North State Journal Vol. 11, Issue 20

Happy birthday, America

Though it was delayed by storms, an enormous reworks display — said to be a world-record, though it has yet to be certi ed by Guinness — over the National Mall in Washington, D.C. delighted hundreds of thousands of Americans who stayed up past midnight to see it. The 40-minute show saw some 850,000 individual shells launched into the air, with heavy rain beginning again just moments after the show completed.

the BRIEF this week

Hamas dissolves its government in Gaza to transfer power to a UN-backed committee

Hamas says it has dissolved its government in Gaza and is preparing to transfer power to a U.N.-backed technical committee. The decision announced Monday is part of a U.S.-brokered cease re deal. Hamas did not clarify if it would disarm or hand over security to an international force. The Board of Peace, led by U.S. President Donald Trump, says it will assess the impact based on actions. Israel dismissed the announcement as a ploy by Hamas to avoid disarmament. The technocratic committee is tasked with restoring services and overseeing civilian a airs in Gaza. Israeli strikes have lessened since the cease re but continue almost daily, targeting Hamas and other militants, and also killing civilians.

Three tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz as US revokes license authorizing sale of Iranian oil

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, and hours later the United States revoked a license that had authorized the sale of Iranian oil. The assaults announced Tuesday by the British military were the most in a single day in the fuel-shipping waterway since late April. The fresh attacks threatened to choke o the ow of tra c in the strait just as countries hoped to restore normal shipping practices and ease the global economic strain of the war. A U.S. o cial said the license was revoked because Iran’s actions in the strait were unacceptable and needed to be met with consequences.

New law would protect farmland from foreign ownership

It also covers areas near military installations

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A bill protecting certain areas and types of land in the state from foreign ownership is headed to Gov. Josh Stein’s desk. The Farmland and Military Protection Act (House Bill 133) would stop certain adversarial foreign governments and their

related companies from buying or leasing farmland and property near the state’s military bases.

The bill received its nal approval vote in the House last Tuesday by a vote of 111-2. The two votes against the measure came from Rep. Maria Cervania (D-Wake) and Rep. Laura Budd (D-Mecklenburg).

The bill was rst passed unanimously by the House in April 2025.

North Carolina nally passes state budget

The $34B bill gives raises, tax relief and Medicaid funding

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The state has a budget.

Gov. Josh Stein signed it on Tuesday morning after the legislature passed it last week.

“When we work together across our di erences and put people rst, we can make good things happen,” Stein wrote in a post on social media. “That’s why today I’m signing the budget.”

The appropriations bill received bipartisan support; the House passed it 88-21, and the Senate’s vote was 35-10.

“This budget helps North Carolinians keep more of their hard-earned money while making historic investments in the people who serve our communities every day — from teachers and state employees to law enforcement,” said House

Rockingham sheri sues Senate Leader’s son

Sam Page is suing Kevin Berger, alleging retaliation for legislation and candidacy

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Rockingham County Sheri Sam Page is suing Rockingham County and Kevin Berger, son of Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), according to court documents recently led in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Page defeated Phil Berger in the March primary for Berger’s Senate seat, which spans part of Guilford County as well

as Rockingham. Page faces Steve Luking, a Democrat, in the upcoming November general election.

Court records also show attorney Alicia Jurney is representing Page in the current lawsuit. She was involved in his campaign during recount requests made by Phil Berger following the primary.

The suit claims violations of the First and 14th Amendments and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief plus damages, including punitive damages against Berger personally. Kevin Berger has yet to comment on the complaint. According to the complaint, Page alleges his opposition to a

“This case arises from Defendants’ retaliation against Sheri Page for his opposition to Senator Berger’s casino legislation and candidacy.” Lawsuit ling

Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) in a statement.

“The 2026 Appropriations Act demonstrates that we can deliver tax relief in a responsible way while making historic investments in raises for teachers and law enforcement, efforts to root out fraud in government, ongoing Helene recovery for Western North Carolina, and more,” Hall said. “The House fought hard for this budget, and the result is proof that we can keep taxes low, spend wisely, and invest in the priorities that matter most.”

Minority Leader Rep. Robert Reives (D-Chatham) issued a separate statement critical of the time it took to pass the budget.

“This is not the budget that House Democrats would have written, and as with many of the bills we pass in this General Assembly, it’s a mixed bag,” Reives said in part.

The initial round of approvals came on July 1, with both

the word | Blessings from burdens

“Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I ee unto thee to hide me.” Psalm 143:9

Any moment we may be stricken down.

Each day is full of dangers — dangers we cannot see, and from which we cannot protect ourselves. Disease lurks in the air we breathe, and hides in the water we drink, or in the food we eat. Along the street where we walk, on the railway over which we ride — there are perils. Any moment we may be stricken down. There may be enemies who are plotting against us, conspiring to do us harm.

There are certainly spiritual enemies, who are seeking to destroy us. The sunniest day is full of them. No African jungle is so full of savage and blood-thirsty wild beasts — as the common days in our lives are full of spiritual enemies and perils. These dangers are unseen — and hence cannot protect ourselves. “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy! He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour!” 1 Peter 5:8

What, then, can we do? As we go out in the morning we can o er this prayer, “Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You.” We can thus put our frail, imperiled lives — into the hands of our almighty God.

“Cast your burden upon the Lord — and He shall sustain you.” Psalm 55:22. Every burden you have, you may cast on the Lord; that is, you may lay it on Him in prayer and by faith. But notice that God does not promise to lift the burden away — all He promises is to sustain you, that is, to give you strength to do the work, to bear the burden, to meet the di culty, to master the hindrance or the obstacle.

We need the burden. It is God’s gift to us, and has a blessing in it, which we cannot a ord to miss. Prayer does not take our trials away — but it puts our life into the hands of God — so that in His keeping, we shall be kept from harm while we pass through our trials. It brings God’s grace into our heart — to preserve us from falling into sin; and God’s strength into our life —

Charter schools to access new $50M federal grant

A new line of credit will help schools access funds

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools has teamed up with Building Hope to provide a new line of credit, helping charter schools tap into the state’s largest-ever federal charter schools program grant award.

Last December, the U.S. Department of Education announced the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools (NCAPCS) would receive a $52.9 million grant award.

NCAPCS in turn said it

would use the funds for its NC Growing Results-Oriented Wins with Charter Schools Program starting in 2025 and running through 2030. The funds will support charter school expansion with a focus on career and technical education, STEM and AI charter models.

“This grant represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for North Carolina’s charter schools,” said Rhonda Dillingham, executive director of NCAPCS. “But opportunity alone isn’t enough if schools can’t access the funding. Our partnership with Building Hope removes that barrier and ensures that new schools — the schools that need this support most — can fully participate from day one.”

The federal grant works on a

Rhonda

reimbursement system, meaning schools have to spend their own money rst on approved costs before getting the grant dollars back. That requirement often makes it hard for new charter schools to take part and the new line of credit from Building Hope seeks to solve that problem by giving schools the upfront cash they need to move forward.

that we may be victorious over our enemies. Not to pray as we go into the day’s dangers and trials — is to meet them without the help of Christ, and surely to su er hurt, and possibly to fall into sin.

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.

Building Hope, which has provided similar credit lines in other states, is expanding its model in North Carolina.

“New charter schools are often the most innovative — and the most under-resourced,” said Robin Odland, president of Building Hope Finance.

Per its website, Building Hope has helped charter school projects to the tune of over $2 billion.

“Through our work with charter school communities in states such as Florida, Texas and Idaho, we’ve seen rsthand how access to exible capital can help promising schools overcome early funding challenges and accelerate their impact,” said Odland. “This line of credit ensures North Carolina’s new charter schools can access critical funding and deliver on the tremendous opportunities the state is creating for its students.”

Over the ve-year grant period, NCAPCS said in a press release it plans to award 42 subgrants ranging from $500,000 to $2 million, with 28 directed

speci cally to new schools. The rst two awards went to Mecklenburg County’s Celeste Beauty Academy and Carolina Achieve Charter School in Mebane.

Schools interested in the grant or the credit line can contact Meredith Flowe at meredith. owe@ncpubliccharters. org. Charter schools are deemed public schools under North Carolina law. The cap on the number of charters in the state was lifted by the legislature in 2011.

According to the most recent charter schools report to the General Assembly, charters have “grown by 113%, reaching a peak of 213 schools at the start of the 2025 academic year.” Charter school enrollment has more than doubled over the past decade with the current report stating 161,057 students enrolled in charters, or 10.5% of total K-12 public school enrollment. That enrollment number as a whole means charter schools are the largest district in the state.

ROSE / NORTH STATE

Farmland in North Carolina will be o limits to buyers from certain countries if Gov. Stein signs The Farmland and Military Protection Act.

before it would become law

without his signature. The bill targets “prohibited foreign parties” tied to countries listed in federal arms-control regulations. It bars them from acquiring agricultural land anywhere in North Carolina or any land within a 50mile radius of major installations such as Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and others. Foreign parties who already

own covered land before the law takes e ect can keep it but must register the ownership with the Secretary of State, which will publish a public list. Anyone who later acquires such land through inheritance, foreclosure or debt collection must sell it within one year. At closing on any covered property, buyers would have to sign a simple a davit swearing they are not a prohibited foreign party. The latest

version clari es that Registers of Deeds are not responsible for enforcing this a davit and that it will not trigger extra recording fees. If a foreign entity or individual violates the rules, the attorney general can ask a court to appoint a receiver to sell the land. The foreign owner gets none of the sale proceeds after debts and costs are paid; any leftover money goes to the state. Lenders could also treat a

violation as an automatic loan default.

The bill protects real estate agents, title companies and ordinary sellers from liability unless they knowingly help a prohibited foreign party break the law. It does not create a private right to sue.

The measure would take effect April 1, 2027, after the state publishes a map showing the protected zones around military bases.

Jackson joins lawsuit against Medicaid expansion work requirements

States allege a changed de nition to the “medically frail” exemption is unlawful

By Jessica Taylor For North State Journal

RALEIGH — Attorney General Je Jackson has joined forces with 22 attorneys general to sue the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, challenging a new federal rule regarding Medicaid work requirements.

The lawsuit alleges the rule will put thousands of North Carolinians with severe illnesses, such as cancer, at risk of losing Medicaid coverage while undergoing treatment.

“This is cruel and illegal. The sickest people in North Carolina — people with late-stage cancer and life-threatening illnesses — are being put at risk of losing healthcare while they are still in treatment,” Jackson said in a press release.

“Congress passed a law to protect these patients speci cally. Then the Medicaid agency broke that law and put these patients back at risk,” said Jackson. “We’re going to court to defend the law and these patients.”

The lawsuit emerged after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an interim nal rule on June 1 that addressed new requirements for adults in Medicaid to meet an 80 hours per month work requirement.

The lawsuit alleges that the interim nal rule nar -

BUDGET from page A1

chambers seeing bipartisan support with a vote of 37-12 in the Senate and 92-23 in the House.

The roughly $34 billion spending plan for scal year 2026-27 includes teacher and law enforcement raises, Hurricane Helene recovery funding, tax relief, and changes to several state boards. All budget documents can be accessed under Senate Bill 257 on the General Assembly website.

The budget agreement was reached in the evening hours of June 28, and largely follows the framework House and Senate leaders announced last month.

WHAT’S IN THE BUDGET

Salary boosts

Teachers would receive an average 8% raise plus service-based bonuses, with starting pay for new teachers rising to $48,000 before local supplements. Assistant principals get an average 6.3% increase. The bonuses for teachers and assistant principals are $500 for one to 15 years of experience and $1,000 for 16 years or more. Bonuses for principals are tied to statewide growth percentages.

State employees receive a 3% across-the-board raise plus

Then-candidate for Attorney General Je Jackson speaks at a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris in Charlotte in 2024.

rowed the protections given to medically frail individuals under Medicaid.

Through H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), medically frail individuals were speci ed as being blind or disabled, having a physical, intellectual or developmental disability limiting one or more activities of daily living, having a substance use disorder, having a disabling mental disorder or having a serious or complex medical condition.

Through the interim nal rule, states are responsible for identifying those who are and are not subject to the work requirements, as well as if their conditions impair their ability to engage in the 80-hour monthly requirement.

According to the lawsuit,

“When we work together across our di erences and put people rst, we can make good things happen.”

Gov. Josh Stein

salary level-linked one-time bonuses in two tiers: $1,750 for employees earning $65,000 or less and $1,000 for employees earning more than $65,000. Law enforcement sees bigger gains, with State Bureau of Investigation o cers getting an average 20.3% raise. Alcohol Law Enforcement o cers and SBI civilian employees will get an average raise of 27.5%.

Highway Patrol would see a 17.7% increase, correctional ofcers 15.4%, and other o cers 13%. Local law enforcement ofcers would also get a one-time $1,750 bonus.

None of the raises in the budget are retroactive and instead begin in the upcoming scal year set to start this month.

Hurricane Helene relief

More than $700 million is allocated including $450 million

the CMS broke the law established by the OBBBA by making it harder for medically frail individuals to receive Medicaid coverage. The lawsuit alleges that the interim nal rule adopts a narrower de nition of medically frail, requiring individuals to prove their inability to meet the 80-hour requirement.

“Our priority is to ensure eligible North Carolinians get and keep vital health care coverage they need to live healthy, productive lives,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “The current guidance from our federal partners creates a barrier to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our state.”

The lawsuit further alleges that the CMS violates

for matching federal programs like FEMA Public Assistance, $65 million for ineligible local capital projects, with up to $30 million for volunteer re departments.

Additionally, $43 million is set aside for nonpro ts and private road/bridge repairs, and $40 million for temporary relocation assistance.

Tax relief

The state income tax rate will go from 3.99% to 3.49% starting in 2027.

The budget locks in personal income tax rate reductions, aiming for 2.99% by 2032, with additional quarter-percent instead of half-percent reductions possible based on revenue performance thereafter, with the goal of reaching 2.49%. It removes the previous revenue triggers and sets a xed schedule instead.

Other related tax items include a hospital sales tax loophole being closed, as well as repealing the data center electricity sales tax exemption.

Children’s Hospital funds greenlit

The budget releases $208.5 million for N.C. Children’s Hospital to be built in the southern

“The sickest people in North Carolina … are being put at risk of losing healthcare while they are still in treatment.”

Je Jackson, NC Attorney General

Congress’s power of the purse in the U.S. Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act, which dictates how U.S. government agencies propose and establish regulations and make decisions.

The court is being asked to preliminarily and permanently ban the CMS from implementing the change to the medically frail de nition and allow the rest of the bill to take e ect.

The interim nal rule implements and enforces the passage of the OBBBA. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act requires applicable individuals to meet community engagement standards as a condition of Medicaid eligibility. Applicable individuals required to ful ll the work requirement are generally non-disabled, non-pregnant adults ages 19 to 64.

An individual meets those requirements for a month if they complete 80 hours of activity, which includes paid employment, community service, participation in a work program, enrollment at least half-time in an educational program, earning income equivalent to working 80 hours at minimum wage ($580 per month) or a combination total-

Wake County town of Apex. Sports Wagering and universities

The budget would raise taxes on sports gambling operators from 18% to 23%. It also adjusts how the revenue is shared so that UNC and NC State will now receive a portion, along with other schools.

More than $287 million in sports wagering taxes has been collected by the state since online sports betting went live in mid-March 2024.

Other key provisions:

Rainy Day Fund boosted by more than $450 million, reaching over $4.2 billion.

$12 million to Wilson Community College for a workforce training center.

$1.6 billion to $1.9 billion for capital projects, including repairs to state agencies and UNC campuses.

State Board of Elections gets $15 million in funding for system upgrades and positions.

$133.9 million for the JetZero project at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

The Medicaid program will get over $1 billion in funding.

SNAP operations and summer food assistance includes a

ing 80 hours. Individuals are exempt from the requirement if they are younger than 19, Medicare bene ciaries, recently incarcerated, tribal members, caregivers of young children or disabled dependents, veterans with disability, medically frail individuals, pregnant or postpartum individuals, SNAP participants subject to work requirements or individuals in addiction treatment programs.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost healthcare coverage to eligible participants. More than 3 million North Carolinians receive coverage from Medicaid.

In 2023, North Carolina expanded Medicaid through House Bill 76 to change the eligibility threshold. Adults ages 19 to 64 with household incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level became covered; prior to the expansion, income limits were capped at 37% of the poverty level, and childless adults were generally ineligible for coverage.

More than 730,000 North Carolinians are enrolled in Medicaid expansion coverage as of June 1, 2026. North Carolina has anticipated spending nearly $30 million to accommodate the Medicaid changes, along with $44.4 million in the following years.

Medicaid in North Carolina has faced funding shortfalls in the past. The annual budget adjustment process for Medicaid in North Carolina has seen funding that includes $319 million, which covered a gap that projected Medicaid to run out of money by May.

$5 million state match to draw $60 million federal for SUN Bucks.

Education initiatives are included like math curriculum development ($10 million for K-8 standards), literacy programs ($13.8 million for middle school professional development), and community college workforce training ($6 million for highcost programs).

Boards and commissions changes

The bill includes restructuring for several boards and commissions, shifting some appointments away from the Governor. What’s not in the budget

The clawback of NCInnovation’s $500 million endowment was not included. NCInnovation is a nonpro t incubator to help university-level research get to market faster.

A proposed $1.7 billion Major League Baseball stadium in Raleigh. The stadium was reportedly backed by the Senate for about $500 million, but was opposed by the House.

No major overhauls to election laws or related topics.

For more detail on the budget, see an expanded version of this article on NSJOnline.com.

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THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Answering JFK’s ask-fors

“Ask not what your country can do for you — Ask what you can do for your country.”

JFK

FUTURE AMERICANS will look back in history at the people we elect and see if they helped advance or continue the values set forth by our Founders which we celebrated this past July 4.

One leader who transferred the hopes and dreams of the Founders in a most eloquent and uplifting manner was Democratic President John F. Kennedy not so long ago. His Inaugural Address on Jan. 20, 1961 is a must-read not only for every Democrat today but every Republican and Independent who wants to draw inspiration and hope for the future.

President Kennedy entered the White House at the beginning of what would become a tense — and close to white-hot — Cold War with the communist Soviet Union led by Premier Nikita Khrushchev. No one knew how the youngest President in American history (age 43) would respond to the pressures of leading a world superpower in the tumultuous post-nuclear world.

However, President Kennedy laid out a solid framework for how he saw America’s role in the far more modern and complex world than the Founders could have ever imagined. He did it without throwing away the traditional Christian values that made America from its inception but anchored them into what he could see America becoming in the future.

The Founders knew each generation had to determine for themselves what they wanted from their government which is why they set up biennial elections. But they also knew that a new government couldn’t survive unless the people were religious, faithbased and capable of self-governing themselves before asking government to police their every action.

Those Christian values are summed up in Paul’s letter to the Philippians — “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. And the God of peace will be with you.”

They set up solid constitutional guardrails as checks and balances so no future generation could simply throw the proverbial constitutional government baby out with the bath water in a t of anger or unrest. That Constitution survived a Civil War, two World Wars, numerous recessions, civil unrest and COVID just to name a few of the biggest threats to its existence over time. It will have to help us survive the civil unrest we have seen in the streets of many

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

cities from the Anti-ICE forces to the Teen Takeovers of cities such as Raleigh on July 4.

Listen carefully to what Kennedy said in his Inaugural Address:

We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom — symbolizing an end as well as a beginning — signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

The world is very di erent now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe — the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that rst revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans — born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage — and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

JFK concluded his speech with an iconic challenge as apt today as it was then: “ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

For one thing, every legal citizen has to be registered to vote and then vote for the people who will continue this heritage handed down by our forebears. There are more than 250,000 evangelical Christians in North Carolina who are not registered to vote, all of whom could be the di erence maker in any election between defenders of the American tradition and those who are not. Voting for the people who will continue the American tradition is the very minimum thing any legal citizen can do for their country.

What I’ve learned from four years of full-time caregiving

The most important thing I’ve learned through all of this is gratitude

I’VE BEEN A FULL-TIME caregiver for my mom for four years now, but my caregiving responsibilities actually started much earlier than 2022.

I can’t pinpoint an exact time it started, but at some point I began to notice Mom having to put more time and energy into caregiving for my dad, so I started visiting the house every other week or so and would stay for roughly a week at a time. It was to assist in caring for Dad, of course, whose challenges were becoming more apparent the longer he was on dialysis.

But it was also to help care for her, because it was starting to take its toll on her health, something she refused to admit but which my sisters and I could plainly see.

I learned a lot from her during that timeframe, and one of the most important things was that, when it comes to caregiving, you have to be able to pick and choose your battles with the person for whom you are caring.

For instance, my dad had to be careful about what he ate, and though Mom did as best she could with his diet, there were times when he was simply going to eat what he wanted. After a while, she stopped trying to

get him to change his mind and just let it go in those moments, because at the end of the day, Dad was of sound mind and still ercely independent to the extent he could be. She understood that his making such decisions, which he didn’t do often, was his small way of holding on to that independence.

I’ve learned to do the same with mom. She has to be careful with her food choices, too. Not to the extent dad had to be, but it’s enough that she and I have had a fair amount of disagreements over food, drink, snacks, etc. over the last four years, and compromises have had to be made on both our parts. We don’t have a perfect system by far, but for the most part, it works.

Related to that, something else I’ve learned is that your loved one needs to maintain as much independence as they can, with your help. As strange as it sounds, it’s entirely doable. For instance, Mom has mobility challenges, but she can still walk with the aid of her walker. She still wants to make her breakfast in the morning, but sometimes getting around to do everything she needs to in the kitchen can be a lot for her to manage.

So what I do is get out all the things she

needs, like the milk, the cream cheese, the bagel, the banana, and/or whatever it is she’s planning to have. I put the ingredients on the countertop so she doesn’t have to take the extra steps of gathering everything together. It makes her feel good to be able to prepare her breakfast on her own, even though she had a little help from me along the way.

Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned through all of this is gratitude. I am so grateful that the Lord provided a job for me all those years ago that I love, and where I can work from home and have the exible schedule I need to be a full-time caregiver.

Not everyone has that choice, but I feel blessed beyond measure that I’ve had it, because there is honestly no place on earth I’d rather be than there for my mom, to help her through her health challenges, and to try to give her the best life she can have in her golden years. She deserves nothing less.

Love you, Mom. And thank you, Jesus. 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.

COLUMN | BRAD BRINER

TANSTAAFL

For those under 2 years old, there could be an initial contribution of $1,000.

HAVE YOU SEEN that acronym before? I hadn’t when I walked into my fth-grade science class. Little did I know it would not only teach me about Newton’s Third Law of Motion (for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction) but also an important but simple premise of nancial literacy: There Ain’t No Such Thing As a Free Lunch. TANSTAAFL.

While it is true that there is nothing completely free — there are some things in your nancial life that are close enough to free that you should pay attention and take advantage when possible. Sure, there may be some paperwork to do for any of these suggestions below, but it will certainly be worth it. After a couple of months of heavy material, we wanted to keep it light and straightforward this month!

For those of you with access to a 401(k), a 403(b) or a 457-style retirement plan through your work, which is a majority of the workers in the state, you may have a “free” match on your contributions into that plan. That means if you can make an equal level of contribution to what the employer is willing to match, you maximize this free money and you will be well on your way to a secure retirement. These accounts were created under the H.R. 1, or the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, to allow young people to start saving and investing, with some government help, from a very early age. They are also known as 530(A) accounts. For those under 2 years old, there could be an initial contribution of $1,000, and for those between 2 and 10 it could be $250.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Claim this “free” money today by setting up an account for the young people in your family at trumpaccounts.gov — they went live on July 4, and the sooner you sign up, the earlier that money starts working for your kids.

Each state has an unclaimed property o ce — also called Escheats. In North Carolina, we estimate that about one out of every seven people in the state have money sitting with our unclaimed property o ce, waiting for you to claim it! Make sure you go to NCCash.gov and check to see if we have something that is yours… and then check the records for other states you have lived in previously.

For those of you who are looking to attend an undergraduate degree program sometime soon, there is a great deal of federal assistance available, perhaps none better than the Pell Grant. If you qualify for the grant based on lling out the FAFSA, the federal government will pay about $7,400 of your tuition as a grant.

Check your bene ts book carefully. Many employers o er tuition assistance, health savings accounts, exible spending accounts and other bene ts to help their employees defray costs. Be sure you are familiar with all that your employer o ers and make the most of it… it’s (kind of) free money!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July and America 250 celebration! We are all so blessed to live in this country. Even if there is no such thing as a truly free lunch.

Brad Briner is state treasurer of North Carolina.

Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship mistake

The political branches can no longer avoid confronting the immigration system that made this controversy so consequential in the rst place.

THE SUPREME COURT has now settled, at least for the foreseeable future, one of the most contentious questions in American immigration law: A child born in the United States is a U.S. citizen, regardless of whether the child’s parents entered the country legally or came solely to give birth. That remains the law after the court’s 6-3 decision in Trump v. Barbara.

Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by the court’s liberal justices, concluded that the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to virtually anyone born on American soil. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissented, arguing that the majority has fundamentally misread both the Constitution and American history.

The ruling itself is hardly surprising. Federal courts have interpreted birthright citizenship this way for generations. What is remarkable is the historical reasoning Roberts employs to justify that conclusion.

The 14th Amendment states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” The debate has always centered on these words: “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.”

If mere birth within U.S. borders automatically settled the matter, the jurisdiction language would seem unnecessary. Why include it at all? That question lies at the heart of the case.

Roberts traces the answer back to English common law, arguing that the American understanding of citizenship grew directly out of Britain’s doctrine of birthright subjecthood. Under that rule, even a foreign woman who entered Britain brie y, gave birth and immediately departed, still produced a child who owed allegiance to the Crown because the sovereign protected the child at birth.

According to the majority, the American Founders largely carried that principle forward after independence, replacing “subjects” with “citizens” while preserving the underlying rule.

The dissenters reject that premise entirely.

Thomas argues that the American Revolution was a rejection of the British conception of political allegiance itself. Americans ceased to be subjects of a monarch and became citizens of a republic. In his view, importing British common-law doctrines wholesale into the 14th Amendment ignores the very political philosophy that gave birth to the United States.

Thomas contends that “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” requires more than physical presence. It requires complete political allegiance to the United States, not merely temporary subjection to American laws while visiting the country. Under that interpretation, citizenship would depend in signi cant part on the legal status and allegiance of the parents.

That approach is not without precedent. American law already looks to parental status in several contexts. Children born to foreign diplomats, for example, are not automatically granted U.S. citizenship because their parents are not fully subject to American jurisdiction.

Thomas also disputes the majority’s historical account. He argues that the court relies heavily on the 1898 decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark while overlooking evidence from the years immediately following the rati cation of the 14th Amendment. According to the dissent, all three branches of the federal government initially rejected the sweeping interpretation the court now embraces, and 19th-century Americans generally viewed exclusive national allegiance as incompatible with widespread dual citizenship.

Alito argues that the court is allowing practical concerns about modern immigration to shape its constitutional interpretation. Reversing the current understanding of birthright citizenship, he acknowledges, could create enormous legal and political complications for millions of people. But, Alito writes, avoiding di cult consequences is not a valid reason to adopt what he considers an incorrect reading of the Constitution.

