron and Claude Fuller. Bobbie’s journey through life was marked by her vibrant zest and tell it like it is spirit, deep love for her family, and her many cherished pastimes. Her honesty, grit, and quick responses made her a force to be reckoned with either laughter or a stern talking to. Bobbie is a proud graduate of Cortland Senior High School where she took great joy in her early years with dance and as a member of the tumbling team. Her talent for creating beautiful spaces for banquets and gatherings was evident in her volunteer work at the Cortland Country Barn, where her keen eye for décor transformed dinners and weddings into memorable events. Bobbie found joy in the simple pleasures, like playing card games and family picnics on weekends surrounded by family throughout the years. These gatherings were lled with laughter and warmth as adults played cards and children created their own adventures nearby. She and her beloved husband Ronald shared many adventures, particularly relishing their camping trips

and shing excursions with dear friends Janet and Gary Allen.

An enthusiastic about Bingo and three-card poker at Turning Stone Casino, NY. Bobbie’s winning streak that once saw her drive away with a brand-new car. Her creative talents extended to quilt making, where she poured care and love into each piece. Bobbie is well known for her Italian sauce, southern dumplings, and buttermilk biscuits. Known for her nurturing nature, Bobbie took pride in caring for others, always ensuring clothes were washed and hung out to dry in the sunshine. Some of Bobbie’s favorite stories to tell were about her travels to Hawaii, Jamaica, Missouri, California, and most of all the numerous trips to Myrtle Beach. Her last visit to the sand and sea was just two years ago where she enjoyed soaking in the sunshine and dipping her toes in the ocean. Although she was carried by her grandsons Casey and Cyler, she was determined to have a visit to the beach and sunbath as long as she could.

Above all, Bobbie’s heart belonged to her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, bringing her unparalleled joy and ful llment. Through her love and devotion, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth and cherished memories. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter which she was very close with and depended on immensely over the last few years of her life, Renee Fuller Mathews and husband Ken, Asheboro NC; grandchildren, Chantel Marquis, Cortland, NY; Corey Marquis and wife Gabrielle, Marathon, NY; Casey Marquis, Asheboro NC, and Cyler Marquis, Monroe NC; son, Ronnie Fuller Jr. and wife Kimberly Fox Fuller, Cortland, NY; Granddaughter Jennifer Phelps and husband Robert, Cortland, NY; and Jessica McGinn and husband Michael, New Jersey, Great grandchildren, Coen Gillette, Aspen Marquis, Archer Marquis, Maeve McGinn, Evelyn McGinn and Vanessa Phelps. Bobbie is survived by numerous other beloved family members and friends and will be remembered fondly by all. The family will hold a private celebration of her life on a later date.

Frank Bertram Gri th Jr.

May 27, 1936 – Feb. 23, 2026

Frank Bertram Gri th Jr., 89, of Randleman, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, at AuthoraCare CollectiveBurlington.

A private family celebration of life will be held.

Frank was born on May 27, 1936, in Kenedy, Texas. The son of the late Frank Gri th Sr. and Aline Hill Gri th. Frank honorably served in the US Army during the Korean War. He was an intrepid world sailor and enjoyed seeing what all life has to o er. It brought him great joy introducing traveling to others. His memory was sharp and would share stories all the time for any situation. Frank played a mean game of Scrabble and had solutions for every problem. He loved his home in the valley in Catalina Mountains in Arizona.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife whom he loved dearly, Katherine Rose Gri th; two brothers; and one sister.

He is survived by his sons, Darrell Gri th, Dale Gri th; granddaughters, Daline Chriscoe (Brad), Isabella Gri th; grandsons, Shane Gri th (Amanda), Kevin Gri th (Morgan); great grandchildren, Hunter, Lyric, and Harper Chriscoe, Riley Gri th, Braylen Hunt, RyLee Meyer, Maverick and Nash Gri th.

Betty Rachel Kearns Zorn

March 31, 1939 –Feb. 28, 2026

Betty Rachel Kearns Zorn, 86, of Asheboro, died Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Piney Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kernersville.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Brian Rummage o ciating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park.

Born on March 31, 1939, in Randolph County, NC, Betty was the daughter of the late Floyd Marvin Kearns and Lois Ragsdale Kearns. She worked many years at Wachovia Bank and later retired from Merrill Lynch. She was a member of Eastern Star and was president of the Junior Women’s Club in Brockport, New York. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Zorn.

Betty was survived by her daughter, Deborah Lynch, and husband Scott of Asheboro; son, Steven Zorn of Winston-Salem; grandchildren, Jennifer Lowe and husband Micah, Adam Levi Howerton and wife Nicole, Kalie Appleton-Sackett and husband Owen; great-grandchildren, Avery Lowe, Landon Lowe, and Drew Apostle.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Cardinal Hospice Care, 3884 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546.

Charlie Isaac Carpenter Jr.

July 28, 1945 – Feb. 24, 2026

Charlie Isaac Carpenter Jr., 80, of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Turner’s Chapel Church, where he was a member, with Pastor Patrick Neal and Pastor Steve Johnson presiding. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

Charlie was born in Lee County on July 28, 1945, to Charlie Isaac Carpenter Sr., and Elsie Douglas Carpenter. He was a lifelong master mechanic, specializing in auto racing. Charlie was known for his honesty and integrity at Carpenter’s Saw & Mower Co. He enjoyed his horses and shing. He adored and cherished each moment with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Tucker.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bettie Sineath Carpenter; daughter, Robin C. Gatten (Loren), of Sanford; sons, Glenn Keith Carpenter (JoAnn), of Sanford; Frank Chance Carpenter (Meagan), of Sanford; sisters, Elizabeth Kelly, of Sanford and Lynda Donovan (Billy), of Sanford; ten grandchildren; twelve greatgrandchildren and a host of family and friends. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Turner’s Chapel Cemetery Fund, 1344 Colon Rd., Sanford, NC 27330.

Susan Gould Parker

Jan. 23, 1939 – Feb. 27, 2026

Susan Gould Parker, born on January 23, 1939, in New York, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on February 27, 2026, in Ramseur, North Carolina. Throughout her life, Susan dedicated her professional career to serving as an O ce Manager in the tobacco industry. Her commitment to her work was evident in the meticulousness and dedication she brought to her role.

Beyond her professional life, Susan was a woman of diverse interests and simple joys. She found solace by the beach, embraced the companionship of her beloved dogs, and exercised her mind with crosswords and word searches. A lover of contemporary music, Susan also took delight in observing the beauty of nature, particularly the grace of hummingbirds. Her sweet tooth was well-known, especially her fondness for saltwater ta y. Susan was preceded in death by her father, John J. Parker, her mother, Frances Parker Gould, and her cherished dogs, Abby and Jake. Susan’s memory will live through surviving friends Steve and Beverly Atkins as well as friends and sta at Ramseur Rehabilitation and Healthcare center. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services at this time. Susan’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, remembered for her gentle spirit and the quiet joy she found in life’s simple pleasures.

Milton Hammer Redding

Feb. 15, 1945 – Feb. 27, 2026

Milton Hammer Redding, 81, of Asheboro, joined his beloved wife, Linda, in heaven on February 27, 2026. Born on February 15, 1945, to Viola Sanborn Redding and William Frank Redding Jr., Milton was the youngest of three sons (and at 6’4”, was the shortest). He attended Oral Roberts University, where he majored in Biblical Literature, and completed his thesis on Wisdom Literature. At an early age, he developed a purposeful relationship with Jesus Christ, deepening his devotion

April 9, 1933 – Feb. 24, 2026

Guido Arturo Romano, 92, of Ramseur, passed away on February 24, 2026, at Randolph Hospital.

Mr. Romano was born on April 9, 1933, in Ambato, Ecuador, to parents Domenico and Vayas Clementina Romano. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and worked for many years as an engineer with Grumman Aerospace Company in Long Island, NY. Family was very important in his life and one of his biggest joys was spending time with them, especially during the holiday seasons. Guido loved to eat good food, visit new restaurants, and travel. He was known amongst his friends and family as a wine connoisseur. He also enjoyed history and loved to read. Guido loved spending time outdoors and was often seen working out in his yard or gardening. In addition to his parents, Mr. Romano was preceded in death by seven siblings.

Mr. Romano is survived by his wife of 64 years, Clara Romano; children, Sylvia Ahlers and husband Russell of Ramseur, Glenn Romano and wife Theresa of Greensboro, and Lawrence Romano and wife Lupita of California; grandchildren, Renee, Kristi, Michael, and Eric; greatgrandchildren, Max, Zoe, and Drew; sister, Maria Fulton of Queens, NY; sister-in-law, Rita Bellaveglia of Rome Italy; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Mr. Romano will lie in repose on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 1:30 to 2 p.m. at Lo in Funeral Home. The family will then move to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Asheboro for a mass beginning at 3 p.m. with Father Romiro Tijerino o ciating. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Salisbury National Cemetery with military honors provided by Seamore Johnson Air Force Honor Guard.

throughout his life, following the Lord’s path devoutly, and loving his family deeply. He was a longtime member and former deacon of Spoons Chapel Christian Church in Asheboro, NC. Milton will be remembered for his unwavering faith, sel ess Christian spirit, and abundant joy for life. One would meet Milton and immediately feel entirely accepted, loved, and supported. He was quick to smile and make light-hearted jokes, and always saw the best parts of others and the world around him. His faith in Jesus Christ was profound, and he knew the Bible intimately, regularly sharing scripture with those he loved most. In addition to his deep and unwavering faith, he enjoyed history of all types; beauty in the natural world, particularly the mountains and the sea; and college sports, speci cally the University of North Carolina basketball team, and everything Tar Heel. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and greatgrandfather who reminded his children and grandchildren what it means to be grateful, humble, and devout. He led a life that prioritized faith, kindness, and compassion for others, and prayed for the well-being of all.

Harold Michael Wright

Jan. 18, 1950 – Feb. 24, 2026

Harold Michael Wright, a ectionately known as Mike, passed away on February 24, 2026, at the age of 76 in Siler City, North Carolina. Born on January 18, 1950, in Pine Grove, West Virginia, Mike lived a life enriched by a deep appreciation for the unique and the nostalgic.

Mike spent his career as a dedicated forklift driver within the furniture business, where his hard work and commitment were evident to all who knew him. Beyond his professional life, Mike was a man of diverse interests and passions that brought joy not only to himself but to those around him.

A devoted collector, Mike found delight in amassing an impressive array of cookie jars and antique tin lunch boxes. His fascination with history extended to old insulators for phone poles, each piece telling a story from a bygone era. His love for antiques was a testament to his appreciation for the craftsmanship and tales of the past.

Embodying the spirit of the holidays, Mike cherished dressing up as Santa Claus, bringing smiles and warmth to children and adults alike. His jovial nature and hearty laugh made him a beloved gure during the festive season.

On the airwaves, Mike was known as “Big Dummy” on his CB radio, where he spent countless hours engaged in lively conversations. His voice was a familiar and welcome presence, connecting him to a community of fellow enthusiasts.

Mike was proceeded in death by his Father Harold Alexander Wright, his Mother Mary Alwilda Hayes and his wife Ellen Wright. Mike’s memory will live through his surviving loved ones, his Step Daughter Bonnie Callahan and Husband John, his two Grandchildren and eight Great Grandchildren.

Though there will be no formal services to commemorate his passing, the memory of Mike’s generosity, humor, and zest for life will linger in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered as a man who found joy in the simple pleasures and shared that joy freely with others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William Frank Redding III, Donald Sanborn Redding, and his recently departed wife, Katherine Linda Lewallen Redding, who passed away February 8, 2026. The love that Milton & Linda shared was inspiring and timeless, and her recent loss a ected him deeply. He will be remembered by his daughter Elizabeth Cameron Redding of Nashville, TN; his stepdaughter Katherine Craven Vestal (Jack) of Coleridge, NC; his grandchildren, Rosalie Ashlyn Hinke and Arianwyn Teagan Webber of Nashville, TN; his step-grandchildren, Jack Barnes Vestal III “Trey” of Coleridge, NC, and Tristan David Vestal (Taylor) of Sophia, NC; his greatgrandchildren, Mason, Micah, Everlee, and Matilda Vestal; his brother-in-law, Horace P. Lewallen, of Asheboro; and his nieces Rebecca, Marianne, Nancy, Julie, and Sally. Services will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Pugh Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will take place from 1010:45 am. Service to follow with Pastor Issac Fetterho o ciating at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Old City Cemetery.

Brandy Elaine Miller Jaruzel

Oct. 13, 1977 – Feb. 25, 2026

Brandy Elaine Miller Jaruzel, age 48, of Asheboro, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at the Randolph Hospice House. She was born on October 13, 1977, in Candler County, Georgia, the daughter of Rubin Junior Miller and Wanda Elaine Johnson.

Brandy earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern Michigan College and obtained a master’s degree from Ferris State College of Michigan in computer technologies and the sciences. She embarked on a ful lling career as a code specialist with Parsons Corporation in North Carolina. Brandy brought joy and creativity into every aspect of her life. She thrived on the simple pleasures of playing card games and video games like Mortal Kombat and Minecraft with her family, moments that cemented bonds and created cherished memories. Her love for arts and crafts was evident in the beautifully crafted items she gifted to friends and family, each piece a testament to her generous and caring nature. Brandy had a deep passion for reading and an a nity for plants. She collected crystals and fairy gurines showcasing her whimsical side and love for fantasy. As a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter, Brandy’s heart was expansive, always nding room to care for and nurture those she held dear. Those who had the privilege of knowing her will forever remember her outgoing personality and warm smile. Brandy’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she so freely shared.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Willow Elaine Hentschel and husband Alexander; grandchildren, Aria Hentschel and Elliott Hentschel; mother, Wanda Elaine Johnson; father, Rubin Junior Miller; brother, Mark Miller; and numerous other beloved family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at LIFEChurch of Asheboro, 515 Hwy 42 North, Asheboro, NC 27203 with Pastor David Hutton o ciating.

STATE & NATION

NASA revamps Artemis moon landing program by modeling it after speedy Apollo

Jared Isaacman wants moon missions months, not years, apart

By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press

NASA SAID LAST FRIDAY

it’s revamping its Artemis moon exploration program to make it more like the fast-paced Apollo program half a century ago, adding an extra practice ight before attempting a high-risk lunar landing with a crew in two years.

The overhaul in the ight lineup came just two days after NASA’s new moon rocket returned to its hangar for more repairs, and a safety panel warned the space agency to scale back its overly ambitious goals for humanity’s rst lunar landing since 1972.

Artemis II, a lunar y-around by four astronauts, is o until at least April because of rocket problems.

The follow-up mission, Artemis III, had been targeting a landing near the moon’s south pole by another pair of astronauts in about three years. But with long gaps between ights and concern growing over the readiness of a lunar lander and moonwalking suits, NASA’s new administrator Jared Isaacman announced that mission would instead focus on launching a lunar lander into orbit around Earth in 2027 for docking practice by astronauts ying in an Orion capsule.

The new plan calls for a moon landing — potentially even two moon landings — by astronauts in 2028.

“Everybody agrees,” Isaacman said. “This is the only way forward.”

Triceratops skeleton

The hydrogen fuel leaks and helium ow problems that struck the Space Launch System rocket on the pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center last month had also plagued the rst Artemis test

‘Trey’ to hit auction block as dinosaur market soars

As dinosaur fossils fetch record prices, scientists worry specimens may disappear forever

By R.J. Rico

The Associated Press

A TRICERATOPS skeleton that stood in a Wyoming museum for decades will be auctioned o , a rare instance of a museum-exhibited dinosaur going to the auction block just as the market for the prehistoric giants has hit record highs.

The fossil, dubbed “Trey,” will be open for bidding March 17-31 on Joopiter, an online auction platform founded by Grammy-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams. It has a preauction estimate of $4.5 million to $5.5 million.

Dating back more than 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period, Trey was discovered near Lusk, Wyoming, in 1993 by Lee Campbell and the late Allen Gra ham, a commercial paleontologist who made numerous signi cant nds over his lifetime.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science.”

Kristi Curry Rogers, Macalester College

The 17-foot-long herbivore greeted visitors at the 1995 grand opening of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis and remained there on loan until 2023. Having been recently sold in a private transaction, it is now in Singapore, where it is available for private viewings through the end of March, Joopiter said.

Trey “has this cultural aspect that a lot of fossils that go to auction these days just simply don’t have,” said paleontologist Andre LuJan, who worked with Joopiter to prepare the fos-

sil for auction. “This one is connected to people and undoubtedly has inspired young children who’ve seen it to pursue a career in paleontology.”

Once the domain of museums and universities, dinosaur fossils have become increasingly popular investments.

In 2024, the remains of “Apex” the stegosaurus went for $44.6 million at auction, shattering the previous record of $31.8 million paid in 2020 for “Stan,” a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

In a sign that the dinosaur fossil market remains strong, a rare young dinosaur skeleton blew past its $4 million to $6 million Sotheby’s preauction estimate in July and ended up fetching more than $30 million in a bidding frenzy, including fees and costs.

Caitlin Donovan, Joopiter’s global head of sales, said the surging interest re ects a shift away from traditional categories like old master paintings and toward objects that have “cultural resonance.”

“(Dinosaurs) have always cap-

“No one at NASA forgot their history books. They knew how to do this. Now we’re putting it in action.”

Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

ight without a crew in 2022.

Another three-year gap was looming between Artemis II and the moon landing by astronauts as originally envisioned, Isaacman said.

Isaacman stressed that “it should be incredibly obvious” that three years between ights is unacceptable. He’d like to get it down to one year or even less.

Isaacman, a tech billionaire who bought his own trips to orbit and performed the world’s rst private spacewalk, took the helm at NASA in December.

During NASA’s storied Apollo program, he said, astronauts’ rst ight to the moon was followed by two more missions before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon.

What’s more, he added, the Apollo moonshots followed one another in quick succession, just as the earlier Projects Mercury and Gemini had rapid ight rates, sometimes coming just a few months apart.

Twenty-four Apollo astronauts ew to the moon from 1968 through 1972, with 12 of them landing.

“No one at NASA forgot their

history books. They knew how to do this,” Isaacman said. “Now we’re putting it in action.”

To pick up the pace and reduce risk, NASA will standardize its Space Launch System rockets moving forward, Isaacman said. These are the massive rockets that will launch astronauts to the moon aboard Orion capsules. At the same time, Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Je Bezos’ Blue Origin are speeding up their work on the landers needed to get the astronauts from lunar orbit down to the surface. Isaacman said next year will see an Orion crew rendezvousing in orbit around Earth with SpaceX’s Starship, Blue Origin’s Blue Moon or both landers. It’s similar to the methodical approach that worked so well during Apollo in the late 1960s, he noted. Apollo 8, astronauts’ rst ight to the moon, was followed by two more missions before Armstrong and Aldrin aimed for the lunar surface.