In one of the sharpest passages of his dissent, Alito argues that the 14th Amendment does not require the nation to extend citizenship to the children of socalled birth tourists or others whose parents came to the United States solely to secure citizenship for their children. He concludes that the majority’s historical narrative is fundamentally awed, beginning with its assumption that America simply inherited Britain’s rule of birthright subjecthood after independence.

Whether one agrees with the majority or the dissent, the practical consequence is clear. Birthright citizenship remains the law of the land, and it is likely to remain so unless the Constitution is amended or the court revisits the issue in the future.

That places the responsibility squarely where it has long belonged: on Congress and the president. If policymakers believe current immigration policy encourages abuses of birthright citizenship, the remedy lies not with constitutional reinterpretation but with enforcing immigration law and reforming the nation’s border policies.

The Supreme Court has spoken. The constitutional debate will continue, but the political branches can no longer avoid confronting the immigration system that made this controversy so consequential in the rst place.

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

BE IN TOUCH: Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.

When will Obama say, ‘What’s happened to my party?’

FORMER PRESIDENT Barack Obama recently explained why he rarely comments on current politics: “There are moments ... where our core values are at stake. In those moments, I think it’s appropriate for me to say something.”

But if the rise of democratic socialism inside his own party, the growing denunciation of capitalism and accusations that Israel is committing “genocide” don’t qualify as moments when America’s core values are at stake, what does?

In 2013, Obama said, “... nobody questions the e cacy of market economies in terms of producing wealth and innovation and keeping us competitive.”

Today, some of the Democratic Party’s rising stars, with the biggest voices, do exactly that.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani vows to “replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.” One of his endorsed candidates for the U.S. House, Darializa Avila Chevalier, expressed views that would have been unrecognizable in the Democratic Party of President Obama.

Avila Chevalier once retweeted: “I just cannot get over the fact that the universe has foisted upon us the perfect illustration of literally every failing of capitalism and people are still like we can’t be communists cuz there won’t be enough types of soup.” CNN examined her now-deleted X account and reported it contained “repeated sympathetic references to communism, Marxist ideology and Soviet gures, including Vladimir Lenin.” Another post encouraged workers to “seize the means of production.” Another advocated worker control of wealth. She wrote: “You can call that communism, you can call it socialism, you can call it pancakes.” She described Karl Marx’s “Das Kapital” as an “essential must-read.”

Her posts went well beyond economics. In April 2020, she called Joe Biden a “rapist.” After then-Vice President Kamala Harris urged migrants not to cross the southern border illegally, Avila Chevalier responded: “I have no nuance to add. (Expletive) Kamala Harris.”

Avila Chevalier called for abolishing police and prisons, posted about wiping her hands on the American ag, and denounced interracial relationships by accusing Black and Arab men of “fetishizing ugly colonizer women,” one of several posts in which she attacked white women.

Claire Valdez, another Mamdani-endorsed Democratic nominee for the U.S. House, has vowed to “take away buildings” from alleged slumlords and supports nationwide rent control.

Where is Barack Obama?

This brings us to Israel.

Mamdani, Avila Chevalier and Valdez belong to the Democratic Socialists of America, an organization that supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel and calls Israel an “apartheid” state engaged in “genocide” in Gaza. Never mind that then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken in 2024 called the genocide accusation “meritless.”

Following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, Obama defended Israel’s right to defend itself. He has never accused Israel of genocide. In 2025, he wrote on X: “After two years of unimaginable loss and su ering for Israeli families and the people of Gaza, we should all be encouraged and relieved that an end to the con ict is within sight; that those hostages still being held will be reunited with their families; and that vital aid can start reaching those inside Gaza whose lives have been shattered.”

But as Mamdani, DSA-backed candidates and others within the Democratic Party increasingly describe Israel as an apartheid state committing genocide, where is Obama?

How strong is this socialist, anti-Israel tide?

California Gov. Gavin Newsom strongly opposed a wealth tax in California on the state ballot in November, warning that it would drive high earners from California. Yet almost immediately after all Mamdani-endorsed candidates won their primaries, Newsom called for “an economic reset for America” and endorsed a nationwide billionaire tax.

California state Sen. Scott Wiener, a gay Jewish progressive Democrat running to succeed retiring Rep. Nancy Pelosi, was loudly and profanely berated a week ago at a Trans Pride march for refusing to accuse Israel of genocide. Days later, he reversed himself and did just that.

Obama once sco ed at those who called him a socialist, saying they should “meet real socialists.” He defended market economics as the engine of innovation and prosperity. He defended Israel’s right to defend itself. He urged Americans to reject ideological extremes.

Obama says he speaks when America’s “core values are at stake.” Many Americans — including many Democrats — might reasonably ask: If not this, what? If not now, when?

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Murphy to Manteo Jones

NC earns multiple James Beard honors

2026 James Beard Award Appearances

By A.P.

NEWS

RiverLink rallies community to restore ood-resistant bamboo

Buncombe County A local nonpro t’s new community push is spotlighting a native bamboo plant species they believe, with more of it, could help areas better withstand future ooding. RiverLink is rallying volunteers around restoring river cane, a plant the group said showed remarkable resilience during Helene’s ooding and could play a role in protecting riverbanks during future storms. This initiative is part of “Creek Week,” the group’s rst weeklong celebration of local waterways, conservation, advocacy and stewardship. RiverLink organizers say areas where river cane was growing appeared to fare better during ooding during Helene, while some locations without it experienced more signi cant erosion and damage. The plant’s dense root systems help stabilize soil and streambanks, allowing oodwaters to pass over the landscape without washing it away, the group’s website notes. The organization reports that restoring more river cane across the watershed can become part of a broader strategy to improve ood resilience in the years ahead.

WLOS

PIEDMONT

Atrium Health to pay $1.8M settlement over web tracking

Mecklenburg County

Atrium Health has agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that alleges it used pixel-tracking on its website and, for a limited period, disclosed personal and health-related information to third parties, including Meta and Google through its providers’ online portal. The settlement is divided into groups who are eligible for various awards for Atrium Health patients who had a MyAtriumHealth or MyCarolinas account at any time between Jan. 1, 2015, and April 10, 2024.

NSJ

Teen uses homemade ame device to break into school

Guilford County A High Point 18-year-old faces multiple felony charges for allegedly using a homemade plasma cannon to break into Smith High School in Greensboro.

EAST

Surf City residents evacuated after large re, roads closed

Piedmont man wins $1M lottery prize

Richmond County Everett Cooper, of Marston, bought a $10 scratch-o and won $1 million, according to an N.C. Education Lottery news release. “Something just told me to get that ticket,” he told local outlets. “I had that feeling.” Cooper bought his winning Cashword King ticket from CAPL Retail on South Main Street in Laurinburg. He said he enjoys playing the crossword-style tickets. “I like to have a co ee, take my time and enjoy myself when I play.”

NSJ

According to court documents, Solomon Caravello-Bell was arrested Sunday at Smith High School after o cers found him trying to force his way into the building. Investigators say he used a plasma cannon, listed as a weapon of mass destruction, to burn a bush and damage a plexiglass door at the school. Court documents say the suspect broke into the school with the intent to steal. A plasma cannon is part of a new viral trend to make homemade devices that can blast a forceful stream of ames. Police have not said whether the device in this case looked like this or whether it was functional. He’s being held at the Guilford County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond with court date is set for Sept. 8, 2026. WFMY

Onslow County Crews fought a house re for nearly 24 hours following a Fourth of July re in Surf City Saturday evening. O cials say the Surf City Fire Department responded around 11 p.m. to a large re in the 2200 block of South Shore Drive. O cials say the occupants safely evacuated before emergency crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. Nearby residential houses were evacuated as well. Surrounding roads remained closed through Sunday as crews battled hotspots at the residence.

WITN

Fireworks display cut short after accidental injury

Wilson County A reworks show at the Wilson County Fair came to an unexpected end Saturday night after an accident during the display left one person injured. Witnesses shared video on social media that appears to show reworks exploding unusually close to the ground. Several people also commented on the fair’s Facebook post, saying they noticed reworks detonating lower than expected during the show. Fair o cials did not say what

ENC man arrested after missing woman found Craven County The Craven County Sheri ’s O ce released information about a missing person incident over the weekend. Ryan Woolard was located Saturday night safely after making contact with her family, according to the Craven County Sheri ’s O ce. Forty-year-old Brandon Morris was suspected to be with Woolard and was arrested late Saturday night after a foot chase following a tra c stop in Bridgeton. Morris was served with his multiple felony warrants and is being held in the Craven County Con nement Facility, according to o cials. Morris was wanted for felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, and felony obtaining property by false pretense in Craven County. Morris also has warrants in Beaufort County for burglary and larceny of a rearm. Woolard’s family reported her missing after not having any contact with her since June 30, and they believed her to be with Morris. There is no information at this time about what led up to the kidnapping.

WNCT

3 re ghters killed in Colorado remembered for their bravery as wild res churn in the West

Record drought and limited snowfall are fueling dozens of wild res across Western states

By Jessica Hill, Wufei Yu and John Seewer The Associated Press

WITH WILDFIRES burning across many Western states, wildland re ghters gathered Sunday to pay tribute to three of their own who died after they were trapped by ames a week ago. Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson were remembered as courageous public servants who left a lasting impact on the communities where they worked.

“They showed up to make order out of chaos day after day with purpose, dedication and heart,” U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said during a memorial service in Grand Junction, Colorado, near where the re ghters died while battling ames on the Colorado-Utah border.

While that re is now almost entirely contained, nearly 40 large res are still going strong across the West. Most of the current res are scattered around Colorado, Utah and New Mexico while there are wild res in eight other states — from Alaska to Arizona.

Over the holiday weekend, more evacuations in Colorado were ordered across four counties where the Aspen Acres re had burned about 136

square miles south of Colorado Springs.

The re had damaged or destroyed more than 200 structures as of Sunday, authorities said. National Guard soldiers were sent in Friday to help with sta ng checkpoints on roads near the re zone.

Months of dry weather and a record lack of snow this past winter in some places along with erratic winds have been fueling the res.

The three re ghters killed on June 27 in western Colorado were members of a Helitack crew that sometimes drops into remote areas by helicopters.

Barker, Hutcherson and Watson and two others who sustained burn injuries were overcome by ames from

fast-moving res in Mesa County. They had deployed emergency protective shelters, which are considered a “last resort” for re ghters when there is no other way out.

Fennessy, the Wildland Fire Service chief, said Sunday that “the weight of this tragedy is felt way beyond our wildland re community.”

Photos of the re ghters were set up on the stage at the memorial service alongside owers and ags.

They worked jobs that require courage, sel essness, strength and heart, said Sarah Fisher, the U.S. Forest Service’s deputy chief for re and aviation management.

“The work demands long days, heavy burdens and quiet

acts of bravery,” she said. “We will remember them, we will honor their legacy and we will carry their light forward.”

Emily Barker

Barker, 38, had so much spirit, and the people around her always strived to be a better person by her presence, said Sarah Brubeck Schnurbusch, a friend and former roommate.

Barker was from Clinton Township, Michigan, and liked hiking, skiing, dirt biking and playing hockey. She loved reghting.

“I’ve never seen someone so excited to go to work,” Brubeck Schnurbusch said. She added that her friend helped pave the way for many women in the industry.

Barker was a trailblazer, rst working as a teacher “shaping young lives,” Fennessy said.

“She didn’t just live in wild places, she helped to shape them, care for them and make them better,” he said.

Nick Hutcherson

Hutcherson, 27, served in the U.S. Navy and had plans to become a physical therapy doctor, according to the Kaibab National Forest in Arizona where he was assigned. He was also an active member of the Northern Arizona Deaf and American Sign Language community.

Hutcherson, who was from Glendale, Arizona, “embodied the spirit of public service,” Fennessy said.

Le Pen says she’ll run for French presidency next year despite court-ordered monitor

Court reduced her ban to 45 months; electronic monitoring is on appeal

By Sylvie Corbet, John Leicester and Samuel Petrequin

The Associated Press

PARIS — Far-right leader

Marine Le Pen says she’ll run for the French presidency next year despite being sentenced Tuesday to wear a court-ordered electronic monitor for embezzlement.

The decision by the 57-yearold veteran of three presidential races sets up a fourth campaign like no other: potentially seeking votes while subject to monitoring and with a judge possibly deciding how, and for how long, the punishment is applied.

Le Pen said she will appeal the ruling to France’s highest court and that the process will suspend the sentence that she be electronically monitored for a year.

“I will therefore campaign without an electronic bracelet,” she said in a television interview Tuesday night. “Tonight, I am a candidate for the presidential election.”

from page A1

commercial casino project proposed for Rockingham County in 2023 by Phil Berger resulted in retaliation by Rockingham County o cials, including Kevin Berger.

“This case arises from Defendants’ retaliation against Sheri Page for his opposition to Senator Berger’s casino legislation and candidacy,” the complaint’s opening line states. Page alleges the county un-

Appeals court clears her pathway for another run

The appeals court ruling earlier Tuesday cleared the way for Le Pen by shortening a ban handed down by a court last year that kept her from seeking public o ce for ve years.

But it also said she must wear an electronic monitor, a constraint Le Pen previously said would make campaigning impossible.

But after huddling for hours with other leading gures of her National Rally party, Le Pen made clear Tuesday night that she believes she won’t be subjected to monitoring at all, and that her appeal to the Court of Cassation will vindicate her.

“My hands are clean,” she said.

The highest court previously said it would be able to rule before the presidential election, with the rst round in April and a knockout round in May.

“I want to pursue all the legal avenues available to me so that I can defend my innocence,” she said.

A similar situation arose in former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s corruption case. An appeals court sentenced him in 2023 to serve part of his sen-

lawfully stripped cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and merit increases from Page’s pay starting in scal year 2024-2025’s budget ordinance. The complaint says that move violated state statutes prohibiting midterm reductions in elected ofcials’ compensation without consent or Local Government Commission order.

In addition to the claim his salary was frozen, Page claims the county demanded repayment of a COLA lawfully paid in

“I will therefore campaign without an electronic bracelet. Tonight, I am a candidate for the presidential election.”

Marine Le Pen

tence under electronic monitoring. Sarkozy appealed to the Court of Cassation, which suspended Sarkozy’s sentence pending its review before ultimately upholding the conviction. He wore an electronic ankle monitor last year.

Appeals court con rms Le Pen’s guilt but reduces punishments

The appeals court ruled that Le Pen oversaw years of misuse by her National Rally party of European Parliament funds by paying sta with money intended for European Union parliamentary assistants. She denied criminal wrongdoing but said during the trial that the party had made a “mistake.”

The ruling upheld guilty verdicts for all 11 accused, including Le Pen and other party members. The party itself also

full the following scal year and the county threatened to deduct it from his nal paycheck upon retirement.

Page’s complaint also points to a 2026-2027 ordinance passed by Rockingham o cials declaring the sheri “not eligible” for COLA or merit increases, as well as the county treating the Register of Deeds position di erently, raising that o cial’s salary during the same period.

The complaint makes a serious allegation, accusing Kev-

was declared guilty. The court ruled that it embezzled 2.8 million euros ($3.2 million) over more than 11 years.

“The facts are serious,” said the chief judge, Michèle Agi. But the court scaled back punishments handed down by a lower court last year.

From ve years handed down in March 2025, Le Pen’s ban on seeking o ce was cut to 45 months, with two-thirds of it suspended. Le Pen has already served 15 months of the ban, meaning that the potential obstacle is now removed.

The verdict also cut her prison sentence from four years, two of them suspended, to three years with two suspended.

Le Pen previously said that not being able to make a fourth run in 2027 would amount to “political death.”

Le Pen went straight to her party’s o ce

From the courthouse, Le Pen went to the National Rally’s headquarters in Paris, to consult her protégé Jordan Bardella and others. Bardella, a European Parliament lawmaker, would have been Le Pen’s replacement as the party’s presidential candidate if she had decided that electronic moni-

in Berger of allegedly causing or arranging the removal or destruction of Page’s pre-July 2017 campaign nance reports, which the Rockingham County Board of Elections is legally required to preserve.

Page’s lawsuit goes on to accuse Kevin Berger of abusing his past position on the Rockingham Board of Commissioners by taking to social media to falsely accuse Page of campaign nance violations about the missing reports.

“They showed up to make order out of chaos day after day with purpose, dedication and heart.”

Brian Fennessy, U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief

He was a dedicated practitioner of Muay Thai martial arts who trained in Flagstaff. His favorite saying was “easy day,” Fennessy said, “because Nick had an uncommon ability to face hard things with optimism, humility and a smile.”

Sydney Watson Watson, 27, was from Warrior, Alabama, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee Southern, where she was a pitcher on the softball team, the university said. In 2023, she participated in a program in North Carolina organized by the Women-inFire Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges, the group said. In her application, she said she wanted to see more women on the fire line and to learn from other women in the field, the university said.

“From the time she was very young, she knew she wanted to be a firefighter someday,” Fennessy said.

“I have no doubt she inspired many young women to become a firefighter,” he said.

toring prevented her from running.

But a Le Pen has been on ballot papers at every presidential election since 1988: four times for her father and three times for her. Her embezzlement conviction leaves her open to attacks from critics and potential election opponents. But she quickly sought to turn the verdict into a campaign message, making the point that the court ruling restored the option for voters to cast ballots for her next year.

The party was called the National Front when her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, founded it in 1972. It ditched that name in 2018, part of Marine Le Pen’s e orts to broaden her appeal by moving away from her polarizing father’s legacy. His associations with people who collaborated with France’s Nazi occupiers in World War II and his multiple hate-speech convictions, including Holocaust denial, made the National Front anathema to many voters.

The court, in written notes detailing the verdict, made clear that it had the 2027 election in mind. It noted “the voter’s freedom of choice” and said the ban from seeking elected o ce that Le Pen has already served repaired harm done to public integrity by her wrongdoing.

“Disregarding this would undermine the principle of freedom to stand for election, an essential condition for the democratic expression of universal su rage,” the court said.

Another allegation relates to Berger reportedly claiming (from the Commissioners’ dais and on social media) that a modest, properly disclosed 2011 “Canteen Account” was Page’s “secret bank account.”

The Canteen Account holds vending machine proceeds for deputies, disclosed in writing to County Finance. Page goes on to accuse Berger of trying to “weaponize a baseless SBI investigation” over the Canteen Account.

features

Artspace marks 40 years as Raleigh creative hub

The Davie Street incubator opened its doors in 1986

By Dan Reeves North State Journal

RALEIGH — Before Artspace became one of Raleigh’s bestknown homes for working art ists, the building at 201 E. Da vie St. had a much di erent life.

Built in 1911 as the city’s liv ery stable, it later became the Sanders Ford dealership, a place built around cars, service bays and the business of getting people from one place to anoth er. For the past 40 years, it has done something similar for art ists.

Artspace is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades as a downtown Raleigh arts center, studio space and public gathering place. The organization opened to the public in November 1986 with 23 studios occupied by 32 artists. More than 1,500 people attended the opening.

That history matters because Artspace was never just another arts project. It was part of a larger bet that the arts could help bring people back downtown.

The idea began taking shape in 1980, when a group of community leaders approached the city with a vision for an arts center and cultural corridor in downtown Raleigh. The Raleigh Arts Commission formed an Art Space subcommittee to study the need for a multipurpose arts facility, and the former Sanders Ford building was eventually selected as the site.

One of the early gures in that e ort was the late Chief District Court Judge Russell “Rusty” Sherrill, who was appointed to the Raleigh Arts Commission in 1978 and chaired the commission in 1982. During that period, Sherrill chaired the Art Space subcommittee that later became Artspace Inc., helping move the idea from civic conversation to something with walls, studios and a front door.

The building itself still had to be transformed.

“The challenge, which was

considerable, was to take a long-abandoned building built for automobiles and create a space and a place for art to ourish,” artist and architect Thomas Sayre told Midtown Magazine.

Sally Bates, Artspace’s rst executive director, described the thinking behind the project in simpler terms.

“It was universally agreed that the arts were the magnet that would bring people downtown,” Bates told Midtown Magazine. “If the artists came, the people would come.” Turns out, they did.

Four decades later, Artspace remains one of the more visible pieces of that vision. The 30,000-square-foot build-

“If the artists came, the people would come.”

Sally Bates, Artspace’s rst executive director

ing now includes more than 30 working artists, three exhibition spaces, education space, a gift shop and o ces.

It is part gallery, part classroom and part working studio, giving visitors a chance to see art being made instead of only seeing the nished product on a wall.

That has always been the draw.

Artspace gives artists room to work in the middle of the city while giving visitors a direct line to the creative process. On any given visit, people can walk through the galleries, meet artists in their studios or take part in classes and public programs.

Carly Jones, Artspace’s president and CEO, told Axios the building is meant to be open to the community, not tucked away from it.

“We love our museums, but you can’t buy the art right o the wall, right?” Jones said.

The building has also been a proving ground.

Raleigh artist André Leon Gray was Artspace’s rst Emerging Artist in Residence in 2000, while painter Clarence Heyward was an Artspace Emerging Artist in Residence in 2021. Heyward’s work has since been held in collections including the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Nasher Museum of Art, the Ackland Art Museum and the Cameron Art Museum.

That role has become more important as Raleigh grows and a ordable creative space becomes harder to nd. In a city where the skyline keeps changing and rents rarely move backward, a building dedicated to artists in the middle of downtown is not a small thing.

Artspace also helped launch the First Friday Gallery Walk in 1990, a monthly tradition that continues to bring people into downtown galleries, shops and restaurants. The same year, Artspace launched its Summer Arts Program, giving young artists a place to learn from working artists and instructors.

The organization has continued expanding beyond its Davie Street walls. Its residency programs now support emerging artists, HBCU alumni artists and artists with disabilities. In 2024, Artspace launched Artspace on the Go, a mobile art van designed to bring artist-led programming to communities outside the building.

The anniversary year will continue with Art Bash 2026: Tomorrow, Imagined, set for Nov. 14. The 40th anniversary event will include exhibitions, art experiences, collecting opportunities and a live art bid.

For Artspace, the milestone is less about nostalgia than staying useful.

The building’s past is easy enough to see in the bones of the place. But the larger point is what has happened inside it: artists working, students learning, visitors wandering in and downtown Raleigh slowly growing around it.

Forty years after opening its doors, Artspace is still doing what it was built to do — giving artists space and giving the public a reason to walk in.

Seventh ‘Minions’ installment runs short on laughs

Lowbrow shtick can go only so far

By Bob Garver The Sun

“MINIONS & Monsters” is the seventh cinematic outing for the Minions, and the third where they take center stage, as opposed to playing backup for former supervillain Gru. The jellybean-like animated gibberish-spewers, all voiced by Pierre Co n, are once again taking the prequel route, as their story is told by a modern-day movie studio tour guide (Allison Janney), though a further framing device modi es even that context.

At the beginning of the story, the Minions are once again searching the world for a new home in their inexplicable quest to serve the most despicable master possible despite not having an evil bone (or possibly any bones) in their bodies. A hulking cyclops seems like a good candidate (let’s see if this movie and “The Odyssey” in two weeks lead to a rise of cyclopes in pop culture), but a creative, ambitious Minion named James screws everything up for everyone. He also screws things up with a mummy, a pirate, and a wizard with a book of spells. Most of the Minions despise James’s antics, but friends Henry and Ed think he’s funny and stick by him.

Washing up on American shores sometime in the 1920s, the Minions see an outlaw train robber and think he’ll make a great master. They destroy half

a town just to track him down to o er their services, then they nd out that he’s no outlaw at all. He’s an actor, the town is Hollywood, the train robbery was part of a movie from short-tempered director Max (Christoph Waltz), and the Minions ruined the take. Having used the last of his lm, Max is forced to present the picture, Minions and all, to a pair of nicky studio executives (both voiced by Je Bridges). Surprisingly, the execs love the Minions

and order them to be put into more lms. The whole tribe becomes movie stars overnight. To be clear, I love this portion of the lm. The obvious love of – and constant references to – the golden age of Hollywood should earn admiration from any red-blooded cinema lover. I’m just not crazy about the parts that come before the Hollywood invasion and after the Minions fall from grace because they have a hard time transitioning to

talkies (an appearance in “Citizen Kane” had me cracking up). Eventually, the Minions again need to nd a new master. Most of them settle on metallic space alien Dort (Jesse Eisenberg), who is either planning to invade Earth along with his home planet, or is just another actor in a clunky suit. The Minions help Dort in a cute romance with suffragette Debbie (Zoey Deutch), who is willing to spend time with him as long as he doesn’t

kick children (it’s sweeter than it sounds)

Meanwhile, James and his cohorts, trying to stay in the movie business by turning to directing, crack open their old wizard master’s spellbook to summon a monster for their sci- movie. They can only manage the puny Goomi (Trey Parker), but he can summon other monsters, including insatiable blob Irene, who tries to consume Hollywood. Can the Minions clean up the mess they created? Can James complete his movie and win an Oscar? Can this franchise nally give us an installment where the Minions and/or Gru’s family go up against Will Arnett’s evil banker from the rst “Despicable Me”? It’s been 16 years and it really bugs me that they’ve never seriously revisited that character.

The movie, as always, depends on your tolerance for the Minions’ lowbrow schtick. Here they’re most e ective when the movie is actively celebrating the art of schtick. But that’s just part of the movie, and the rest of the time I feel that they miss more gags than they hit. Plus, the last act drags as it tries to work in too many sci- elements. “Minions & Monsters” comes close to getting my recommendation, but it falls short by a margin thinner than a 1920’s mustache.

Grade: C

“Minions & Monsters” is rated PG for violence/action, language and rude/macabre humor. Its running time is 90 minutes.

How ‘Country Roads’ became soundtrack of U.S. soccer team’s World Cup run

The song, released in 1971, turned into John Denver’s biggest hit

By R.J. Rico The Associated Press

It’s become one of the enduring scenes of the U.S. team during this World Cup: jubilant U.S. players joining tens of thousands of fans in singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the end of their matches. Even coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was born in Argentina and lives in Spain, got in on the act after Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, belting out the words to Denver’s anthem as he hugged his players and sta members.

“Country Roads” cowriter Bill Dano told The Associated Press that he’s honored that the U.S. team has embraced the song, and that Denver, who died in a plane crash in 1997, would have relished watching the most recent match.

“It was such an exciting game — they were down a player with a red card, but they still won,” said Dano , who has started to become more of a soccer fan in recent weeks, partially due to the “Country Roads” connection. “I thought, ‘Gee, I wish John was still here.’ John got super excited about stu like that, and it would have been fun to watch that game with him.”

The John Denver estate told the AP that it is “thrilled” by the song’s latest revival at the World Cup, saying “Country Roads” has endured because its message transcends geography, and that its “simple, clear, and relatable” lyrics make it perfect for a sing-along.

“Everyone knows what ‘Take me home to the place I belong’ is about,” the estate said Thursday. “It’s not limited to West Virginia.”

The song has its origins in Maryland, not West Virginia

Despite the lyrics’ heartfelt embrace of West Virginia, Dano has said the inspiration for the song came from a drive he and his then-wife, cowriter Ta y Nivert, took along Maryland’s winding Clopper Road to attend a family reunion in Gaithersburg, some 25 miles east of the West Virginia border. “I just started thinking, country roads, I started thinking of me growing up in western New England and going on all these small roads,” Dano told Washington’s WRC-TV in

2020. “It didn’t have anything to do with Maryland or anyplace.”

At the time, Dano hadn’t spent considerable time in West Virginia. He was familiar, though, with Appalachian music broadcast from Wheeling, West Virginia’s famous WWVA radio station, which he listened to while growing up in Springeld, Massachusetts. Dano said he was also inspired by the West Virginia-born actor Chris Sarandon, as well as the West Virginian members of a commune who would frequently attend his gigs.

Dano said he and Nivert were planning to try to sell the song to Johnny Cash, but when

“Everyone knows what ‘Take me home to the place I belong’ is about. It’s not limited to West Virginia.”

John Denver Estate

they played an un nished version one night in their apartment for their friend John Denver, the singer-songwriter convinced them to let him record it instead. The song, released in 1971, has been a mainstay for decades.

“I don’t know all of the ways

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce marry among famous friends at Madison Square Garden

By Kimberlee Kruesi and Andrew Dalton

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married Friday night at Madison Square Garden, where actor Adam Sandler was the surprising ofciant at a ceremony and Stevie Nicks performed among a crowd packed with stars of sports and entertainment. The deep secrecy that surrounded the buildup to the nuptials lifted when a marquee outside the Midtown Manhattan arena proclaimed “JUST&T MARRIED” once the deed was done.

The couple did not have bridesmaids or groomsmen, instead having Swift’s younger brother Austin Swift serve as her man of honor with Kelce’s big brother and podcast co-host Jason Kelce his best man, Swift’s publicist Tree Paine said in an email.

The bride and groom’s out ts came from Christian Dior Haute Couture and its designer Jonathan Anderson with shoes custom-made by Christian Louboutin. She wore Cartier jewelry.

An almost-royal wedding

The long-anticipated union of sports and song brought hype to new heights at a venue made more for historic NBA games and bucket-list concerts. The Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar tight end and the music megastar married as fans and spectators gathered outside in blistering heat, eager to be part of the occasion, even though the event was almost entirely hidden.

Actors Bradley Cooper, Zoë Kravitz, Hugh Grant and Ethan Hawke; models Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss; comic Chris Rock; director Steven Spielberg; singer Camila Cabello and author Jenny Han were among the guests from the world of arts and en-

that song must have touched people, but I’m grateful that I have somehow been able to say something that has meaning for others,” Denver wrote years later.

‘Country Roads’ nds a new stage at the World Cup

According to The Athletic, FIFA o cials added “Country Roads” to its postgame playlist options in hopes of creating a shared moment between the U.S. team and its supporters. It made its debut at the end of the U.S.’s second match as the players celebrated their 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle. The song was an immediate hit both inside the stadium and on social media, as fans embraced the scenes of U.S. players waving to fans as they sang the lyrics.

“You could feel the connection with the fans,” mid elder Weston McKennie told reporters after the match.

John Denver’s song didn’t get quite the same reception on June 25 at Los Angeles Stadium, as it came after a de ating, though insigni cant, last-minute U.S. loss to Turkey.

But it came back in force Wednesday evening in Santa Clara, Calif., as the U.S. defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina to advance to the round of 16. Perhaps none were more enthusiastic than mid elders McKennie and Sebastian Berhalter, who swung their arms wildly as they wandered around the eld while singing to the fans.

‘Country Roads’ has long been a sports staple

It’s hardly the rst time that “Country Roads,” has been used by sports fans. It has long been a mainstay at West Virginia University football games, where Mountaineer fans serenade the team after its home victories.

It’s even found a home in Europe, where fans have been singing it during the NFL’s annual visit to Germany since the rst game in Munich in 2022. Fans there were used to singing the song during Oktoberfest celebrations.

been invited to the wedding, conrmed that Nicks performed and described the space as “intimate.”

“It’s hard to imagine a place that big and a wedding with such stars could feel so personal and so intimate.”

George Stephanopoulos

tertainment. Kelce’s coach Andy Reid and Chiefs teammates including running back Kareem Hunt were among the sports gures in the arena, along with retired NFL superstar Tom Brady, Seattle Seahawks receiver and recent Super Bowl champ Cooper Kupp, New York Giants receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and ESPN personalities Joe Buck and Stephen A. Smith.

In a culture obsessed with famous couplings it may have been the apex celebrity wedding, with perhaps only royal unions getting more attention. Holding such a ceremony in a huge, iconic space that sits at the center of the U.S. media universe while keeping all the details secret made for a surreal scene, but it was a mix of hype and hush that is not out of character for Swift.

A shrouded ceremony headed by Happy Gilmore

An Associated Press camera outside the arena showed a long line of black SUVs dropping o weddinggoers in tuxedos and evening gowns, surrounded by New Yorkers in shorts and Swifties amassing for the occasion. Rain brie y cut the heat shortly after the marriage was announced. There was a seemingly total lack of social media posts from guests once they had entered the arena, with phones apparently banned.

However, on Saturday, hosts of Good Morning America who had

“As intimate as it could possibly be given it was Madison Square Garden. Really this garden inside the garden, just so beautiful,” said George Stephanopoulos. “It’s hard to imagine a place that big and a wedding with such stars could feel so personal and so intimate.”

Robin Roberts added that both Swift and Kelce wrote their own vows.

Weddings have been a constant subject in Swift’s songs since she was a teenager, and her actually walking the aisle for the rst time at age 36 added to the drama. It was also the rst marriage for the 36-year-old threetime Super Bowl champ Kelce, who could have been one of the jock characters in Swift’s early hits.

Sandler, star of “The Wedding Singer” and many other hit comedies, can’t have been high on anyone’s betting list for who would marry the couple, though he’s become an increasingly warm and paternal cultural gure with age. The email announcing the marriage described him as “a friend” of the couple.

Welcome to New York — Taylor’s version

The Swift-Kelce relationship has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world — particularly the Swifties, the pop star’s enormous and ardent fan base — ever since the pair rst started dating in 2023 after he showed up at her Eras Tour concert at the Chiefs stadium.

Happy fans mixed with frazzled tourists outside the arena.

Lori Powers, who lives an hour north of Manhattan and rode the train in to be near the nuptials, said Swift’s “music is the soundtrack behind so many amazing moments in my life. Relationships, friends, like my husband and my kids.”

“Just being here and witnessing all the energy and the excitement, it’s so much fun,” Powers said. “The combination of sports and music makes perfect sense as to why they’re at Madison Square Garden today.”

SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK

NBA Summer League gets underway, B3

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NFL

Teammates of Kelce and others from around sports attend his wedding to Taylor Swift

New York

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Cooper Kupp and many other NFL players and prominent sports gures made up part of the starstudded crowd for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding at Madison Square Garden. A number of Kelce’s current or former Kansas City Chiefs teammates were at the wedding, as well as Kelce’s brother Jason and San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle.

NBA Robinson says injury before NBA Finals came from hitting truck amid concern for his brother

New York

Mitchell Robinson says the hand injury that left his status uncertain for the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals opener came after he punched a truck amid concern over his brother’s health. Robinson says it was an injury to his knuckle when he returned from the Knicks’ victory in Game 4 and learned that his brother was in a car crash. Robinson originally feared his brother was dead.

NBA Brown still processing how he became a former Boston Celtic after stunning trade with 76ers

Philadelphia Jaylen Brown says he’s still processing his trade from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers. Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and a ve-time All-Star, was traded for Paul George and draft picks. Brown expressed mixed emotions, highlighting his respect for Boston and its fans. He also noted feeling underappreciated after being included in previous trade talks.

Belgium beats US 4-1 to reach World Cup quarter nals

The Americans’ defensive lapses allowed Belgium to capitalize quickly

By Ronald Blum The Associated Press

SEATTLE — The United States’ hopes for a deep World Cup run at home ended when Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and assisted on another goal, helping Belgium expose the Americans’ defensive liabilities in a 4-1 win Monday night that earned a quarternal berth.

While the U.S. was boosted by the presence of star forward Folarin Balogun, whose onegame red-card suspension was controversially lifted by FIFA, American defenders were at fault in a pair of rst-half goals and goalkeeper Matt Freese’s ga e gave the Red Devils a

third early in the second half.

Second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku added Belgium’s nal goal in the third minute of

Despite lack of moves, Hurricanes don’t plan on being complacent

Carolina has made just one signing since the start of free agency

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

IT’S BEEN more than a week since the start of NHL Free Agency and despite over $1.2 billion worth of contracts having been handed out in that span, the Carolina Hurricanes have made a grand total of one deal.

The Hurricanes’ only deal so far has been a league minimum contract for Zach Sawchenko, a 28-year-old netminder who will provide extra positional depth down in the American Hockey League, hardly anything substantially newsworthy.

So why are the Hurricanes seemingly standing pat?

Well, for one, free agency can be one of the biggest traps for teams. While there are certainly gems every so often, such as when Nikolaj Ehlers hit the market last year, the majority of available players are ones looking to cash in for big paydays despite mostly all being past their primes.

With the way the NHL is set up, most players don’t hit the market until they’re already in their late 20s and with the salary cap once again rising, all those players are demanding more and more money, which is a challenge in a hard cap league like the NHL.

The second reason why Carolina hasn’t acted yet is because they’ve also essentially got their entire roster already set for next season, as the team has 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders

stoppage time after Chris Richards’ giveaway.

“Everyone saw from the beginning we didn’t connect with

“Everyone

from

the game,” said U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who showed his frustration after Belgium’s second goal by kicking a rack in front of the bench, sending four water bottles ying. “It’s a process to learn. We need to assess that game and we need to see why we didn’t approach the game in the same way that (we approached) the rest of the World Cup.”

Seeking its rst World Cup title, Belgium knocked the U.S. out in the round of 16 for the

See WORLD CUP, page B3

all signed to NHL contracts. “We have a group of players that are exceptional ts for the way we play, exceptional ts in the locker room and they’re all very good people who are very comfortable with each other,” said Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky. The defending Stanley Cup champs only had four players who played in the postseason that were on expiring deals, and one of those (Nicolas Deslauriers), has already been

taken care of.

The team opted to let 36-year-old goaltender Frederik Andersen walk — the Dane has already signed a oneyear deal with the Edmonton Oilers — and Mike Reilly isn’t expected to return either.

The only big question mark left is Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights, meaning that

THURSDAY 7.9.26

TRENDING

DJ Moore

The former Carolina Panther is making his presence felt with the Bills Ma a in Bu alo. Moore, a rst-round pick for the Panthers in 2018 who played with Carolina until 2022, saw a store at a mall in Bu alo selling Bills’ t-shirts with his name and jersey number on them. He spent $1,200 to buy out the entire stock and asked the store to give them away for free to Bills fans.

Cooper Ingle

The Asheville native and A.C. Reynolds High alum made his MLB debut for the Cleveland Guardians last week. Ingle, who played in Clemson, was a fourth round draft pick in 2023 and was hitting .284 with 12 homers and a .967 OPS at Triple-A Columbus. He started at DH and walked once in his debut. He got his rst MLB hit and RBI the next day.

Chris Johnson

The former ECU and NFL star is bringing back the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness of ALS as he ghts the fatal nervous system disease. The Ice Bucket Challenge gained popularity in the summer of 2014 as a way to raise ALS awareness. Johnson attempted to boost the cause once more in an Instagram post he issued after announcing on “Good Morning America” that he’s dealing with ALS.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“They were thinking we were going to show up in tuxedos.”

France’s Kylian Mbappé on winning a scrappy World Cup game over Paraguay to advance.

“All I can say is stay tuned to a city near you.”

Serena Williams on future playing plans after being eliminated at Wimbledon.

PRIME NUMBER

1,364

Career strikeouts by Aroldis Chapman, who became MLB’s career leader in strikeouts as a reliever, toppling a record that had stood for more than half a century. The Boston Red Sox’s 38-year-old Cuban left-hander, a Carolina Mudcats in 2011, has had a 17-year MLB career with seven teams.

NASCAR

Chase Briscoe held o Christopher Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway, racing to his rst Cup Series victory of the season. Briscoe was followed closely by Bell in the nal laps, but Bell was unable to run down his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate. Briscoe celebrated his sixth career win. It was Bell’s fourth runner-up nish this season.

The Texas Rangers and Budweiser set a world record for the largest-ever glass of beer on July 4: A 12-foot tall, 600-gallon glass beer stein. Guinness certi ed the record, breaking the previous mark of 550 gallons that was set in 2014 in the United Kingdom.

The international governing body for chess suspended former world champion Vladimir Kramnik for at least a year. Kramnik made unproven cheating allegations against opponents including Daniel Naroditsky, who denied it before dying last year in N.C. Kramnik will appeal. Kramnik could be suspended longer if there are further breaches of ethics.

Ashley Sanchez scored twice as the North Carolina Courage beat the Seattle Reign 3-1. Seattle took the lead in the 19th minute. Less than four minutes later, Sanchez had her eighth goal of the season to tie it. Riley Jackson converted a penalty shot to put North Carolina on top in the 64th minute. Sanchez scored again in the 71st.

Hornets add Finney-Smith, grow future draft stockpile

Charlotte acquires veteran wing, more picks in Rockets deal

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Hornets’ o season reset continued Friday with another move built with long-term exibility in mind.

Charlotte has acquired veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks from the Houston Rockets, taking on the remainder of Finney-Smith’s contract without sending a player or draft pick back to Houston.

The deal gives the Hornets another experienced wing who has spent most of his career defending multiple positions and spacing the oor.

It also gives president of basketball operations Je Peterson more future draft capital as the franchise continues reshaping its roster after its rst winning season in four years.

The picks headed to the Queen City are a 2027 second-rounder from Memphis, a 2028 second-rounder from Houston and a 2033 second-rounder from Houston; Charlotte now controls 20 second-round picks from 2027 through 2033, in addition to 11 rst-round picks through 2033.

“I’m always going to look at what I can do to continue to make the organization better in the short and long term.” Hornets president of basketball operations Je Peterson

The growing collection of picks has become one of the dening features of Charlotte’s oseason. After a 44-win season and a trip to the play-in tournament, the Hornets have moved on from some of the most recognizable players from their previous core while adding veterans, shooting and future adaptability.

“I said it before: I just want to be disciplined with our approach in terms of the assets that we do have,” Peterson said. “I feel like we’ve been pretty strategic in gathering them, so it’s about guring out what that’s going to look like moving forward. You guys know me by now. I’m always going to look at what I can do to continue to make the organization better in the short and long term.”

Finney-Smith, 33, now entering his 11th NBA season, spent the bulk of his career with the Dallas Mavericks from 201623 before stops with the Brook-

lyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Rockets.

At his best, he has been a low-usage complementary forward who can defend wings, switch across matchups and knock down enough 3-pointers to stay on the oor in high-leverage games. He has played in 44 career playo games and was a key part of Dallas’ run to the Western Conference nals in 2022.

His lone season in Houston, however, was the least productive of his career.

Finney-Smith appeared in just 37 games after working his way back from o season ankle surgery, averaging 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and one assist in 16.8 minutes per game. He shot 33% from the eld and 27% from 3-point range, both career lows.

That down year helps explain why Houston was willing to attach picks to move him. The Rockets signed Finney-Smith to a four-year contract worth nearly $53 million during the 2025 free agent period, but their roster picture changed after adding Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Moving Finney-Smith opens a roster spot and creates a trade exception worth about $13 million.

For Charlotte, the nancial risk is limited. Finney-Smith is owed $13.3 million for the 2026-27 season, while the nal two seasons of his contract are

Newly-acquired Hornets forward Dorian Finney-Smith shoots during a game in Charlotte on Feb. 19, 2026.

non-guaranteed. The Hornets will have the option to move on next summer if he does not regain his previous form.

The Hornets are expected to absorb Finney-Smith into part of their non-taxpayer midlevel exception, allowing them to preserve the $40.7 million trade exception created in the LaMelo Ball trade.

That trade marked the rst major turn in Charlotte’s busy summer.

Soon after the draft, the Hornets sent Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota in a deal that brought back Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected rst-round pick, three future rst-round pick swaps and three second-round picks.

Charlotte later traded Miles Bridges, a 2029 rst-round pick and a 2027 second-rounder to Phoenix for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 rstround pick. The Hornets also retained guard Coby White on a

three-year, $74 million deal, giving the team a likely starting option in the backcourt.

All these moves have left Charlotte with a roster that looks quite di erent from the one it had last season.

In April, the Hornets beat Miami 127-126 in overtime in their rst play-in game before falling 121-90 at Orlando with thenal Eastern Conference playo spot on the line. Charlotte has not reached the playo s since 2016, the league’s longest active drought.

Reid is expected to be one of the centerpieces of the new-look roster because of his size and shooting. Allen, O’Neale and Finney-Smith give the Hornets a group of veteran wings who can defend, space the oor and bring playo experience.

The Hornets now have 17 players, meaning additional moves are still possible before the regular-season limit of 15.

Plenty of N.C. products on NBA Summer League rosters

From high draft picks to veteran hopefuls, nine schools have products on 22 teams

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

THE EARLY star of NBA Summer League is a former Duke one-and-done, but probably not the one you’re thinking of.

Third overall draft pick Cameron Boozer made his NBA summer debut for Memphis, scoring 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting, with four rebounds and four assists in a blowout win over OKC in the Salt Lake City Summer League.

Boozer is also expected to play in the Las Vegas summer league that starts later this week, and he’ll face o with the No. 4 pick, UNC’s Caleb Wilson, in the Vegas opener.

“It felt comfortable,” Boozer told ESPN after his rst game.

“Obviously, it’s still an adjustment because going to a whole new team, whole new system, you got one week of practice before playing. But I felt good, especially with this group. They’re very easy to play with, just because everyone’s playing for each other, playing the right way. So I feel comfortable. Obviously, there’s a lot of learning to do still, but I feel good, for sure.”

While Boozer got his NBA career o to a solid start, another Duke product with more at stake this summer had an even better game. Playing in the California Classic summer circuit, Trev-

WORLD CUP from page B1

second time in 12 years and extended its unbeaten streak to 18 games. The Red Devils play 2010 champion Spain on Friday at Inglewood, California, for a semi nal berth against France or Morocco.

Malik Tillman tied the score 1-1 midway through the rst half with his second free kick goal of the tournament, but the Americans conceded just 61 seconds after the ensuing kicko . American star Christian Pulisic could only watch from the bench after injuring his right foot when he hit a boot of Belgium captain Youri Tielemans on a 52nd-minute shot attempt.

Pulisic favored his foot after that and was replaced seven

or Keels scored 18 points in 27 minutes for Miami. He hit 2-of5 from three and added seven rebounds. He added 16 points, four boards and three assists in his second game of the summer.

Keels, a second-round pick in 2022, played eight games for Miami last season, his rst NBA action since three games in 2023 with the Knicks. He’s hoping to make the Heat roster, and a strong summer showing could kick start that e ort.

Back in Salt Lake, UNC’s Henri Veesaar made his Sum-

minutes later.

After winning three games in a World Cup for the rst time in this expanded 48-nation tournament, the U.S. failed in its quest to reach the quarter nals for the rst time since 2002 and lost to Belgium for the seventh straight time since a victory at the initial tournament in 1930.

The Americans have dropped 11 of their last 12 games against European opponents, winning only their round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. A heralded generation led by Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams only partially accomplished their goal of lifting soccer’s stature closer to that of the NFL, MLB and the NBA.

De Ketelaere put Belgium ahead in the eighth minute, the rst time in this year’s World

Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Cormac Ryan brings the ball up during an April game. The former Tar Heel is trying to make a good impression during NBA Summer League.

mer League debut with Atlanta. Veesaar was a potential late rstround pick who surprisingly fell deep into the second round at the draft. He scored ve points with three rebounds in 18 minutes.

Much like with Duke, UNC’s rookie was overshadowed by a more veteran product from the program. R.J. Davis, hoping to win a spot with the Spurs, scored 15 points in 18 minutes in his rst game of the summer. He shot 4-of-8, including 3-of5 from three in the California game. A 2025 Tar Heel grad, Da-

Cup the U.S. conceded rst. Tillman’s goal in the 31st minute energized a largely redwhite-and-blue crowd of 66,925 at Lumen Field, but De Ketelaere damped that and assisted on Hans Vanaken’s 57th-minute goal after Freese lost control of the ball in front of his net.

All six CONCACAF nations have been eliminated, with the co-hosts U.S., Mexico and Canada falling in the round of 16. All quarter nalists will come from Europe, Africa or South America, reinforcing the weakness of CONCACAF and Asia. Belgium, which left stars Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, pressed from the start and exposed a defense that was regarded as the Americans’ weak spot. Dodi Lukébakio made a long

vis is still seeking his regular season NBA debut after spending last year in the G League. Another former Tar Heel, Cormac Ryan, had 13 points for Milwaukee. The 27-year-old played 11 games for the Bucks last season. Duke draftee Maliq Brown rounded out the double- gure scorers from the state. The second-round pick scored 10 for the Spurs. Other players from North Carolina schools that are either competing in Summer League or are on rosters for leagues yet to start include: Wake Forest’s Hunter Sallis is in California with Brooklyn (8 points in his rst game). Former Demon Deacon Boopie Miller (4 points) is also there with the Bucks, while UNC’s Drake Powell is a Brooklyn teammate of Sallis. He missed all nine shots from the eld but took advantage of the two-point free throw rule to nish with four points on two made freebies. The NBA is experimenting with the rule to reduce the number of free throws and speed up games. Jack Clark (2 points), who spent a year with NC State, is in California with Golden State. Still waiting to open play but on Summer League rosters are: Wake Forest’s Cameron Hildreth (Indiana Pacers) and Tre’Von Spillers (Cleveland Cavaliers), NC State’s Ben Middlebrooks and Quadir Copeland (both Houston Rockets) and Tre Holloman (Orlando Magic), ECU’s Giovanni Emejuru (Denver Nuggets) and Jordan Riley (New Orleans Pelicans), Duke’s

diagonal pass to the opposite corner, leading to the opening goal. Leandro Trossard controlled the ball and his cross was blocked by Alex Freeman and popped into the air. Freeman headed the ball into the penalty area and Timothy Castagne charged after it and hooked a centering pass around Richards. De Ketelaere split Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson and with his right foot redirected the ball into an open net.

Pochettino held out his arms, as if to ask: What was going on?

Tillman scored after Brandon Mechele knocked down Balogun about 25 yards from goal. Tillman’s kick de ected o Vanaken’s head and de ected to the left of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had dived right. Troussard got around

Sion James (Charlotte Hornets), Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns), Cam Reddish (Orlando Magic) and D.J. Steward (Portland Trail Blazers), Davidson’s Hyunjung Lee (San Antonio Spurs), UNC’s Seth Trimble (Washington Wizards) and Pete Nance (Milwaukee Bucks) and Winston-Salem State’s Javonte Cooke (Phoenix Suns), UNC transfers Tyler Nickel (New York Knicks), Jalen Washington (Chicago Bulls) and Dawson Garcia (Detroit Pistons), Charlotte transfers Igor Milicic Jr. (San Antonio Spurs) and Brice Williams (Detroit Pistons), Duke transfer Mark Mitchell (Denver Nuggets), Wake Forest transfers Andrew Carr (Portland Trail Blazers) and Robert McCray V (Los Angeles Lakers), ECU transfers Ezra Ausar (Miami Heat) and Javon Small (Memphis Grizzlies), Davidson transfer Reed Bailey (Phoenix Suns) and High Point transfers Zach Austin (Milwaukee Bucks) and Duke Miles (Philadelphia 76ers). Duke’s Isaiah Evans is not yet on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ roster, because the draft-day trade sending him there hasn’t been nalized yet. He’s expected to be added to the summer roster once the paperwork is completed.

Former Duke national champion Amile Je erson will be coaching the Boston Celtics’ summer team, while UNC national champion Wayne Ellington will be calling the shots with the Miami Heat. Duke’s Steve Wojciechowski will be coaching the Utah Jazz.

Sergiño Dest for a cross and De Ketelaere outjumped Ream and headed the ball past Freese in the 33rd minute for his eighth international goal.

Belgium built a two-goal lead when Mechele lofted a long ball that Freese chested after two hops. Freese hesitated with a touch, then scrambled and kicked the ball o De Ketelaere. Vanaken one-timed a shot from 35 yards that de ected in o Ream, who tried for an o -balance clearance.

Lukaku entered in the 67th minute and scored his 93rd international goal.

Vanaken replaced midelder Amadou Onana midway through the rst half after Onana su ered what coach Rudi Garcia feared might be a serious knee injury.

Nick Kurtz, Chase Burns ride fast track to All-Star Game

The two Demon Deacons will make their All-Star debut two years after being drafted

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

FOR THE FIRST time in 76 years, two former Wake Forest Demon Deacons are All-Stars.

Reigning American League Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz was named to the American League team, while pitcher Chase Burns was named to the National League squad.

It’s the rst time since the 1950 midsummer classic that two Wake products were chosen for the game. That year, Yankees’ pitcher Tommy Byrne and Chicago White Sox hurler Ray Scarborough were both chosen for the American League squad. The only other year two Deacs were All Stars was 1947, when there were two All-Star games played. Buddy Lewis started in right eld for the American League in one, while the New York Giants’ Willard Marshall started in right for the N.L. in the other.

Kurtz and Burns join White Sox pitcher Shane Smith, chosen for last year’s game, as the only time Wake has had AllStars in back-to-back years since 1949-50. Marshall also made the National League team in 1949.

Burns earned his spot by winning nine straight decisions. He is 10-1 with a 2.40 ERA. The 23-year-old is in his second year in the majors after being drafted in the rst round, second overall, in 2024.

“It’s everything that I’ve dreamed of,” Burns said after getting the news from manager Terry Francona. “A lot of hard work this o season.”

Burns met with the media before calling his parents to give them the news. He was excited to make his rst All-Star appearance.

NASCAR uses 3 of its youngest drivers for Rolling Stones collaboration

Mooresville’s Connor Zilisch joins two other rising star drivers in a new Stones’ video

By Jay Cohen

The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. — The rst Rolling Stones album was released in 1964. NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch was born in 2006.

Of course, when it comes to Mick Jagger and company, time seems almost irrelevant.

“No matter who you are or where you’re from or how old you are, you know who the Rolling Stones are,” Zilisch said.

Zilisch joined fellow drivers Carson Hocevar and Jesse Love for a music video as part of a collaboration between NASCAR and the Stones ahead of the band’s 25th studio album, “Foreign Tongues,” which comes out on Friday.

A custom NASCAR show car served as a listening lounge for the Stones’ new music during events at Chicago’s Navy Pier and Plaza of the Americas in the run-up to the stock car series returning to Chicagoland Speedway over the weekend.

CANES from page B1

Carolina holds virtually all the power in negotiations.

Despite that, reports are that Nikishin and his camp have been looking for a big pay raise and so the Hurricanes have been shopping him on the market to see what he could potentially bring in.

There were virtually no free agents that would have drastically improved a team that has already proved themselves capable of winning a Stanley Cup, so the best avenue to upgrade the team will be through a trade and Nikishin, who played the sixth most minutes amongst blueliners on the team last year, is their biggest and

The partnership also includes a merchandise collection featuring the band’s tongue and lips logo, along with two NASCAR-themed vinyl editions of “Foreign Tongues.”