“We should be getting back to basics and doing what we know works,” he said.

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel recommended this week that NASA revise its objectives for Artemis III “given the demanding mission goals.” It’s urgent the space agency do that, the panel said, if the United States hopes to safely return astronauts to the moon. Isaacman said the revised Artemis ight plan addresses the panel’s concerns and is supported by industry and the Trump administration.

tivated our imagination ... and people are now starting to see the value in investing in these as assets,” LuJan said.

But the hot market has some paleontologists concerned that important specimens could disappear into private collections, depriving scientists of important research opportunities. Public museums are “getting totally priced out of an exploding market,” said Kristi Curry Rogers, a paleontologist at Minnesota’s Macalester College.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science,” said Curry Rogers,

who is not involved in the sale. LuJan emphasized that Trey has always been privately owned, and he hopes it will end up in a museum, just like Apex, which is now on display at New York’s American Museum of Natural History after its buyer signed a long-term loan agreement allowing scientists to study it.

“Because we’ve had this paradigm shift in what owning dinosaurs means to society, people are naturally gravitating toward these benevolent situations where they loan them long-term to museums or they end up donating them to a new museum that’s just being born,” LuJan said.

RandolpH SPORTS

Wheatmore, UCA reach third round, then exit

The two girls’ teams both had seasons with more than 20 victories

Randolph Record sta

THE SEASONS ENDED for girls’ basketball teams from Wheatmore and Uwharrie Charter Academy on Saturday. Both teams made it to the third round of the state playo s before falling in road games.

Class 3A

No. 7 seed Wheatmore ended

with a season-low point total in a 49-29 loss at second-seeded Surry Central in the West Region.

The Warriors, who had a 15 - game winning streak halted, completed a 21-6 season. Wheatmore, after a rst-round bye, topped No. 10 seed Lincolnton 59-49 in the second round last Thursday. Kaelyn Whitehart pumped in 26 points, surpassing the 1,000-point mark for her career. Teammate Kinsley Davis added 20 points.

• No. 13 seed Providence Grove went down to fourth-seeded Northwood by 68-34 in the

East Region’s second round last Thursday.

The Patriots nished the season with a 14-10 record.

Providence Grove began the playo s with a 67-50 home victory against No. 20 seed Eastern Randolph, with Bailee Mitchell’s 26 points and Lauren Bernhardt’s 21 points leading the way along with Adi Johnson’s 16 points.

Raegan Beaver had 17 points for Eastern Randolph (5-17).

• No. 21 seed Trinity lost 65 - 34 at No. 12 seed Shelby in the rst round of the West Region. The Bulldogs nished with a 8-16 record.

Class 4A No. 10 seed Uwharrie Charter Academy won two games before falling 71-60 at second-seeded First Flight in the third round in the East Region.

UCA wrapped up a 21-7 season.

Lainey Thomas tallied 18 points and Nevaeh Staples contributed 17 points in their nal game for the Eagles.

Previously, Staples racked up 21 points as the Eagles won 44-36 at seventh-seeded North Johnston in the second round last Thursday. UCA’s rst-round victory

against No. 23 seed Southwest Onslow by 54-23 came with 10 points each from Staples and Thomas.

• No. 9 seed Southwestern Randolph su ered a 44-37 loss at eight-seeded East Duplin in last Thursday’s second round in the East Region.

Jordin George posted 14 points and Nauttica Parrish had 10 points for Southwestern Randolph (18-6).

The Cougars blew out No. 24 seed Jordan-Matthews 64-38 in the rst round in a matchup of Four Rivers Conference

See GIRLS, page B2

boys threaten Reidsville, but season ends Wrestlers had similar goals as champs met in nal

The Tigers were the only county boys’ team to advance to the weekend

Randolph Record sta

RANDLEMAN’S BOYS’ basketball team reached the third round of the Class 4A state playo s before losing in the East Region.

The Tigers fell to top-seeded Reidsville, a reigning state champion, by 70-62 on Saturday.

Randleman narrowed a 10-point de cit to 66-62 before a nal surge from the Rams.

Pacey Wagner’s 17 points and Nazir Staton’s 13 points paced the Tigers (15-10).

Dionte Neal poured in 39 points and Paul Cauthen Jr. had 25 points for Reidsville.

No. 9 seed Randleman cruised past No. 24 seed North Johnston by 76-35 in the rst round as Connor Cassidy racked up 23 points in his nal home game. Then the Tigers went on the road and subdued eighth-seeded Bunn by 54-38 last Thursday, stretching their winning streak to six games.

• Also in Class 4A, Uhwar -

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Providence Grove’s Andrew Thomas squeezes between West Caldwell players to attempt a shot during the rst round of the Class 3A state playo s.

rie Charter Academy’s season ended with a 56-43 loss at sixth-seeded SouthWest Edgecombe in the second round last Thursday.

Justyce Lawson hit seven 3-point shots on the way to 23 points for the 11th-seeded Eagles (17-10).

UCA won at home in the

rst round by defeating No. 22 seed Graham 55-23. Kareem

Helms tallied 17 points and Jaxon Mabe scored 15 points for the Eagles. Graham nished at 7-17.

• No. 17 seed Southwestern Randolph was a 55-42

Two state champions from Randolph County clashed with a chance to claim a second title

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

GREENSBORO — Wheat-

more’s Ayden Sumners and Eastern Randolph’s David Lambright had been in wrestling nals of the state tournament a year earlier.

But there was nothing quite like what they experienced when they went to the mats for a title bout this February. Both were reigning state champions, but only one of them would repeat.

“He’s actually one of my friends, so it was de nitely hard going in there,” Sumners said. “But on the mat, everybody is a stranger. It doesn’t matter who it is.” So when introductions were made for the nal at 126 pounds at First Horizon Coliseum, the Sumners/Lambright bout brought certain attention. They were in the same weight

“It’s really just if I had the heart to keep him down.”

Ayden Sumners, Wheatmore wrestler

division in 2025, with Sumners claiming the Class 2A title and Lambright earning the Class 1A crown. Realignment and the growth to an eight-classi cation system for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association means that Eastern Randolph and Wheatmore now are in the same class.

Sumners captured last month’s championship with a 1-0 decision, marking his third victory of the season against Lambright.

“De nitely a lot closer than I wanted it to be,” Sumners said. “He de nitely watched me wrestle and learned from whenever we wrestled in the past. We’ve always had close matches.”

Connor Cassidy

Randleman, boys’ basketball

Cassidy reached the 1,000-point mark for his career late in the regular season and then helped the Tigers reach the third round of the Class 4A state playo s.

The versatile senior has been a core member of the team for multiple seasons.

Cassidy averaged about 15 points per game as the Tigers’ leading scorer. He also was among Randleman’s leaders in rebounding, assists and steals. It marked the third year in a row that he checked in with a double- gure scoring average.

Cassidy also was an All-Piedmont Athletic Conference selection in football as a receiver.

Trinity’s Coble starts baseball season with 13-strikeout gem

The pitcher was dominant on a cold, windy opening day

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

HAW RIVER — Lincoln Coble felt no reason to ease into his nal high school baseball season.

The Trinity pitcher threw a beauty on the rst day when his two-hitter with 13 strikeouts tamed host Southeast Alamance in a 1-0 victory last week.

“It was all there for me,” Coble said. “I’ve been training a lot in the o season, so I deserve it. All my players backed me up, so I should do it for them.”

Coble, a North Carolina A&T signee, issued one walk in the 100-pitch performance. He allowed two singles, with one of those not leaving the in eld.

“Thank God we had him and he was on,” Trinity coach Ryan Spencer said. “We’re grateful. I hated that we had to put so much pressure on him. In most cases, we wouldn’t let him go that far in Game 1.”

But even in the cool temperatures and steady wind, Coble was up to the task. He donned a wintry coat when the Bulldogs were at-bat, then headed back to the mound and continued to do his thing.

“I just went right at them,” he said. “They didn’t catch up to my fastball, so I just threw it (often).”

Trinity catcher Brody Little

has been behind the plate for plenty of Coble’s performances. “That’s one of the best games I’ve ever seen Lincoln pitch,” Little said. “That was just amazing. That was awesome, He was just dominant. … He’s attacking early, throwing strikes. Nothing a ected him. You can’t ask for more.”

Coble, a right-hander calling it one of his best outings, said this was his fourth complete game in high school.

“It was a little bit cold,” he said. “The temperature didn’t bother me much, though.”

With Coble receiving the pitching assignment, it was a tough way to start the season for the Stallions.

“We knew what we were getting,” Southeast Alamance coach Adam Gunn said. “He beat us with the fastball, and we just didn’t make adjustments.”

Asheboro wins in new baseball coach’s debut

The spring season for high school sports began last week with limited action around the county

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — Jamey May won in his debut as Asheboro’s baseball coach when the Blue Comets defeated visiting East Davidson 8-2 on the rst day of permitted play in the spring season last week.

about eld conditions, the game’s location was switched from Trinity to McCrary Park in Asheboro.

• Reigning state champion Uwharrie Charter Academy opened the season by defeating visiting Cornerstone Charter 10-0. Keaton Hill struck out 10 batters in ve innings. Wilson Boswell homered and drove in four runs.

“It was a little bit cold. The temperature didn’t bother me much, though.”

Lincoln Coble, Trinity pitcher

The Bulldogs scored in the top of the fourth after loading the bases with no outs. Peyton Williams’ sacri ce bunt with one out allowed Nick Soles to score.

Little had one of the key Trinity defensive plays on a third strike when the ball got away from the plate area. He scurried after the ball, with his throw to rst base completing the out.

“It was a slider that went really far,” Little said. “Got my glove on it, had to run back (and retrieve the ball). Got him out by a step.”

The two hits for the Stallions came from the rst two batters of the sixth. A y ball to left eld and two strikeouts doused that threat.

Southeast Alamance pitchers Ayden Brown and Tyler Jackson nearly matched Coble. Little said the Bulldogs have learned to rely on Coble, so they were expecting a strong performance from the mound to begin the season.

“It’s just awesome he actually did it,” Little said. “More to come, for sure. He has improved so much over the past years.”

Northern Guilford at Truist Point in High Point. Softball

Alyssa Harris, Maylee Strider and Bristol Marine all drove in two runs for Southwestern Randolph in a 6-4 victory at Oak Grove.

• Randleman won 10-0 vs. visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy with Kadie Green scoring three runs. Addyson Dees was the winning pitcher.

• On Friday, Randleman fell 4-3 at West Forsyth despite Kaylie St. John and Olivia Ashby both notching two hits and driving in a run.

teams. Parrish had 19 points and George provided 16 points.

Jordan-Matthews nished with a 5-20 record.

• No. 13 seed Randleman tumbled at No. 4 seed Nash Central by 63-33 in the second round last Thursday.

Randleman (14-10) opened the postseason by defeating No. 20 seed Carrboro 65-43 with Kadie Green’s 23 points the top mark.

Class 6A No. 15 seed Asheboro’s season ended at home with a 55- 45 loss to No. 18 seed Piedmont in the rst round. Sisters Adalynn Scherer and Laneane Scherer had 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Blue Comets (14-13).

Price Kidd struck out nine batters. Nolan Shaw and Shane Immel both had two extra-base hits.

The Blue Comets followed that with Friday night’s 7-3 home victory against Trinity. Because of concerns

• Eastern Randolph and Wheatmore had something in common in openers, each suffering road losses by 11-1 scores. Eastern Randolph fell to West Davidson. Wheatmore lost to Walkertown.

• Behind pitching from Jake Riddle and Tate Andrews, Randleman began the season with a 7-1 victory against

• Eastern Randolph began with a 10-0 loss at Southern Alamance.

Girls’ soccer

Kimrey Watts scored three goals as Asheboro won its opener by topping visiting Randleman 5-0. Jaira Arellano and Anson Frazier also had goals.

New season set to begin at Caraway

The track has lined up eight races for the opening day

Randolph Record sta

SOPHIA — The 61st season of stock car racing at Caraway Speedway is scheduled to begin Sunday.

Now back as a NASCAR-sanctioned track, the season’s opening day will in-

BOYS from page B1

loser at No. 16 Anson in the rst round. The Cougars ended the season with an 11-12 record.

Class 3A No. 8 Lincolnton knocked o No. 9 seed Providence Grove 65-51 in last Thursday’s second round. The Patriots ended the season with a 17-9 record.

clude a 75-lap feature in Limited Late Models.

There’s also racing scheduled in Chargers, 602 Modi eds, Mini Stocks, UCARs, Crown Vics, Legends and Bandoleros.

The .455-mile asphalt track has been repaved in the third and fourth turns. There’s also new concrete and asphalt in the pit area.

“We have been working hard over the past couple of sea-

Providence Grove defeated No. 24 seed West Caldwell 58 - 50 in the rst round behind Will Dabbs’ 19 points, Andrew Thomas’ 11 points and Gabe McKoy’s 10 points.

No. 20 seed Wheatmore went down by 69-52 at No. 13

sons to bring Caraway Speedway up to the standards our fans have demanded,” track owner Darren Hackett said. “We completely reworked our grandstands and are working to upgrade our PA system and lighting.”

Racing Sunday is slated to start at 2 p.m.

The track’s race season is scheduled to extend through the North-South Shootout in November.

Pine Lake Prep in the rst round. The Warriors, who received 20 points from Jordan Starkey, completed a 13 -12 season. • No. 11 North Carolina School of Science & Math defeated No. 22 seed Eastern Randolph 82-61 in the rst round. The Wildcats concluded the season with a 6-18 record.

Class 6A No. 13 seed Asheboro’s season ended with a 71-66 rst-round home loss to No. 20 seed Sun Valley. The Blue Comets wrapped up a 17-10 season.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

“Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Frazier beats Ali in “Fight of the Century,” Pancho Villa attacks

The Associated Press

MARCH 5

1770: The Boston Massacre occurred as British soldiers opened re on a crowd of colonists, killing ve people and fueling outrage leading up to the American Revolution.

1953: Soviet dictator Josef Stalin died from a stroke at age 74 after nearly three decades in power.

1982: Comedian John Belushi was found dead of a drug overdose in a rented bungalow at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont hotel at age 33.

2004: Martha Stewart was convicted of conspiracy and lying to the government regarding an insider trading scandal.

MARCH 6

1857: In Dred Scott v. Sandford, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Dred Scott was not a U.S. citizen and could not sue for his freedom and that Congress could not ban slavery in federal territories, deepening national divisions before the Civil War.

1820: President James Monroe signed the Missouri Compromise, allowing Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while prohibiting slavery north of latitude 36°30’ in the Louisiana Territory.

1836: The Alamo in San Antonio fell after a 13-day siege as Mexican forces led by Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna

overran the fortress, killing all Texian defenders, including William Travis, James Bowie and Davy Crockett.

MARCH 7

1876: Alexander Graham Bell received a U.S. patent for the telephone.

1936: Adolf Hitler ordered German troops into the demilitarized Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Treaties.

1965: More than 500 civil rights demonstrators were attacked by Alabama state troopers and a sheri ’s posse as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. O cers red tear gas and beat marchers with batons in what became known as “Bloody Sunday.”

MARCH 8

1917: Protests against food rationing broke out in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), triggering eight days of rioting that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of the Russian monarchy in 1917.

1948: The Supreme Court, in McCollum v. Board of Education, struck down religious education classes held during school hours in Champaign, Illinois, public schools, ruling the program violated the separation of church and state.

1971: In the rst of three bouts between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, Frazier defeated Ali by unanimous decision in the “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden in New York.

MARCH 9

1796: The future emperor of France, Napoleon Bona-

parte, married Joséphine de Beauharnais.

1841: The Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad ruled 7-1 that Africans who had seized control of the schooner La Amistad were illegally enslaved and must be freed.

1916: More than 400 Mexican raiders led by Pancho Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans.

MARCH 10

1496: Christopher Columbus concluded his second voyage to the Western Hemisphere, departing Hispaniola for Spain.

1876: Thomas Watson heard Alexander Graham Bell say, “Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you,” the rst words transmitted by telephone, in Bell’s Boston laboratory.

1959: Thousands of Tibetans revolted against Chinese forces in Lhasa, surrounding the Dalai Lama’s palace. He later ed to India, where he remains in exile.

MARCH 11

1918: The rst con rmed U.S. cases of the in uenza pandemic were reported at Fort Riley, Kansas; the outbreak later killed an estimated 20 million to 40 million people worldwide.

1941: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act, providing war supplies to Allied nations during World War II.

1985: Mikhail Gorbachev was selected to succeed Konstantin Chernenko as general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party.

Joe Frazier stands over Muhammad Ali in the 15th round of their bout at Madison Square Garden in New York on March 8, 1971. The 15-round ght became known as the “Fight of the Century.”

WRESTLING from page B1

Eastern Randolph coach Josh Coble said the strategy was to avoid giving Sumners space.

“We wanted to wrestle him more physical,” Coble said.

Summers also won a regular-season encounter with Lambright last season. Wheatmore coach Kyle Spencer said a di erent approach from Lambright was expected with the state title on the line.

“You wrestle that many times, they’re going to close that gap a little bit,” Spencer said. “David wrestled a great, smart match.”

Following a scoreless rst period, Sumners scored the only point with a second-period escape.

Lambright began the third period in the down position, needing an escape to tie the match.

In the regional nal a week earlier, Lambright earned an escape in a loss to Sumners. In that encounter, Sumners estimated it took Lambright less than 30 seconds to get to his feet. With a one-point lead, the situation was di erent this time.

“It’s really just if I had the heart to keep him down,” Sumners said.

In the two-minute third period, Sumners didn’t budge. In the waning seconds, he began turn-

ing Lambright to his back before time expired.

“I was a little bit gassed that last period,” Lambright said.

For Sumners, it completed an undefeated junior season.

“It was more of like I protected what is mine,” he said before later in the evening being voted as the tournament’s Class 3A Most Outstanding Wrestler. Lambright nished his high school career, with three of this season’s four defeats coming vs. Sumners.

“I’d say I’m pretty close,” Lambright said of falling short of a repeat. “Really close, actually.” And after all, Sumners ended up with a takedown on the nal night of the season. As part of his celebration, he tossed Spencer, who was neatly attired with a red tie, to the mat.

“I asked him before the match if I could, and he let me,” Sumners said. “It was awesome. He’s a big guy.” Spencer concurred that permission had been granted, though he was expecting a di erent maneuver from his wrestler. Shortly after the title match, the two wrestlers crossed paths and spoke brie y. Lambright said it was a chat based on respect.

“I know how much work it takes to be as good as he and me are,” he said.