Megan Malayter, vice president of licensing and consumer products for NASCAR, said the organization was approached by representatives of the band about working together.

“The Rolling Stones, they’re iconic, they’ve been around since 1962, and so they appeal to that generation that was there, but they have just such history, folklore, and nostalgia around them that they appeal to the younger audiences of today,” Malayter said. “So there really is amazing crossover.”

NASCAR walks a tricky line when it comes to satisfying older racing fans while appealing to its younger supporters and expanding its audience. While its older fans are likely more familiar with the Stones, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, Zilisch, Hocevar and Love are three of its younger drivers. Garrett Mitchell, a popular YouTube automotive in uencer known as “Cleetus McFarland,” also was part of the video.

“I think when you look at

“It’s kind of scary. I’ll face three really good guys.”

Chase Burns

“Lots of emotions,” he said. “It’s kind of scary. I’ll face three really good guys, hopefully, but yeah, just try to get out of that inning and take in that moment and be thankful.”

Kurtz was taken two picks after Burns, fourth overall, in the same 2024 draft. Both players will be making their All-Star

debuts exactly two years after hearing their names called.

“It’s crazy,” Kurtz said. “Two years ago feels like it’s so long ago now. If I’d told myself years ago this is where I’ll be now, I don’t think I’d believe it.”

Kurtz hit .290 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs last season, posting a 1.002 OPS. He’s on pace to top those numbers this year, with 20 home runs and 66 RBIs already, while leading the league in walks. He tied Mark McGwire’s Athletics team record by reaching base in 48 straight games by hit or walk earlier this season.

“He’s the most advanced hitter at this age that I’ve been around,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said of Kurtz. “He never goes to search for hits. He waits for pitches that he feels good about swinging at. Knowing the strike zone as well as he does is pretty remarkable.”

The game will be July 14 in Philadelphia, which was chosen for the game as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration. Kurtz grew up in Lancaster, Pa., about an hour from the stadium. He’s named pets after Phillies greats, including Bryce Harper and Ryan Howard.

“It’s always something you dream about doing,” he said. “Being in a group of some of the best players in the league is a really cool group to be in. For me especially, having it be in Philly is pretty special. It’s a full-circle moment for me—my rst AllStar appearance in my hometown. It’s pretty special.”

Despite being one of MLB’s best young sluggers, Kurtz doesn’t plan on participating in the Home Run Derby the day before the game.

“We take a lot of swings in a long season,” he said. “I don’t think I need to add another day to that. I’m just going to have fun, relax, enjoy the weekend and everything that comes with it.”

Kurtz got more good news after Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., voted by fans as the American League’s starting rst baseman, announced that he would not be participating in the game. Kurtz was chosen to replace him, becoming the rst Deac to start a midsummer classic since Marshall and Lewis in 1947, 79 years ago. Kurtz will be just the third All-Star starter in Wake Forest baseball history, and he and Burns are the 11th and 12th Deacs chosen for the game, alltime.

Other All-Stars from North Carolina schools or minor league teams include Padres closer Mason Miller, a Gardner-Webb product, Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski and Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, both former Carolina Mudcats, Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, all former Durham Bulls, Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen, a former Mudcat and Bull, Braves pitcher Chris Sale, a former Charlotte Knight and Winston-Salem Dash, Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease, a former Knight, Dash and Kannapolis Intimidator, Rangers pitcher Jacob Latz, a former Down East Wood Duck and Hickory Crawdad, Rays pitcher Bryan Baker, a former Asheville Tourist, and Astros DH Yordan Alvarez, a former Buies Creek Astro.

all of those drivers, they have great personalities, very rebellious spirits and they kind of have a rock and roll nature about them, just kind of at heart,” Malayter said.

Set to “In The Stars,” the rst single o “Foreign Tongues,” the music video envisions the drivers as a touring rock band.

Zilisch, 19, Love, 21, and Hocevar, 23, clown around during a photo shoot before jumping on a tour bus driven by Mitchell. The drivers play cards before stopping at a bar. Back on the bus, Hocevar, who drives the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series, writes 77 on the face of a sleeping Zilisch in black marker.

most expendable trade chip. The Russian defenseman was linked to trade discussions for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck around the draft and while no deal came to fruition for the Olympic gold medalist and one-time league MVP, his is de nitely a name to keep track of.

“We’re always looking to make the team better,” Tulsky said. “Obviously we’ve built a pretty strong team, but we have not yet accumulated the 20 best players in the world, so there’s still work to do. We want to continue being aggressive and trying to nd those opportunities and exploring every avenue that’s available to us.”

Another potential avenue

“Obviously we’ve built a pretty strong team, but we have not yet accumulated the 20 best players in the world, so there’s still work to do.”

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky

that the Hurricanes may pursue this o season is utilizing an o er sheet. O er sheets are getting more and more prevalent around the league and Carolina is especial-

The video ends with the drivers at the track in their re suits, signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans.

“It was cool. It was fun,” Hocevar said. “Yeah, just nice to kind of let loose, I guess, on a video.”

Hocevar said he likes to see NASCAR try new ways to interact with potential fans.

“Yeah, they have to,” he said. “I feel like they just got to keep throwing stu at the dartboard and hopefully something sticks here.”

Zilisch described himself as a huge music fan. He grew up listening to Foo Fighters, Linkin Park and the Red Hot Chili Peppers with his father

ly no stranger to them, given their role in deals with Sebastian Aho, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and K’Andre Miller. Already this year we’ve seen two o er sheets signed and there’s been some speculation that the Hurricanes are a team that have sent a few out as well.

With more than a few talented, young RFAs potentially on the market such as Leo Carlsson — who himself signed an o er sheet already that will make him the highest paid player in the league — Adam Fantilli and Connor Bedard, there’s plenty of potential for some big plays.

Even though the Hurricanes haven’t made any moves yet, that doesn’t mean they haven’t

in the car. He said he has paid more attention to the Stones’ music since he became part of NASCAR’s partnership with the band.

Filming the video, Zilisch said, was a memorable experience.

“They made us dress up like we were in the ‘90s and wear leather and have all this jewelry on,” he said. “It de nitely was a little bit unique and outside of what I would normally be wearing but regardless it was just a cool shoot. We got to go inside this old tour bus and, you know, just kind of feel like I was back in the day even though I’ve never lived in that era of time.”

been aggressive on the market and looking for any and every opportunity to improve.

The team isn’t satis ed with just one championship, they have their sights set on multiple and they know that if they want to defend their title, they need to keep getting better.

“We’ve had a lot of years where we were good enough to win if things went our way and this was the year it did go our way,” Tulsky said. “But that can’t make you complacent. That can’t have you saying, ‘You know what, we’re ne where we are.’ Other teams are taking steps, things change year to year and so we need to keep nding ways to get better every time we can.”

the Bobby Ray Barefoot, Sr. Estate Haymount Law, PC Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/18, 06/25, 07/02, 07/09 Notice to Creditors

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Su K Bowman, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of September, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 18th day of June, 2026 Paul Bowman, Administrator PO Box 25361 Fayetteville, NC 28314 Of the Estate of Su K Bowman, Deceased v NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER: 26E000861-250

In the Matter of the Estate of: JAMES DARRELL, JR. Deceased.

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of James Darrell, Jr., deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 18, 2026 (which is three (3) months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

THIS the 11th day of June, 2026. Bernard Jerome Darrell, Administrator of the Estate of James Darrell. Jr., Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705 Publish: 06/18/2026, 06/25/2026, 07/02/2026 and 07/09/2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

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

26E000820-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Ronald Edward Hayes, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25th day of June 2026. Donna Hayes,

Notice

Cumberland County

Estate of LeeRoy Hill, late of Hope Mills, North Carolina, deceased. Case number: 22E-000416 All claims against the above estate, duly Veri ed by statutory declaration and with particular Valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before 2nd day of October 2026

Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment this 29th day of June 2026 to De’Lisa Hill, Administrator 828 Northcreek Drive Durham, North Carolina 27707

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper

Cumberland County Estate File No. 26E000382-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper, Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Janice H. Southard, Executor of the Estate of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper, at 4166 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312, on or before the 25th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 25th day of June, 2026. Janice H. Southard, Executor of the Estate of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper Mailing address: P. O. Box 53606 Fayetteville, NC 28305 Physical address: 235 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000973-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

Daniel Madison Horne Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Daniel Madison Horne, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of September, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

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

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

State of North Carolina Cumberland County In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Auvella Jacobs (Petitioner) v. Nicole Morris, Natasha Williams, and Justin E. Gaskins (Respondents) File No. 24E000466-250 To:Justin E. Gaskins 7601 Mount Latora, Apt B El Paso, TX 79904 Take notice that an Estate Proceeding seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled action.

The nature of the relief being sought is a Motion in the Cause to le the Final Account without a Receipt and Refunding Agreement signed by Natasha Williams.

You are required to make a defense of such pleading no later than August 4, 2026, which is forty (40) days from the rst date of publication. Upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

This the 25th day of June 2026. By: Eric M. Ditmore, Esq. Attorney for Petitioner Haymount Law 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/25, 07/02, 07/09

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

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000816-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Benjamin Franklin Jones, Jr., deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18th day of June 2026. Kaley Franklin, Administrator of the Benjamin Franklin Jones, Jr. Estate Haymount Law, PC Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/18, 06/25, 07/02, 07/09

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

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

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

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

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

THIS the 25th day of June, 2026.

Amanda Paige Little Executor of the Estate of Betsy Poythress Little, Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705

Publish:06/25/2026, 07/02/2026, 07/09/2026 and 07/16/2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

Administrator’s Notice

26E000969-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Jewell Vinson Lunsford, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25th day of June 2026. Ivy Janel Lunsford, Administrator of the Jewell Vinson Lunsford Estate Haymount Law 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4601

Publish: 06/25, 07/02, 07/09, 07/16

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 26E000790-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Rubin Wayne McLaurin, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before September 18, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 18th day of June, 2026. Tonya McLaurin Page, Administrator of the Estate of Rubin Wayne McLaurin NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR ADMINISTRATOR

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as the representative of the Estate of Mrs. Darlene S. Myrick, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of Mrs. Darlene S. Myrick, who died on March 17, 2026, to present their claims to the undersigned representative on or before the deadline (September 18, 2026) required by law, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. Claims and correspondence should be directed to: Mr. Gordon Myrick 7864 Loxley Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314 Email: cml7gee@aol.com Representative of the Estate of Mrs. Darlene S. Myrick

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 26E000958-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Florence Orion Olive, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before September 25, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 25th day of June, 2026. Stephen E. Gaynos, Executor of the Estate of Florence Orion Olive NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Myrtle Parker. Deceased, late of Cumberland County hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate To present their claim to the undersigned on or before the __25th__day of September 2026. Which date is three Months after the day of the rst publication of this notice or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their Recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This_22nd day of June 2026 LINDA D BRIDGES / Administrator 1808 Olympia Court Fayetteville North Carolina 28301 Of the Estate of Myrtle Parker, Deceased; December 05,2025

NOTICE

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF DOROTHY MCNUTT RIDDLE CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 26E000904-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Dorothy McNutt Riddle, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Executor DeAnn Hodges on or before the 19th day of September, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 8th day of June, 2026. DeAnn Hodges Executor of the Estate of Dorothy McNutt Riddle Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311

Run dates: June 18, June 25, July 2 and July 9, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS July 9, 2026 Having quali ed as Executrix of the Estate of Zenora Jean Roberts, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address shown below on or before October 9, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 9th day of July, 2026. Constance Roberts, Executrix Estate of Zenora Jean Roberts 804 Isley St Fayetteville, NC 28305

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000938-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Herbert August Schroer, Jr., Deceased of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 25, 2026 at 505 Wallace Way, Lexington, South Carolina 29073, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 25th day of June, 2026 Jessica Caitlin Schroer, Executor Estate of Herbert August Schroer, Jr., deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC Post O ce Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 485-8899 06/25/2026, 07/02/2026, 07/09/2026, 07/16/2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000795-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Amos D. Simpson, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25th day of June 2026. Clifton D. Simpson, Administrator of the Amos D. Simpson Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/25, 07/02, 07/09, 07/16

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000989-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Jacobs Smith, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25th day of June 2026. Bryan W. Spencer, Administrator of the Ellen Jacobs Smith Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/25, 07/02,

NOTICE In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File # 26E001007-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Stephen Ray Street aka Stephen Ray Street Sr, deceased lore of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the

2026, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below. This the 15th day of June, 2026 KENDRIC MURPHY Administrator of the Estate of LORETTA BRADLEY MURPHY. c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Linda L. Geraci, having quali ed on the 1st day of July, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Frank Ross Geraci (26E000798640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 12th day of October, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 9th day of July 2026. Linda L. Geraci Executor ESTATE OF FRANK ROSS GERACI

David Anderson

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

Publish: July 9, 2026 July 16, 2026 July 23, 2026 July 30, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, LeeAnn G. Hocker, having quali ed on the 12th day of June, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Pamela D. Gontz (26E000684-640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 21st day of September, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 18th day of June 2026.

LeeAnn G. Hocker

Executor ESTATE OF PAMELA D. GONTZ

David Anderson

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

Publish: June 18, 2026 June 25, 2026 July 2, 2026 July 9, 2026

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, HEATHER LYNN JERNIGAN having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of THOMAS GRADY PRESLEY, JR, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said HEATHER LYNN JERNIGAN, at the address set out below, on or before September 18, 2026, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 11th day of June, 2026

HEATHER LYNN JERNIGAN Executor of the Estate of Thomas Grady Presley, Jr.

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

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, Robert Renegar, Jr and Patrick A Renegar having quali ed as the Co-Executors of the Estate of Patricia Jean Renegar, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said Robert Renegar, Jr and Patrick A Renegar, at the address set out below, on or before October 2, 2026, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 23rd day of June, 2026 Robert Renegar, Jr and Patrick A Renegar

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

Notice to Creditors

Raeford Glenn Smith passed away on May 15, 2026. An estate has been opened in New Hanover County, North Carolina, Estate File No. [26E000683-640].

I am Margaret Herring Smith, the personal representative/executor of the estate. Pursuant to North Carolina law, any person, rm, or corporation having a claim against the estate must present the claim to me at the mailing address below on or before October 09, 2026, or the claim may be barred. Claims should be mailed to: Margaret Herring Smith 8689 Orchard Loop Road Leland North Carolina 28451 Phone Number: 910-371-6762

This notice is being provided July 09, 2026 regarding any unpaid claim or balance that may be owed by the decedent or the estate. Sincerely, Margaret Herring Smith Personal Representative/Executor of the Estate of Raeford Glen Smith July 09, 2026

ORANGE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Probate #26E000113-670

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of DONALD OLEN BOLING, SR. aka DONALD O. BOLING aka, DONALD OLEN BOLING, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203, on or before September 25, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 25th day of June 2026. DONALD OLEN BOLING, JR. Executor of the Estate of DONALD OLEN BOLING, SR. aka, DONALD O. BOLING, aka, DONALD OLEN BOLING DECEASED Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

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

NOTICE

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

Jennifer U. Ambrose Administrator CTA of the Estate of Paula S. Hinson (25E000275-750)

Dorn C. Pittman, Jr. Pittman & Steele, PLLC Post O ce Box 2290 Burlington, NC 27216 336-270-4440 The North State Journal July 2, 9,16 and 23, 2026

NOTICE

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

All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 2nd day of July, 2026

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

TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT

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

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

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of RANDALL EUGENE MAJOR, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT, ATTORNEY AT LAW, PO Box 2445, Asheboro, North Carolina 27204, on or before September 18, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 18th day of June, 2026

Teresa Benbow Major, Administrator of the Estate of Randall Eugene Major, deceased

TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT

ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 2445 Asheboro, NC 27204 (336) 953-4661

PUBL/DATES: 06/18/26 06/25/26 07/02/26 07/09/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Lee B. Ravenel a/k/a Lee Benoist Ravenel, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before September 25, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 17th day of June, 2026

Renee R. Gaunt & Margaret R. Elliott Co-Executors of the Estate of Lee B. Ravenel a/k/a Lee Benoist Ravenel S. Scott Eggleston, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 6/25/26 7/2/26 7/9/26 7/16/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator CTA of the Estate of ANNA MITCHELL TAYLOR aka ANNA MARIE TAYLOR aka ANNA M. TAYOR aka ANNA TAYLOR, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 195 Dove eld Dr. Summer eld, NC 27358, on or before October 9, 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 9th day of July 2026. HAYLEY MARIE HOOVER aka HAYLEY MARIE CONNER Administrator CTA of the Estate of ANNA MITCHELL TAYLOR aka ANNA MARIE TAYLOR aka ANNA M. TAYLOR aka ANNA TAYLOR HAYLEY MARIE HOOVER aka HAYLEY MARIE CONNER, Administrator CTA 195 Dove eld Dr. Summer eld, NC 27358 (336) 465-9397 PUBL/DATES: 07/09/26 07/16/26 07/23/26 07/30/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

WAKE

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

as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situate in the County of Davidson, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron pin set, said iron pin being 247.89 feet from a planted stone found at the corner of Glenn A. Fluharty, Deed Book 572, Page 215 and in the tract line of that property described in Deed Book 593, page 880; thence from said iron pin set North 84 deg 45’ 10” West 525.66 feet to an existing iron pin, a common corner to Lori Denise Hines Bates, Deed Book 627, page 344 and Glenn A. Fluharty, Deed Book 572, Page 215; thence continuing with said line N. 84 deg 40’ 55” West 282.72 feet to an existing iron pin located in the line of Lori Denise Hines Bates and corner to Leda Mae Hedrick, Deed Book 726, page 1205; thence from said point North 02 deg 52’ 05” West 378.83 feet to an iron pin set, said iron pin set being the common corner of that tract line for Tract No. 3, as described in Deed Book 588, page 743 and that property described in Deed Book 593, page 880; thence from said iron pin set continuing North 04 deg 33’ 55” East 261.29 feet with the Leda Mae Hedrick line to an existing iron pin set, said point being the common corner of Leda Mae Hedrick, Deed Book 726, page 1205 and Bill L. Marion Deed Book 727, page 798; thence from said existing iron pin North 04 deg 33’ 55” East 337.30 feet to an iron pin set, new corner, said iron pin set being South 04 deg 33’ 55” West 48.18 feet from the existing iron pin located in the line of Bill L. Marion and in the center of the soil and gravel road; thence from said iron pin set, crossing another existing soil and gravel road, South 86 deg 50’ 45” East 877.08 feet to an iron pin set, new corner, said corner being in the northern tract line of Tract No. 1 as described in Deed Book 588 page 743; thence from said corner South 05 40’ 30” West 1006.01 feet crossing that tract line for Tract 3 previously mentioned to an iron pin set, being the point and place of beginning, said description containing 19.491 acres, more or less as surveyed for Tony R. Hedrick and Felicia N. Hedrick prepared by Kim H. Black, B & L Surveys, L-3311 dated January 31,

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

22SP000495-280

1996. Said 19.491 acres being a portion of Tract No. 1 and Tract No. 3 as described in Deed Book 588, page 743 and a portion of that tract of property as described in Deed Book 593, page 880. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 311 Lady Bug Lane, Lexington, North Carolina. Said property has an old barn on it as well as an existing soil and gravel road. Grantor also conveys to Grantee a right of way to an existing soil and gravel road crossing that 19.491 acre tract of land conveyed to Felicia Hedrick Keene and husband, James Darren Keene as shown on a survey for Tony R. Hedrick and Felicia N. Hedrick by B & L Surveys, job number 950879 on January 31, 1996. BEING the same property which, by Deed dated March 10, 1997, and recorded March 11, 1997 in the O ce of Register of Deeds of the County of Davidson, North Carolina, in Book 1024, Page 1455, was granted and conveyed by Felicia C Keene & James Darren Keene unto Tony R Hedrick & Karen Diane Hedrick. LESS AND EXCEPT that property conveyed in Deed Book 1090, Page 1574 and property conveyed in Deed Book 1100, Page 1568. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government.

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Diane Laws Murphy (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Diane Laws Murphy) to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), dated October 8, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 1562, at Page 112 in Davidson County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Davidson County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on July 22, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Thomasville in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lot 2 of the Diane L. Murphy subdivision as shown by Plat Book 43, Page 16 recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County, NC. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 100 Forest Drive, Thomasville, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

3:00 PM on July 21, 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 62, Timberleaf Subdivision, PH 2, as shown on that plat recorded in Plat Book 206, Pages 126-133, Durham County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2234 Crestwood Ridge Drive, 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 costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government.

the following described property situated in Durham County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 85 of Stratton Park, Phases 2 and 3, as per plat and survey thereof now on le in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Durham County in Plat Book 131 at Page 18, 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 4008 Sudbury Road, Durham, NC 27704. 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

If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special

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 Carolisha Y. Cole. 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

If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also,

is

A deposit of ve

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

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

25SP001504-480 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, IREDELL COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Leonard L Middleton and Cynthia Denise Middleton to Daniel Currie, Trustee(s), which was dated August 21, 2023 and recorded on August 25, 2023 in Book 3012 at Page 574, Iredell County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell

26SP000154-480 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, IREDELL COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Shannon Glancy and Matthew Wilson a/k/a Matthew E. Wilson to Jason M Cole, Trustee(s), which was dated August 22, 2017 and recorded on August 22, 2017 in Book 2507 at Page 2227, Iredell County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000288-500 Under and by virtue of the power of

Book No. 5410, at Page 68 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modi ed by the following: A Loan Modi cation recorded on October 12, 2020, in Book No. 5722, at Page 962 , 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

County, North Carolina, to wit:

All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Iredell County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:

Being all of Lot 8 of Baycrossing, Phase One, Subdivision as shown on a map thereof recorded in Map Book 46, Pages 5-6 Iredell County Public Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 143 Sleepy Cove Trl, Mooresville, NC 28117. 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

to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Iredell County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 6 OF MEADOWVIEW ESTATES, AS THE SAME IS PLATTED, PLANNED AND RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGE 48 AND 48A, IREDELL COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 133 E Meadowview Drive, Statesville, NC 28625.

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

to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Iredell County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 74, as shown on Subdivision Plat of Sta ord Subdivision - Phase 1B, recorded in Map Book 66 at Pages 45-47 in the Iredell County, North Carolina, Public Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 171 Welcombe Street, Mooresville, NC 28115.

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.

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 July 21, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 59, Phase Two, Summerset Place Subdivision, as depicted in Plat Book 69, Pages 46-48, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 115 Javelin Court, Clayton, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320

the Johnston County courthouse at 11:00AM on July 23, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Bruce Morgan, dated October 1, 2020 to secure the original principal amount of $277,676.00, and recorded in Book 5715 at Page 295 of the Johnston 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: 152 Hawkesburg Drive, Clayton, NC 27527 Tax Parcel ID: 05J05008H Present Record Owners: Bruce Morgan

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 Charles Cole and spouse, Colleen Cole.

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

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 Cynthia Denise Middleton.

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

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 Shannon Glancy and spouse, Matthew Wilson.

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

requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The

(“RRE”) issued pursuant to

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,

Independence Day

the BRIEF this week

US launches new strikes on Iran, revokes oil sales permit after 3 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military has attacked Iran after it said Tehran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes Wednesday came as part of an American e ort that also revoked the Islamic Republic’s ability to openly sell crude oil in the world market. Iran immediately warned Washington it would “take whatever measures it deems necessary.” That raises the risks that an interim agreement in the war halting ghting could break down, putting the wider Middle East again at risk of a wider con ict.

NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its repower as Trump demands Greenland Ankara, Turkey President Donald Trump insists the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, renewing tensions in Europe at a NATO summit. Trump spoke during a meeting with the summit host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Trump also announced the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that were imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system. This decision could ease Turkey’s re-entry into the U.S. F-35 ghter jet program. NATO is showcasing military projects worth billions, aiming to satisfy Trump. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance.

$2.00

Fireworks shows occurred across the nation and the state on Saturday, as the country celebrated its 250th birthday, including these from the Pinehurst Harness Track.

New Chatham County Schools superintendent sworn in

Kelly Batten has been with the district for the past 14 years

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record CHATHAM COUNTY

Schools o cially has a new superintendent as of July 1.

With the turning of the calendar, Kelly Batten steps into a new role with the district, taking over for outgoing superintendent Anthony Jackson, who retired after a 39-year career in public education. Batten brings over two decades of public education experience to the table and has been with Chatham County Schools

now for 14 years, having previously served as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.

“Dr. Batten is a proven leader who understands our schools, our community, and our commitment to excellence,” said Board of Education Chair Gary Leonard in a press release. “His depth of experience, steady leadership, and unwavering focus on students make him the right choice to lead Chatham County Schools into the future.”

A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, Batten has also previously served as a high school social studies teacher, assistant principal and principal before joining

Democrats’ narrow path to Senate majority gets rockier as Platner faces allegations

The Maine allegation complicates races Democrats considered their best chances to ip Senate seats

By Bill Barrow and Mike Catalini The Associated Press

A NEW ACCUSATION that Graham Platner once sexually assaulted a woman he was dat-

ing has rocked the U.S. Senate race in Maine and cast fresh doubt on Democrats’ path to a Senate majority. Republicans currently have a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Maine is viewed as a neces-

sary win for Democrats to gain the minimum of four new Senate seats.

But now there’s a question of whether Platner, who denied the allegation, will remain on the ballot and, if he does, whether he can defeat veterm Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Small businesses having good summer as Americans travel closer to home

“Things are crazy expensive, from travel costs to food costs to gas.”

Morgan Kain, Baltimore teacher

The shift could help reduce the nation’s travel and tourism trade de cit

By Mae Anderson The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Small business owners in U.S. tourist destinations say they’re seeing more Americans sticking closer to home this summer, trading overseas travel for road trips, choosing daylong sojourns over extended beach stays, and cooking instead of eating out while on vacation to save money.

The reported boost to domestic tourism, though anecdotal, comes as higher airfares and gasoline prices have made vacations more expensive. The FIFA World Cup soccer tournament and celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday have given some U.S. residents additional incentives to create summer memories without going far. Motor club federation AAA estimated that 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and this Sunday. That’s

Democrats see some pickup opportunities

ALASKA: Former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s candidacy against incumbent Republican

Here’s a closer look at the top races that Democrats are targeting.

THURSDAY 7.9.26

NATO chief demands allies present credible plans to reach defense spending targets

As the U.S. draws down its security role, NATO allies face new spending expectations

By Lorne Cook and Suzan Fraser The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey — NATO Secretary-General

Mark Rutte on Monday demanded that the allies put forward “clear, concrete and credible plans” to reach the organization’s spending targets at its annual summit in Ankara.

Rutte made the remarks in the Turkish capital ahead of a two-day summit starting on Tuesday that comes at a crucial time for the alliance with the United States scaling down its security role in Europe. Washington has been pressing allies to shoulder more of the spending burden.

The 32 nations agreed last year to invest 5% of their gross domestic product on defense — 3.5% on their defense budgets and 1.5% on roads, bridges and ports so troops and

CRIME LOG

June 29

• Edward Ray Simkins, 39, was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Jonathan Adam Knight, 51, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.