Pearl Jam’s Vedder turns solo vulnerability into powerful plea in Net ix’s ‘Matter of Time’

The performances center around a cure for epidermolysis bullosa

By John Carucci

The Associated Press

THE FIRST TIME Eddie Vedder toured without Pearl Jam, he made some glaring mistakes onstage and felt discouraged. A few shows later, he ran into Bruce Springsteen, who told him that performing solo is terrifying, but that vulnerability can be a force to harness.

Vedder described Springsteen’s advice as a North Star that stuck with him. Nearly two decades later, he leaned into it when he took the stage for two sold-out solo shows in October 2023 at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall.

“I remember kind of swimming through it and almost having a psychedelic experience,” he said. “I was so emotional, but I had to keep it together just to play properly.”

The emotional performances were part of a fundraiser to nd a cure for epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and debilitating genetic skin disorder. A new Net ix documentary “ Matter of Time “ weaves the performances with personal stories of those on the front lines with EB.

Recently, Vedder and his wife, Jill, spoke to The Associated Press about the documentary and the EB Research Partnership that they started in 2010 to bring awareness and nancial support to nding a cure.

The rare genetic disorder makes the skin so fragile that even minor friction can cause painful blisters and open wounds. In severe cases, ongoing damage can lead

to serious complications, including skin cancer. There is no cure, but groups such as the EB Research Partnership fund research and work to develop e ective treatments and awareness.

“The kids are feeling seen and understood,” Vedder said. “They realize they’re not something to fear, and that they’re not contagious. The only thing contagious about these kids is their hope.”

During the shows, Vedder primarily accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, but he also shifted at times to electric guitar and piano, adding texture and range to the set.

While he performed many Pearl Jam favorites, including “Better Man,” “Porch” and “Wishlist,” it was “Just Breathe” that seemed to expose his vulnerability as it carried the deepest emotional resonance of the set.

For Jill Vedder, chairwoman of the EB Research Partnership, the mission is not just professional but deeply personal.

“Every time I spend time with these families, I end up in

Cisneros gets invite to American Academy of Arts and Letters

The honor society founded in 1898 also inducted Meryl Streep and Bob Dylan

By Hillel Italie

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Sandra Cisneros, one of this year’s inductees into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, admits she’s been wanting to join for a long time.

“I felt like I was waiting for someone to ask me to dance. I felt like a literary wall ower because I never got invited,” says Cisneros, whose books include such favorites as “The House on Mango Street” and “Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories.”

“There are some clubs I don’t care to be a part of, but this one I wanted to be in,” she added, noting that such friends as the poet Joy Harjo were already in.

Cisneros is among 11 new core members voted in this year, the academy announced last Thursday. Others include travel writer Pico Iyer, poets Marie Howe and Carl Phillips, ction writer Rick Moody and the current U.S. poet laureate, Arthur Sze, who joins such predecessors as Harjo, Billy Collins and Tracy K. Smith.

Abstract painter Joan Snyder is among the visual artists who will be inducted this spring, along with painter-printmaker Elizabeth Peyton, architect-educator Mónica Ponce de León, artist- lmmaker Alfredo Jaar

“There are some clubs I don’t care to be a part of, but this one I wanted to be in.”

Sandra Cisneros

and photographer Stephen Shore.

“Whether through the built environment, the lens of a camera, the stroke of a brush, or lines of a poetry or prose, these new members have raised attention to an art form,” Academy President Kwame Anthony Appiah said in a statement. “They show what it means to look closely at history, at power, at intimacy, at place. Their work enlarges the cultural record, and we are proud to count them among us.”

The academy also added three artists to its honorary membership, which includes Meryl Streep and Bob Dylan among other U.S. and foreign artists: Russian author-critic Maria Stepanova and Argentine ction writer Luisa Valenzuela, both prominent critics of their governments, and the painter Marlene Dumas, a native of South Africa who now lives in the Netherlands. New members will be inducted during a May ceremony at the academy’s beaux arts complex in Upper Manhattan. Author Zadie Smith will deliver the keynote speech — the Blash eld Address.

An honor society founded

tears because it’s hard to keep it together,” she said.

Jill Vedder became the driving force behind the foundation after learning that her childhood friend and co-founder, Ryan Fullmer, had a son born with EB. What started as a deeply personal effort soon evolved into a mission with global impact. Eddie joined to help elevate the cause.

That lesson carries into their work with EB Research Partnership.

“Now we’re using that patience once again. ... You learn about the science, but also about the scientists, their drive, devotion, and the toll it takes. It’s more than passion; it’s a commitment to care and persevere,” Vedder said.

According to the foundation’s CEO, Michael Hund, who joined in 2017, their progress re ects the butter y effect: “One small but powerful action, like a butter y apping its wings, can build enough force to create a monsoon halfway around the world. That’s the journey of this organization.”

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Sandra Cisneros attends the Authors Guild Foundation Dinner at Gotham Hall in New York in 2025. The writer is best known for her book “The House on Mango Street.”

in 1898, the academy is divided into categories for literature, music, art and architecture. It has a core membership of 300, with new members elected by current members to replace vacancies created after one has died (There were no vacancies in music over the past year). Others in the academy range from authors Robert Caro and Louise Erdrich to musicians John Adams and Wynton Marsalis to artists Jasper Johns and Maya Lin.

An academy spokesperson declined to say who nominated Cisneros, citing the organization’s policy of con dentiality.

During her interview, Cisneros referred to the recent death of Oscar winner Robert Duvall. She remembered meeting him in the 1990s at an event at the University of North Texas that included tango dancing, a longtime passion of Duvall’s. At one point, he invited her to dance. She declined.

“I was too ummoxed to accept,” she says. “People ask me if I regret not agreeing to dance with Duvall. I didn’t dance with him, but I don’t have any regrets. I was just happy to be asked.”

famous birthdays this week

Alan Greenspan hits 100, Shaquille O’Neal is 54, Chuck Norris turns 86, Carrie Underwood is 43

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

MARCH 5

Actor Fred Williamson is 88. Magician Penn Jillette is 71. Actor Adriana Barraza is 70. Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin is 60. Actor-comedian Aasif Mandvi is 60.

MARCH 6

Former Federal Reserve

Chairman Alan Greenspan is 100. Former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is 89. Opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa is 82. Rock musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) is 80. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is 54.

MARCH 7

Hall of Fame auto racer Janet Guthrie is 88. Actor Daniel J. Travanti is 86. Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 84. R&B musician Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 74. Actor Bryan Cranston is 70. Author Bret Easton Ellis is 62.

MARCH 8

Author John McPhee is 95. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager is 82. Actor-musician Micky Dolenz (The Monkees) is 81. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice is 73. Singer Gary Numan is 68. TV journalist Lester Holt is 67.

MARCH 9

Singer Je rey Osborne is 78.

Actor Juliette Binoche is 62. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 55. Actor Oscar Isaac is 47. Comedian Jordan Klepper (“The Daily Show”) is 47.

MARCH 10

Actor Chuck Norris is 86. Singer Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) is 86. Actor Sharon Stone is 68. Music producer Rick Rubin is 63. Singer-songwriter Edie Brickell is 60. Actor Jon Hamm is 55. Country singer-songwriter Carrie Under-

Chuck

KROPA

Adriana

Thursday.

wood is 43. Actor Olivia Wilde is 42. Actor Emily Osment is 34. Rapper-singer Bad Bunny is 32.

MARCH 11

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is 95. Former ABC News correspondent Sam Donaldson is 92. Singer Bobby McFerrin is 76. Actor Elias Koteas is 65. Actor Alex Kingston is 63. Actor John Barrowman is 59. Singer Lisa Loeb is 58. Actor Terrence Howard is 57. Actor Johnny Knoxville is 55.

the stream

‘War Machine,’ Steve Carell, ‘Young Sherlock,’ Harry

Seth McFarlane’s crude and cuddly “Ted” returns for a second season

The Associated Press

HARRY STYLES’ fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” and Guy Ritchie’s detective series “Young Sherlock” 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: Steve Carell starring in the feel-good comedy “Rooster” on HBO, Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia o ering a peaceful gaming experience, and Netix has the sci- action pic “War Machine.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

For anyone catching up with this year’s Oscar nominees, both Jafar Panahi’s darkly comedic revenge lm “It Was Just an Accident” and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” are streaming on Hulu starting in March. Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winner, which Mark Kennedy called one of the most moving of the year in his AP review, is vying for best international feature and best original screenplay at the Oscars on March 15.

“The Secret Agent” is up for best picture, best actor (Wagner Moura), best international feature and best casting. In her review, Lindsey Bahr called it a “slow burn thriller,” adding that it is “the best kind of personal lm, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.”

Not to be confused with the David Michôd-directed Brad Pitt movie from 2017, Net ix has a new sci- action pic called “War Machine” streaming Friday. This new lm stars Alan Ritchson as an Army Ranger who while on a training mission comes across a deadly machine that relentlessly hunts him and his peers. Dennis Quaid also stars alongside Stephan James and Jai Courtney. A pickpocket (Ben Radcli e) lands a job at a stately English manor and begins a romance with the lady-of-the-house (Thomasin McKenzie) in “Fackham Hall,” a slapstick spoof with a side of murder mystery that crosses “Downton Abbey” with “Monty Python.” Also starring Katherine Waterston, Damian Lewis and Tom Felton,

Styles returns

“Fackham Hall” begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday. Or if you’d just rather go with actual “Downton Abbey,” the third movie, “The Grand Finale” is streaming on Net ix on Saturday.

MUSIC TO STREAM

He hath returned: Styles is back with his fourth solo album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” out Friday via Columbia Records. Details are sparse: He described the

album as “an audio representation of a long diary entry” in a Q&A with his stylist, Harry Lambert, in The Sunday Times Magazine. He’s teased the release as a direct re ection of his time spent out of the spotlight in Rome. The rst taste arrived in the form of “Aperture,” a Styles’ opening track if we’ve ever heard one, a ve-minute slow burn built of accelerating synths. He told BBC Radio 1 the song was at least partially inspired by seeing LCD Soundsystem live and listening to the

’80s English post-punk band

The Durutti Column. Freedom, he seems to be teasing, comes from anonymity, a dance oor and braking as the music speeds.

SERIES TO STREAM

Scott Speedman’s charisma is on full display in the new ABC series “R.J. Decker.” Speedman plays a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who has decided to forge a new path as a private investigator. The show takes place in South Florida where the cases can be bonkers because — Florida. The series is inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Double Whammy.” Hiaasen is from Florida, understands its oddities and sets his books there. “RJ Decker” is available now on Hulu. Before Sherlock Holmes became the world’s greatest detective, he studied at Oxford University. That’s the backdrop for Prime Video’s “Young Sherlock,” starring Hero Fiennes Ti n as the titular character. The series is executive produced and directed by Ritchie and has all the qualities you would expect from a Ritchie production: action sequences, fast-pacing and smart dialogue. In this series, we also see Sherlock meet and befriend, of all people, James

(“The Secret Agent”) is the best kind of personal lm, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.” Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer

Moriarty, his biggest nemesis. All eight episodes are streaming now.

Another prequel premieres this week. “Ted” the TV series returns for a second season Thursday on Peacock. It’s about the early days of the foul-mouthed teddy bear (Seth MacFarlane) and his best friend John (Max Burkholder) who is in high school. MacFarlane is also an executive producer, writer, director and co-showrunner. Carell stars in the new feel-good comedy “Rooster” for HBO. He plays a best-selling author who takes a job at a college where his daughter is also a professor and going through a tough time. The series is cocreated by Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs” and “Shrinking.”) Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler and John C. McGinley have main roles. It premieres Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The folks at Bungie set a high standard for sci- shooters with Halo and Destiny, but few players remember their rst crack at the genre: 1994’s Marathon. The new Marathon jumps 99 years into the future and all the way out to a distant planet called Tau Ceti IV, where the original explorers tried to build a new colony. By the time you get there, though, most of the colonists have vanished, and it’s up to you to collect whatever loot they left behind. Bungie says you can play solo, but you’ll probably want to round up some online crewmates once the player-vs.-player mayhem starts. The expedition begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia isn’t the usual “gotta catch ’em all” adventure. It’s more like “build ‘em all a nice place to live and hope they show up.” Your character is a shape-shifting Ditto, and you’ve been dropped in a desolate landscape. Fortunately, the wise old Professor Tangrowth is there to help spruce it up. You’ll need to diversify if you want to attract visitors, since Pidgey’s probably going to want some trees and Psyduck may want a lake. If you’ve ever wanted to be surrounded by Pokémon without making them ght, this must be the place. Move in Thursday on Switch 2.

HOKE COUNTY

U.S. Army Chief Warrant O cer Eric Slover received the Congressional Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military award — during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address last Tuesday. Slover is a member of the Army’s “Night Stalkers” 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, stationed at Fort Bragg.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Commissioners waive re inspection fees for relative adoptions

Father who gave gun to Ga. school shooting suspect as gift guilty of 2nd-degree murder

A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he’s accused of using to kill two students and two teachers at a high school has been convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Colin Gray also was found guilty Tuesday of all other charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray is one of several parents prosecuted after their children were accused in fatal shootings. Prosecutors said he gave his son access to a gun and ammunition despite “su cient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Noem blames “violent protesters” for Minneapolis chaos under tough questioning

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her agency in testimony and under questioning at a Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday. It was her rst congressional hearing since two protesters were killed in Minneapolis by Homeland Security o cers in January. Noem’s department sent hundreds of o cers to Minnesota. Protesters marched and tracked enforcement activity. An ICE o cer shot Renee Good, while Border Protection o cers shot Alex Pretti. The deaths led to demands for accountability. At the hearing, Noem blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos o cers encountered.

A $200 re inspection is required every two years for

licensed homes

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Commissioners is aiming to make it a little bit easier to adopt kids for related families.

At the board’s March 2 meeting, the board was presented with a request from the Hoke County Department of Social Services to waive the re inspection fee related to child adoptions for relatives and family. According to DSS, to adopt a child, an individual home must rst become a licensed home, which requires a re inspection every two years.

Previously, the fee for re inspections was $100, but it has since been raised to $200, which the DSS argued is a burdensome barrier.

“A lot of the individuals that house our children are family or relatives,” said Foster Care and Adoptions Supervisor Kendra McArn. “Taking on a household or ve or more children at one time creates a great expense for them that they may not be expecting. A lot of the families are not able to qualify for additional services either.”

After hearing the request, the commissioners voted unanimously to waive the fee for those that are relatives and family of those that are being adopted.

“Let’s try to keep our children home and take care of them,” said Chairman James Leach.

“Let’s try to keep our children home and take care of them.”

Chairman James Leach

The commissioners seemed open to the idea of removing all fees for all parties interested in adoptions but rst wanted DSS to bring back data on the total number of interested families and homes that would be a ected.

The board also had a second DSS item on the agenda, that being a security contract with R&R Protective Services.

“The initial plan was for the sheri ’s o ce to provide the security services, however, due to sta ng limitations, that wasn’t feasible,” said Income Mainte-

nance and Child Support Administrator Tammy Brewer. “As a result, the contract was temporarily placed on hold and then opened for bids.”

According to Commissioner Allen Thomas, the contract with R&R is also at a cost that is 40% less than the contract that would have been awarded to the sheri ’s o ce when the item was rst budgeted.

“They currently work with the Robeson County DSS, so they understand DSS and the price point is unbelievable,” Thomas said.

Finally, the board approved a request from the Hoke County Schools Board of Education to amend its capital outlay project budget.

The request was to move $16,000 in savings from other

VFW Post 10 honors rst responder, teacher, veteran at Hoke ceremony

Deputy medic Lee Black was recognized for rescuing a man from a burning house without re ghting gear

By Elaina J. Martin For North State Journal

RALPH A. PANDURE Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10 in Raeford honored a rst responder, a teacher and a longtime veteran at an awards ceremony Feb. 28. The post named Hoke County Sheri ’s O ce Deputy Medic Lee Black its Law Enforcement O cer of the Year, recognizing him for outstanding service and community dedication. On July 14, 2025, Black en-

tered a burning house without any re ghting equipment to rescue a resident trapped inside. When he found the resident was unable to walk, Black carried the man over his shoulder through smoke and ames to safety.

Thomas Person, chief of sta for the VFW Department of North Carolina, presented Black with the VFW National Certi cate and First Responder Medal. Natalie E. Belcourt received the post’s Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for the 2025-26 school year. The annual award honors K-12 teachers for exceptional commitment to teaching patriotism, American history and civic responsibility. Belcourt, the daughter of

“Thank you for your service to this post, and we hope you continue to do so for years to come.”

Sandi Peterson

an Army veteran, graduated from UNC Pembroke in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in special education. Growing up with a nonverbal sibling gave her rsthand experience communicating with and teaching individuals with special needs. Joseph A. Robinson, senior vice commander of VFW North Carolina District 8, recognized Belcourt as the Dis-

trict 8 High School Teacher of the Year and rst-place honoree for the Department of North Carolina.

Thomas Squire was named Comrade of the Year for Post 10. A founding member of the post, Squire has been involved with the VFW for 46 years and has served with other veterans organizations as well.

Over the past four years, Squire recruited three teachers and three participants for the Voice of Democracy program and contributed to Buddy Poppy distributions and recruitment drives.

“Thank you for your service to this post, and we hope you continue to do so for years to come,” VFW Post 10 Commander Sandi Peterson told Squire.

THURSDAY MARCH 5

ADOPTIONS from page A1

capital outlay projects that have had savings to be used to complete the restroom renovations at Hoke County High School.

“This funding will be used to improve circulation through our HVAC system,” said Superintendent Kenneth Spells. “It wasn’t identi ed in the previous ask, but since we’ve saved $16,000, we want to allocate that toward it.”

Cooper, Whatley win nominations for US Senate,

setting up high-stakes fall ght to succeed Tillis

Control of Congress’ upper chamber hangs in the balance

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and ex-Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley each won their party’s U.S. Senate nominations in North Carolina on Tuesday, setting them up for a fall campaign that could determine control of Congress’ upper chamber.

Whatley and Cooper are seeking the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who chose last June not to seek a third term. The two announced their campaigns weeks later and easily won their respective primary elections over crowded elds.

Cooper’s candidacy brought optimism to Democrats aiming to take back the Senate this year with a net gain of four seats. Whatley, who is also a former state Republican chairman, entered the race when President Donald Trump endorsed him after Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, declined to run.

“We already approved a capital outlay budget for them,” said Thomas. “Typically, when they come to this board for approval for that, they come based on quotes and estimates. Now that they’ve begun doing the work, it is normal for, after the work is done, for there to be savings. We like savings more than de cits.”

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 16.

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Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

North Carolina, a traditional battleground where Democrats have been able to hold the governor’s seat even as voters helped send Trump to the White House, was one of three states kicking o this year’s midterm elections, along with Texas and Arkansas. Tuesday’s slate of primaries came against the backdrop of the U.S. and Israel attack on Iran, which began over the weekend.

North Carolina’s election this year could be crucial for determining which party controls the U.S. Senate, where Republicans currently have the majority. The seat is open because Tillis decided to retire after clashing with Trump and the president threatened to support a primary challenger. Political experts say a typhoon of outside money could make it the most expensive Senate race in U.S. history, perhaps reaching $1 billion.

Many Democrats see Cooper, who served two terms as governor and has been successful in state politics for decades, as the party’s best shot at victory. Democrats think their most likely path to regaining the Senate majority includes winning in North Carolina, Maine, Alaska and Ohio.

Whatley promises to keep pushing Trump’s agenda if elected, one that he says has cut taxes and spending and restored U.S. military might.

“His leadership has changed our country, and I am proud to stand with him in the ght to secure our border, to strengthen our economy and put America rst,” Whatley said while giving his nomination acceptance speech in Charlotte.

Moments later in his own speech in Raleigh, Cooper said in ation, tari s and threats of health care cuts attributed to Republican policies are hurting North Carolina residents.

“These are not ordinary times. Everyday people are being left behind,” Cooper said. “And we see the chaos that’s coming out of Washington only making it worse.”

Some primary voters say Congress needs Democratic control as a counterweight to Trump and what they consider disastrous policies.

“I just think we’re not headed in the right direction as a country, so I needed to express that opinion,” said Shailendra Prakash, 65, of Raleigh, an una liated voter who chose to vote in the Democratic prima-

ry on Tuesday and picked Cooper. “My hope is that it needs to ip.” Republican voter Lisa Weaver, 64, of Apex, said she was picking Whatley because “he’s in tune with the issues that we care most about” and would assist the president.

“It’s not that I love everything that Trump does, but I do believe in the framework that he is o ering for our country,” Weaver said.

A Democrat hasn’t won a Senate race in North Carolina since 2008. Meanwhile, Cooper, 68, hasn’t lost a North Carolina election going back to rst running for the state House in the mid-1980s, leading to 16 years as attorney general and eight as governor through 2024.

The fall election will be “a choice between a conservative champion for North Carolina, who will be an ally for President Trump in the Senate, or a champion for the failed policies of the left,” Whatley said Tuesday night.

Cooper told reporters recently that his career has been about “prosecuting violent criminals and keeping thousands of them behind bars.”

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

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

Supreme Court throws out Trump tari s and upholds Constitution

So much for the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump.

SO MUCH FOR the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. That is a frequently voiced charge by partisan Democrats, and a fear of many ambivalent voters who nd many of Trump’s policies agreeable but worry about his overreach on policy and personnel.

That’s one political meme refuted by the court’s Learning Resources v. Trump decision last Friday, announced after more than the expected delay for the drafting of concurring opinions. The court struck down Trump’s beloved tari s, with only one Republican-appointed justice taking the president’s side while the majority consisted of three Republican-appointed and three Democratic-appointed justices.

Such a result should not have surprised those with some appreciation of Supreme Court history. Franklin Roosevelt, after seeing several of his New Deal programs ruled unconstitutional and after unsuccessfully urging Congress to pack the court with new justices, nally ended up lling eight of the court’s nine seats.

That didn’t stop a bench of Democratic appointees from disapproving of Democratic President Harry Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel plants during the Korean War in a case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, cited 15 times by the Learning Resources justices.

Justices newly appointed in times when Supreme Court decisions are subjects of partisan disputes tend to agree on contemporary issues. But in time, new problems arise, to which they turn out to have di erences. And even animosity: Some of the Roosevelt appointees even stopped speaking to each other.

One such issue brought forward by Trump’s election and reelection is the tari . There’s a strong argument that the president’s view that trade de cits impoverish the country and tari s enrich it is delusional. Alexander Hamilton backed tari s not so much to foster infant industries but because they were the easiest tax to collect with the 18th-century technology.

William McKinley, often cited by Trump as a tari advocate, delivered a speech in September 1901, just days before he was shot, calling for reduced tari s. He recognized U.S. industry was no longer as infantile as the United States became the world’s No. 1 steel producer. Later in the century, congressional Republicans kept backing tari packages as a form of pork barrel patronage for local interests and to hold the party together. But Republican presidents,

| DAVID HARSANYI

educated in free-market economics in elite colleges (Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Stanford), sought, with limited success, to hold rates down.

Learning Resources doesn’t prevent Trump from using other tari laws, but they, as Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion of the court notes, “contain various combinations of procedural prerequisites, required agency determinations and limits.” That means he wouldn’t have, in the chief justice’s evidently irritated phrasing, “the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tari s of unlimited amount, duration and scope.”

Such capricious policymaking, with enormous economic consequences, has few precedents except for what historian Amity Shlaes describes as Roosevelt’s daily settings of gold prices during several months in 1933.

Learning Resources, as anti-Trump conservative David French wrote in The New York Times, “may prove to be the most important Supreme Court case this century” because it forti es the “major questions doctrine,” celebrated in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s extraordinary 46-page concurrence.

The major questions doctrine is drawn from the constitutional architecture: Article I authorizes Congress to pass laws, Article II authorizes the president to take care that they be faithfully executed. It follows that a president can’t rummage around in the statute books, searching for some language — or, as in this case, two words separated by 16 words — that somehow can be interpreted, though no one has interpreted them that way before, to authorize him to do what he wants to do. On major questions, it must be clear Congress has already done that.

The Supreme Court, with majorities made up of Republican appointees, used the major questions doctrine to overturn major Biden administration policies — cancellation of student loans (based on authorization to “waive or modify” them), eviction moratorium (based on preventing “transmission of communicable diseases”) and vaccine mandate (based on “safety and healthy work conditions”).

In a 46-page concurring opinion, Gorsuch argues that his three Democratic-appointed colleagues are wielding the major questions doctrine against the Trump tari s, though they say they’re not, and they were unwilling to use it against Biden policies. He argues the three dissenting Republican-appointed justices should have agreed that the major questions doctrine requires overturning the tari s. He argues that Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who voted to overturn tari s, should have relied more explicitly on the doctrine.

War should never be taken lightly; not even if your cause is righteous

War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous.

AMERICANS HAVE good-faith concerns about the attacks on the Islamist regime in Iran. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic cultists in Iran are our enemy — and that matters.

The Islamic Republic’s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended.

From the early 1980s, Iran’s proxy army of Hezbollah killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the early 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered more than 600 Americans with IEDs. Iran has been killing Americans.

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli.

The Iranians twice reportedly hatched plots to assassinate Trump in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks and for stealing aerospace, tech and satellite data.

Yet both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backward for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching

out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East and murdering Americans.

But the most important question right now isn’t what Iran’s done. It’s what it would do if it had nukes.

Iran’s Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won’t act more aggressively and violently toward the “Great Satan” when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans?

Some people point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it’s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military e orts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful.

Never once will any of Iran’s Western

Is this evidence of the kind of discord that divided the Roosevelt-appointed justices so many years ago? Maybe, and the justices don’t seem as collegial now as they did before someone — a liberal justice’s law clerk? — leaked a draft of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

But the thrust of Gorsuch’s concurrence is that the justices are functionally in agreement with the major questions doctrine, even if they’re uncomfortable saying so. Perhaps it was written to undercut arguments by the liberal law professoriate that the major questions doctrine is defunct.

Or, as Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith puts it, Learning Resources “signals more clearly than ever that, going forward, this Court is going to view broad delegations of statutory authority to act, and/or extravagant presidential interpretations of authority to act, with skepticism.”

It’s hard for Congress to set policy as explicitly as the major questions doctrine seems to require when the two parties have signi cant disagreements, are in close competition, and are disincentivized to accept compromise when they reasonably hope that the next presidential election will give them the White House and congressional majorities.

That has been the situation for the last 30 -some years, in which Democrats have won most presidential elections and Republicans have usually won majorities in the House of Representatives. It was also the case for the 30-some years after the Civil War, when policy di erences and partisan bitterness were greater than they are today.

But after three decades, new issues arose and new voter coalitions emerged. Sooner or later, that will happen again.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration may search the statute books for verbiage it can use to justify some limited tari authority, just as the Biden administration searched the statute books to nd verbiage to justify some limited student loan forgiveness.

But the Supreme Court, regardless of partisan labels, seems ready to use the major questions doctrine to limit the billions of dollars that can be raised or spent without some clear authorization in laws passed by Congress. And someday a president will gure out how to persuade Congress to pass laws authorizing all or some of what she or he wants.

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)

propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact.

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again.

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it’s welcome to it.

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn’t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any o ce by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as “the most wicked, sinister enemy.” Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements.

Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world’s policemen, but we also can’t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is “America can’t do a damn thing against us.”

But that isn’t the case, is it?

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Trump once wary of ordering regime change in Iran; here’s what changed president’s mind

Eight months of negotiations gave way to a dramatic military strike

By Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak

The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

— With Saturday’s military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump demonstrated a dramatic evolution in risk tolerance, adjusting in just a matter of months how far he was willing to go in using American military might to confront Tehran’s clerical rule.

Guardrails were tossed aside as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included targeted strikes on Iran’s leadership. That included 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death Trump triumphantly announced in a social media post hours after launching the military operation.

For Trump, it was a far cry from where he stood just eight months ago. At Israel’s urging during its 12-day war with Iran last June, he agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to pummel three key Iranian nuclear sites — but drew a bright red line when Israelis presented his administration with a plan for killing Khamenei.

The president peppered the supreme leader with thinly veiled threats back in June that he could have killed him if he wanted to. But he rejected the Israeli plan out of concern that it would destabilize the region.

That caution was set aside on Saturday with Trump announcing Khamenei had been killed, while the Israeli military announced it had taken out Iran’s defense minister and the commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media early Sunday reported the supreme leader’s death, without elaborating on a cause.

Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump said. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Trump loses patience

Trump had pursued talks with Iran for months. Administration o cials told reporters that they o ered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes, including an o er of free nuclear fuel in perpetuity.

But the o cials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. One

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

President Donald Trump

of them said that Iran has met their o ers with “games, tricks, stall tactics.”

The order to launch strikes came just two days after Trump dispatched his special envoys, Steve Witko and Jared Kushner, for another round of talks with Iranian o cials. Middle East and European allies were urging the U.S. administration to give negotiations more time as Trump signaled he was running out of patience.

“The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly ve decades, between the government and a dissatis ed populace, and between Iran and its adversaries,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. “And although the regime is weakened, a sense that this showdown is an all-or-nothing struggle for its very survival could lead it to respond with every tool still at its disposal.”

Revised risk calculation

Saturday’s strikes came after a series of past provocative actions against Iran that resulted in limited blowback, which seemed to inform Trump’s risk calculation, said Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican administrations over two decades.

Trump in 2018 pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administra-

tion. In 2020, Trump ordered a drone strike killing top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

At the time, the killing of Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was arguably the most provocative U.S. military action in the Middle East since President George W. Bush launched the 2003 Iraq War to topple Saddam Hussein.

And then Trump this past June ordered the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which he claimed had “obliterated” their program.

“He did all of these things without cost or consequence to him,” said Miller, who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “He’s been risk-ready. That’s the nature of his personality.”

Trump administration ocials had publicly urged Tehran to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and end its backing of regional armed proxies. But administration o cials said that Tehran would not engage on the missile and proxy concerns.

Iran’s rigidity, at a moment when its economy is in shambles weighed by decades of sanctions and its military battered by last year’s war, astounded Trump.

Even before the latest round of talks ended last Thursday, there were signs Trump was leaning toward military action.

Last Tuesday, Trump in his State of the Union speech claimed that Iran has been building ballistic missiles that

could reach the U.S. homeland — a justi cation that he repeated again on Saturday as he announced the bombardment of Iran was underway.

Iran hasn’t acknowledged it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassi ed report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters last Wednesday that Iran’s refusal to speak to its ballistic missile program was a “big problem.” Rubio declined to address the DIA nding that Iran was still years away from developing a missile that could reach the United States.

And Vice President JD Vance, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and has been skeptical of U.S. interventions, last Thursday told The Washington Post that Trump hadn’t decided whether to strike Iran. But he o ered assurances that military action would not result in the United States becoming involved in a drawn-out con ict.

“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” Vance said.

By Friday, Trump was venting anew about Iran’s approach.

“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump said. “I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens.”

Senior U.S. lawmakers were told early Saturday that the strikes were coming. Trump monitored the operation from

Celeste Bullard

Robert General has been a resident at Open Arms since August 2021. He was born in South Carolina, relocated to Richmond Virginia and later moved to North Carolina. Robert enjoys BINGO, church and knitting. He is a joy to have here at Open Arms Retirement Center.

Celeste Bullard is our amazing CPA worker who truly loves the residents and goes above and beyond! In her free time, she enjoys family and cooking. Integrity Open Arms truly appreciates her dedication and all that she does.

Mrs. Florence Herbert has been a resident here since May 2021. She moved to North Carolina from Pennsylvania to escape the bad weather. Florence enjoys word searches, BINGO, watching TV and spending time with her friends on the Special Care Unit at Integrity Open Arms.

Mrs. Betty Purcell is from Raeford, North Carolina. She moved into our assisted living this past June. Besides being the mother of two, she worked for many years at Burlington Mills. Betty enjoys church, watching youtube and doing word searches.

President Donald Trump holds up a st after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, last Friday.

his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, with members of his national security team.

Trump perhaps emboldened by Venezuela experience

Trump’s success with the U.S. military operation earlier his year to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and whisk him and his wife to New York City to face federal drug conspiracy charges also may have emboldened the president, said Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury Department o cial who is now executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington, D.C., think tank.

Trump had threatened military action last month, but held o , as Iran carried out a deadly crackdown on protests. The demonstrations were spurred by economic grievances but morphed into a nationwide, anti-government push against the ruling clerics.

As human rights groups reported that thousands were killed in the Iranian crackdown, Trump told protesters that help was on its way, but it did not immediately come and the protests petered out.

Schanzer said that Trump’s decision not to follow through last month gave his team more time to assemble the now massive presence of ghter jets and warships in the region — as he had done in the Caribbean ahead of the Venezuela operation.

It was leverage, Trump hoped, that would get Khamenei to blink. But the supreme leader would not capitulate.

“The way this unfolded was inevitable because there was no way that the Ayatollah was going to show exibility,” Schanzer said.

HOKE SPORTS

Hoke basketball season ends for boys, girls

Spring sports begin their seasons

North State Journal sta

HOKE’S BASKETBALL seasons came to an end for the boys’ and girls’ teams.

The boys’ season concluded when the Bucks were left out of the NCHSAA Class 8A playo bracket. Hoke ended the year with an 11-12 record, which represented a four-game improvement over last season. The Bucks bid farewell to the senior class, which includes leading scorer Josiah Jacobs, top rebounder Savion Kinston, Carson Hewitt, Mikequavious Biggers, Ethan Ball, Jacobi Simmons and Tamalii Murray.

The Lady Bucks received a bid to the Class 8 championships. As the No. 12 seed, Hoke faced No. 5 Wake eld in the opening round and fell 58-31. That ended the campaign at 9-14, a ve-win improvement from last season and more wins than Hoke managed in the last two seasons combined.

The Bucks say goodbye to leading rebounder Karmen Campbell, the only senior on the roster.

Hoke County baseball opens the season this week with a home game and two road tilts. The Bucks open by hosting Lumberton, then travel to Western Harnett and Overhills, with the latter game being their conference opener.

The softball team opened with a 12-1 loss to Gray’s Creek, despite 10 strikeouts in ve innings from pitcher Niya Jones. The Bucks have home games with St. Pauls and Whiteville this week, then travel to St. Pauls and Red Springs. Girls’ soccer opened with a pair of wins, beating Seventy-First 4-1 and Douglas Byrd, 9-0. The Bucks host Red Springs and Purnell Swett, with a trip to Southern Lee in between.

Riley revives NBA coach suit debate

Erik Spoelstra wants to keep sideline wear casual

By Rich Rovito

The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE — Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra don’t disagree on much. Except sideline apparel.

And that’s nothing new — they’ve had di ering opinions for years on the subject of what coaches should wear on the sideline. Riley, the always-dapper Miami Heat president, wants NBA coaches to wear suits again. Spoelstra, the Heat coach, prefers the more-casual look used in recent years.

It has been a debate around the league at times in recent years, and it seems to be a talking point once again.

“He gave me a few suits back when I was an assistant coach, but I looked like the lead singer from the Talking Heads,” Spoelstra said Tuesday before Miami’s game in Milwaukee, referencing David Byrne, who famously wore an oversized suit as one of his calling cards. “I didn’t realize I had to tailor the suit, too.”

The suit talk got resurrected when the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue in Riley’s honor outside their arena. It’s an image of Riley, on the sideline, wearing an Armani suit. That was the style he preferred

Heat

when he coached the Lakers, New York and Miami — and still wears today.

“I wish it went back to coats and ties,” Riley, speaking about coaches’ apparel, said. “I think an audience wants to see somebody on the sidelines who looks like a leader, dresses like a leader, acts like a leader.”

NBA coaches have enjoyed a relaxed policy since the bubble restart of the 2019-20 season, when quarter-zips, casual pants and sneakers became regular sideline apparel. Suits, ties and dress shoes have been out ever since.

“I don’t know why we still wear suits,” then-San Anto -

nio coach Gregg Popovich said in the summer of 2019, when he was coaching USA Basketball’s team at the World Cup in China — and his gameday attire was polos, sweatpants and sneakers. “Somebody, please, tell me why we do that.”

He celebrated when the NBA ditched suits, and he wasn’t alone. Spoelstra and the Heat sta have worn black polos, sweaters or quarter-zips with black pants ever since the bubble. If nothing else, it makes packing an easier process.

Spoelstra noted that Riley’s look was, and remains, iconic.

See SUITS, page B2

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Gilbert McGregor

Hoke County alum basketball

Gilbert McGregor is a Raeford native and a Hoke County High graduate. He was the rst African American N.C. native to sign with a Big Four program in the state and played basketball at Wake Forest from 1968 to 1971.

Fifty- ve years later, he is still in the top 10 on Wake’s career rebounding list and is in the top 20 multiple times on the single-season rebounding rankings. McGregor scored 1,000 points at Wake and is one of ve Demon Deacons to average a double-double for two seasons before going on to an NBA career.

Last week, he was inducted into Wake Forest’s Sports Hall of Fame as one of eight member of the class of 2026.