June 30

• Omar Dominguez, 27, was arrested for possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and reckless driving to endanger, and other charges.

• Nelda Jean Saunders, 58, was arrested for driving while impaired and reckless driving to endanger.

• Christopher Lee Blake, 55, was arrested for driving while impaired.

Central

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ chathamnewsrecord.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

CHATHAM happening

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

“President Trump fully expects that all allies will step up immediately and get on the path to 5% and do it with urgency.”

Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to NATO

equipment can move faster in con ict.

Spain endorsed the goal but said that it could ful ll NATO’s security requirements without spending so much. Some countries are still struggling to meet the alliance’s old target of 2% of GDP.

Asked what would happen to allies that don’t have a clear plan, Rutte said: “If one or two still have to be convinced, we have ways to do that.” He did not elaborate. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker suggested last week that the United States does have something in store for those who do not step up, but he declined to say what that

might be.

“President Trump fully expects that all allies will step up immediately and get on the path to 5% and do it with urgency,” he said.

On spending among European allies and Canada, Rutte said that “the evidence we see so far is impressive.” He said that NATO estimates that they will invest a combined $258 billion more in defense in 2025 and this year than they have in previous years.

But the numbers might not be enough to satisfy the Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly lashed U.S. allies over defense spending, and in the past threatened not to come to the defense of any member not doing enough.

Trump has called for “loyalty” from NATO allies, after some of them declined to allow the use of their bases in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

“We need our allies in NATO to step up and assume leadership roles, and I mean that not only in sort of loud cheerleading but also the moral authority and the moral compass of the alliance,” Whitaker said last week.

July 10

Boom Unit Brass Band at The City Tap

7:30 p.m.

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

Chatham County Yardbirds vs. Sanford Spinners

7 p.m.

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

Yardbirds Field at Paul Braxton Park 111 S. 3rd Ave. Siler City

July 1

• Tevin Lamar Frazier, 32, was arrested for probation revocation.

July 2

• Christopher Allen MacMillan, 18, was arrested for robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy and assault by pointing a gun.

• Teresa Kathryn Kirby, 33, was arrested for rst-degree burglary, felony aiding and abetting and breaking or entering a motor vehicle with theft, and other charges.

• Micah McCrae Morgan, 37, was arrested for driving while impaired, simple possession of a controlled substance and reckless driving with wanton disregard, and other charges.

July 3

• Cassey Elizabeth Carnes, 28,

was arrested for driving while impaired.

July 4

• Quinten Gregory Kight, 41, was arrested for seconddegree murder, serious injury by impaired boating and boating while impaired, and other charges.

• Diomendes Mora Gomez, 34, was arrested for driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license and driving left of center.

July 5

• Tabatha Denise Wall, 51, was arrested for assault and battery, nancial card theft and injury to personal property.

• Carlos Hernandez, 66, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Electric providing grants to local educators to fund innovative projects

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

Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2026-27 school year. Educators in K-12 classrooms with creative ideas for learning projects are encouraged to apply for a grant up to $2,000.

Grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 15. However, it pays to apply early.

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

Mad Crush at Bynum Front Porch

7 p.m.

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

Bynum Front Porch 950 Bynum Road Bynum

July 11

Jive Bombers at The City Tap

7:30 p.m.

The Jive Bombers play a live set at The City Tap in downtown Pittsboro. The performance runs approximately two hours.

The City Tap 89 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

July 17

GrassStreet at Bynum Front Porch

7 p.m.

GrassStreet, a traditional bluegrass band rooted in the Flatt & Scruggs and Doc Watson traditions, performs a free concert at the Bynum Front Porch as part of the Friday Night Music Series. A food truck will be on site.

Bynum Front Porch 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Rescue mission launches to save NASA telescope that’s falling back to Earth

The commercial spacecraft will boost Swift 150 miles higher to resume its observations

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —

A three-armed spacecraft rocketed into orbit Friday to rescue a NASA telescope that’s in danger of crashing back to Earth.

Northrop Grumman launched Katalyst Space Technologies’ Link spacecraft from the Marshall Islands in the Paci c. The Pegasus rocket blasted o from the belly of a modi ed airplane, putting Link on course to reach and capture NASA’s Swift Observatory in about a month.

Launched in 2004, Swift is sinking faster than ever because of recent solar storms. NASA is paying $30 million for Katalyst to capture the telescope and boost its orbit so it can continue tracking some of the biggest explosions in the universe, like gamma ray bursts and exploding stars. If all goes well, Swift could be back scanning the cosmos by September. Observations are currently on hold to preserve theç telescope’s orbit as long as possible.

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope could be a candidate for a similar salvage operation in a few years. It’s also slipping in altitude because of increased atmospheric drag caused by the sun’s outbursts. The 1.6-ton (1.4-metric ton) Swift currently is circling 224 miles (360 kilometers) above Earth. Katalyst aims to raise the telescope’s altitude by 150 miles (240 kilometers), back to where it all began. Link’s thrusters will re to boost Swift slowly, so there’s no heavy jostling.

Katalyst threw the mission

BUSINESSES from page A1

0.5% more than the number who got away during last year’s July Fourth travel period, but the forecasted increase is almost all due to people taking cruises, buses and trains; AAA expects no change in the number driving or ying to their destinations.

A meaningful reduction in summer globetrotting might have an upside for businesses that depend on tourists, said Tarik Dogru, an associate professor at Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality. Fewer U.S. residents heading abroad or ying across the country means more of their vacation budgets are staying local too, Dogru said.

“The current economic and tourism dynamics are likely to redirect spending toward small businesses, such as regional restaurants, local attractions, Airbnb hosts, and roadside businesses along drive routes that serve budget-conscious and close-to-home travel,” he said.

If the trend holds through the summer and the rest of the year, it could reduce a travel and tourism trade de cit the United States has run since the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year since 2020, Americans spent more on foreign travel than international visitors spent on travel-related goods and services in the U.S., according to the National Travel and Tourism O ce.

Morgan Kain, a teacher in Baltimore, said her family is among the ones keeping their travel bugs in check for nancial reasons. Kain, her husband and three children usually take multiple trips each summer, including a weeklong stay at a Virginia lake house. Last year, they spent six weeks traveling around Italy.

“This summer, we’re still doing a couple overnights and the lake house, but nothing else,” Kain said. “Things are crazy expensive, from travel costs to food costs to gas.”

Vacationers are taking trips within driving distance

Despite gasoline costing more than it did a year ago, 85% of Independence Day week travelers were expected to drive to their destinations, AAA said, noting that car trips still are cheaper than ights for the most part.

Around Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, several businesses reported spotting more visitors driving in from cities along the West Coast.

Ron Williams, who owns Tahoe Sports, said he worried at the beginning of the season

that customers might not show up to rent boats and Jet Skis due to economic concerns. Like the gasoline that powers cars, the price of boat fuel went up during the Iran war.

But Williams so far is “pleasantly surprised with how well the business is doing across the board.” His future bookings are 10% higher compared to the same time last year, he said.

“I think people are probably sticking close to home, and being in Lake Tahoe, we have such a huge drive-up market,” Williams said.

Increased demand for the three Lake Tahoe area rental properties that Jerry Bindel manages for Pyramid Global Hospitality also came as a relief. Ski season bookings petered out along with the snow during an unusually warm winter, but “we just saw that ip” with the arrival of hiking and boating weather, he said.

Bindel, an area general director for the property management company, said he spotted a possible sign of Tahoe visitors watching their spending: more of them skipping restaurants and using the kitchens in their rental units or outdoor barbecue grills to prepare their own food.

“We’re seeing a lot of additional use on those items this summer,” he said.

Locals still want to have memorable summer experiences

In Asheville, North Carolina, small business owners have hoped tourism would rebound since Hurricane Helene and ooding from days of torrential rain caused widespread destruction to the city’s landscape, buildings and infrastructure in September 2024.

Aubrey Anderson, who owns a river tubing out tter in Asheville, reduced her summer sta from 100 people to 25 after Helene. After reservations picked up earlier this year and she noticed “a lot new people coming into town,” Anderson felt encouraged enough to hire 50 workers for Zen Tubing’s current season.

The unfamiliar faces include day-trippers driving in from South Carolina, Tennessee and other parts of North Carolina to spend several hours oating down the French Broad River for around $30 per person, Anderson said. After tubing, customers from around the region often grab a meal, stop at a brewery, shop or visit other local attractions before heading home, which is “a win for Asheville as a whole,” she said.

“We’re de nitely seeing a lot

together in just nine months. NASA insisted on a rush job because the telescope will be too low to recover by the fall. Without a boost, it’s predicted to plunge to its demise in October.

Bad weather and technical issues caused a series of last-minute launch delays.

“This is a high-risk, high-reward mission,” Katalyst Space CEO Ghonhee Lee said ahead of lifto . “The biggest danger was always we don’t launch anything and we let Swift burn up in the atmosphere. So we were always trying to avoid that risk, and our team has done that.”

of locals, so to speak,” Anderson said. “People are maybe skipping the long drive to the beach this year, and they’re kind of doing just something close by so that they can save a little money and still enjoy a family outing.”

Factory tours o ered by French Broad Chocolate have surged this summer, according to Jael Ske ngton, the Asheville chocolate maker’s CEO and co-founder. Tour-takers often stop in the on-site cafe for ice cream or co ee and buy a box of chocolate bars or bonbons before they leave, she said.

“So it’s good for business, but it also seems to be what people are looking for is something to do, not just something to eat — something to experience.” Skeington said.

Cities are getting a World Cup boost

Soccer enthusiasts have poured into Kansas City, Missouri, just like other North American cities hosting World Cup matches.

Made in KC, a chain of four cafes and 11 shops that sells locally made sauces, Kansas Citythemed gifts and T-shirts for fans of the city’s professional sports teams, has gotten “really noticeable spikes of tra c” at all its locations during the tournament, co-owner Keith Bradley said. World Cup-related merchandise, including $40 hats featuring the team colors of this year’s competitors, have been a big hit, he said.

American tourists from other Midwestern cities — Des Moines and Omaha both are within a three-hour drive from Kansas City — seem to outnumber U.S. visitors from farther away, Bradley noted.

“We have a couple locations that are in tourist parts of Kansas City. ... But then we also have little shops that are just in suburban neighborhoods in Kansas City, and those have also seen World Cup tra c of people going to watch parties, people coming in town to go to the games, and then tourists just exploring Kansas City on their own.”

Mollie Lothman, co-owner of McLain’s Bakery, a family-owned cafe with ve locations, said she thinks the cost of food and lodging in Kansas City compared to bigger or better known host cities has helped.

“We’re one of the smaller markets who got the World Cup in Kansas City, but we’re also probably one of least expensive markets, in terms of family budgeting, to try to come and experience the World Cup,” Lothman said. “So I think that’s been a huge draw for people.”

Church News

OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

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

July 14 – Gary McCollough – Interim

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

REAVES CHAPEL AME ZION CHURCH

7888 Goldston-Glendon Road

Goldston, NC 27252

Rev. Joseph L. Marsh, Pastor

Reaves Chapel AME Zion Church will be having their annual Family & Friends Days Program on Sunday, July 12th @ 11:00 am. You are cordially invited to come out and celebrate with us on this special occasion. Dinner will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately after service. The guest speaker for our Annual Family & Friends Day Program will be Rev. Anissa Thompson Little of Mitchell Chapel AME Zion Church.

SCHOOLS from page A1

Chatham County Schools.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of Chatham County Schools,” Batten said. “This district has been my professional home for many years, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished together. I look forward to continuing our e orts to ensure that every student has access to an excellent education and the support they need to thrive.”

Along with Batten, Chatham County Schools also announced a pair of leadership changes within its central ofce sta .

Michelle Burton was named Deputy Chief of Student Support & Innovative Programs, having previously served as the Executive Director of Secondary Education & Career and Technical Education.

In her new role, Burton will support e orts relating to student services, innovative programming and expanding student opportunities.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of Chatham County Schools.”

Superintendent Kelly Batten

In this role, Murray will lead the district’s academic services as well as provide support for school leadership.

“Chatham County Schools is fortunate to have experienced, thoughtful leaders who understand our schools, our students, and our community,” Batten said in a press release. “Mrs. Murray and Dr. Burton have demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, academic growth, and supporting the educators who make that work possible.”

Carla Murray was also named the new Deputy Chief of Academic Services & School Leadership, having previously been the district’s Executive Director of Elementary Instruction.

VICTORY FOR AMERICA!

Bible study: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-18 Church of Living Water; Pastor: James Mitchell.

To all my Black, Hispanic, Latino, and White brothers

THE CONVERSATION

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

The love of our fathers

My father told me that part of the maturation process of an adult is to recognize the faults of one’s parents.

LIKE MANY Americans, the celebration of 250 years of our country prompted re ection over the weekend. Our country is full of so-called “ordinary” people who do not make headlines yet live in honorable ways and practice extraordinary kindness on a daily basis, love in action.

And America, like any other nation, has faults.

History evinces our guilt, but so does an ancient record: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8). James Baldwin went further: “I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” The point is that love of country entails criticism, not unquali ed support.

The Ancient Greeks called Baldwin’s love for his country “storge,” which is often translated as “familial love.” In a broader sense, it is love for one’s country. The word “patriot” is derived from the Latin for “father,” likening one’s relationship as a citizen to the “fatherland” or state.

Thinking about this patriotic love of country, I remember that my father told me that part of the maturation process of an adult is to recognize the faults of one’s parents. Again, no one is perfect; we all sin, miss the mark and fall short of doing the right thing.

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

“But,” my dad continued, “you hope as a parent that your adult child pardons you.” Such forgiveness does not change the past or deny the wrongdoing, but it does seek to move forward. Once you know better, you do better.

My father’s wisdom took root with me as a young man, which is really to say that it gave me a perspective that continues to take hold of my thoughts and actions now that I am a parent.

I understand why Americans want to be proud of our country, but I do not understand why any American would seek to deny the sins of our past unless they wished to continue to perpetuate injustice, as the white supremacist, neo-fascist group called the Patriot Front did when they marched in our nation’s capital last weekend. Those cowards wore masks.

I think that younger generations can handle the stark truth and unmask all the sins of our past. The truth will set us free, but only if we confess it. It takes courage to love.

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.

Long-ago special day turned out pretty good

Any time two folks decide to marry, it’s a leap into the dark. And for things to turn out even halfway good, both have to work at it.

In the rush of the July 4th holiday, some family business to handle, and the host of other life events, I almost overlooked an important holiday that came earlier than that holiday this month.

Well, at least important to me since it has some pretty direct connection to my presence in today’s world.

I speak of my mama and daddy’s wedding anniversary — July 1, to be exact. It would be number 93 for them, if they were still here to enjoy, which they weren’t since the possibility of that ended in 1992 when my dad cashed in his chips. Mama lived on another 11 years or so and every year about the last week of June she’d start saying something about that red-letter day.

I thought I was young the day we tied the knot after letting Shirley chase me for awhile. I was 23 and that’s kind of young but I’m pretty sure I was very mature for my age. (I think I’ve slipped some since then but that’s another story.)

Anyway, that’s what Mama used to say about her own wedding day — to me or to anyone else who would listen — that she was very mature for her age. She was 15 that day in 1933 she and Daddy and their friends Frank and Mary Gattis, who would serve as witnesses, slipped away from their Bynum homes and eased down the road to Bennettsville, South Carolina to nd ol’ Marrying Sam, the local justice of the peace.

Apparently that was not out of the norm for that day and age, both the running away part and the Bennettsville location since through the years I’ve met other couples who went to the same town for the same reason. No doubt it had to do with the fact you could cross the border, where Bennettsville sat just on the edge, and do right away in South Carolina what couldn’t happen in the Tar Heel state.

From time to time, we’d talk about that day and those times. I’d ask her about her life growing up and how she and Daddy met and how she stood him up the rst time they went out because he was late getting to her house and how, according to her, he had a reputation as a “ladies’ man” and she wasn’t going to be another notch in his gun. Obviously they got all that worked out “but still,” I’d say, “you were 15?”

“I was mature for my age,” she’d reply. “You had to be. The

Depression made you.”

Looking back today with the bene t of 20/20 hindsight, I’m pretty sure she was right in her assessment. Circumstances and details do play a big part in how we turn out. As the middle child of a dozen youngsters, she went through the seventh grade before not going back, instead turning her attention toward caring for the younger little ones and cooking and keeping house for her parents and older siblings, several of whom were working at the local mill, glad to have any kind of job during the 1930’s.

Obviously things are di erent today. For one thing, now you’d get into a bit of legal di culty transporting 15year olds across state lines if they weren’t your daughter or granddaughter. And, no slam intended, I’m pretty sure a good number of today’s 15-year olds would nd it hard to put down their electronic gadgets or cell phones to stir a big pot of pintos simmering over an open re or to tend a load of biscuits in the wood-burning stove without the bene t of air conditioners.

Now, as I have more birthdays and move farther and farther away from my own 15-year old life and memories and the subsequent time with my folks, at least two things keep happening with more frequency — I miss them more and I appreciate them more.

Any time two folks decide to marry, it’s a leap into the dark. And for things to turn out even halfway good, both have to work at it. But it’s good work and the results can be, too.

Through the almost 60 years they did have, my folks had opportunities to work on their lives together. I’d like to think they’d be pretty satis ed with how things turned out and with what they produced. At least they gave me a shot at trying out life.

And, by the way, Daddy was 21 on that fateful day. Mama never did say if he was mature or not but if he weren’t he probably was by the time she got through with him.

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

Is it my gene pool?

Sighting a roach usually raises my BP 10 to 15 points, and yuck, they certainly would not be competitors for “beloved pet of the year.”

THERE SHE GOES AGAIN. Me, that is. Not wishing to kill some very small, multi-legged, critter who has decided to share the house with me. In this case, in the bathroom. I continue to wonder, even after all these years, if I’m a native of the “she hates killing buggy critters” gene pool?

It’s a challenge, carting around my considerable self judgment, when a person in front of me at a store yells “Roach” and stomps on it. Basic painful admission: I feel sorry for the roach, not for the surrounding folks who are incredibly relieved at this particular outcome. Can I blame them? Absolutely not. Sighting a roach usually raises my BP 10 to 15 points, and yuck, they certainly would not be competitors for “beloved pet of the year.“ Still, it was alive… Over the years, I’ve created interventional tools to catch, and ferry roaches, and other buggies, outside. Mostly e ective. Unless it’s late at night when my soft heartedness gets overwhelmed by exhaustion, and out comes the vacuum cleaner. You can guess the rest.

Human…

Now, about that decent sized, intransigent spider, hanging out in the bathroom. With good faith, my generally, e ective “tried and true” implements for bug ferrying, have been employed, and failed. The spider has lodged itself into a 90-degree corner, making my careful interventions impossible.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

What now? Still unwilling to bring my size 9 heel down on the spider, so I’m talking to it. Well, not out loud, but in my head, continuing to share that it’s safe from this human’s “OMG, it’s a spider” lethal reactions. At the moment, ‘tis a cli hanger. I admit to wishful thinking that I’ll wake up some morning and nd, positioned in the corner, its little body. Cop-out? I don’t know. Mostly, a re ection of my embarrassment, even after having been inextricably led down this buggy rescue path for so many years.

And then, like a long unanswered prayer, Kermit the Frog (and his muppet buddies) begin to sing “It’s not easy being green” in my head:

“When green is all there is to be It could make you wonder why, but why wonder why?

I am green and it’ll do ne,

And I think it’s what I want to be.”

Kermit knows best, does he not? (I mean, he was a hugely successful froggy on TV, and in movies, for many years. He’s gotta know something.) No, it’s not easy being green, di erent, or even a buggy savior, but “I am who I am and it will do ne.”

Onward…

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

The United States has always been at war

Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy.

ONE OF THE MOST popular complaints of the younger Americans is that the United States has been bogged down in endless war and interventionism virtually their entire lifetimes.

Welcome to history. As much as we may not like it, the United States has engaged in con ict and meddling more or less since its inception. The U.S. was born in war. It expanded through war. It freed its slaves through war. It grew into a superpower through war. And until utopia exists, it’s exceedingly likely we will need to clash with those who threaten our prestige and power.

Indeed, you can look at the parallels between today’s war against the Iranian terrorist regime and our very rst foreign con ict to understand why.

From the founding, the Islamic states in Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis in North Africa were capturing American ships, demanding tolls and taking hostages. Without the protection of the British Royal Navy, President George Washington felt compelled to pay o the emirs. President John Adams was even more susceptible to blackmail, appeasing the Islamic rulers with ships, weaponry, ammunition and annual sums — let’s call them “pallets” — of gold and silver.

The Barbary States took the bounty, strung the U.S. along in negotiations, ultimately ignored the treaties they did sign and continued to take captives, murder Americans and disrupt trade.

After winning the White House in 1801, Thomas Je erson halted the payo s. His justi cations for ghting the Barbary “pirates” — a historical mischaracterization that understates the importance of the Islamic sultans who had been raiding coastal towns and ships in the Mediterranean and Atlantic for two centuries, grabbing over a million European slaves — were more than just narrow trading interests.

When serving as ambassador in Britain in 1785, Je erson had met with Tripoli’s representative Abdul Rahman Adja and asked him why the Barbary States were targeting Americans who had shown them no hostility. Je erson, in a letter co-written by Adams, described Adja’s response in a letter to John Jay.

“The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Mussulman (Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise,” Je erson wrote. Sounds familiar. Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any

IN TOUCH

BE

The fall of Vicksburg

WHEN I WAS 19, I knew a much older man who’d grown up in 1930s Alabama.

“We didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July,” he told me. “For us, it was the day Vicksburg fell.”

Vicksburg, Mississippi, fell to Union troops on July 4, 1863. The Confederates surrendered, as was their habit. Long memories still mourn the Lost Cause of Black backs whipped bloody.

So how am I, a resident of Rhode Island, supposed to celebrate the Fourth of July this year?

When I was maybe 8 years old, reworks were illegal in Massachusetts, but my father, a bartender who invariably “knew a guy,” brought home a box of sparklers for me.

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

The sparkler is the lowest form of rework. It doesn’t blow up, it doesn’t make a loud noise and it doesn’t go up in the air. It’s a long wire, the top half of which is coated with some sort of chemical mix that throws o showers of silver sparks when it’s lit. You hold the sparkler by the uncoated bottom half. Those kids who hold the sparkler by the burning top half don’t do it for long.

I would use the sparklers on the top step of the three steps that went down from the kitchen door of our rented house in Taunton, Massachusetts, under the supervision of my father.

I remember the metallic brightness of the sparks against the dark sky, and my father’s deep voice.

American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy. Paying tributes to these “barbarians,” Je erson later argued, not only rewarded aggression and subverted America’s standing but was in direct con ict with the ideals of the new nation.

When Je erson congratulated the Marines on their victory against the Algerians, it wasn’t merely for valiantly ghting the enemy but defeating those who “trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature.”

President James Madison also sent another naval force to Algiers in 1815 to subdue the Islamic corsairs.

Yet, in the imagination of contemporary isolationists, early American foreign entanglements were only taken on for immediate national interests, stripped of any idealism. This simply isn’t so.

And every subsequent generation saw war, as well. Initially, these were con icts of Western expansion. Soon we were involved in con icts around the world.

The Left and isolationist Right are perturbed by our interference with Venezuelan and Cuban sovereignty. But American history is littered with instances of us meddling in places including Haiti, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Cuba, again, to name a few.

“Gunboat diplomacy” was not predominantly deployed to uphold the Monroe Doctrine and eject European powers from the Western Hemisphere, but rather to intimidate and quash domestic movements that threatened American in uence.

By 1852, President Millard Fillmore famously dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan to end that nation’s isolationist policies and open trade by force, if needed. President Ulysses Grant sent another military expedition to Korea in 1871 to do the same. President Grover Cleveland sent the Navy to Samoa to protect American commercial interests from the Germans and British.

None of those nations threatened American sovereignty.

Some of these con icts were more moral than others. Some back red. Some were unnecessary tragedies. Some made the world safer. The U.S. has kept Europe free of allencompassing war since 1945. Neither war nor intervention should ever be taken on lightly. The notion, however, that Americans are living through some uniquely bellicose or interventionist era is debunked by even a cursory reading of history.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 creators.com)

“Be careful,” he’d say. “Don’t hold it too close to you.”

I’ve always held things too close, and that’s true of both my memories and America.

I don’t hate America. I love America. What I hate is our gradual weakening, our string of lost or inconclusive wars, our blustering, Jesuspimping leadership. We crow endlessly about this being “the greatest country in the world,” but the highway bridges are rotting, we don’t have enough technical skill to reline a pool and we’re pushing hard to regain the use of every vile term we’ve ever used to describe nonwhites and women.

“If you don’t like it here, why don’t you move to Iran?” I’m asked.

I can’t. I can’t go anywhere else. My ethnic heritage is so jumbled that I can only call this country my own because America is where they made a new people from French and Irish and Scottish and English, which is what I am “by blood” if you think blood sings in di erent languages.

Maybe 2 miles from our house, my uncle Kendall’s name is engraved on the town honor roll. He served in World War II and the Korean War. The honor roll is granite, and it’s dead. Kendall is dead. When he came back from his wars, he pumped gas for the rest of his working life.

I’ve touched his name where it’s cut into the stone.

It’s not as though there are no Fourth of July celebrations taking place near me, either. The worse the country gets, the bigger and tackier the patriotic celebrations get. If we ght a draw with Iran, next Fourth of July, there will be a pro wrestling show at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The ags keep getting bigger, too. In my neighborhood, there are people ying ags bigger than the one they y outside the post o ce.

Rhode Island opted out of the Great American State Fair, as did most of the American population. Not even a speech from our rapidly failing president could save that disaster.

My wife Deborah was in charge of our yard decorations for the Fourth of July. She put out a owered ag with a peace sign in the middle. It’s a small ag, close to the ground, and it utters from a small iron stake driven into the lawn. It probably stands 2 feet high, and on either side, there are small American ags on skinny sticks.

It’s a modest display, is what it is, a little splash of peace and patriotism next to the rhododendron bush.

I’m already starting to feel protective of the little display. I don’t want it to feel bullied by the big ags that have their own tall poles.

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.” (Copyright 2026 creators.com)

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

Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

obituaries

Betty Sizemore King

June 3, 1931 – July 2, 2026

Betty Sizemore King, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Her hospitality, dry wit, and deep love for family and friends will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Born June 3, 1931, in Bear Creek, NC, Betty was the rst daughter of Florence Brewer and Walter Floyd Sizemore. She learned cooking and household management from her Grandmother Sizemore at a young age and took a special interest in her younger siblings—10 and 17 years her junior.