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

Blaring horn after power surge delays

Pistons-Cavaliers

Detroit

The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. During a timeout, the horn sounded to signal the teams to return to the oor. It kept blasting despite frantic work from the arena maintenance crew. The teams returned to the benches and eventually went back on the oor to warm up. After 13 minutes, the arena sta shut down the entire overhead scoreboard and the horn stopped. The scoring crew used a manual airhorn when play resumed.

NHL Kings re coach Hiller, name Smith as interim replacement

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Kings red coach Jim Hiller after losing ve of their past six games and falling out of playo position. D.J. Smith was named the interim replacement for the rest of the season in the rst coaching change by general manager Ken Holland, who kept Hiller behind the bench when he took over the front o ce last May. Hiller was in his second full season in the charge of the Kings, who looked lifeless in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last Thursday.

MLB Cuba says 8 World Baseball Classic delegation members denied U.S. visas

Eight members of Cuba’s delegation were denied visas to the United States for the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation said. Cuba is set to play against Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during pool play of the WBC, which is scheduled from March 5-17. Among the Cubans that were denied visas are FCBS president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo was also denied.

No end in sight for battles over eligibility, player contracts, experts say

Courts and Congress are both being called on to resolve issues

By Eric Olson The Associated Press

WITHOUT FEDERAL leg-

islation codifying rules on athlete compensation and eligibility or an entirely new structure, there is likely no end in sight for the stream of lawsuits being led by schools and athletes looking out for their interests in college athletics.

A parade of athletes, starting with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia in 2024 and continuing with Virginia’s Chandler Morris this week, have led lawsuits challenging eligibility rules and seeking to extend the number of years they can compete — and earn money — in college.

University of Illinois labor and sports law professor Michael LeRoy recalled this week that the House vs. NCAA settlement, which allowed schools to directly pay athletes, was hailed by college sports leaders as the beginning of an era of stability.

“That,” LeRoy said, “has been a spectacular miscalculation.”

How we got here

In 2021, when college athletes began getting paid by third parties for use of their name, image and likeness, the thought was that most deals would give athletes a little pocket money. No one could foresee the life-changing money available to top athletes in 2026 through revenue sharing and NIL deals.

The rationale for athletes wanting to stay in school is to extend their window for making money, and the opportunity to make more money is the reason athletes walk away from rev-share contracts with their schools.

SUITS from page B1

“It’s becoming a little bit different anyways in corporate America,” Spoelstra said, noting the NBA isn’t the only place where dressing-down has been the go-to look in recent years.

“But then I also see Pat’s point of view. When I see the footage of him from the Lakers to the Knicks to the Heat, he did look sharp. But he wore suits di erently than us mortals.”

In the NBA, the dress code got ramped up considerably thanks to Riley and the late Chuck Daly. Riley went with Armani; Daly’s suits were Hugo Boss, and his shoes were

What’s a signature worth?

It would seem straightforward that if an athlete signed a rev-share contract requiring them to pay liquidated damages if they leave the school before the end of the contract, that provision would be enforceable.

It’s not that simple.

“As a general matter of contract law, liquidated damages are typically enforced to the extent they are considered a good-faith e ort to estimate a loss to one of the parties in case of a breach. They are not supposed to be punitive in nature,” said Andrew Hope, a Philadelphia attorney who specializes in contract law and works with schools on NIL matters.

Revenue-sharing contracts pay athletes for their NIL rights, not athletic performance. Hope said athletes argue liquidated damages provisions don’t accurately re ect a loss in the value of their NIL to the school simply because they transferred or are seeking a transfer. The schools, of course, argue otherwise.

so fancy that his friends coveted them. After Daly died, Rollie Massimino made no secret about raiding his friend’s shoe collection — and wore what he took for the remainder of his own coaching career.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers wore the suits for years. He gets Riley’s point — but acknowledged that going back to the old ways might not be easy.

“It’s a tough one because quarter-zips are so comfortable,” Rivers said. “They are so easy to wear.”

A potential compromise idea: Rivers said he’d push to have to coaches don suits for the playo s.

Negotiated settlements

Duke led a lawsuit seeking to block quarterback Darian Mensah from transferring and reaching a contract with another school, and a negotiated settlement was announced a week later.

Sports attorney Mit Winter, based in Kansas City, Missouri, predicted most of the contract disputes will end up with negotiated settlements. He said neither the school nor athlete will want to go through the time and expense of a court battle. Hope noted that in a traditional employee contract, a noncompete clause would force the athlete to pay damages.

“But you can’t have that,” he said, “because these students aren’t employees.”

How to resolve eligibility cases

The way Winter sees it, one of three things must happen to stop the lawsuits seeking eligibility beyond the tradition-

“I

think an audience wants to see somebody on the sidelines who looks like a leader, dresses like a leader, acts like a leader.

Pat Riley

“I brought this up to someone, and it’s going to go through the chain,” Rivers said. “I do think it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the playo s because wearing suits shows the

al four-seasons-over- ve years window.

One would be a federal law giving the NCAA an antitrust exemption. The eligibility lawsuits argue the NCAA is limiting economic opportunities by placing a limit on how long someone can make money as a college athlete.

Winter said the U.S. Supreme Court could uphold the NCAA’s eligibility rules. It should be noted, though, that the high court ruled 9-0 against the NCAA in 2021 in the NCAA vs. Alston case. Justice Brett Kavanaugh famously wrote the NCAA’s rules probably would no longer hold up well in future antitrust challenges.

“The NCAA’s business model would be atly illegal in almost any other industry in America,” he wrote LeRoy said the NCAA’s case for an antitrust exemption is further weakened by the emergence of private equity rms’ interest in college athletics.

Winter said the third solution would be for eligibility rules to be collectively bargained, which would require athletes to be considered employees and unionized.

What about employee status?

Winter predicted football and men’s and women’s basketball players in the Power Four conferences eventually will be considered employees.

If the Power Four, or just the powerful Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, broke away from the NCAA in football and basketball, collective bargaining would settle issues about length of eligibility, whether athletes with professional experience can return to play in college and a host of others that have become gray areas for the NCAA.

signi cance of the playo s. ... I’d have to start working out again because none of my suits would t anymore.”

The last time Spoelstra wore a suit was September, when he attended Heat managing general partner Micky Arison’s enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. There were two nights where Spoelstra had to dress up, and Riley took great delight in seeing it happen.

“I swear that’s all Pat was talking about,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t plan on wearing them again until the next Hall of Fame event that we get to go to.”

Alene Barton

June 7, 1945 – Feb. 23, 2026

Mrs. Alene Barton, of Maxton, North Carolina, was born June 7, 1945, in Robeson County, North Carolina, to the late Mr. Norman Locklear and the late Mrs. Aggie Locklear . Alene entered into eternal rest on Monday, February 23, 2026, completing her journey of 80 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Agggie, husband, L B Barton, son, Jessie Locklear, grandchildren, Atrain Thermond Lee Locklear, Lillianna Michelle Locklear and Jessie Colby Locklear, great grandson, Justin Dewayne Goins Jr., and her sisters, Nancy Bell Locklear and Earlene Locklear.

Mrs. Alene’s favorite pastimes were spending time with her family and cooking delicious, hearty meals for herself and everyone who stopped by for a visit. She especially enjoyed a good cup of Folgers co ee.

Mrs. Alene’s legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the countless memories made around her table. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family will forever be remembered and cherished.

Mrs. Alene leaves to cherish precious memories: her sons, Raymond Lee Locklear and Norman Locklear, both of Maxton, North Carolina, 10 grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Geraldine Locklear

Aug. 19, 1948 – Feb. 25, 2026

Mrs. Geraldine Locklear, age 77 of Red Springs, North Carolina, was born on August 19, 1948, to the late Mr. Belton Bullard and the late Mrs. Arceolar Bullard in Scotland County. She departed this life into eternity on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Carlton (Bubba) Locklear, one son, Keith Lowery, one daughter, Lisa Ann Hunt, four brothers: Charles Bullard, Clayton Bullard, Belton Bullard Jr, and Mitchell (Mickey) Bullard.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Jennifer Bullard and Carla Bullard both of Red Springs, North Carolina, three brothers, James E. Bullard, Jerry Bullard, Don Bullard all of Maxton, North Carolina, two sisters, Lois Bullard and Lori Ann Bullard McLaughlin both of Maxton, North Carolina, thirteen grandchildren, thirtyone great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@ northstatejournal.com

William Lloyd Evans

Feb. 12, 1955 – Feb. 26, 2026

Mr. William Lloyd Evans, age 71, went home to rest with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 7th; 1 p.m. at the Pauline T. Buie Chapel.

Lloyd will be greatly missed.

Je Galloway, who inspired people with run-walk-run method, dead at 80

His strategy made marathons accessible to everyday runners

By Ed White The Associated Press

JEFF GALLOWAY, a mem-

ber of the 1972 U.S. Olympic team who for decades inspired elite athletes and countless everyday runners by promoting a run-walk-run strategy, whether in a marathon or just a neighborhood jog, died Wednesday at age 80.

Galloway had a hemorrhagic stroke and died at a hospital in Pensacola, Florida, daughter-in-law Carissa Galloway said.

His in uence was evident in the nal days of his life: Throngs of people posted videos online, hoping for Galloway’s recovery from emergency neurosurgery and thanking him for advice that boosted their con dence and took them to race starting lines.

Galloway’s family announced the surgery Feb. 20 and invited the public to express support.

Jim Vance, an elite endurance sports consultant in San Diego, said Galloway was a “pioneer” in getting people to run.

“He removed the barrier to entry, which was mostly mental,” Vance told The Associated Press. “Running isn’t supposed to be a su er-fest. It should be something peaceful, something enjoyable, so people can enjoy running and not dread it.”

Galloway survived heart failure in 2021 and was still hoping to complete another marathon after logging more than 230 during his lifetime.

“My mission now, at the age of 80-plus, is to show that people can do things that are normally not done, and can do them safely,” he told The New York Times in December.

Galloway’s run-walk-run method began in 1974 when he agreed to teach a running class through Florida State University, two years after competing in the 10,000 meters at the Olympics. He gured it might attract customers to Phidippides, his new store for runners.

“None had done any run-

ning for at least ve years. So we started walking with a few one-minute jogs,” Galloway said on his website.

“I spent some time with each group, during the runs, to adjust the frequency of walk breaks so that no one was huing and pu ng — even at the end,” he said. “Walk breaks kept the groups together. Everyone passed the nal exam: nishing either a 5K or a 10K with smiles on their faces.”

Galloway believed walking during a run reduced the risk of injury, conserved energy and kept con dence a oat.

“I’ve been using them ever since,” he said, “continuing to ne-tune the ratios of running to walking based upon pace per mile and individual needs.”

And Galloway even had his own recipe. He walked through every water station during the 1980 Houston marathon and nished with a faster time, 2:16:35, than his previous run-only 26.2-mile races, the Times reported.

He shared his running philosophies through books, websites and retreats. Galloway was the o cial training consultant for runDisney, a series of races at Walt Disney Co.

Neil Sedaka, singer-songwriter behind dozens of hits in 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, dead at age 86

The songwriting legend’s hits spanned decades and de ned an era of rock ’n’ roll

By Leanne Italie

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Neil Sedaka, the hit-making singer-songwriter whose boyish soprano and bright melodies made him a top act in the early years of rock ’n’ roll and led to a second run of success in the 1970s, has died.

Sedaka, whose hits included “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Laughter in the Rain,” died Friday at age 86.

“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” his family said in a statement. “A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”

No other details of his death were immediately available.

A key member of the Brill Building songwriting factory, Sedaka teamed with lyricist

and boyhood neighbor Howard Green eld on songs that reected the teen innocence of the post-Elvis, pre-Beatles era of the late 1950 and early 1960s, including “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” “Calendar Girl” and “Oh! Carol,” a lament for his high school sweetheart, Carole King. After a long dry spell, he reemerged with such smashes as “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood.” Captain & Tennille’s cover of his “Love Will Keep Us Together” was a chart-topper in 1975. Short and dark-haired with a big smile and high-pitched voice, he was a Juilliard-trained, Brooklyn-born son of a Jewish taxi driver who began performing as a teen and kept at it for decades.

Sedaka still played dozens of concerts a year well into his 80s. He retained the enthusiasm and broad vocal range of his youth and never tired of the standards he had sung hundreds of times.

“Past 70, Pavarotti told me the vocal cords are not what they used to be. I’m very fortunate that my voice has held,” he told The Associated Press in 2012. “It’s nice to be a legend,

but it’s better to be a working legend.”

Sedaka’s songs sold millions worldwide and have been covered by a range of performers, from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to The 5th Dimension and Nickelback. Sedaka helped propel the career of Connie Francis with “Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are,” the latter for the soundtrack of the movie with the same name. Captain & Tennille received a best-album Grammy thanks largely to “Love Will Keep Us Together” and included a nod to Sedaka at the end of the song, when Toni Tennille exclaimed “Sedaka’s back!”

Sedaka grew up in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach neighborhood, pampered by his grandparents, aunts and mother in a two-bedroom apartment he shared with 11 relatives. He has a street there named in his honor, Neil Sedaka Way.

But his music compensated for his unpopularity as a kid, he once recalled. His talent was recognized by a second grade teacher who urged his homemaker mother, Eleanor, to buy him a piano. She went to work in a department store to pay for a secondhand upright and managed his career for years, as did his wife, Leba.

Sedaka loved songwriting and never quit, but he craved performing.

“Once a performer, always a performer. It’s that adrenaline rush. It’s like a natural high when you’re in front of an audience, and if you get that standing ovation, it’s infectious,” he told the AP.

After high school, and then Julliard, Sedaka and Green eld were signed to Don Kirshner’s Aldon Music, where they scored their rst hit with Francis, “Stupid Cupid.” In 1958, at age 19, Seda-

resorts, and would be among the runners. Many admirers went online to o er tributes after his recent surgery.

“I never thought I would be a runner. I never thought I’d run a half marathon,” Karen Bock-Losee of Jacksonville, Florida, said in a video. “I’m 70 years old, and I’ve run several since my 60th birthday when I discovered Galloway running. I just want to say thank you.”

Susan Williams recalled seeing Galloway as she struggled toward the end of a half marathon in Murray, Kentucky, in 2011.

“You passed me, and my butt was cramping,” she said. “You turned around and came back. You talked me through it. It was awesome.”

Bobby McGee, a Colorado-based running coach, said Galloway’s run-walk-run approach made running more accessible to the masses.

“When a group of people in any kind of run — from marathons to fun runs — get together afterwards they talk about their time,” McGee said. “Nobody asks them if they ran the whole thing.” Galloway is survived by two sons and six grandchildren.

ka signed with RCA Victor Records, and his rst single, “The Diary,” enjoyed modest success. He began touring and promoting his songs through regular TV appearances on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and “Shindig!”

At the Brill Building, Sedaka and Green eld were joined by other up-and-coming writers and lyricists including King, Neil Diamond and Paul Simon.

From 1959 to 1962, Sedaka had 10 records in the Top 10, including “Calendar Girl,” “Oh! Carol,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen” and “Next Door to an Angel.”

But in the mid-1960s, the Brill Building sound, in uenced by the doo-wop groups of the New York City streets, was pushed o the charts by the Beatles-led British Invasion and the psychedelic and protest music that followed. Sedaka would endure 13 years “in the wilderness,” as he described it to the AP. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, but the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame eluded him despite a fan petition drive.

Sedaka married wife Leba in 1962. They had two children. Daughter Dara recorded a duet with dad in 1980, “Should’ve Never Let You Go.” It was a hit, but she never joined him in the music business. Son Marc is a lm and television writer.

STATE & NATION

NASA revamps Artemis moon landing program by modeling it after speedy Apollo

Jared Isaacman wants moon missions months, not years, apart

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

NASA SAID LAST FRIDAY

it’s revamping its Artemis moon exploration program to make it more like the fast-paced Apollo program half a century ago, adding an extra practice ight before attempting a high-risk lunar landing with a crew in two years.

The overhaul in the ight lineup came just two days after NASA’s new moon rocket returned to its hangar for more repairs, and a safety panel warned the space agency to scale back its overly ambitious goals for humanity’s rst lunar landing since 1972.

Artemis II, a lunar y-around by four astronauts, is o until at least April because of rocket problems.

The follow-up mission, Artemis III, had been targeting a landing near the moon’s south pole by another pair of astronauts in about three years. But with long gaps between ights and concern growing over the readiness of a lunar lander and moonwalking suits, NASA’s new administrator Jared Isaacman announced that mission would instead focus on launching a lunar lander into orbit around Earth in 2027 for docking practice by astronauts ying in an Orion capsule.

Triceratops

The new plan calls for a moon landing — potentially even two moon landings — by astronauts in 2028.

“Everybody agrees,” Isaacman said. “This is the only way forward.”

The hydrogen fuel leaks and helium ow problems that struck the Space Launch System rocket on the pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center last month had also plagued the rst Artemis test

skeleton ‘Trey’ to hit auction block as dinosaur market soars

As dinosaur fossils fetch record prices, scientists worry specimens may disappear forever

By R.J. Rico

The Associated Press

A TRICERATOPS skeleton that stood in a Wyoming museum for decades will be auctioned o , a rare instance of a museum-exhibited dinosaur going to the auction block just as the market for the prehistoric giants has hit record highs.

The fossil, dubbed “Trey,” will be open for bidding March 17-31 on Joopiter, an online auction platform founded by Grammy-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams. It has a preauction estimate of $4.5 million to $5.5 million.

Dating back more than 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period, Trey was discovered near Lusk, Wyoming, in 1993 by Lee Campbell and the late Allen Gra ham, a commercial paleontologist who made numerous signi cant nds over his lifetime.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science.”

Kristi Curry Rogers, Macalester College

The 17-foot-long herbivore greeted visitors at the 1995 grand opening of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis and remained there on loan until 2023. Having been recently sold in a private transaction, it is now in Singapore, where it is available for private viewings through the end of March, Joopiter said.

Trey “has this cultural aspect that a lot of fossils that go to auction these days just simply don’t have,” said paleontologist Andre LuJan, who worked with Joopiter to prepare the fos-

sil for auction. “This one is connected to people and undoubtedly has inspired young children who’ve seen it to pursue a career in paleontology.”

Once the domain of museums and universities, dinosaur fossils have become increasingly popular investments.

In 2024, the remains of “Apex” the stegosaurus went for $44.6 million at auction, shattering the previous record of $31.8 million paid in 2020 for “Stan,” a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

In a sign that the dinosaur fossil market remains strong, a rare young dinosaur skeleton blew past its $4 million to $6 million Sotheby’s preauction estimate in July and ended up fetching more than $30 million in a bidding frenzy, including fees and costs.

Caitlin Donovan, Joopiter’s global head of sales, said the surging interest re ects a shift away from traditional categories like old master paintings and toward objects that have “cultural resonance.”

“(Dinosaurs) have always cap-

“No one at NASA forgot their history books. They knew how to do this. Now we’re putting it in action.”

Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

ight without a crew in 2022. Another three-year gap was looming between Artemis II and the moon landing by astronauts as originally envisioned, Isaacman said.

Isaacman stressed that “it should be incredibly obvious” that three years between ights is unacceptable. He’d like to get it down to one year or even less.

Isaacman, a tech billionaire who bought his own trips to orbit and performed the world’s rst private spacewalk, took the helm at NASA in December.

During NASA’s storied Apollo program, he said, astronauts’ rst ight to the moon was followed by two more missions before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon.

What’s more, he added, the Apollo moonshots followed one another in quick succession, just as the earlier Projects Mercury and Gemini had rapid ight rates, sometimes coming just a few months apart.

Twenty-four Apollo astronauts ew to the moon from 1968 through 1972, with 12 of them landing.

“No one at NASA forgot their

history books. They knew how to do this,” Isaacman said. “Now we’re putting it in action.”

To pick up the pace and reduce risk, NASA will standardize its Space Launch System rockets moving forward, Isaacman said. These are the massive rockets that will launch astronauts to the moon aboard Orion capsules. At the same time, Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Je Bezos’ Blue Origin are speeding up their work on the landers needed to get the astronauts from lunar orbit down to the surface.

Isaacman said next year will see an Orion crew rendezvousing in orbit around Earth with SpaceX’s Starship, Blue Origin’s Blue Moon or both landers. It’s similar to the methodical approach that worked so well during Apollo in the late 1960s, he noted. Apollo 8, astronauts’ rst ight to the moon, was followed by two more missions before Armstrong and Aldrin aimed for the lunar surface.

“We should be getting back to basics and doing what we know works,” he said.

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel recommended this week that NASA revise its objectives for Artemis III “given the demanding mission goals.” It’s urgent the space agency do that, the panel said, if the United States hopes to safely return astronauts to the moon. Isaacman said the revised Artemis ight plan addresses the panel’s concerns and is supported by industry and the Trump administration.

tivated our imagination ... and people are now starting to see the value in investing in these as assets,” LuJan said.

But the hot market has some paleontologists concerned that important specimens could disappear into private collections, depriving scientists of important research opportunities. Public museums are “getting totally priced out of an exploding market,” said Kristi Curry Rogers, a paleontologist at Minnesota’s Macalester College.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science,” said Curry Rogers,

who is not involved in the sale.

LuJan emphasized that Trey has always been privately owned, and he hopes it will end up in a museum, just like Apex, which is now on display at New York’s American Museum of Natural History after its buyer signed a long-term loan agreement allowing scientists to study it.

“Because we’ve had this paradigm shift in what owning dinosaurs means to society, people are naturally gravitating toward these benevolent situations where they loan them long-term to museums or they end up donating them to a new museum that’s just being born,” LuJan said.

MOORE COUNTY

Battle of the pines

Intercounty rivals Pinecrest and Union Pines played baseball Saturday afternoon, postponed from the night before because of wet eld conditions. The Patriots won 6-5 in the only meeting of the two teams as they are no longer in same conference.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Father who gave gun to Ga. school shooting suspect as gift guilty of 2nd-degree murder

A Georgia man who gave his teenage son the gun he’s accused of using to kill two students and two teachers at a high school has been convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Colin Gray also was found guilty Tuesday of all other charges in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, northeast of Atlanta. Gray is one of a number of parents prosecuted after their children were accused in fatal shootings. Prosecutors said he gave his son access to a gun and ammunition despite “su cient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger” other people.

Noem blames “violent protesters” for Minneapolis chaos under tough questioning

Homeland Security

Secretary Kristi Noem defended her agency in testimony and under questioning at a Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday. It was her rst congressional hearing since two protesters were killed in Minneapolis by Homeland Security o cers in January. Noem’s department sent hundreds of o cers to Minnesota. Protesters marched and tracked enforcement activity. An ICE o cer shot Renee Good, while Border Protection o cers shot Alex Pretti. The deaths led to demands for accountability. At the hearing, Noem blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos o cers encountered.

County taking steps toward development of forensic facility

Moore County Commissioners approved an allocation of $4 million for the project

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — Moore County could soon see the development of its new forensics lab taking shape very soon.

At the Moore County Board of Commissioners’ March 3 meeting, the board approved a budget amendment to reallocate $4 million to the Sheri Forensic Facility capital project fund.

The project, which was approved last September, will be a centralized and dedicated location to process and store forensic evidence.

“This project will not only help the citizens of Moore County, but it will also help this region,” said Sheri Ronnie Fields.

The budget amendment moves all the funding that the project will require.

“At this time, nance will be

transferring $4 million from the general fund to the Sheri Forensic Facility capital project using limited obligation bond proceeds reimbursements related to the courthouse project,” said Finance Director Caroline Xiong.

According to Xiong, the county received approximately $2.25 million in reimbursed interest payments during the new courthouse construction, and once construction was completed, it received around another $675,000 for the debt payment it made.

The county is set to receive another $1 million in debt repayment reimbursements that will be transferred at the end of the year.

“Typically with limited obligation bonds, we have a lot more exibility as long as it is for county projects,” Xiong said.

“I’m excited about the forensic facility,” said Board Chair Nick Picerno. “I think this is going to be a turning point for our area, especially having gone through a need to get a toxicology report quickly. It was personal, and it took a long time. So to have that

“This project will not only help the citizens of Moore County, but it will also help this region.”

Sheri Ronnie Fields

function here and to be able to use it for our whole area is going to be tremendous for law enforcement.”

The board also approved an amendment to its contract with True IP Solutions for hosted county phone services in order to extend it an extra ve years.

“In 2021, we removed our on-premise phone systems, and we moved to the voice over IP system,” said IT Director Kay Ingram. “We’ve been able to bring in locations that have signi cant internet, and we are currently in the process of transitioning our faxing to virtual faxing.”

The cost to the county will be for a total amount not to exceed $314,571.

Silicon Valley homeless prevention program goes national

A California homelessness prevention program is expanding across the nation, including Asheville

By Joyce Chu San José Spotlight via AP

A HOMELESSNESS prevention program that began in Santa Clara County is expanding across the country.

Nonpro t Destination: Home is partnering with 10 di erent organizations across the U.S. to bring rental assistance and case management for people facing eviction, with a goal of helping more than 10,000 families remain stably housed. These organizations span both large and small cities, rural areas and tribal communities in Minnesota, Alaska, Atlanta, Asheville and more. By in-

cubating homelessness prevention pilot programs in various locations, Destination: Home is making the case that prevention is a necessary strategy that can be widely adopted.

“We’ve used the model successfully locally here, but I think it’s a model we can advocate and push for at a larger scale,” Ray Bramson, chief operating o cer at Destination: Home and a San José Spotlight columnist, told San José Spotlight.

In 2017, the nonpro t saw more people in Santa Clara County falling into homelessness. It started a homelessness prevention program to provide rental assistance, case management and supportive services to hundreds of families on the brink of eviction, and received help from private funders to make the work possible.

In 2024, Santa Clara Coun-

ty adopted the program into its own homelessness strategy and scaled it countywide. Since 2017, the program has helped nearly 44,000 people in the county avoid the trauma of living on the streets. A randomized control trial found 90% of people who received this assistance remained housed two years later, according to data collected by the University of Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities. Now, Destination: Home is launching the Right at Home initiative to make a case that federal funding should be set aside not only for when people become homeless but before it even starts. It’s raised $77 million so far and will train organizations in the 10 participating cities to adopt its homelessness prevention model.

At least $5 million will be

The board then approved the awarding of a contract to LKC Engineering for the evaluation of Crystal Lake/Little River as a potential alternative water supply source for the county.

“We previously did an initial evaluation, and it looked like it could be a feasible option,” said Public Works Director Brian Patnode.

Finally, the board approved the purchase of three LTV vans with lifts and seven transit vans for around $1.15 million, funded through the FY2026 Bus and Bus Facility Grant Program.

The grant required a 10% local match and, along with other costs associated with up tting the vehicles, means there is a cost of around $180,000 tothe county, which will be paid through contract user fees.

The board will also hold two public hearings at its next meeting, with the rst being for a conditional rezoning request for around 19 acres of property located o of Lucas Road to be rezoned as Rural Agricultural and the second for a conditional zoning request for just under three acres of property located at 135 Jolinda Road for a group care facility.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 17.

“We’ve used the model successfully locally here, but I think it’s a model we can advocate and push for at a larger scale.”

Ray Bramson, Destination: Home chief operating o cer

given to each community to serve 1,500 households over the span of ve years, and data will be collected by the Lab for Economic Opportunities. The initiative received funding from Cisco, Sobrato Philanthropies, the Valhalla Foundation and The Audacious Project.

“It’s an incredible opportunity,” David Phillips, director of research with the Lab for Economic Opportunities, told San José Spotlight. “We know there are a very large number of families where a ordability is an issue. When folks become evicted, there are a lot of

THURSDAY 3.5.26

THURSDAY MARCH

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CRIME LOG

Feb. 24

• Charlotte Rebekah Clark, 55, of Cordova, was arrested by MCSO for felony larceny.

Donald Worth Cotton, 60, of Biscoe, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for second-degree trespass.

Raul Eduardo Pioquinto Ricardez, 45, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for felony possession of cocaine.

Feb. 26

• Je’Core Rayshad McKoy, 34, of Taylor Town, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for possession of fentanyl.

• Mallory Michelle Bisiaux, 28, of Pineblu , was arrested by Pinehurst PD for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, driving on a revoked license, expired registration, ctitious or altered title, registration card or tag and expired or no inspection.

• E rain Aquiro Gonzalez, 46, of Wispering Pines, was arrested by MCSO for communicating threats, window tinting violation and prohibited use of red or blue lights.

• Johnathan William Rogers, 27, of Pineblu , was arrested by Pinehurst PD for possession of marijuana.

• Brian Allen Shelton, 54, of West End, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard, failure to comply with license restrictions and failure to maintain lane control.

Feb. 27

Eudy Ulloa Blanco, 33, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for larceny of a rearm, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, possession of a rearm by a felon and possession of a stolen rearm.

Anthony Brock Duncan, 38, of Robbins, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and assault on a female.

Tyrone Franklin Smith, 47, of Hamlet, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor larceny.

Feb. 28

Gary Lee Louk, 56, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, ctitious or altered title, registration card or tag and driving on a revoked license.

FRIDAY MARCH 6

Army pilot from Fort Bragg awarded Medal of Honor

He su ered four gunshot wounds while landing his helicopter in Venezuela

By Konstantin Toropin The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

A helicopter pilot wounded in the raid that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro received the Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address last Tuesday evening.

Trump said Army Chief Warrant O cer 5 Eric Slover, who appeared using a walker, was the pilot of the lead CH- 47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the “heavily protected military fortress” where Maduro was staying. The raid, while successful, left seven U.S. service members with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries.

“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns red from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another,” Trump said, adding that Slover “absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.”

Months of covert planning led to the brazen operation that plunged the South American country’s capital into darkness as troops in ltrated Maduro’s home and whisked him to the United States to face drug tra cking charges.

Trump’s description of Slover’s actions that night offer a new, detailed glimpse into the military action that has been largely shrouded in secrecy since it was carried out in the early hours of Jan. 3.

As Slover prepared to land his helicopter, he was confronted with “two machine

“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat.”

President Donald Trump

gunners who escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” according to Trump.

“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat,” Trump said, “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.”

The president said “the success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain.”

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented Slover with the Medal of Honor in the gallery overlooking the House chamber. Slover, 45, was in his dress uniform and used a walker to steady himself. Trump said the soldier was still recovering from his wounds.

Lt. Col. Allie Scott, a spokeswoman for Army Special Operations Command, told The Associated Press last Wednesday that Slover enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2005 and, after completing basic training, attended Warrant O cer Candidate School and ight school, where he became a Chinook pilot.

Scott would not provide any further details on the units Slover had been assigned to during his Army service.

But, in his career of more than 20 years, Slover was given multiple prestigious awards for his service. They include two Distinguished Flying Crosses — including one with a V Device for valor — two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Medals, among other awards and decorations, according to records provided by Scott.

Slover was awarded one of his Distinguished Flying Crosses just several years into his service while deployed to Afghanistan, according to a unit magazine available online. Slover, then serving with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, part of the 82nd Airborne Division, was one of six aviators to receive the prestigious award for “acts of heroism during aviation operations in southern Afghanistan” at Kandahar air eld, according to the January 2010 issue. Slover’s records also say he has been awarded a Purple Heart.

Trump said 10 other service members who took part in the operation will be receiving medals at a private ceremony soon to be held at the White House.

The military typically shies away from publicly identifying service members who serve in special operations units, often going so far as to blur faces of troops undergoing training for admission into the elite units.

In addition to Slover, Trump also presented the Medal of Honor to retired Capt. E. Royce Williams, a Navy pilot who shot down multiple Soviet jets during the Korean War, upgrading his existing award of a Navy Cross.

Trump called the 100-year-old former ghter pilot “one of the last living legends.”

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

U.S. Army Chief Warrant O cer Eric Slover receives the Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., last Tuesday.

HOMELESS from page A1

negative e ects. The big piece of the goal is to get ahead of the problem.”

Santa Clara County’s program helped resident Desiré Campusano stay a oat. She received rental assistance multiple times over several years through major life transitions, including being in between jobs and when her rent skyrocketed from $1,500 to $2,400 over the course of three years. With help from the program, she was able to remain housed and also received assistance to move into an a ordable apartment.

“It helped me to even be able to move in because I didn’t have any savings whatsoever,” Campusano told San José Spotlight. “So not only did it help me to actually move in and get my stability back, but the case manager followed up and checked in.”

As instability plagues the country and more people fall into poverty due to cuts to welfare programs, Keanna Ward, who was formerly homeless, said this program is essential to creating a safety net for people living paycheck to paycheck.

“We need services and programs like this to help people because there’s a rise in unem-

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

March 6

Art Exhibition Opening Reception — Arts Council of Moore County

5 p.m.

A group exhibition featuring works by artists Nancy Lewis, Warren Lewis, Sharon Lowery, Linda Storm and Frederick Schmid opens with a public reception and awards ceremony. The show runs through March 25 with gallery hours weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House 482 E. Connecticut Ave. Southern Pines

March 7

“Miles 4 Moore” Moore County Trail Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K

8 a.m.

A charity race series presented by Sandhills Running Club with marathon, half-marathon and 5K distances through Reservoir Park, Whitehall Trail and Nick’s Creek Trail. Proceeds fund gym memberships, coaching and nutrition services for low-income families and high school athletes.

Faulkner Parking Lot, Reservoir Park Earhart Drive (Reservoir Park) Southern Pines

March 5 -7

Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House and Property Tours

1-4 p.m.

The Moore County Historical Association’s grounds and properties are open for tours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. Tours are free and open to all ages. Enjoy learning about the impressive history of Moore County.

Shaw House 110 Morganton Road Southern Pines

ployment, especially amongst women,” Ward told San José Spotlight.

A spokesperson for the Sobrato Organization said they believe housing is essential for economic mobility and community belonging.

“While our work is deeply rooted in Silicon Valley, the forces driving housing instability are national in scope,” she told San José Spotlight. “If we are serious about strengthening communities and expanding economic mobility, we must be equally serious about ensuring that families across the country have access to stable housing.”

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

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

Supreme Court throws out Trump tari s and upholds Constitution

So much for the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump.

SO MUCH FOR the notion that the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 majority of justices appointed by Republican presidents, was going to be a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. That is a frequently voiced charge by partisan Democrats, and a fear of many ambivalent voters who nd many of Trump’s policies agreeable but worry about his overreach on policy and personnel.

That’s one political meme refuted by the court’s Learning Resources v. Trump decision last Friday, announced after more than the expected delay for the drafting of concurring opinions. The court struck down Trump’s beloved tari s, with only one Republican-appointed justice taking the president’s side while the majority consisted of three Republican-appointed and three Democratic-appointed justices.

Such a result should not have surprised those with some appreciation of Supreme Court history. Franklin Roosevelt, after seeing several of his New Deal programs ruled unconstitutional and after unsuccessfully urging Congress to pack the court with new justices, nally ended up lling eight of the court’s nine seats.

That didn’t stop a bench of Democratic appointees from disapproving of Democratic President Harry Truman’s seizure of the nation’s steel plants during the Korean War in a case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, cited 15 times by the Learning Resources justices.

Justices newly appointed in times when Supreme Court decisions are subjects of partisan disputes tend to agree on contemporary issues. But in time, new problems arise, to which they turn out to have di erences. And even animosity: Some of the Roosevelt appointees even stopped speaking to each other.

One such issue brought forward by Trump’s election and reelection is the tari . There’s a strong argument that the president’s view that trade de cits impoverish the country and tari s enrich it is delusional. Alexander Hamilton backed tari s not so much to foster infant industries but because they were the easiest tax to collect with the 18th-century technology.

William McKinley, often cited by Trump as a tari advocate, delivered a speech in September 1901, just days before he was shot, calling for reduced tari s. He recognized U.S. industry was no longer as infantile as the United States became the world’s No. 1 steel producer. Later in the century, congressional Republicans kept backing tari packages as a form of pork barrel patronage for local interests and to hold the party together. But Republican presidents,

| DAVID HARSANYI

educated in free-market economics in elite colleges (Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Stanford), sought, with limited success, to hold rates down.

Learning Resources doesn’t prevent Trump from using other tari laws, but they, as Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion of the court notes, “contain various combinations of procedural prerequisites, required agency determinations and limits.” That means he wouldn’t have, in the chief justice’s evidently irritated phrasing, “the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tari s of unlimited amount, duration and scope.”

Such capricious policymaking, with enormous economic consequences, has few precedents except for what historian Amity Shlaes describes as Roosevelt’s daily settings of gold prices during several months in 1933.

Learning Resources, as anti-Trump conservative David French wrote in The New York Times, “may prove to be the most important Supreme Court case this century” because it forti es the “major questions doctrine,” celebrated in Justice Neil Gorsuch’s extraordinary 46-page concurrence.

The major questions doctrine is drawn from the constitutional architecture: Article I authorizes Congress to pass laws, Article II authorizes the president to take care that they be faithfully executed. It follows that a president can’t rummage around in the statute books, searching for some language — or, as in this case, two words separated by 16 words — that somehow can be interpreted, though no one has interpreted them that way before, to authorize him to do what he wants to do. On major questions, it must be clear Congress has already done that.

The Supreme Court, with majorities made up of Republican appointees, used the major questions doctrine to overturn major Biden administration policies — cancellation of student loans (based on authorization to “waive or modify” them), eviction moratorium (based on preventing “transmission of communicable diseases”) and vaccine mandate (based on “safety and healthy work conditions”).