Betty graduated from Bonlee High School in 1949. Her yearbook quote beautifully foreshadowed the life of devotion she would lead: “Life will not be useless if lived for service to God and man.” Those words proved profoundly true. She began her lifelong service to God by being born into the Tysons Creek church family, where she served as the church pianist while still in her teens. A decade later, her life of service expanded to include a deep devotion to a very special man: Charles Conaway King. The matchmaking e orts of her cousin’s husband sparked a whirlwind romance that culminated in their marriage on November 22, 1959, at the same church where she had once played the piano. From that day forward, she was his constant companion in all things concerning God and Man. The newlyweds worked and saved to build their ranchstyle home on Greenhill Drive. When their daughter, Dorlisa Dawn, was born, Betty chose to leave her work as a beautician to focus entirely on her family as a homemaker. She loved spending time outdoors tending her butter y bushes, cultivating a vegetable garden, hanging laundry to dry in the sunshine, and even helping Charles mow the lawn. Inside, she famously served three home-cooked meals each day. Anyone at her table was treated to a full spread of meat, two vegetables, fresh bread, a homemade dessert, and sweet iced tea. As a mother, Betty was fully present in Dorlisa’s world: volunteering as a class mom, fostering a love of music and piano, and serving as the ultimate shopping buddy for school holiday trips to Greensboro’s malls. Charles remained the center of Betty’s

universe throughout their nearly 64-year marriage. She supported his career as a professor and corporate executive and later walked alongside him in his avocation as a cattleman, checking cows and mending fences. As his health declined, her erce devotion as a caregiver took over. Her intense focus on his needs masked her own Alzheimer’s diagnosis until her early 90s. This caregiving journey peaked with their move to Lake Wylie Assisted Living. When Charles passed away in October 2023, the grief nearly overwhelmed Betty, and she spent much of the rst year waking each day to relive the fresh pain of his loss. Eventually, her mind drifted back to the simpler years of her youth, and she found a gentle, lasting peace. Her resilient spirit returned, and she endeared herself to her caregivers, who adored her radiant smile and trademark dry wit—which she often shared with a sharp comment just when they thought she was fast asleep. Betty recently celebrated her milestone 95th birthday at Lake Wylie—and again at The Brownstone at Park Crossing in Charlotte. The transition to this residential home, which accommodates six residents, provided her with the additional care and support she needed to enjoy her nal weeks in comfort and peace, thanks to an incredibly dedicated sta . Left to cherish Betty’s life are her daughter, Dorlisa Flur; her son-in-law, Peter; and her granddaughter, Arella. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Williamson, and her husband; her sister-in-law, Belinda Sizemore; four Sizemore nieces and nephews and their families; three sisters-in-law— Anne Clark, Doris King, and Ann King; and nine King nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by her two brothers, James Everette Sizemore and Ronny Floyd Sizemore.

On behalf of her mother, Dorlisa extends special thanks to the sta at The Brownstone at Park Crossing and VIA Health Partners for their loving care during her mother’s nal weeks. She also thanks the sta at Lake Wylie Assisted Living and the caregivers from Agape Care and Visiting Angels for serving as her mother’s SC family over the past four years.

A service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at Tysons Creek Baptist Church in Bear Creek, NC, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., led by Reverend Bob Wachs.

A reception will follow in the Family Life Center.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home of Siler City, NC, is serving the family and provided Betty with her angel wings home from Charlotte—so she could rejoin Charles. Memorials may be made to Tysons Creek Baptist Church, located at 10891 Siler CityGlendon Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207.

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

Virgil Lee Hunt

May 19, 1945 – July 4, 2026

Virgil Lee Hunt Jr., 81, of Siler City, North Carolina, peacefully entered eternal rest on July 4, 2026.

Born on May 19, 1945, in Randleman, North Carolina, Virgil was the beloved son of the late Virgil Lee Hunt Sr. and Mary Everhart-Hunt. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth and Claire.

Virgil graduated from UNC Charlotte and enjoyed a distinguished career as an Electrical Engineer for many years. After his engineering career, he continued his life’s work of serving others by supporting the individuals and dedicated sta of Chatham County Group Homes. Whether through his profession or his personal life, Virgil believed

in helping people, o ering encouragement, and making a meaningful di erence wherever he was needed. For the past 27 years, Virgil shared a loving and devoted marriage with his wife, Martha Moore-Hunt. Together they built a life grounded in faith, love, compassion, and family. Anyone who knew Virgil knew a man of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and genuine compassion. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time on the golf course, reading a good book, and serving others as a hospice volunteer. His generous heart, gentle spirit, and willingness to help those in need touched the lives of many.

Faith was the cornerstone of Virgil’s life. He was a proud and faithful member of Corinth AME Zion Church, where he worshipped faithfully, sang in the Men’s Choir, and served as Superintendent of Sunday School for several years. His dedication to his church re ected the same compassion, humility, and servant’s heart that de ned the way he lived each day.

Above all, Virgil cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend whose love, wisdom, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 27 years, Martha Moore Hunt; his sons, Todd Hunt (Christina) and Barry Hunt (Jennifer); his stepchildren, Maria JordanMason (Antonio) and Jaie Jordan; his grandchildren, Garrett Hunt and Elliott Hunt; his cherished step-granddaughter, Jordan Jeppé; and a host of extended family members, church family, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness and compassion.

A funeral service celebrating Virgil’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 at Corinth AME Zion Church in Siler City, where he faithfully served and worshipped for many years. The Public Viewing will begin at 1pm and the funeral service will begin at 2pm, with burial to follow at Chatham Memorial Park.

The Hunt family extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has o ered prayers, love, and support during this di cult time. Although Virgil’s physical presence will be deeply missed, his legacy of faith, service, compassion, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Hunt family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

David Clayton-Thomas, powerhouse lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, dies at 84

The former street ghter and petty thief became a Grammy-winning rock superstar

By Hillel Italie The Associated Press

NEW YORK — David Clayton-Thomas, the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, whose husky, high-strung tenor on “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die” and other hits helped make the so-called “brass rock” band among the most popular acts of the late 1960s, has died at age 84.

Spokesperson Eric Alper said that Clayton-Thomas died “peacefully” Wednesday at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Alper did not cite a speci c cause.

Clayton-Thomas was a onetime street ghter and petty thief from Canada who briefly became a rock superstar, the front man of a nine-member group that sold millions of records and won two Grammys for “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” which beat out the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” for best album of 1969. Calling out amid a jazzy parade of horns, keyboards and percussion, Clayton-Thomas’ urgent shout was a signature voice of the era, preaching love on the Motown cover “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” a lasting legacy on Laura Nyro’s “And When I Die” and a cool head on his own “Spinning Wheel.” Meanwhile, Blood, Sweat & Tears helped inspire a wave of horn-led bands, among them Chicago, the Electric Flag and Ten Wheel Drive.

“A lot of the guys (in Blood, Sweat & Tears) would play a Broadway show matinee, then go up to Harlem and play Latin music or R&B and funk at night, or come down to the Village and play pure jazz the next night,” Clayton-Thomas told bestclassicbands.com in 2023. “I was just a blues player: give me three chords and I’ve got a song.”

At its peak, Blood, Sweat & Tears’ appeal was so broad it helped lead to the band’s downfall.

Hip enough to perform at the 1969 Woodstock festival, where they were among the highest paid acts, they also were known enough to the establishment to tour Eastern Europe the following year on behalf of the State Department. When Clay-

“I was just a blues player: give me three chords and I’ve got a song.”

David Clayton-Thomas

ton-Thomas and other band members denounced the Communist regimes on the other side of the Cold War, Rolling Stone’s David Felton wrote that “the State Department got its money worth.” Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate.

The band had practical reasons for going along with the government: Clayton-Thomas, who had allegedly wielded a gun at his girlfriend, had been denied a green card and faced deportation. But after topping the charts in 1970 with the album “Blood, Sweat & Tears 3,” their appeal soon faded. A burned out Clayton-Thomas left the group in 1972, and neither he nor the remaining musicians ever regained their old stature. Blood, Sweat & Tears would continue recording over the next few years, and even brie y reunited with Clayton-Thomas, who went on to release more than a dozen solo albums and tour on his own for decades.

Clayton-Thomas was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1996. “Spinning Wheel,” covered by everyone from James Brown to TV star Barbara Eden, was voted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame a decade later.

Clayton-Thomas is survived by his daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham.

Up from the streets

Born David Henry Thomsett in Surrey, England, and raised near Toronto and Ottawa, he was the son of a Canadian World War II veteran and of a pianist-entertainer who helped inspire her son’s interest in music. Thomsett was lucky to have the chance. He fought violently with his father, was living in the streets by his mid-teens and by age 20 was serving time in a reformatory for vagrancy, assault and other crimes.

An old guitar, left behind by

a fellow inmate, changed his life. He taught himself to play and began spending extensive time in the early 1960s around Toronto’s Yonge Street music “strip,” where peers included the American rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins, a mentor to Robbie Robertson and other future members of the Band and a guide for Thomsett early in his career.

Anxious to reinvent himself, he changed his last name to Clayton-Thomas while leading his own groups. In the mid60s, he released such albums as “Sings Like It Is” and had a hit single with the anti-war rocker “Brainwashed.” He would also befriend a rising star, Joni Mitchell, whose childlike “Circle Game” helped inspire “Spinning Wheel,” and the venerable John Lee Hooker, who would indirectly contribute to Clayton-Thomas’ breakthrough in the U.S.

America beckons

Hooker had encouraged Clayton-Thomas to move to New York, where the American bluesman had an engagement at the Cafe Au Go Go in Greenwich Village. When Hooker unexpectedly departed for a tour of Europe, club owner Howard Solomon needed a replacement and recruited Clayton-Thomas.

“So I played him a couple songs on the guitar,” Clayton-Thomas told bestclassicbands.com. “He said, ‘Do you have a band?’ I said, ‘Sure,’ and went out into Greenwich Village looking for anybody carrying a guitar case or even looking like a musician, and we put together a little band and we opened there that night. We ended up staying there for several months.” Around the same time, session man-producer Al Kooper was looking to form a jazz-rock group and was joined by such musicians as guitarist Steve Katz, drummer Bobby Colomby and horn players Randy Brecker and Jerry Weiss. They called themselves Blood, Sweat & Tears, releasing the debut album “Child Is Father to the Man” early in 1968. Although praised by Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner as “a ne, exemplary group,” members were torn between those allied with Kooper and those who thought his vocals too weak to attract a substantial audience.

Sen. Dan Sullivan has buoyed her party.

Peltola, one of a handful of Democrats who’ve won in Republican dominated states, was the rst Alaska Native to serve in Congress, winning special and regular elections in 2022 for the state’s only House seat.

At center stage for the state’s Aug. 18 primary is drama involving a man running with the same name and party a liation as Sullivan. The state supreme court has said the challenger is quali ed to be on the ballot.

Peltola’s campaign and state Democrats have denied Sullivan’s allegation that they’re working with the challenger to cause confusion..

MAINE: Platner catapulted to the Democratic nomination despite earlier controversies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer initially backed sitting Gov. Janet Mills but reluctantly aligned behind Platner -- until Monday’s latest bombshell accusation.

Now, Schumer and many Democrats are pushing for Platner to withdraw. If he does that by July 13, Maine Democrats can put a replacement on the ballot. If not, Platner could have to face Collins with little to no national party support.

If Platner drops out, his replacement could meet a similar challenge to what presidential candidate Kamala Harris faced in 2024, when she had a late start to appeal to a general election audience without having won the nomination in a competitive primary.

Meanwhile, Collins has won elections for 30 years despite no

Republican presidential nominee, including President Donald Trump, winning Maine since 1988.

NORTH CAROLINA: Democrats landed one of their prize recruits with former Gov. Roy Cooper, who has never lost a statewide election through four terms as attorney general and two terms as governor. Republicans answered with Trump’s handpicked candidate, Michael Whatley, who’d previously served as state GOP chairman and as the Republican National Committee chairman.

Whatley was viewed as a prodigious fundraiser and ideal Trump surrogate in a state the president carried three times, and he has history on his side -- Democrats have won just two U.S. Senate races and one presidential contest in North Carolina in the last three decades.

Yet Cooper won governors races in two of Trump’s three presidential cycles and is leveraging his centrist image at a time when independents have soured on Trump. That leaves Whatley with the di cult tasks of satisfying Trump’s core supporters without alienating other voters; introducing himself to voters who don’t know him; and convincing enough North Carolina voters that they’ve been wrong about Cooper for decades.

OHIO: Democrats are counting on former Sen. Sherrod Brown to unseat Republican incumbent Jon Husted in what’s shaping up to be another expensive contest in the state — its third in four years.

The Senate Leadership Fund, a GOP super PAC, has pledged $79 million to defend

Husted’s seat. Brown served three terms in the Senate before losing a tough reelection contest in 2024. Ohio has steadily trended Republican. But Brown won previously as an advocate of unions and the working class, and Democrats believe he can attract some of the voters who’ve helped Trump win the state three times.

Husted, a former lieutenant governor, was appointed to ll the vacancy created when JD Vance became vice president.

Underdogs could o er surprises

IOWA: The state, which Trump won three times gives Democrats an opportunity to ip a Senate seat with two-term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst’s retirement.

Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek faces Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has been endorsed by Trump.

Turek is a relative newcomer to elected o ce and has pointed to his experience winning in a red, Trump-won state House district as proof he could appeal to independent and moderate Republican voters in November.

Hinson is a three-term House incumbent representing northeastern Iowa, and claims Trump needs a ghter who would “always have his back.”

TEXAS: State Rep. James Talarico, a 37-year-old seminarian, has become a national fundraising phenomenon.

Talarico faces the scandal-ridden Republican nominee Ken Paxton. The Texas attorney general has weathered an impeachment attempt by his own

party, a yearslong corruption investigation and public airing of his martial di culties. Through all that, Paxton has won multiple reelections. Democrats were buoyed by their primary turnout of about 2.3 million eclipsing Republicans’ 2.2 million, something that hasn’t happened since the state ipped to Republicans in the 1990s. But the challenge for Talarico is turning that momentum into a racially, ethnically and geographically diverse coalition in November.

The seats Democrats have to hold

GEORGIA: Sen. Jon Osso is the only Democratic senator running for reelection this year in a state Trump won in 2024. He had no primary opposition, and he’s been a fundraising force with more than $30 million cash-on-hand as he entered the general election campaign. Ossof has attracted national attention with his unapologetic broadsides against Trump. Republican Rep. Mike Collins is playing catchup after winning a bruising GOP primary runo . He must navigate skeptical Republicans who believe he’s too conservative or controversial for this battleground state. Collins repeats Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was rigged, and he’s also facing a House ethics inquiry over allegations that he misused taxpayer money to pay the girlfriend of a former top aide.

Collins’ strongest line of attack against Osso comes on immigration. Collins sponsored the Laken Riley Act, named for a Georgia nursing student killed

by a Venezuelan man in the U.S. illegally. The law, among other provisions, requires immigrants accused of certain crimes to be held without bond. Osso voted against the measure before reversing his vote after Trump returned to the White House.

MICHIGAN: Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement opens up a seat the party must hold in a key presidential battleground that Trump won twice and former President Joe Biden carried in 2020.

The Aug. 4 Democratic primary is a contest between moderate Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed. It was a three-way contest until Mallory McMorrow, who had backing from some progressive Democratic senators, suspended her campaign.

Stevens and El-Sayed have split support among Democratic senators. Stevens has the support of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, while El-Sayed has support from Sen. Bernie Sanders and other progressives.

Stevens has also bene ted from heavy outside spending, including nearly $8 million from a super PAC a liated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, has run on issues like Medicare for All and halting all U.S. weapons transfers to Israel. He has campaigned with popular-yet-controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who has millions of followers online and has said things such as that “America deserved 9/11.”

The winner is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, who lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, in 2024.

Penelope Keith, star of classic British sitcom ‘The Good Life,’ dies at 86

Her velvet voice and imperious wit made her beloved across British television

The Associated Press

LONDON — Penelope Keith, a comic performer who shone as inty but loveable upper-crust characters in British sitcoms “The Good Life” and “To the Manor Born,” has died aged 86.

Keith’s family said Monday that she had been diagnosed with cancer and died at her home in Surrey, near London.

Keith began her acting career onstage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963. But she found her greatest fame on television.

She won a BAFTA award in 1977 for “The Good Life,” playing Margo Leadbetter, a snobbish suburbanite appalled by her back-to-the-land neighbors Tom and Barbara Good, played by Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal.

Kendal called Keith a “comic genius.”

“She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed,” Kendal said.

Keith displayed a similar mix of imperiousness and deadpan wit in “To the Manor Born,” broadcast between 1979 and 1981 and brought back for a 2007 Christmas special. Keith played cashstrapped aristocratic widow Audrey orbes-Hamilton,

forced to sell her country estate to a nouveau millionaire, played by Peter Bowles, with whom she has a love-hate relationship.

Keith’s velvet tones featured on children’s show “Teletubbies” and in ads for everything from Pimm’s to Parker Pens. She also presented cozy documentary TV series, including “Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages.”

Keith continued to perform in stage roles into her 80s. Theaters in London’s West End will dim their lights on Wednesday evening in tribute to her. In 2014 she was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knight, for services to the arts and to charity.

She is survived by her husband, Rodney Timson, and their two adopted sons.

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

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TAKE NOTICE NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on June 5, 2015, a certain Deed of Trust was executed by Walter Breyer and Judith K. Breyer as grantor in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for One Reverse Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns as bene ciary and Michael Lyon as trustee, and was recorded on June 9, 2015 in Book 01801 at Page 0227 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds, Chatham County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the bene cial interest in the Deed of Trust is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment dated October 26, 2023 and recorded on November 17, 2023 in Book 2389 at Page 1075, in the o ce of the Register of Deeds, Chatham County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Secretary is the present holder of the Note secured by the above-referenced Deed of Trust; and WHEREAS, Grantor has died and the Property described below is not the principal residence of at least one surviving borrower; and WHEREAS, the default upon which this foreclosure and the acceleration of the secured indebtedness is based, is as follows: That under Paragraph 6(A)(i) of the above-referenced Note and Paragraph 10(A)(i) of the above-referenced Deed of Trust, upon death of the Borrower/Grantor, should the Property not remain the principal residence of at least one surviving Borrower, the Secretary has the right to demand, and the Secretary has demanded, the immediate payment in full of all outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest; and WHEREAS, a default has occurred under the terms and conditions of the above Note and Deed of Trust, in that a demand has been made for the immediate payment in full of all outstanding principal and accrued interest, which remains unpaid; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of June 11, 2026 is $475,098.63; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on May 15, 2026, in Book 2526 at Page 633 of the Chatham County Register of Deeds, notice is hereby given that on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: BEING ALL of Lot 697, Phase Two, Section II, Final Plat, FEARRINGTON WOODS, as shown in Plat Slide 90- 214, Chatham County Registry, to which slide reference is hereby made for a more particular description. *** Commonly known as:697 Spindlewood, Pittsboro, NC 27312 The sale will be held at the place where foreclosure sales are customarily held at the Chatham County Courthouse located in Pittsboro, North Carolina. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $482,994.08.

Piecing together clues from photos after forgetting rst cruise stop

CSI

By Erika Ho man For Chatham News & Record

I’M LIKE A CSI detective from that old TV program I enjoyed decades ago, except there’s no corpse, no forensic science and no police involved. Only photos! I’ve loads of pictures on my cellphone with dates and regions named. Trouble is I didn’t jot down on paper the exact place I was, nor was I smart enough to photograph signs. So, where was I?

On May 7, 2026, we spent the morning on a wine tour. Where? That’s the million-dollar question. I saw one photo I took that morning of our tour bus about to leave Macon, France. We were driving to the white wine region called Maconnais. I snapped a photo of one sign en route: “Solutre-Pouilly,” with an arrow pointing to a spot reading, “Vous êtes ici.” Therefore, I know the direction we headed on the highway. My next photos were of grapevines and then more grapevines and then hills — with grapevines.

Next, I had photos inside a building of murals depicting the history of wine, starting with drawings of Egyptians and pyramids and grapes. I saw one photo of a cellar with oak casks. Another photo showed tabletops and corners of chairs. I had a short video where I accidentally recorded accordion music.

I began my investigation to decipher the exact location. The

place must have a name. I consulted Detective Google. Atop several photos on my mobile phone were the words “Romaneche-Thorins.” I typed that into Google and was taken to a few pages advertising wine tours and urging me to accept all cookies. Some were tours to a Chateau de Moulin. Nah, I ruled that destination out because I’m sure I’d recall seeing a windmill had I actually seen one that day. I’m not blind, yet. In these pages, I read a lot about “terroir,” which is the philosophy of winegrowing. I read about chardonnay, Gamay, Beaujolais, and how alkaline clay best suits the grapes used to make chardonnay, the white wine Maconnais is known for.

I noticed pages about a theme park with vineyards as the theme. This amusement had carousels and rides for kids. An outdoor patio of a restaurant featuring massive outdoor umbrellas and many potted plants looked — familiar. BINGO! I remembered spotting a snapshot of mine that had a white umbrella. This children’s adventure park had a specialty restaurant with murals of vineyards tracing 2,000 years of wine history. A partial cellphone shot I’d taken of a mural was similar to one I’d seen on my computer. I then noticed a red leather chair in my accidentally recorded video. VOILA! Now, I was certain I’d discovered where we were that morning of May 7, on our rst Amadeus cruise bus foray through Provence. The place is named Hameau Duboeuf. Case solved! I gured out the mys-

tery! I knew exactly where I’d been! Hallelujah!

Ergo, here’s my takeaway message, fellow travelers: Always scribble down, at the time, where you are, even if it means using a Sharpie on your fore-

arm. But what if folks think you’re an old hippie with a tattoo? Isn’t that better than their thinking you’re an old geezer with forgetfulness — because you can’t name the very rst place visited on your sev-

“Erika, always write the date and people’s names on the back of your snapshots. You think you’ll remember forever. Trust me; you won’t.”

Dr. Byron J. Ho man Sr.

en-day cruise, taken only a few weeks ago? The real kicker is I didn’t even taste any wine the morning in question! Luckily, CSI skills gleaned by watching countless hours of “Crime Scene Investigation” kicked in. Those minutes in front of the tube weren’t wasted, after all.

Another piece of advice I recall decades later is something My late father-in-law, Dr. Byron J. Ho man Sr. of Atlanta, said: “Erika, always write the date and people’s names on the back of your snapshots. You think you’ll remember forever. Trust me; you won’t.”

CHATHAM SPORTS

Jordan-Matthews hopes for football turnaround

The Jets look for their rst winning season in 15 years

Chatham News & Record sta JORDAN-MATTHEWS just missed breaking through last season. The Jets won their rst four games and held on to nish the regular season at .500. A loss in the rst round of the playo s dropped them to 5-6 on the season, however. That meant one more year added to the streak.

The Jets haven’t posted a winning season since 2011. The streak reaches the decade and a half mark this season, and J-M thinks that’s long enough. The Jets are coming o their best season since matching that 5-6 mark in 2012, year one of the streak. It’s their third year under coach Reginald Carter.

The Jets have to replace a senior class that included quarterback Kamarie Hadley, running back Jakari Blue and defensive standout Deantaye Smith. They have an impressive

group of big-play receivers returning, however.

Here’s a look at the team’s announced schedule:

• Aug. 21 7 p.m. Home vs. Carrboro

• Aug. 28 7 p.m. Home vs. Chatham Central

• Sept. 4 7 p.m. Away at North Stokes

• Sept. 11 7 p.m. Home vs. Wheatmore

Chatham Central seeks progress in 2026 season

Experience could help rewrite the Bears’ story

Chatham News & Record sta

CHATHAM CENTRAL will look for tangible signs of progress as the Bears enter the 2026 football season. The team is coming o a 1-10 campaign, its second straight. The Bears haven’t had multiple wins in a season since 2022. They haven’t posted three wins since 2018 and haven’t won four since 2012. There were reasons for optiSee CENTRAL, page B3

2005

Chatham Central’s last six-win season. The Bears haven’t won ve in a season since

• Sept. 18 7 p.m. Away at Providence Grove

• Sept. 25 7 p.m. Away at East Chapel Hill

• Oct. 2 7 p.m. Home vs. North Moore

• Oct. 9 7 p.m. Home vs. Northwood

• Oct. 16 7 p.m. Away at Southwestern Randolph

The Jets swap out a home game with American Lead -

ership Academy-Johnston for a game at East Chapel Hill, swapping out a non-conference loss from last season with a team that went 3-7 in 2025. Otherwise, the weekover-week schedule is identical to last season’s, other than flipping home and road designations.

J-M opened with wins over Carrboro, Chatham Central, North Stokes and Wheatmore, then added a win over North Moore later in the season.

Powell struggles to open Summer League

The Northwood standout is looking to make a splash ahead of his second NBA season

Chatham News & Record sta DRAKE POWELL had big plans for the summer. Last season, a lingering knee injury cost him the chance to play in NBA Summer League before his rookie year with the Brooklyn Nets. The former Northwood Charger and UNC Tar Heel went on to have an up-and-down season, averaging 6.5 points in 63 games, including 24 starts. This o season, he’s been

able to put in some of the work he’s missed.

“It’s been good,” Powell told the media following a practice last week. “I’m just spending time in the gym, the weight room, just trying to get better each and every day … I say the main thing was the weight room, just trying to build some muscle, get stronger and just add to my athleticism, just being able to move well on the court.” Powell thought we’d see a di erent player this season as a result. “I’d say de nitely nishing at the rim, as well as getting up more threes,” he said, See POWELL, page B2

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Andrew Riedel

Chatham County Yardbirds

Andrew Riedel is a catcher for the Chatham County Yardbirds in the Old North State League. The Yardbirds have won three straight, beating the Wake Forest Fungo 17-7, then topping the Danville Dairy Daddies by the same score. They capped the weekend with a 12-9 win over the Dairy Daddies in the rematch.

Riedel, a Cardinal Gibbons grad who is headed to play college ball at Denison, had a big game at the plate to beat the Fungo. He doubled and homered his two times up, driving in four runs. He also walked four times and scored three runs.

For the summer, Riedel is hitting .333 and leading the team in home runs and RBIs.

POWELL from page B1

“and then I’d say getting to the paint, making the right reads for my teammates.”

It’s still early in the summer. Las Vegas Summer League hasn’t even started, but, in two games in the California Classic, Powell has struggled.

Powell made his debut in a loss to the Kings and missed all nine shots he took from the eld, including ve three-point attempts. He shot 2-of-3 from the line, taking advantage of a new experimental rule being tested this summer that gives players one two-point free throw on shooting fouls instead of two from the line. He nished with four points, eight rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes.

He was scratched from the Nets’ second game—a win over Milwaukee—for undisclosed reasons, although speculation was that it was just a rest day with three games in

“I’m just spending time in the gym, the weight room, just trying to get better each and every day.”

Powell

Drake

three days. Things weren’t much better against Golden State. He did make a rst shot from the eld but nished 1-of-8 in 23 minutes for two points. He missed all four three-point attempts and added just four rebounds without an assist.

The Nets have added veteran talent, including Keon Ellis, Julius Randle and Mo Wagner, as well as a pair of rst-round draft picks. Powell will need to improve his shooting in the remaining summer games to secure a spot in the rotation and possibly on the roster.

After his suspension was lifted in scrutinized move, Balogun has little impact in US World Cup loss

The controversial decision didn’t have a major impact on the game against Belgium

By Andrew Destin

The Associated Press

SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun’s presence on the eld for the United States against Belgium had a seismic impact on the world of soccer, but he ultimately played a forgettable role in the Americans’ 4-1 loss in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday.

The 25-year-old striker, who had three goals in this World Cup, was shown a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted his suspension for Monday’s match after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun’s behalf.