In a 46-page concurring opinion, Gorsuch argues that his three Democratic-appointed colleagues are wielding the major questions doctrine against the Trump tari s, though they say they’re not, and they were unwilling to use it against Biden policies. He argues the three dissenting Republican-appointed justices should have agreed that the major questions doctrine requires overturning the tari s. He argues that Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who voted to overturn tari s, should have relied more explicitly on the doctrine.

War should never be taken lightly; not even if your cause is righteous

War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous.

AMERICANS HAVE good-faith concerns about the attacks on the Islamist regime in Iran. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic cultists in Iran are our enemy — and that matters.

The Islamic Republic’s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended.

From the early 1980s, Iran’s proxy army of Hezbollah killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the early 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered more than 600 Americans with IEDs. Iran has been killing Americans.

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli.

The Iranians twice reportedly hatched plots to assassinate Trump in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks and for stealing aerospace, tech and satellite data.

Yet both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backward for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching

out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East and murdering Americans.

But the most important question right now isn’t what Iran’s done. It’s what it would do if it had nukes.

Iran’s Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won’t act more aggressively and violently toward the “Great Satan” when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans?

Some people point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it’s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military e orts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful.

Never once will any of Iran’s Western

Is this evidence of the kind of discord that divided the Roosevelt-appointed justices so many years ago? Maybe, and the justices don’t seem as collegial now as they did before someone — a liberal justice’s law clerk? — leaked a draft of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

But the thrust of Gorsuch’s concurrence is that the justices are functionally in agreement with the major questions doctrine, even if they’re uncomfortable saying so. Perhaps it was written to undercut arguments by the liberal law professoriate that the major questions doctrine is defunct.

Or, as Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith puts it, Learning Resources “signals more clearly than ever that, going forward, this Court is going to view broad delegations of statutory authority to act, and/or extravagant presidential interpretations of authority to act, with skepticism.”

It’s hard for Congress to set policy as explicitly as the major questions doctrine seems to require when the two parties have signi cant disagreements, are in close competition, and are disincentivized to accept compromise when they reasonably hope that the next presidential election will give them the White House and congressional majorities.

That has been the situation for the last 30 -some years, in which Democrats have won most presidential elections and Republicans have usually won majorities in the House of Representatives. It was also the case for the 30-some years after the Civil War, when policy di erences and partisan bitterness were greater than they are today.

But after three decades, new issues arose and new voter coalitions emerged. Sooner or later, that will happen again.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration may search the statute books for verbiage it can use to justify some limited tari authority, just as the Biden administration searched the statute books to nd verbiage to justify some limited student loan forgiveness.

But the Supreme Court, regardless of partisan labels, seems ready to use the major questions doctrine to limit the billions of dollars that can be raised or spent without some clear authorization in laws passed by Congress. And someday a president will gure out how to persuade Congress to pass laws authorizing all or some of what she or he wants.

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)

propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact.

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again.

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it’s welcome to it.

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn’t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any o ce by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as “the most wicked, sinister enemy.” Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements.

Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world’s policemen, but we also can’t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is “America can’t do a damn thing against us.”

But that isn’t the case, is it?

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Trump once wary of ordering regime change in Iran; here’s what changed president’s mind

Eight months of negotiations gave way to a dramatic military strike

By Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak

The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

— With Saturday’s military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump demonstrated a dramatic evolution in risk tolerance, adjusting in just a matter of months how far he was willing to go in using American military might to confront Tehran’s clerical rule.

Guardrails were tossed aside as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered up a battle plan that included targeted strikes on Iran’s leadership. That included 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death Trump triumphantly announced in a social media post hours after launching the military operation.

For Trump, it was a far cry from where he stood just eight months ago. At Israel’s urging during its 12-day war with Iran last June, he agreed to deploy B-2 bombers to pummel three key Iranian nuclear sites — but drew a bright red line when Israelis presented his administration with a plan for killing Khamenei.

The president peppered the supreme leader with thinly veiled threats back in June that he could have killed him if he wanted to. But he rejected the Israeli plan out of concern that it would destabilize the region.

That caution was set aside on Saturday with Trump announcing Khamenei had been killed, while the Israeli military announced it had taken out Iran’s defense minister and the commander of its Revolutionary Guard. Iranian state media early Sunday reported the supreme leader’s death, without elaborating on a cause.

Khamenei “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump said. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Trump loses patience

Trump had pursued talks with Iran for months. Administration o cials told reporters that they o ered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes, including an o er of free nuclear fuel in perpetuity.

But the o cials, who were not authorized to comment publicly

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

President Donald Trump

and spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. One of them said that Iran has met their o ers with “games, tricks, stall tactics.”

The order to launch strikes came just two days after Trump dispatched his special envoys, Steve Witko and Jared Kushner, for another round of talks with Iranian o cials. Middle East and European allies were urging the U.S. administration to give negotiations more time as Trump signaled he was running out of patience.

“The consequences are likely to be as far-reaching as they are uncertain: Within the system that has held power for nearly ve decades, between the government and a dissatis ed populace, and between Iran and its adversaries,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. “And although the regime is weakened, a sense that this showdown is an all-or-nothing struggle for its very survival could lead it to respond with every tool still at its disposal.”

Revised risk calculation

Saturday’s strikes came after a series of past provocative actions against Iran that resulted in limited blowback, which seemed to inform Trump’s risk calculation, said Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican administrations over two decades.

Trump in 2018 pulled out of

the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration. In 2020, Trump ordered a drone strike killing top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

At the time, the killing of Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was arguably the most provocative U.S. military action in the Middle East since President George W. Bush launched the 2003 Iraq War to topple Saddam Hussein.

And then Trump this past June ordered the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which he claimed had “obliterated” their program.

“He did all of these things without cost or consequence to him,” said Miller, who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “He’s been risk-ready. That’s the nature of his personality.”

Trump administration ocials had publicly urged Tehran to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and end its backing of regional armed proxies. But administration o cials said that Tehran would not engage on the missile and proxy concerns.

Iran’s rigidity, at a moment when its economy is in shambles weighed by decades of sanctions and its military battered by last year’s war, astounded Trump.

Even before the latest round of talks ended last Thursday, there were signs Trump was leaning toward military action.

Last Tuesday, Trump in his State of the Union speech

claimed that Iran has been building ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S. homeland — a justi cation that he repeated again on Saturday as he announced the bombardment of Iran was underway.

Iran hasn’t acknowledged it is building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassi ed report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters last Wednesday that Iran’s refusal to speak to its ballistic missile program was a “big problem.” Rubio declined to address the DIA nding that Iran was still years away from developing a missile that could reach the United States.

And Vice President JD Vance, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and has been skeptical of U.S. interventions, last Thursday told The Washington Post that Trump hadn’t decided whether to strike Iran. But he o ered assurances that military action would not result in the United States becoming involved in a drawn-out con ict.

“The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” Vance said.

By Friday, Trump was venting anew about Iran’s approach.

“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump said. “I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens.”

Senior U.S. lawmakers were told early Saturday that the strikes were coming. Trump

President Donald Trump holds up a st after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, last Friday.

monitored the operation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, with members of his national security team.

Trump perhaps emboldened by Venezuela experience

Trump’s success with the U.S. military operation earlier his year to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and whisk him and his wife to New York City to face federal drug conspiracy charges also may have emboldened the president, said Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury Department o cial who is now executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington, D.C., think tank.

Trump had threatened military action last month, but held o , as Iran carried out a deadly crackdown on protests. The demonstrations were spurred by economic grievances but morphed into a nationwide, anti-government push against the ruling clerics.

As human rights groups reported that thousands were killed in the Iranian crackdown, Trump told protesters that help was on its way, but it did not immediately come and the protests petered out.

Schanzer said that Trump’s decision not to follow through last month gave his team more time to assemble the now massive presence of ghter jets and warships in the region — as he had done in the Caribbean ahead of the Venezuela operation.

It was leverage, Trump hoped, that would get Khamenei to blink. But the supreme leader would not capitulate.

“The way this unfolded was inevitable because there was no way that the Ayatollah was going to show exibility,” Schanzer said.

MOORE SPORTS

Basketball season ends for local teams

County schools turn the page to spring sports

North State Journal sta

NORTH MOORE’S basketball season came to an end when the Mustangs didn’t get a bid to the NCHSAA playo s.

North Moore nished with a 4-16 record, two fewer losses than last year. The Mustangs bid farewell to senior co-captains Andrew Whitaker and Isaac Parsons, as well as the rest of the senior class, including Kenyen Noah and Trace Shaw.

The North Moore girls also didn’t get a bid after posting a 3-19 record, two fewer wins than last season. North Moore loses one senior — Brooklyn Johnson.

Pinecrest’s boys’ team was also left out of the playo s, nishing with an 8-15 record, seven fewer wins than last season. The Patriots will say goodbye to senior co-captain Richard Harris and fellow seniors Jashuah Sutton, Jayden Harrell, Tavarus McLaughlin and Isaiah Fleet.

The Pinecrest girls got a No. 8 seed to the class 8A playo s and opened with a 56-38 win over No. 9 Hough, their rst NCHSAA playo win since 2022. The season ended in the second round with a 59-39 loss to top seed Ardrey Kell. The Patriots nish with a 16-10 record, two wins more than last season. They move on without senior co-captain Aniya McGregor, as well as classmates Ava Vonder-

kall, Sophia Bonecutter, Amoni Goins and Janiylah Carthen.

The Union Pines boys drew a No. 20 seed in the Class 6A bracket. The Vikings lost to No. 13 Harnett Central 69-49. They nish the year at 10-15, down four wins from last season. The team moves on without departing seniors Joe Fuerch, Talik Graham, Xavion Colon, Kingsley Donaldson, Wesley Bailey and Omari Walker.

The Union Pines girls got a No. 9 seed and won the rst round game 49-6 over No. 24 South View. No. 8 Southern Lee ended the Union Pines season with a 53-41 win. The Vikings nish at 16-9 and say goodbye to seniors Lani Klein, Makayla Phillips-Rosa and Savannah McCaskill.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Pinecrest bench celebrates its rst win in the girls’ basketball playo s since 2022.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kileigh Cameron

Union Pines, softball

Kileigh Cameron is a senior on the Union Pines softball team. She also plays volleyball for the Vikings. Union Pines blew out Richmond in its season opener, and Cameron had a big day at the plate. She went 3 for 6 with three home runs, driving in a total of eight runs. She also walked twice.

Reddick makes Cup Series history with 3rd straight win to start season

The 23XI Racing driver won the rst road course race of the year

By Jim Vertuno

The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Tyler Reddick’s latest win drove him straight into the NASCAR record books.

Reddick held o hard-charging Shane van Gisbergen over the nal 20 laps at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday to become the rst Cup Series driver to win the rst three races of the season.

Driving a Toyota co-owned by Michael Jordan, Reddick won the season-opening Daytona 500 and a week later at Atlanta, then won from the pole in the rst road course race of the year.

Jordan, the basketball Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion, was with Reddick’s 23XI pit crew exchanging high- ves as Reddick crossed the nish line.

“It’s one race, but it was so important,” Reddick said. “It’s so tting to get three in a row and make history.”

History made for a team and ownership group that has been making a lot of it. They took on NASCAR with a federal antitrust lawsuit. The settlement in December was considered a major legal victory that secured a permanent franchise-style model and ensured the team would remain in business for the long term.

They’ve been unbeatable on the race track ever since.

“I’m proud of the team we put

together,” Jordan said. He credited co-owner Denny Hamlin, who also is a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, with being the “mastermind” behind it’s racing success.

“I just put up the money,” Jordan said. “Denny’s done an incredible job building this team.”

Jordan also said he’ll be at the next race in Phoenix to see if Reddick can extend the winning streak that has built a commanding 70-point lead in the drivers’ championship.

Van Gisbergen, who won ve of six road course races in 2025, lost his bid for a record-tying sixth consecutive road win. The only road course race the Trackhouse driver didn’t win last season was in Austin.

“Tyler was just amazing,” van Gisbergen said. “You’re always disappointed with second when

the expectations are so high.”

Reddick was just too good all weekend in pursuit of history. His 11th career victory was also his second at COTA, a track built for Formula 1, and the rst time he’s had multiple victories at a track. He won at COTA in 2023.

It was far from easy, even if Reddick looked like he was in complete control. Van Gisbergen was on his bumper for several laps in the nal stage but never found the pace to pass before falling farther and farther behind over the nal six laps.

“I was just trying to minimize mistakes; Shane is so good,” Reddick said.

Jordan, so clutch in his playing days, noted Reddick was cool in the driver’s seat while under immense pressure.

“I’m proud of the team we put together.”

Michael Jordan

“You see SVG coming back, you get a little nervous, but I think he had him covered the whole day,” Jordan said.

Rough day for rookie Zilisch

Trackhouse Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch came into the weekend with the expectation that he might be the one to end van Gisbergen’s dominance on road courses.

But Zilisch’s weekend began with a surprisingly poor qualifying position of 25th and got worse Sunday when he got spun on the restart for stage two. Zilisch fought back into contention for the win in the nal stage, but his race e ectively ended when he was spun again in a restart out of a caution with 16 laps to go. He nished 14th.

23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, front right, celebrates with his son Beau, front left, after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Austin, Texas.

Karen Rae Anderson

July 14, 1943 – Feb. 24, 2026

Karen Rae Anderson, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at her home in Pinehurst.

She was born on July 14, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Orval and Evelyn Albrecht. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald W. Anderson, and her siblings Donald, Beverly, Robert, and Jerry.

She is survived by her two sons, David Anderson (Stevi) and Dan Anderson (Jennifer); her four amazing grandsons, Matthew, Jonathan, Nathan, and Skylar Anderson; and her younger sister, Susan (William Catchings).

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal services.

In lieu of owers, the family requests that you consider a donation be made to a charity of your choice or invite you to consider: Congressional Church of Pinehurst UCC, FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, Sandhills/ Moore Coalition for Human Care, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Alan C. King

Oct. 20, 1959 – Feb. 26, 2026

Alan C. King, 66, of Carthage, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Moore Regional Hospital.

He was born on October 20, 1959, in Orlando, Florida, to the late Arthur and Margaret Dudley King. He served his country honorably for over 19 years in the United States Army. After he served our country, Alan worked as a payroll clerk for Perdue Farms in Robbins.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Carolyn King, and brother, Raymond King.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Katherine Martin King; his children, Ricky (Stephanie) Lambert of Greenville, Rachel (Austin) Richardson of Carthage, Travis (Camilla) King of San Antonio, TX, and Andrew “Kyle” King of Carthage; his grandchildren: Jesse, Jared, Haley, Benjamin, Caleb, Aubrey, Bryce, Jayden, and Anastasia.

A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.

Matthew Alexander Vick

Oct.20, 1983 – Feb. 22, 2026

Matthew Alexander Vick, age 42, of Raeford, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Matthew was born in Washington D.C. in October 1983.

Matthew is survived by his mother and stepfather Dawn and Ken Ho mann. His brother Jonathan Vick and his wife Dawn.

His brother Nicholas Vick and his wife Caytlin. His sister Megan Clement and her husband Dan and his father Greg Vick. Along with several grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Warben and Darlene Searl, Grandfather John Vick, and Grandfather William G. Ho mann.

Matthew was beloved by many. His beautiful smile and contagious laughter lled many others with Joy. We are at peace knowing that Matthew is in heaven and is whole. We know that he is talking up a storm, walking, dancing, laughing and spreading joy. During his time in Hospice care, Matthew became loved by the many wonderful sta and volunteers at First Health Hospice, who provided him with excellent and compassionate care. Our family is incredibly thankful for everything they did, not only for Matthew, but our family.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

Lorine Berry McCants

Aug. 17, 1928 – Feb. 25, 2026

Mrs. Lorine Berry McCants, 97, of Pineblu , North Carolina (Addor Community) entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care in West End, North Carolina. Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Lorine Berry McCants in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Rosa A. Obie

April 15, 1943 – Feb. 22, 2026

Rosa A. Obie, 82, of Fayetteville, formerly of Scotland County, departed this life on Sunday, February 22, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Hillside Memorial Park. Family will greet friends for viewing and visitation from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Purcell Funeral Home. Services are entrusted to Purcell Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

David Holland

Nov. 24, 1949 – Feb. 26, 2026

David Holland, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Duke Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, North Carolina.

Born on November 24, 1949, in the Bronx, NY, to the late Willie Mae Peoples. David was a beloved husband, father, and brother. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and worked in the US Postal Service for over 30 years as a kind and thoughtful letter carrier in New York. David loved his family deeply. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Linda Holland, of over 32 years. He has 5 sons: David, Keith, Jamel, Ranel Holland, and stepson Van Anthony Carter. He also leaves a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Jacquelin House. Please keep them in your prayers.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Community Congregational Church in Southern Pines. The date and time will be announced once arrangements are nalized.

Donald Maurice Munro

Oct. 5, 1930 – Feb. 26, 2026

Donald Maurice Munro, age 95, passed away peacefully in Pinehurst, North Carolina, after a brief illness. Born on October 5, 1930, in Poughkeepsie, NY, he was the son of the late Leonard Mortimer Munro and Mildred Estelle Freer Munro. Donald lived a life marked by dedication, integrity, and service.

He proudly served his country rst in the United States Navy and later in the United States Air Force during the Korean War era as an air tra c controller, including an assignment in Bermuda. Following his honorable military service, he continued his career as an air tra c controller at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Donald later began a long and faithful career with IBM in Kingston, New York, where he was a loyal employee for many years before retiring. His strong work ethic and steady presence de ned both his professional life and his role within his family. On July 5, 1952, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Munro. Together, they shared 73 devoted years of marriage built on faith, loyalty, and enduring love.

He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. His favorite pastime was hunting at his deer camp in the Shawangunk Mountains, where he found peace, camaraderie, and lasting memories.

He was predeceased by his eldest son, Michael Donald Munro.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Munro; his children, Patricia (Steven) Conner, Kathleen Rivers, Richard Munro, Timothy (Maureen) Munro, and Wendy Munro; nine grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, 3/4/26 at 9 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. His Interment will be held at a later date in upstate New York.

Memorial donations may be made to First Health Hospice House or Must Love Cats rescue, 12848 Wishing Well Way, Bristow, VA 20136.

James “Buck” Hurley Dull

Dec. 19, 1946 – Feb. 24, 2026

James “Buck” Hurley Dull, age 79, of Cameron, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Christian Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church from 1 until 2. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.

James proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He also was a volunteer for the Crains Creek Fire Department as Chief and Board Member. He graduated from Benhaven High School class of 1966. Some of the things he enjoyed were shing, hunting, NASCAR but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, greatgrandfather and friend and will be greatly missed.