FIFA’s decision prompted soccer leaders to question the integrity of the World Cup, with European soccer body UEFA saying FIFA “crossed a red line” and Belgium’s soccer federation contesting Balogun’s eligibility.

“I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and I accepted the decision when I was told I was allowed to play,” Balogun said. “I didn’t have any involvement in the process, and that’s not something that has anything to do with me personally.”

Balogun did not score on Monday. He helped set up Malik Tillman’s goal in the 31st minute when he was fouled by Belgium defender Brandon Mechele roughly 25 yards outside the Red Devils’ goal.

Tillman scored on the ensuing free kick. Just before the goal, Balogun waved his arms and pumped up the American fans.

The U.S. tried to set up Balogun multiple times. He made use of his speed on several runs but could not get past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His best chance came in the 82nd minute, when Courtois got in front of a left-footed attempt. Balogun was replaced by Haji Wright in the 92nd minute.

To a suggestion that Balogun wasn’t a major presence on the eld, U.S. mid elder Tyler Adams responded: “Was anyone a major presence on the eld today?”

“We were happy that we had

“I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and I accepted the decision when I was told I was allowed to play.”

Folarin Balogun

the opportunity for him to play,” Adams said. “He tried today to be a presence and a nuisance, and at times he was — getting the ball in behind and doing what he does. Just didn’t have too many opportunities.”

Balogun said it was di cult to understand why the U.S. didn’t play with the intensity the team brought to its earlier games.

“Today we didn’t give the crowd a lot to cheer for,” he said. “That’s the most disappointing thing, and that’s the part that hurts the most for me personally.”

Last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun was shown a red card by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle, triggering an automatic onegame suspension.

After Trump spoke by phone to FIFA president Gianni Infan-

tino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year on Sunday.

Infantino said he did not play a role in the decision by the disciplinary committee, which also ned Balogun $40,000, a penalty that can be paid by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

The FIFA president was in attendance for the match, watching from a suite with Pascale Van Damme, chair of the Belgian Football Association, and Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the USSF. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was seated nearby.

Belgium fans chanted “FIFA Ma a!” during their pregame march to Lumen Field.

Balogun’s three goals matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second most by an American in a World Cup. Bert Patenaude holds the U.S. record with four in the initial tournament in 1930.

Balogun, who was playing in his rst World Cup for the Americans, became the rst U.S. player to score two goals in a match in the tournament since 1930. But he failed to lead the U.S. to what would have been its rst consecutive knockout-stage wins. The best performance by the Americans since 1930 remains their run to the quarternals in 2002.

CENTRAL from page B1

Chestnut eats 66 hot dogs to again claim Mustard Belt at Nathan’s Famous contest

The July 4th win was his eighteenth

By Sa yah Riddle

The Associated Press

CROWDS GATHERED in the sweltering heat Saturday to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday by watching famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut defend his world hot dog eating championship in Coney Island, where he downed 66 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. Miki Sudo defended her title as well in the women’s division.

Saturday marked the 18th time Chestnut, 42, won the socalled Mustard Belt in just 21 appearances at the internationally televised Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. He beat out 13 competitors who came from around the country and world, trekking from the Czech Republic, Australia and South Korea.

“It’s a dream, it’s electric, there’s no place better on Earth,” Chestnut said breathlessly in an interview immediately after the showdown, donning a bulky, bejeweled necklace bearing the name of the sports betting company “Polymarket” around his neck. In a video posted on Instagram before the competition, Chestnut called competitive hot dog eating “the most patriotic sport we’ve got.”

Chestnut handily defeated the second-place winner, Patrick Bertoletti, 41, who ate 50

hot dogs, but fell short of his own 2021 record of 76 wieners and buns — or approximately 7.6 hot dogs per minute.

Defending champion in the women’s division, the 40-yearold Sudo of Tampa, Florida, won the bright pink Mustard Belt for the 12th time, downing 38.75 dogs. In 2024, she ate a record 51 links.

After competing, Sudo joined the crowd to watch her husband — who proposed to her in 2021 immediately after downing 50 boiled eggs in just over 3 minutes to set a world record — compete in the men’s event.

Both champions said that the heatwave that scorched New York on Saturday — bringing temperatures in Brooklyn to roughly 90 de -

grees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) during the competition — made that much more di cult. On top of that, ESPN announcers said the humidity changed the consistency of the buns.

“I just said I would have to rely on muscle memory, and the crowd really carried me through to another belt today,” Sudo said.

A large crowd braved the heat to watch the event, wearing foam hot dogs on their heads and standing outside the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant that has been in Coney Island, Brooklyn, since 1972. The superfans who stood closest to the stage wore ponchos as protection in case a competitor threw up.

There was brie y some con-

and other competitive eaters consume hot dogs during

cern earlier this year that Chestnut wouldn’t be able to participate in the 2026 competition after he was arrested for allegedly slapping a man in an Indiana bar. He was put on probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery, but is allowed to travel outside Indiana. Hot dog contest organizer Major League Eating said the criminal case didn’t a ect Chestnut’s eligibility for the competition.

Despite his continued reign, Chestnut told an ESPN interviewer after the game that he was disappointed that he wasn’t able to top his previous record.

“Dang, I got so much room left,” said Chestnut, who announcers referred to as the “Michelangelo of Mastication.”

mism. A season-opening win over Graham put the Bears over .500 at any point in a season for the rst time since 2020-21, and the team had three losses that were decided by one score, so the record could have been signi cantly better with a little luck and experience in tight games.

Chatham Central returns that experience. Receiver Nicholas Glover is the only senior loss from the team’s o ensive statistical leaders last season. The team has experience at quarterback and will look to make a step forward.

Here’s a look at the team’s announced schedule:

• Aug. 21 7:00 PM Home vs. Graham

• Aug. 28 7:00 PM Away at Jordan-Matthews

• Sept. 4 7:00 PM Away at East Columbus

• Sept. 11 7:00 PM Home vs. North Moore

• Sept. 18 7:00 PM Away at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy

• Sept. 25 7:00

•

• Oct. 23 7:00 PM Home vs. South Stokes

• Oct. 30 7:00 PM Away at South Davidson

The Bears moved the game with WSPA from the end of the season to Week Five, bumping the remaining games back a week. Otherwise, the schedule is a match to last year’s, with just the home/road locations ipped.

Central beat Graham by four, lost to East Columbus by two, North Stokes by one and TCPLA by eight. So the team could get o to a running start this year.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ chathamnewsrecord.com.

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

A red card means trouble and controversy at the World Cup: Here’s what to know

The U.S. red card is not the rst, or last, the process has raised a fuss

By Jim Vertuno

The Associated Press

THE AMERICANS are seeing red over the most controversial and consequential red card so far in the World Cup.

While the United States celebrated a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, fans and players were angry and frustrated by a second-half red card that sent o star striker Folarin Balogun.

The penalty, called after the referee watched a video replay, ignited debate over whether it was too harsh and whether other players, most notably Argentina’s Lionel Messi, have unfairly avoided similar punishment.

Red cards are the most serious form of punishment in a referee’s pocket. A red card does more than just send a player out of the game. It also means the team can’t replace them and must play shorthanded. The ejected player is also suspended for the next match — and sometimes longer depending on the o ense.

The red and yellow card system of discipline was invented after the 1966 World Cup by former referee Ken Aston, who came up with the color-coded level of discipline while stopped at a tra c light.

“I thought, ‘Yellow, take it easy; red, stop, you’re o ’,” said Aston, who died in 2001.

Much is left to the referee’s discretion in the heat of play. A player who receives a second yellow card during a game is automatically ejected with a red card. Direct red cards usually result from more serious offenses, such as dangerous tackles and violent play.

Under FIFA rules, “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of

serious foul play.”

Balogun’s red card sparked a debate over whether the foul should have been deemed intentional or just a hard tackle that would have justi ed a warning with a yellow card.

“It never was intentional,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “If the intention is to damage the opponent, OK, I understand. But that never was. It was a normal action in football that you are ghting for the ball and your feet land.”

The referee has the challenge of watching all the action all the time. In a tangle of bodies, something could be missed. FIFA introduced the use of Video Assisted Review, or VAR, in the World Cup in 2018.

In Balogun’s case, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus didn’t initially signal a card. But an order from the VAR o cials to review

Too pushy? Gau brought to tears by interaction with anti-doping tester

The players at Wimbledon want changes to the drug testing system

By Ken Maguire The Associated Press

LONDON — Coco Gau said she was brought to tears by a “pushy” anti-doping tester. Serena Williams called the system “grueling.”

Protocols designed to protect tennis from doping are in the spotlight as players open up about their experiences navigating the system in the aftermath of a four-year ban handed to 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova — not for testing positive but for refusing to take a test.

Players are required to provide a 60-minute time slot each day to be available for testing, plus the International Tennis Integrity Agency says that if a doping control o cer “locates and noti es a player outside of that hour, they must complete the test.”

Naturally, there’s a need for communication between players and testers.

“I’m not going to lie, some of them can be pushy, make you feel like you’re doing something wrong,” Gau , the No. 7 seed, said after her rst-round victory at Wimbledon.

“One time she came outside my time slot. But the way she was speaking to me on the phone, it literally made me cry

afterwards,” the 22-year-old

American said. “I found out I was in the right, and I didn’t have to do anything.”

Ahead of her rst-round match, Ajla Tomljanovic described her close calls.

“I’m very scared of the system because it feels broken,” she said. “I’ve had a few experiences of my own where it was about technicalities and when I speak to people in charge they’re not helpful — I don’t want to say they don’t care — but they weren’t very helpful at all to explain things or just show some sort of compassion when I was nowhere near missing a test or testing positive.”

The Australian player said she was seeking help about how the app works.

“I was new to the whole system. And I was at two fails for a month and I knew if I get a third one accidentally I would be out for at least two, three years,” she said. “It’s in a way, I won’t say no fault of my own but it’s not to the degree of being banned and smearing your name. In that sense, I think there’s so much to improve on.”

Williams, who makes her Wimbledon return on Tuesday, said the testing system was “a big reason why I didn’t want to come back either, because it’s just so hard.”

The Vondrousova case

The 27-year-old Czech player, who became Wimbledon’s rst unseeded female champion when she beat Ons Jabeur in

the replay in slow motion resulted in the red card.

That sparked another debate of whether the play looked worse and more intentional in slow motion.

Former France striker Thierry Henry, now a studio analyst for the World Cup with Fox Sports, criticized the red card.

“You need to have some common sense,” Henry said. “Where is the player supposed to put his foot there in that situation?”

Critics have been raising this question since the start of tournament as some of the top players have been entangled in questionable plays, most notably Messi.

In Argentina’s rst match, Messi’s studs-up challenge from behind caught Algeria defender Aissa Mandi on the calf and Achilles tendon. It left Mandi rolling on the ground and

clutching his leg.

Messi immediately put his arms up like he didn’t mean to hack Mandi’s leg. Algeria was awarded a free kick, but the tournament’s biggest star wasn’t booked, stayed in the game nished with a hat trick.

Video clips of the Messi foul began ying around social media by the next day, and caught re again after the Balogun red card.

American defender Weston McKennie called the red card against Balogun “disappointing.” Balogun is the top scorer for the U.S. with three goals. “I think there’s been many other plays like that throughout the tournament on other players that a card wasn’t given at all,” McKennie said.

The American’s aren’t the rst to howl over a red card and won’t be the last. The com-

plaints come after send-o s and no-calls alike.

In 1998, England’s David Beckham was dismissed in the second half of a round of 16 match against Argentina for tripping Diego Simeone in retaliation. In 2006, England’s Wayne Rooney was sent o of a quarter nal loss to Portugal after he stomped prone Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho in the groin.

The most famous World Cup red card sent France legend Zinedine Zidane out of the 2006 nal after he headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Italy would win on penalty kicks.

The most famous non-call came in the 2010 nal when the Netherlands’ Nigel de Jong wasn’t sent o for his studs-up kick into the chest of Spain’s Xabi Alonso in the rst half. Spain would win in extra time.

“I’m very scared of the system because it feels broken.”

Ajla Tomljanovic

the 2023 nal, refused to take a test in early December 2025 after a doping control o cer rang her apartment’s intercom at 8 p.m.

This month, following a hearing by an independent tribunal, Vondrousova received the maximum four-year ban for a rst o ense. The ITIA published a video explainer of the case, saying Vondrousova on the night in question challenged the timing of the test because it was outside her designated time slot.

The agency noted: “If a Doping Control O cer, or DCO, locates and noti es a player outside of that hour, they must complete the test.”

Vondrousova had described the tester as “aggressive” and said the frequent ringing of the intercom “triggered a state of distress,” the ITIA video says.

The tribunal’s June 22 decision con rmed that Vondrousova refused the test and that the evidence “provided no compelling justi cation for doing so.”

The ITIA added that under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, “test refusals can be sanctioned as severely as positive tests.” One rationale is an athlete who is doping could simply refuse a test and seek a lighter punishment.

Last year, the ITIA said it conducted over 8,000 tests

both in and out of competition

“and received a handful of complaints. We take all feedback on board and encourage players to share their views with us.” Other organizations, such as the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also conduct player testing.

On possible changes to the system, the ITIA noted that tennis follows WADA rules and processes, which “will be refreshed in 2027. As part of this process, WADA consults with athletes from across global sport.”

“We understand the system can seem challenging,” the ITIA said, “but it is there to protect players, not to trip them up. If players are ever unsure about a test, have questions, or would like to provide feedback on their experience, we want to hear about it.”

Briscoe holds o Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway

His sixth career win comes in NASCAR’s rst race there since 2019

By Jay Cohen The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. — Chase Briscoe was on an o season bonding trip to the United Kingdom with crew chief James Small when the NASCAR driver discovered chocolate buttons, a popular British treat. He bought some online after he returned to the U.S., but he said it wasn’t the same.

Small purchased some on a return trip to the U.K., and he promised to share if Briscoe won on the crew chief’s birthday. That made Sunday night’s victory pretty sweet.

Briscoe held o Christopher Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway, racing to his rst Cup Series win of the season. And Small delivered the chocolates to Briscoe moments after it was over.

“They were pretty dang good,” Briscoe said.

Briscoe was followed closely by Bell in the nal laps on the 1.5-mile oval about 50 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. But Bell was unable to run down his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.

The 31-year-old Briscoe, an Indiana native, celebrated his sixth career win with a burnout before standing on his car and waving to the sellout crowd.

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to, and I’ve missed it,” Briscoe said. “It’s always been one of my top- ve tracks.”

It was Bell’s fourth runner-up nish this season. He was wearing a splint on his arm as he continues his recovery after breaking his left wrist in a crash at Michigan on June 7.

“I think he’s handled that as well as you can handle it,” team owner Joe Gibbs said. “He’s got

Guardians

a burning desire to stay in there and win. I think he had, you know — he had a real good car tonight, too.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole, was third. William Byron, who won two stages while leading a race-high 94 laps, and Alex Bowman rounded out the top ve.

“I thought I was in control early on, even though I wasn’t leading,” Hamlin said. “I felt in control and probably got a little lazy on some restarts and things like that. Just taking for granted that I’ll just go up there and get it.”

NASCAR ran 19 Cup races in Joliet before pulling out after the 2019 season. It tried to build interest in the event in a crowded sports market, but the race struggled with attendance. After racing on a street course in downtown Chicago each of the previous three years, NASCAR decided to go back to Chicagoland — eager to see how the Next Gen cars would do on the rough and bumpy asphalt at the facility. Rain on Friday and

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to.”

Chase Briscoe

Saturday caused some parking issues, but the racing was compelling.

Led by Briscoe, Bell and Hamlin, Toyota accounted for seven of the top 10 cars for the rst time in a Cup Series race — continuing a strong season for the manufacturer.

“Yeah, Toyotas are fast,” Bell said.

Driving a “Space Jam”themed car in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Looney Tunes movie, Bubba Wallace was sixth in his No. 23 Toyota Camry. Wallace is part of the 23XI Racing team that is coowned by Michael Jordan, one of the stars of the 1996 movie.

Ryan Blaney was seventh in

his seventh consecutive top-10 nish. Ty Gibbs, Corey Heim and Riley Herbst completed the top 10. Tyler Reddick’s championship hopes were damaged by an oil leak with about 32 laps left in Stage 2. There was a long caution while Reddick’s 23XI Racing crew worked on his No. 45 Toyota in the garage, replacing the radiator because of a hole.

Reddick, who won the rst three races of the season, nished 36th. He trails Hamlin by 44 points at the top of Cup standings after he was down by one going into the weekend. Kyle Larson also had a rough day after qualifying second behind Hamlin. He was in third place when he spun out of Turn 4 on Lap 93. He drove his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet into the wet in eld grass and had to be pulled out of the mud. Larson nished 34th, extending his winless drought to 43 races. He nished second in each of the previous two Cup races at Chicagoland.

rookie Ingle loses track of outs, tosses ball into stands, giving away a run

Asheville native has an embarrassing moment early in his MLB career

By Tom Withers The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Rookies are prone to mistakes. Cooper Ingle made a big one he may never forget.

Cleveland’s left elder lost track of the number of outs in the seventh inning and threw the ball into the stands, allowing the Texas Rangers to score the go-ahead run in a 4-2 victory over the Guardians on Tuesday night.

“Obviously, I feel terrible,” Ingle said, his face ushed red on a warm, humid night. “It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling.”

With a runner at second base and one out in the seventh, the 24-year-old Ingle, making just his second major league start as an out elder, caught a routine y ball hit by Rangers left elder Alejandro Osuna o Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee for the second out.

Thinking it was out No. 3, Ingle brie y glanced at the ball in his glove before throwing it over the protective netting to fans as a souvenir.

The umpires immediately ruled the ball was dead and Osuna was awarded home plate.

It wasn’t until then that Ingle realized his mistake and he walked back to his position in shocked disbelief. He was charged with an error.

“Yeah, honestly when I threw the ball out, I heard a bunch of yelling,” Ingle said. “Happens sometimes, but just got to learn from it and not make the same mistake.”

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who has had to plug rookies into his starting lineup all

Hedges said. “I can’t even re-

“It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling.”

Tanner Ingle

season, o ered his unwavering support to Ingle.

“These things happen,” Vogt said. “Rookie. Nonrookie. It’s happened to Hall of Famers. They’ve done it. We’re going to keep learning. We’re going to keep getting better.”

Vogt was proud of the way Ingle’s teammates quickly rallied around him following the bone-headed play.

“It’s a mistake. Lost track of the outs. Pretty big spot,” he said. “We’ll learn from it and can’t control it once it happens. That’s why I was like, ush it. And I just want to give a credit to the dugout. Every one of his teammates, when he came back in, same messaging.”

One of the rst to talk to Ingle was Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, who told him to keep his chin up.

“I’ve made so many mistakes,”

member half of them. I’ve embarrassed myself a billion times on the eld. I mean, just check my o ensive numbers for my career. It’s not super easy to go through that, but that’s the big leagues.”

After his mistake, Ingle said he immediately apologized to Bibee (2-9), who went toe to toe with Jacob deGrom for seven innings. Bibee’s response to his teammates was to try and make things right.

“I just told him to go tie the game right back up,” Bibee said. “Obviously, we all make mistakes. Everyone in this locker room has made multiple mistakes in the big leagues, whether you’re (rookie) Khalil (Watson) or me or Hedgie. It’s tough.” Ingle was brought up from Triple-A Columbus last week. He made his big league debut on June 26 and got his rst major league hit the next day, a two-run single against Seattle.

After his elding foible, Ingle came up in the bottom of the seventh and grounded out. He got another chance in the ninth to avenge his ga e

WNBA

More than half of WNBA players miss All-Star starter vote

More than half of the WNBA’s 180 players didn’t submit their ballots for All-Star starters ahead of this month’s game in Chicago, a person familiar with the balloting told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the voting. It’s unclear why so many players didn’t cast their votes. Fan vote accounts for 50% of the overall vote while players and a media panel each are 25%. It’s been that way since 2017.

NBA

Former NBA star

Beasley pleads not guilty to gambling charges

New York

Malik Beasley’s lawyer said the indicted former NBA star “wants to move on with his life” after pleading not guilty to charges that he altered his play in certain games to enrich sports bettors and ease his own debts. Beasley, the latest big name caught up in a sweeping federal gambling investigation, attentively followed along but said little at his arraignment on Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court. He answered a judge’s questions with “yes, your honor” but let his lawyer, Jason Goldman, enter his plea on his behalf.

NFL

NFL player Campbell’s brother is charged with murder after mother found dead

Atlanta

Cleveland Guardians left elder Cooper Ingle hangs over the left eld fence after catching a y ball hit by Chicago White Sox’s Drew Romo for an out.

but struck out looking for the game’s nal out.

What’s most important now is that he move forward.

“Obviously learn from it and think about it,” he said. “It’s not something that makes you feel great, but things like that happen for a reason and learning from those things and moving on and getting better from them, it’s pretty much the only thing you can do.”

Vogt said the mistake doesn’t a ect his belief in Ingle.

“We’re going to help him through it. That’s what we’re here for,” he said. “You’re playing in your second game in the out eld in the big leagues and a mistake like that. Let’s learn. So what? It’s over. Flush it. We’re not going to be mad at him.

“We’re not going to hold it against him. He’s going to be right back out there the next time it’s his turn to play outeld. This was a mistake. This isn’t a judgment or anything like that, but we know how good of a player Coop is and we’re going to stick with him and we’re going to keep helping him.”

A brother of NFL player Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother in Atlanta. Police o cers found her body during a welfare check. An arrest warrant says Ciarre Campbell was found with a knife. His family told police he struggled with mental illness. He’s being held in Fulton County Jail and waived his initial court appearance Wednesday. Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, is entering his 19th NFL season. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selection with 117 career sacks.

NBA Leonard going back to Toronto after Raptors make deal with Clippers

A person with knowledge of the trade says Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Toronto Raptors, after they struck a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to reunite with the player who led their run to the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two rst-round picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap to the Clippers for Leonard.

OLYMPICS

Denmark urges IOC to recognize Greenland and Faroe Islands as independent Olympic teams

Copenhagen, Denmark Denmark’s parliament asked the IOC to recognize its territories Greenland and the Faroe Islands as independent Olympic teams. The parliament published a letter urging the International Olympic Committee to recognize the semi-autonomous territories and let their athletes compete at the Olympics under their own ags. The revival of a longstanding Olympic proposal previously made 20 years ago comes as the new Danish government pledges support for Greenland, which U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to acquire. The IOC recognizes 206 national Olympic bodies and is unlikely to support Denmark’s request.

this week in history

14th Amendment rati ed, Wyoming joins the Union, rst World Cup kicks o

The Associated Press

JULY 9

1868: The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was rati ed, granting citizenship and “equal protection under the laws” to anyone “born or naturalized in the United States,” including formerly enslaved people.

1850: President Zachary Taylor died of a gastrointestinal illness after consuming a large number of cherries and iced milk on a hot day ve days earlier.

1896: William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous “Cross of Gold” speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

JULY 10

1509: Theologian John Calvin, a key gure of the Protestant Reformation, was born in Noyon, Picardy, France.

1890: Wyoming was admitted as the 44th U.S. state.

1925: Jury selection began in Dayton, Tennessee, in the trial of John T. Scopes, charged with violating the law by teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution.

1940: During World War II, the Battle of Britain began as the German Luftwa e launched attacks on southern England. (The Royal Air Force was ultimately victorious.)

JULY 11

1804: Vice President Aaron Burr mortally wounded former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton during a pistol duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. (Hamilton died the next day.)

1859: Big Ben, the great bell inside the famous London clock tower, chimed for the rst time.

1960: Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” was published.

JULY 12

1543: England’s King Henry VIII married his sixth and nal wife, Catherine Parr.

1812: U.S. forces led by Gen. William Hull entered Canada during the War of 1812 against Britain. (Hull retreated shortly afterward to Detroit.)

1862: During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill authorizing the Medal of Honor.

1979: As an angry reaction to the popularity of disco music, the Chicago White Sox held the “Disco Demolition Night” promotion, in which a crate of disco records was blown up on the eld.

JULY 13

1923: A sign consisting of 50-foot-tall letters spelling out “HOLLYWOODLAND” was dedicated in the Hollywood Hills to promote a real estate subdivision.

1930: The rst FIFA World Cup began in Uruguay.

1985: The “Live Aid” bene t rock concerts were held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia, raising millions.

The Battle of Britain began July 10, 1940, when the German Luftwa e launched attacks on southern England during World War II.

JULY 14

1789: In an event symbolizing the start of the French Revolution, citizens of Paris stormed the Bastille prison and released the seven prisoners held there.

1881: Outlaw William H. Bonney Jr., alias “Billy the Kid,” was shot and killed by Sheri Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner in present-day New Mexico.

1912: American folk singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie was born in Okemah, Oklahoma.

JULY 15

1799: The Rosetta Stone, a key to deciphering ancient Egyptian scripts, was found at Fort Julien in the Nile Delta during the Napoleonic campaign in Egypt.

1870: Georgia became the last Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union.

1997: Fashion designer Gianni Versace, 50, was shot dead outside his Miami Beach home; suspected gunman Andrew Phillip Cunanan, 27, was found dead eight days later, a suicide. (Investigators believed Cunanan killed four other people before Versace in a cross-country rampage that began the previous March).

Motown Museum expansion aims to honor Detroit’s musical legacy

Motown was founded by Berry Gordy in 1959

By Corey Williams The Associated Press

DETROIT — The Motown

Museum in Detroit has been resonating with a di erent signature sound — the rumble of trucks, the buzz of drills and the pounding of metal — as one of the most signi cant sites in American musical history undergoes a $75 million donor-driven face-lift ahead of its 2027 grand reopening.

The expansion of the Hitsville USA campus — a house where chart-toppers by Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross and The Supremes were written, rehearsed and recorded — aims not just to honor Detroit’s musical legacy, but also to increase the city’s footprint as an education and tourism destination.

The museum should enjoy the same level of promotion as other landmarks in the United States, said former Motown music arranger Paul Riser Sr., comparing the seminal label’s

potential to a tourist mecca in New York City.

“The city can really benet by further marketing this whole concept here,” Riser said. “We need to see more pageantry of Motown. Every time I think Motown, I think Times Square.”

Cities across the U.S. have for years promoted musical heritage as a selling point to attract business conventions, exhibitions and tourists. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame attracts 500,000 people each year to Cleveland, while Nashville’s music history and attractions tied to country, gospel and other genres bring in about 17 million people annually.

The Motown Museum says it logs more than 100,000 visitors each year and is expecting at least 325,000 visitors per year after the expansion opens.

“Motown for many, many decades have been just a magical source of pride and inspiration,” said Robin Terry, Motown Museum chair and chief executive. “Visitors come to the little house that’s Hitsville USA — what used to be the

Canada will compete at glitzy Eurovision Song Contest in 2027

Canadian Celine Dion won in 1988 competing for Switzerland

By Jill Lawless

The Associated Press

LONDON — The Eurovision Song Contest is expanding across the Atlantic, with Canada set to compete at next year’s edition of the glitter-drenched pop music competition.

Contest organizer the European Broadcasting Union and Ca-

nadian public broadcaster CBC announced that Canada will send an act to the 2027 contest in Bulgaria in May. Canada is the rst new country to join Eurovision since Australia entered in 2015. The announcement was made on the Canada Day national holiday. It comes shortly after Canada joined the EBU, an association of national public broadcasters that oversees Eurovision.