James was born in Sanford, North Carolina to the late Paul Early Dull and Alberta Patterson Dull. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Belinda Hennings McNeill, brother, Larry Dull.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris Faye Dull; daughter, Wanda Strickland (Don) of Southern Pines, son, James “Jimmy” H. Dull Jr. (Michelle) of Cameron; grandchildren, Rachel (Stephen), Joshua, Greg (Chantele), Megan (Garrett); great grandchildren, Weston and Madelyn; sister, Delores Blackwell.

Lucy Hill Miller

April 12, 1926 – Feb. 21, 2026

Lucy Hill Miller of Southern Pines passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21st, surrounded by family, just a month before her 100th birthday. She had lived in the Sandhills of North Carolina for 47 years.

Lucy was the quintessential Southern lady — gracious, resilient, and unfailingly kind. Raised on her family’s farm in Wilkes County, Georgia, she came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War, experiences that shaped her strength, optimism, and deep appreciation for life. She earned a degree in Languages from Georgia Teachers College and began her professional life teaching Spanish.

Following the end of World War II, Lucy embarked on a career she dearly loved as a hostess with Pan American World Airways and moved to New York City. As global air travel expanded in the early jet age, she embraced the opportunity to travel the world, immersing herself in other cultures and languages—a lifelong passion that brought her great joy. She ew regular routes, special charters, US government, and US Congressional missions all over the world.

MSG (Ret.)

Tony Cross

June 9, 1960 – Feb. 22, 2026

The world lost a remarkable man on February 22, 2026.

Tony Cross was extraordinary in every sense of the word. Charismatic and deeply personable, he possessed a contagious positivity that drew people in and made them feel seen, valued, and special. He loved life. He loved people. And in return, he was deeply loved. His gift was simple yet rare: he made everyone feel better for having known him.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised primarily in St. Louis, Missouri, Tony carried with him the values of grit, loyalty, humor, and heart. Those traits would de ne his life’s work.

He proudly served his country as a medic with the 82nd Airborne Division, 1/504 Infantry. Later, he answered an even greater challenge, serving with the 1st Special Forces Group. His assignments took him to Fort Bragg, Fort Carson, Fort Lewis, and Okinawa, Japan. He became a respected instructor at SFARTAEC, earned his HALO quali cation, and ultimately served as an ROTC instructor at Clemson University until his retirement in 1999.

He mentored countless cadets who admired and respected him, maintaining those relationships long after his service ended. His leadership shaped lives far beyond the uniform.

In every formation, every classroom, every training eld, Tony did more than instruct, he invested.

Foster

July 26, 1944 – Feb. 27, 2026

It was through Pan Am that she met her husband of 52 years, the late Arthur “Bud” Miller, a Pan Am pilot. Together they shared many adventures before Lucy left her Pan Am career to raise their family in Greenwich, Connecticut. She continued to share her love of languages while helping others through TESOL, Teaching English as a Second Language.

Lucy returned to the South with Bud in the late 1970s, settling just outside the town of Southern Pines, where she established a quarter horse farm. She volunteered with the Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship and several area organizations. She especially loved helping children with disabilities enjoy therapeutic riding.

Her family believes her long and full life was sustained by her optimism, devotion to family, the daily physical work of caring for horses, and the deep contentment she found in rural Southern living.

Lucy is survived by her two sons and daughter-in-law, Je rey and Margaret Miller of Sorrento, Florida and Christopher Miller, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, grandchildren Bryan and Dustin Miller, and Melissa Miller, and cherished great-granddaughter, Gabriela. In addition to her husband, Arthur Miller, Lucy is preceded in death by her brother, Cli ord Hill Jr. and her sister, Jane Hill Verburg.

Lucy’s world travels and her exposure to both great wealth and deep poverty inspired a lifelong commitment of support to Salesian Missions, whose work across 130 countries serves poor and abandoned individuals, especially the young. Her family invites those wishing to honor Lucy’s life and memory to consider donating to Salesian Missions.

Retirement from active duty did not mean retirement from service. Tony worked as a medic in Bosnia and Herzegovina, standing in aid stations where hope was often in short supply.

He transitioned into real estate, worked as a nuclear power plant security guard, and continued to show up wherever duty called.

After 9/11, when so many Americans felt shaken, Tony felt called. He returned to Fort Bragg as a civilian instructor, training Special Forces soldiers in close-quarters combat and marksmanship before they deployed to the Middle East. Once again, he prepared warriors, not just with skills, but with con dence.

Tony went on to become the Training Director for a new facility in Tennessee. His work also took him overseas to Romania and South Sudan. In Tennessee, he trained security personnel at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and most recently worked as a business developer for Knowledge Bridge International in Virginia.

While working with Knowledge Bridge International, they printed business cards for Tony that read: “Tony Cross, Director of Storytelling.” The title could not have been more tting. He had more stories than anyone, and he told them in a way that captivated every listener. Through those stories, he built connections, laughter, and lasting relationships. Through stories, he built bridges.

Tony was also one of the founding directors of Valor Clinic Foundation, a nonpro t organization dedicated to helping veterans facing homelessness and the many challenges that can follow military service.

And yet, for all his accomplishments, Tony would tell you he was most proud of being a family man.

He met the love of his life, Lisa, one year after enlisting in the Army while stationed at Fort Bragg. Young and deeply in love, they were married on February 6, 1981, at the Fort Bragg South Chapel. Their marriage endured 45 years of deployments, relocations,

Eunice Foster Boggs, age 81, of Carthage, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at FirstHealth Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Linda Knight o ciating. Burial will follow in Johnson Grove Cemetery.

Eunice was born in Moore County on July 26, 1944, to the late Grier Alexander Foster and Edith Scarboro Foster. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Leroy Boggs, sister, Ruby Louise Honeycutt, brothers, Robert

Earl Jones

July 11, 1941 – Feb. 26, 2026

Mr. Earl Jones, 84, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at his residence.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Earl Jones in your thoughts and prayers.

Jerry Moore

April 23, 1941 – Feb. 28, 2026

Jerry Moore, 84, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Arrangements are incomplete at Kennedy Funeral Home.

sacri ce, and devotion. Through it all, she remained his “baby,” as he lovingly called her. He was the love of her life, and she was his.

Together, they raised two sons, Tony and Corey. Tony was an immensely proud and a ectionate father who never missed an opportunity to tell his sons how much he loved them and how proud he was of the men they became. When Corey passed away in 2016, the loss devastated the family. Tony carried that grief with quiet strength. Now, his family nds comfort in imagining Corey there to greet his father, and in knowing they have two guardians watching over them.

Tony’s greatest joy in recent years was his granddaughter, Reverie, who lives at home with Lisa. “Papa” was endlessly proud of her. He was the kind of grandfather who gave big hugs, played endless games, told captivating stories, served as the butler for annual Easter tea parties, dressed up for themed birthdays and Halloween, and even, on occasion, wore painted nails. He was “all in” for his girl. Fully present. Fully devoted.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa; his son, Tony, of Southern Pines; his cherished granddaughter, Reverie, of the home; his father, Ed Cross of Houston, Texas; his mother, Sandy Coon of St. Charles, Missouri; his sister, Paula Leyland of St. Charles, Missouri; and his sister, Vikki Marion of Louisville, Kentucky. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who loved him deeply and will miss him profoundly. The world feels dimmer without Tony. Especially for his family. He was their hero. Their protector. Their biggest fan. He laughed easily, smiled often, and carried an unshakable optimism that steadied those around him.

Tony’s legacy is not de ned by his rank, his achievements, or his honors. It is de ned by how he made people feel: valued, capable, encouraged, and loved.

There is no greater legacy than that. Forever loved.

“Buck” Foster, Grier “Tom” Foster. She dedicated her life caring for her family and grandchildren and loading up on Sunday for dinner was the best memories. She was a loving mother, grandmother sister, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Lynn Boggs (Allen) of Garner, son, Charles Daniel Boggs of Carthage, stepsons, David Frye and Donnie Moore; grandchildren, Samantha (Dustin), Bridget (Andrew), Katy Boggs (Ethan); greatgrandchildren, Kenley, Easton, Ivory, Keeley and Zane; sister, Janet Ayers of Aberdeen.

Norma Jean (Strawderman) Reynolds

Dec. 7, 1939 – Feb. 24, 2026

Norma Jean (Strawderman) Reynolds, age 87, of Cameron, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill after a brief illness.

A native of Mathias, WV she was a daughter of the late Waldo and Etta Mongold Strawderman. Norma was an upholsterer and taught upholstery at Sandhills

Community College. While she and her family were vacationing in Moore County in the 1960’s they visited House of The Lord church and that is where she met Charles who would later become her husband and life companion. She was preceded in death by her infant son Phillip; sisters Vietta Cline and Winona Cline. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles Reynolds; son Stephen Reynolds (Jennifer Livengood) of Carthage; brothers Paul Strawderman and Kenneth Strawderman (Phyllis) both of Maysville, WV; sisters Donna Dove (Landis) and Nancy Moyer (Je ) both of Mathias, WV; brothers in law Bobby Reynolds of Aberdeen, Gary Reynolds (Gail) Carthage. Sister-in-law Judy Freeman (Elon), Carthage, and lots of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at House of the Lord, conducted by Rev. David Johnson. The body will lie in state beginning at 10 a.m. Following the service and burial, the family will receive friends in the sanctuary of the church.

Je Galloway, who inspired people with run-walk-run method, dead at 80

His strategy made marathons accessible to everyday runners

By Ed White The Associated Press

JEFF GALLOWAY, a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic team who for decades inspired elite athletes and countless everyday runners by promoting a run-walk-run strategy, whether in a marathon or just a neighborhood jog, died Wednesday at age 80.

Galloway had a hemorrhagic stroke and died at a hospital in Pensacola, Florida, daughter-in-law Carissa Galloway said. His in uence was evident in the nal days of his life: Throngs of people posted videos online, hoping for Galloway’s recovery from emergency neurosurgery and thanking him for advice that boosted their con dence and took them to race starting lines.

Galloway’s family announced the surgery Feb. 20 and invited the public to express support.

Jim Vance, an elite endurance sports consultant in San Diego, said Galloway was a “pioneer” in getting people to run.

“He removed the barrier to entry, which was mostly mental,” Vance told The Associated Press. “Running isn’t supposed to be a su er-fest. It should be something peaceful, something enjoyable, so people can enjoy running and not dread it.”

Galloway survived heart failure in 2021 and was still hoping to complete another marathon after logging more than 230 during his lifetime.

“My mission now, at the age of 80-plus, is to show that people can do things that are normally not done, and can do them safely,” he told The New York Times in December.

Galloway’s run-walk-run method began in 1974 when he agreed to teach a running class through Florida State University, two years after competing in the 10,000 meters at the Olympics. He gured it might attract customers to Phidippides, his new store for runners.

“None had done any running for at least ve years. So we started walking with a few one-minute jogs,” Galloway said on his website.

“I spent some time with each group, during the runs, to adjust the frequency of walk breaks so that no one was huing and pu ng — even at the end,” he said. “Walk breaks kept the groups together. Everyone passed the nal exam: nishing either a 5K or a 10K with smiles on their faces.”

Galloway believed walking during a run reduced the risk of injury, conserved energy and kept con dence a oat.

“I’ve been using them ever since,” he said, “continuing to ne-tune the ratios of running to walking based upon pace per mile and individual needs.”

And Galloway even had his own recipe. He walked through every water station during the 1980 Houston marathon and nished with a faster time, 2:16:35, than his previous run-only 26.2-mile races, the Times reported.

He shared his running philosophies through books, websites and retreats. Galloway was the o cial training consultant for runDisney, a series of races at Walt Disney Co. resorts, and would be among the runners. Many admirers went online to o er tributes after his recent surgery.

“I never thought I would be a runner. I never thought I’d run a half marathon,” Karen Bock-Losee of Jacksonville, Florida, said in a video. “I’m 70 years old, and I’ve run several since my 60th birthday when I discovered Galloway running. I just want to say thank you.”

Susan Williams recalled seeing Galloway as she struggled toward the end of a half marathon in Murray, Kentucky, in 2011.

“You passed me, and my butt was cramping,” she said. “You turned around and came back. You talked me through it. It was awesome.”

Bobby McGee, a Colorado-based running coach, said Galloway’s run-walk-run approach made running more accessible to the masses.

“When a group of people in any kind of run — from marathons to fun runs — get together afterwards they talk about their time,” McGee said. “Nobody asks them if they ran the whole thing.” Galloway is survived by two sons and six grandchildren.

STATE & NATION

NASA revamps Artemis moon landing program by modeling it after speedy Apollo

Jared Isaacman wants moon missions months, not years, apart

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

NASA SAID LAST FRIDAY

it’s revamping its Artemis moon exploration program to make it more like the fast-paced Apollo program half a century ago, adding an extra practice ight before attempting a high-risk lunar landing with a crew in two years.

The overhaul in the ight lineup came just two days after NASA’s new moon rocket returned to its hangar for more repairs, and a safety panel warned the space agency to scale back its overly ambitious goals for humanity’s rst lunar landing since 1972.

Artemis II, a lunar y-around by four astronauts, is o until at least April because of rocket problems.

The follow-up mission, Artemis III, had been targeting a landing near the moon’s south pole by another pair of astronauts in about three years. But with long gaps between ights and concern growing over the readiness of a lunar lander and moonwalking suits, NASA’s new administrator Jared Isaacman announced that mission would instead focus on launching a lunar lander into orbit around Earth in 2027 for docking practice by astronauts ying in an Orion capsule.

Triceratops

The new plan calls for a moon landing — potentially even two moon landings — by astronauts in 2028.

“Everybody agrees,” Isaacman said. “This is the only way forward.”

The hydrogen fuel leaks and helium ow problems that struck the Space Launch System rocket on the pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center last month had also plagued the rst Artemis test

skeleton ‘Trey’ to hit auction block as dinosaur market soars

As dinosaur fossils fetch record prices, scientists worry specimens may disappear forever

By R.J. Rico

The Associated Press

A TRICERATOPS skeleton that stood in a Wyoming museum for decades will be auctioned o , a rare instance of a museum-exhibited dinosaur going to the auction block just as the market for the prehistoric giants has hit record highs.

The fossil, dubbed “Trey,” will be open for bidding March 17-31 on Joopiter, an online auction platform founded by Grammy-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams. It has a preauction estimate of $4.5 million to $5.5 million.

Dating back more than 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period, Trey was discovered near Lusk, Wyoming, in 1993 by Lee Campbell and the late Allen Gra ham, a commercial paleontologist who made numerous signi cant nds over his lifetime.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science.”

Kristi Curry Rogers, Macalester College

The 17-foot-long herbivore greeted visitors at the 1995 grand opening of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis and remained there on loan until 2023. Having been recently sold in a private transaction, it is now in Singapore, where it is available for private viewings through the end of March, Joopiter said.

Trey “has this cultural aspect that a lot of fossils that go to auction these days just simply don’t have,” said paleontologist Andre LuJan, who worked with Joopiter to prepare the fos-

sil for auction. “This one is connected to people and undoubtedly has inspired young children who’ve seen it to pursue a career in paleontology.”

Once the domain of museums and universities, dinosaur fossils have become increasingly popular investments.

In 2024, the remains of “Apex” the stegosaurus went for $44.6 million at auction, shattering the previous record of $31.8 million paid in 2020 for “Stan,” a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

In a sign that the dinosaur fossil market remains strong, a rare young dinosaur skeleton blew past its $4 million to $6 million Sotheby’s preauction estimate in July and ended up fetching more than $30 million in a bidding frenzy, including fees and costs.

Caitlin Donovan, Joopiter’s global head of sales, said the surging interest re ects a shift away from traditional categories like old master paintings and toward objects that have “cultural resonance.”

“(Dinosaurs) have always cap-

“No one at NASA forgot their history books. They knew how to do this. Now we’re putting it in action.”

Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

ight without a crew in 2022. Another three-year gap was looming between Artemis II and the moon landing by astronauts as originally envisioned, Isaacman said.

Isaacman stressed that “it should be incredibly obvious” that three years between ights is unacceptable. He’d like to get it down to one year or even less.

Isaacman, a tech billionaire who bought his own trips to orbit and performed the world’s rst private spacewalk, took the helm at NASA in December.

During NASA’s storied Apollo program, he said, astronauts’ rst ight to the moon was followed by two more missions before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon.

What’s more, he added, the Apollo moonshots followed one another in quick succession, just as the earlier Projects Mercury and Gemini had rapid ight rates, sometimes coming just a few months apart.

Twenty-four Apollo astronauts ew to the moon from 1968 through 1972, with 12 of them landing.

“No one at NASA forgot their

history books. They knew how to do this,” Isaacman said. “Now we’re putting it in action.”

To pick up the pace and reduce risk, NASA will standardize its Space Launch System rockets moving forward, Isaacman said. These are the massive rockets that will launch astronauts to the moon aboard Orion capsules. At the same time, Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Je Bezos’ Blue Origin are speeding up their work on the landers needed to get the astronauts from lunar orbit down to the surface.

Isaacman said next year will see an Orion crew rendezvousing in orbit around Earth with SpaceX’s Starship, Blue Origin’s Blue Moon or both landers. It’s similar to the methodical approach that worked so well during Apollo in the late 1960s, he noted. Apollo 8, astronauts’ rst ight to the moon, was followed by two more missions before Armstrong and Aldrin aimed for the lunar surface.

“We should be getting back to basics and doing what we know works,” he said.

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel recommended this week that NASA revise its objectives for Artemis III “given the demanding mission goals.” It’s urgent the space agency do that, the panel said, if the United States hopes to safely return astronauts to the moon. Isaacman said the revised Artemis ight plan addresses the panel’s concerns and is supported by industry and the Trump administration.

tivated our imagination ... and people are now starting to see the value in investing in these as assets,” LuJan said.

But the hot market has some paleontologists concerned that important specimens could disappear into private collections, depriving scientists of important research opportunities. Public museums are “getting totally priced out of an exploding market,” said Kristi Curry Rogers, a paleontologist at Minnesota’s Macalester College.

“If a fossil goes into a private collection without guaranteed access forever, that data is essentially lost to science,” said Curry Rogers,

who is not involved in the sale.

LuJan emphasized that Trey has always been privately owned, and he hopes it will end up in a museum, just like Apex, which is now on display at New York’s American Museum of Natural History after its buyer signed a long-term loan agreement allowing scientists to study it.

“Because we’ve had this paradigm shift in what owning dinosaurs means to society, people are naturally gravitating toward these benevolent situations where they loan them long-term to museums or they end up donating them to a new museum that’s just being born,” LuJan said.