A campy, colorful contest that has been likened to the World Cup with songs instead of soccer, Eurovision has given the world

the perfect pop of ABBA’s “Waterloo” – the winning song in 1974 –and a host of Euro-pop party anthems.

CBC President Marie-Philippe Bouchard said participation “will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world.”

Founded in 1956, Eurovision brings together musical acts from dozens of mostly European countries to compete for the votes of professional jurors and international viewers.

Eurovision Director Martin

“We are the only place in the world that can claim Motown music as our own.”

Jennifer Ollinger, Visit Detroit senior director of tourism

headquarters of Motown — just to touch the magical space where so many of their musical icons … got their start.”

Motown, uniquely Detroit

Motown was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy in one of the three homes on West Grand Boulevard just north of downtown Detroit, that currently house the Motown Museum.

Just a year later, The Marvelettes’ “Please Mr. Postman” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hits like “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” “Baby Love,” “My Girl” and “The Tracks of My Tears” soon sent the Motown sound around the globe.

Green said Canada’s accession is “a further sign that, while born in Europe, the Contest continues to welcome the world.”

The CBC said it will announce details of how Canada’s entry will be selected later this year. Some Eurovision countries choose their competitors through televised national selections. In others, competitors are picked by the national broadcaster.

Canadians have entered Eurovision before under di erent ags — most famously Quebecoise chanteuse Celine Dion, who won the 1988 contest competing for Switzerland.

The 70th Eurovision contest in May featured 35 countries and was won by Bulgarian singer Dara, so next year’s competition will take place in the southeast European country.

Gordy moved the label to Los Angeles in 1972 and sold it to MCA Records in 1988. His late sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, founded the museum in 1985.

The 40,000-square-foot expansion is being constructed around the original Hitsville USA house and will feature a theater, a recording studio, retail space and a cafe, as well as immersive exhibits and a searchable back catalog of music and interviews.

“The expansion is so iconic and unique for Detroit,” said Riser.

Marketing music history

The Motown Museum is a must-see for international and domestic visitors, according to Jennifer Ollinger, senior director of tourism for Visit Detroit.

Motown is part of the pitch to businesses considering Detroit for conventions, conferences and other large gatherings, Ollinger said.

“We are the only place in the world that can claim Motown music as our own,” Ollinger said.

Eurovision has been roiled in recent years by protests over the participation of Israel, a competitor since 1973.

Five longtime participants — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — boycotted this year after organizers declined to kick Israel out over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The 2026 Eurovision nal was watched by 130 million viewers around the world, organizers say, down from 160 million in 2025. Despite the blows to Eurovision’s nances and viewership from the boycott, the contest is eyeing expansion, with a spino Eurovision Song Contest Asia due to take place in Bangkok in November.

famous birthdays this week

Arlo Guthrie turns 79, Susan Seaforth Hayes is 83, ‘Jeopardy!’s Johnny Gilbert is 98

The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week: JULY 9

Author Dean Koontz is 81. Actor Chris Cooper is 75. Musician and TV personality John Tesh is 74. Singer Debbie Sledge (Sister Sledge) is 72. Actor Tom Hanks is 70. Musician/producer Jack White is 51. Actor-director Fred Savage is 50.

JULY 10

Singer Mavis Staples is 87. Actor Robert Pine is 85. International Tennis Hall of Famer Virginia Wade is 81. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie is 79. Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson is 72. Rock singer Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) is 72. Banjo player Bela Fleck is 68.

JULY 11

Actor Susan Seaforth Hayes is 83. Actor Bruce McGill is 76. Actor Stephen Lang is 74. Actor Mindy Sterling is 73. Actor Sela Ward is 70. Singer Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) is 69. Singer Suzanne Vega is 67. Rock guitarist Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) is 67.

JULY 12

Writer-producer Brian Grazer is 75. Actor Cheryl Ladd is 75. Gospel singer Ricky McKinnie (The Blind Boys of Alabama) is 74. Olympic gold medal gure skater Kristi Yamaguchi is 55.

JULY 13

Game show announcer Johnny Gilbert (TV: “Jeopardy!”) is 98. Actor Patrick Stewart is 86. Actor Harrison Ford is 84. Singer-guitarist Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) is 84. Rubik’s Cube inventor Erno Rubik is 82. Actor-comedian Cheech Marin is 80. Actor-director Cameron Crowe is 69.

JULY 14

Former football player and actor Rosey Grier is 94. Actor Vincent Pastore (“The Sopranos”) is 80. Music company executive Tommy Mottola is 78. Movie producer Scott Rudin is 68. Actor Jane Lynch is 66.

JULY 15

Actor Patrick Wayne is 87. R&B singer Millie Jackson is 82. Singer Linda Ronstadt is 80. Arianna Hu ngton, co-founder of The Hu ngton Post, is 76. Former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura is 75. Rock drummer Marky Ramone is 74. Rock musician Joe Satriani is 70.

the stream

Rolling Stones,

‘Little House on the Prairie,’ ‘Backrooms’

J.K. Simmons stars in ‘The Westies’

The Associated Press

THE LATEST Rolling Stones album and the streaming debut of the hit movie “Backrooms” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: a new version of “Little House on the Prairie,” new albums from Adam Lambert and Finn Wolfhard and “College Football 27” from EA Sports.

MOVIES TO STREAM

The box-o ce sensation

“Backrooms” is making its premium video-on-demand debut on July 7, available to purchase on all the major streaming services. Kane Parsons, 20, directed the feature-length adaptation of his viral web series about the dread of liminal space, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as a furniture store salesman. In his review, Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it’s a “ tfully unsettling nightmare that never convincingly builds beyond its creepy, dated-decor premise.”

Maika Monroe plays a woman looking to rebuild her life after prison, heartbreak and tragedy, opposite Tyriq Withers in the Colleen Hoover adaptation

“Reminders of Him,” streaming on Peacock on Friday, July 10. In his review for the AP, Mark Kennedy called it “a well-crafted, well-acted sad-happy Hoover adaptation,” praising Monroe, who, he writes, “stretches out her dramatic muscles to play Kenna and nails the assignment, a woman with a hard shell who is looking for a little grace, a tricky role that’s both irty and maternal.”

And just in time for the Fourth of July comedown, “The Long Walk,” set in a dystopian, postwar America, arrives on HBO Max on July 10. Cooper Ho man and David Jonsson star in this adaptation of a Stephen King story in which 50 boys are selected by lottery for a

harrowing contest in which the walk only ends when one survivor remains. Fittingly, “Hunger Games” veteran Francis Lawrence directed.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Only the Rolling Stones have the ex to get Anya Taylor-Joy and Charles Melton to appear in one of their music videos.

The movie stars play a frustrated couple in the video for the new soulful R&B single “Jealous Lover.” That’s from the upcoming album “Foreign Tongues,” out Friday, July 10, which includes the Cure’s Robert Smith on guitar for the rollicking single “Divine Intervention.” The album also has contributions from Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith. “Foreign Tongues” will also include a special appearance from drummer Charlie Watts, lifted from one of his nal recording sessions before his death in 2021. Finn Wolfhard isn’t resting on his music or TV successes.

The “Stranger Things” star has his sophomore solo album out Friday, July 10, a year after the intriguing multi-hyphenate artist dropped “Happy Birthday.”

And things are looking up — or is that Upside Down? — for Wolfhard: While his debut was a lo- , distortion-heavy sneer of garage-band strut, the singles from the 12-track “Fire From the Hip” so far reveal a more mature songwriter, with a more melodic bent and less dense, punky production. The lead single “I’ll Let You Finish” cheekily nods to the viral VMA moment when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift at the 2009 Video Music Awards. Adam Lambert struts away from Queen for his sixth solo studio album, simply titled “Adam.” Lambert says he was inspired by ‘90s alternative rock and electronica, including Nine Inch Nails, Björk, Prince and Muse. Singles from the 12-track album include the vampire-dance of “Eat U Alive” and the infectious glam of “Under the Rhythm,” which samples ATC’s “Around the World (La La La La La).” Both tracks explore losing control with a lover: “I know I look a mess, but

/ AP

/

Lukita Maxwell arrives at the premiere of “Backrooms” on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

“‘Backrooms’ is a tfully unsettling nightmare that never convincingly builds beyond its creepy, dateddecor premise.”

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

I’m gon’ sweat it o ,” he sings in the second. The Associated Press rst reviewed The War and Treaty in 2018, writing: “Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter, the pride of Albion, Michigan, are husband and wife and a powerhouse R&B duo who sound as though they were born to sing together.” The assessment holds true nearly a decade later, as they prepare to release

their latest album, “The Story of Michael and Tanya.” Lead single “Don’t Say Goodbye” is a smooth throwback, timeless with its harmonies and soulful production. If that’s not enough to sway you, maybe this is: The album also features Wynonna Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. You read that correctly.

TV TO STREAM

A reboot of “Little House on the Prairie” debuts on Netix Thursday, July 9. Like the original series starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, the show is based on the classic books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Set in the American West in the late 19th century, the tight-knit Ingalls family settles in Kansas, but their new home comes with a variety of challenges. Luke

Bracey plays the father, Charles. Crosby Fitzgerald is Caroline, the family matriarch. Skywalker Hughes plays eldest daughter, Mary, and Alice Halsey is the feisty younger daughter, Laura, also known as Half-Pint. J.K. Simmons stars in the new MGM+ crime drama “The Westies,” about the real Irish gang that ruled the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in Manhattan in the early 1980s. In the series, the Jacob Javits Convention Center is under construction in their backyard, promising an abundance of (illegal) ways to make money. The Westies’ turf is threatened by a clash of ideas between the young and oldschool members. The eight-episode series debuts on Sunday, July 12.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The World Cup may still be raging, but EA Sports would like to remind you that the other kind of football is right around the corner. “College Football 27” promises streamlined playcalling, a new “Dynasty Blueprint” mode for aspiring athletic directors and a revamped “Road to Glory” campaign that lets you rake in the sponsorship cash as you ght for the Heisman Trophy. Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore are the cover models, but the buzziest addition may be Mascot Mashup, which pits team mascots against each other in 11-on11 slugfests. Kicko is Thursday, July 9, on

5,

or

Duplin Journal

Families celebrate Independence Day

Children cool o on water slides during Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church’s Independence Celebration. Turn to A6 for

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Road repair update

Magnolia

The North Carolina Department of Transportation will begin repairs this week to address a road issue on U.S. 117 in Magnolia caused by tree roots, according to Mayor Dawn Ward. Ward said NCDOT crews are scheduled to dig up the roots before repairing the roadway and making any necessary curb or related repairs resulting from the work. The mayor also provided an update on long-term improvements for U.S. 117, saying the roadway is included in NCDOT’s Highway Maintenance Improvement Plan for 2027. The planned paving project extends from Powell Street to North Street, covering the length of Magnolia’s corporate limits. Ward said a construction timeline will be available once the project is bid and awarded.

Local police extradite suspect in lottery ticket investigation

Warsaw A suspect wanted in connection with a 2024 lottery ticket investigation has been extradited to Duplin County to face charges, according to the Warsaw Police Department. Police said Jalen Coleman was returned to North Carolina with assistance from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction after Warsaw investigators obtained warrants and initiated the extradition process. In addition to the Warsaw charges, Coleman also has outstanding warrants from the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, Onslow County Sheri ’s O ce, Jacksonville Police Department, Beulaville Police Department and Clinton Police Department. Coleman’s secured bond was set at $100,000.

New county pay plan reshu es workforce

First formal pay plan in county history reshapes dozens of jobs, eliminates positions and changes salary grades across departments

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — After years of operating without a board-approved classi cation and pay plan, Duplin County has formally established a countywide compensation system that reshapes dozens of job classi cations, eliminates long-vacant positions and restructures multiple departments — changes that could affect future hiring, promotions and employee pay. The Duplin County Board of Commissioners recently ap-

“It establishes the maximum amount. It gives parameters for HR to work within and also accountability within our departments.”

Lisa Hughes

proved the county’s rst formal Classi cation and Pay Plan. According to Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes, the plan was designed to establish a formal structure for county salaries and address dozens of outdated positions that remained in the county’s system.

“The county has not had a formal document that has been a classi cation and pay plan,” said Hughes. She clari ed that while the county had speci c positions and salary ranges entered into Munis, the county’s HR and nancial system, there

was no board-adopted document governing them, describing the new plan as a necessary starting point.

The plan establishes salary parameters for county positions, including maximum hourly rates for each classi cation. Hughes said the plan is intended to provide guidance for human resources and accountability for departments when making hiring, promotions and compensation decisions.

County records show the plan reclassi es dozens of positions across multiple depart-

Man killed during Wallace reworks event

Police said the victim was struck by a pickup truck while watching the reworks Saturday night, and no charges are expected

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WALLACE — A family-friendly Fourth of July event to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary turned tragic Saturday night at the Wallace Moose Lodge located near the Wallace-Pender Airport. A man who was there to watch the reworks with his wife was killed after being struck by a pickup truck.

Wallace Police Chief Jim-

directly in front of his vehicle after watching the reworks when the incident happened.

“The gentleman succumbed to his injuries on his way to the hospital,” Crayton said.

According to Crayton, the driver of the vehicle that struck the man was operating a large GMC pickup truck and did not see the man before the collision.

The Wallace Police Chief said there was no one else injured in the accident.

At the time of the interview, Crayton said he did not yet want to identify the victim.

The accident took place in Pender County but was investigated by the Wallace Police Department.

Following the investigation, Wallace police consulted with the Pender County District At$2.00

my Crayton told Duplin Journal the man was sitting in a chair

“The gentleman succumbed to his injuries on his way to the hospital.”

Jimmy Crayton

ments, with some employees moving to higher pay grades while others are assigned lower classi cations or eliminated altogether.

Some departments, like information technology and geographic information systems (GIS) saw some of the largest classi cation changes.

The GIS addressing tech position saw one of the largest jumps, moving from a Grade 58 to a Grade 69. The GIS administrator/coordinator position was reclassi ed as an IT security manager and moved from Grade 69 to Grade 70. Meanwhile, the network IT security manager position was reclassied as a network administrator and moved down from Grade 70 to Grade 66.

Other changes included the employee relations administrator being reclassi ed as a human resources analyst, moving from a Grade 60 to a Grade 63. The home bound meal coordinator advanced from a grade 52 to grade 55, while the solid waste secretary I became an admin support specialist I, moving from Grade 53 to Grade 56.

Library sta ng was also re-

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Duplin adopts $79.4M budget

O cials approve new budget controls while discussing future capital projects

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Duplin County commissioners recently approved a $79.4 million scal 2026-27 budget, keeping the property tax rate unchanged while acknowledging that mounting repair costs at the aging Department of Social Services building could reshape future capital spending priorities.

The adopted General Fund budget totals $79,427,900 and maintains the countywide property tax rate at 58 cents per $100 of property valuation. The spending plan funds core services including public safety, education, health services and social services.

The largest appropriations include the Sheri ’s O ce and Jail at $13.3 million, the Social Services Division at $11.6 million, Duplin County Schools at $11.3 million, Public Safety at $10.6 million and the Health Division at $6.2 million. The budget also includes $2.56 million for James Sprunt Community College.

The General Fund relies primarily on property taxes, local sales taxes and state and federal funding. Property taxes are expected to generate about $40 million, followed by $12.2 million in local sales taxes and nearly $10.8 million in intergovernmental funding. The county also appropriated just over $7 million from its fund balance to support the spending plan.

Commissioners also approved funding for several special and enterprise funds, including $6.47 million for the School Capital Fund, $5.12 million for 28 re districts with varying tax rates, $4.65 million for solid waste operations and $4 million for water operations of which $1.2 million are allo-

“Right now, they’re doing a patch system so we can try to at least get some air in that building.”

County Manager Lisa Hughes

cated for debt service.

County documents also show that several operations continue to depend on General Fund support to maintain sustainability despite generating their own revenue.

Although the airport is projected to generate more than $1 million from fuel sales and hangar leases, it still requires a $248,683 transfer from the General Fund to balance its budget.

The Automation and Preservation Fund is funded entirely through a $25,000 General Fund transfer.

While re districts have their own ad valorem tax rates, the General Fund provides a $556,008 contribution to supplement re protection services for FY 2026-27. Public transportation services are funded by a mix of state grants and agency-purchased services, but the budget ordinance also allows for $302,871 in General Fund support to bridge gaps.

Education also remains one of the county’s largest General Fund commitments, with $11.3 million appropriated for Duplin County Schools and $2.56 million for James Sprunt Community College.

Beyond the spending plan, commissioners adopted the county’s rst formal Classication and Pay Plan, establishing standardized salary ranges and new budget controls. (See A1 for the full story.) As part of the budget package, the board adopted new budget controls which will prohibit department heads from transferring personnel funds to operating expenses without board approval. The nance o cer may also ap-

Crews continue e orts to contain Chinquapin wild re

Fire ghters increased containment to 50% after several days of work on the 210-acre blaze

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

CHINQUAPIN — The wildre near Chicken Farm Lane in Duplin County remains 50% contained, and the North Carolina Forest Service is preparing to scale back its response, according to the Nine Mile Volunteer Fire Department.

prove internal budget amendments that do not increase a department’s overall appropriation.

“Our goal is being more transparent, more cost e ective with what we do in our budget,” said Hughes. “We are doing what is in the best interest of serving our citizens and being good stewards of the taxpayer dollars. And when I say taxpayer dollars, I’m not just talking about taxes. I’m also talking about sales taxes and fees and everything else because it does take a lot to run a county nancially.”

While commissioners nalized the budget, county leaders also acknowledged signi cant maintenance challenges at the Department of Social Services building.

Hughes said the facility is in “pitiful condition” and requires approximately $250,000 in repairs, including an estimated $100,000 to replace a broken elevator and another $150,000 to address failing HVAC control upgrades.

“Right now, they’re doing a patch system so we can try to at least get some air in that building. But it pains me to be standing here telling you that we’re looking at spending $250,000 on a building that I don’t think it’s wise to spend that much money on,” said Hughes. “We’re just trying to do our best and accommodate sta and the public that comes into that building.”

Hughes urged commissioners to revisit the county’s existing master development plan to evaluate both immediate and long-term facility needs, saying additional discussions will take place in the coming months.

The board also approved an $8,000 change order for the county airport’s new hangar. Airport Director Josh Raynor said the additional expense will fund window tinting to help reduce heat inside the building because of the hangar’s large glass windows. The project will be paid for using contingency funds.

The re, rst reported July 3, has burned approximately 210 acres. O cials said there continues to be no threat to the public, but residents should expect to see smoke as crews monitor lingering hot spots.

Fire o cials said wild res of this type can continue to burn and smolder for a while, even after rainfall. Nine Mile Volunteer Fire Department told Duplin Journal via Facebook message that it does not mean the re is out of control. Instead, it means re ghters have secured portions of the re while continuing to monitor areas where they are not yet ready to reduce operations.

The North Carolina Forest Service has led the response with assistance from local re departments and emergency management agencies from Duplin, Onslow and Pender counties.

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

July 10

Campout and Cook Out

JCO Campground will host its anniversary campout and cookout July 10-12 at its 22acre lake property in Duplin County.

211 Baysden Pond Road, Chinquapin

July 11

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater 5:30 p.m.

The Duplin Winery will host a murder mystery dinner theater event at the Duplin Winery’s Rose Hill vineyard. A pre-show wine tasting begins at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $75.

505 N. Sycamore St., Rose Hill

July 18

Moth Night 2026

8:30 p.m.

The Cowan Museum of History and Science in Kenansville will host Moth Night 2026 from 8:30 to 11 p.m. The event allows visitors to observe and learn about local moth species.

411 S. Main Street, Kenansville

July 21

Cedar Fork Community Club Meeting

7 p.m.

The Cedar Fork Community Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21 at 1412 Cedar Fork Road in Beulaville. The club meets monthly to discuss community activities and local support e orts. 1412 Cedar Fork Road, Beulaville

Aug. 1

Battle of Rock sh Celebration

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Anita Marie Savage, Duplin County Register of Deeds issued 26 marriage licenses for the month ending on June 30, 2026.

• Franklin Junior Martin, Beulaville, and Amber Dawn Beachy, Beulaville;

• Michael Ardyn Fosaaen, Wallace, and Kristen Lea Williams, Wallace;

• Earl Clayton Davis Iii, Rose Hill, and Chelsea Lyn Harper, Rose Hill;

• Asia Jasmine Southerland, Chinquapin, Brady William Johnson, Beulaville;

• Avery Brett Noble, Rose Hill, and Laura Brooke Bostic, Magnolia;

• Krista Marie Lanier, Iowa, and Kenneth Eugene Brooks, Iowa;

• Willie Dolphin Murray Iii, Wallace, and Kimberly Lynn Longenbach, Watha;

• Catarino Sanchez Juarez, Dudley, and Alba Floriselda Perez Morales, Dudley;

• Jorge Donizeti De Jesus Munoz, Magnolia, and Maria Del Carmen Huerta Coto, Magnolia;

• Anthony Vincent Ramirez, Fayetteville, and Rilee Ann Taynor, Fayetteville;

• Brian Douglas Allen, Tennessee, Brandy Nicole Gilbert, Tennessee;

• Owen Scott Murray, Calypso, and Alison Marie Lambert, Calypso;

• Concepcion Adaly Mendoza Quintano, Rose Hill, and Velqui Sarai

Villanueva Pineda, Rose Hill;

• John Richard Gallagher, Maple Hill, and Crystal Marie Simpler, Maple Hill;

• Ryan James Byrd, Pink Hill, and Savhanna

Brooke Rudolph Bennett, Richlands;

• Shane Anthony Durso, Texas, and Karen Beth Day, Beulaville;

• Carlie Reigh Spears, Kinston, and Aiden Wesley Cole Tyndall, Kinston;

• Aaron Micheal Mitchell, Richlands, and Jeanette Leeann Hughes, Richlands;

• Nathan Curtis Lee Phillips, Beulaville, and Stacie

Marie Wallace, Beulaville;

• Joseph Tyler Swinson, Calypso, and Carolyn Ann

Childress, Calypso;

• Luis Anibal Berduo Perez, Mount Olive, and Diana Marisol Berduo-Velasquez Mount Olive;

• Trenton Alexzander Stokes, Wallace, and Brandon GuitierrezAlvarez, Wallace;

• Albert Kevin Sloan, Chinquapin, and Lorraine Melanie Couvillion, Harrells;

• Kenneth Jouseth Bustillo Velasquez, Turkey, and Sharol Sanchez Perez, Magnolia;

• Wadell Antonio Goodman, Hope Mills, and Dianna Princess Hu n, Wallace;

• Ivey Roy Knowles Jr., Rose Hill, and Patricia Leigh Teachey, Wallace.

10 a.m.

The Battle of Rock sh celebration will be held at the Battle of Rock sh Monument with guest speaker Dennis Harper. Following the event there will be a light lunch at the Wallace Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. U.S. 11 and U.S. 117, Wallace

WALLACE from page A1

torney’s O ce to review the circumstances surrounding the incident. Based on that review, o cials determined that no criminal charges would be led in connection with the incident. The Fourth of July reworks at the Moose Lodge is an annual event that features other family-friendly activities before the reworks display.

Growing with North Carolina agriculture

Decades of work in business and public service have given one leader a front-row seat to the industry’s evolution.

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

JEFFERY TURNER has lived and worked in three counties in southeastern North Carolina, but was never far from where he was born in Duplin County. Despite spending time in Jones and Lenoir counties, he never ventured much more than ve miles from any of the homes he grew up in or eventually lived in.

When Turner was starting what was known in those days as junior high school, his family moved a mile down the road to what ended up being Jones County. After graduating high school, he ended up majoring in agriculture business and accounting in college.

He went to work for a company in the farm supply business. Now married, he eventually decided it was time to strike out on his own.

“My wife and I, we mortgaged everything we had, and then some,” Turner said in an interview with Duplin Journal. With those funds, he went into the insurance business.

Turner also took an interest in politics and made a little North Carolina history when he became the youngest person in the state to be elected mayor of a town. That was in Pink Hill.

With his interest in politics in the state, he crossed paths with Wendell Murphy. In 1987, the state senator representing Lenoir, Jones and Duplin counties, Harold Harrison, decided to run for N.C. Lieutenant Governor. Those three counties

all covered areas where Turner had lived and worked, so he was encouraged to run for that seat in the State Senate. There was just one problem. Wendell Murphy had decided to run for that same seat, meaning he would not be able to help Turner in his run for the o ce.

After talking with Wendell Murphy, Turner decided he could still be actively involved in politics in the state without seeking that o ce. And involved he has been. Turner was chosen to serve on the North Carolina Board of Agriculture over 33 years ago, meaning he made state history again by being the longest-serving member

of that board.

Between the farmers he served with his insurance business and his role on the Board of Agriculture, Turner has had a front-row seat to changes in the farming world for over a quarter of a century.

“Every generation gets one more removed from farming,” he said. “I think about growing up around Pink Hill. We had two car dealerships and we had two tractor dealerships. Farmers were the absolute backbone of the rural economy.”

Turner said his connection to farmers through his insurance business and serving on the Board of Agriculture in-

spired him to encourage farmers to diversify their income as much as possible. He had seen the shift in the state beginning with tobacco that for years had been king.

“Over time you watch tobacco start to fade away and I was a big proponent of cotton coming back,” he said. “We could o er another alternative crop to corn or soybeans, or even tobacco.” Turner said he also saw what the poultry and hog industry had to o er.

“Without the hog and poultry industry, I’m not sure what Eastern North Carolina would look like,” he added.

Eventually, Wendell Murphy

Faison moves to curb engine brake noise

Following the success of the town’s 250th anniversary event, commissioners approved funding for a 2027 festival

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

FAISON — The Faison Board of Commissioners voted on July 1 to ban the use of engine brakes through town following a public discussion with residents who said the noise has become a persistent problem.

Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall said it would be enforced just like speed limits are.

“We have speed limit signs and without a sign they can’t enforce it. Without a sign, nothing happens,” Tyndall said. One resident from Main Street pointed out that enforcement could be better maintained if law enforcement o cers “just sat on Main Street instead of the old Piggly Wiggly parking lot.”

Signs warning drivers will

be posted in four places along the main routes through town.

Derek Bell, another Faison resident, invited everyone to a town hall discussion about the wood pellet industry.

“State decision makers and community leaders will be in one room. It’s a free event and an opportunity for real solutions for North Carolina,” Bell said. The event takes place Friday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 200 Northeast Blvd. in Clinton. Both residents and board members expressed interest in attending.

Mayor Billy Ward took note of Anne Letchworth’s last day before retirement and thanked her for over nine years of service to the town.

The board reviewed nancial reports and approved three budget amendments to “get everything caught up and balanced for the close of the scal year.

The board approved adding deputy tax collector duties to Mandy Taylor’s responsibilities. They also approved closing their PNC credit cards and opening ve new lines of cred-

“We have speed limit signs and without a sign they can’t enforce it. Without a sign, nothing happens.”

Jimmy

Tyndall

it at Southern Bank instead. Moving the accounts to Southern Bank streamlines operations because the rest of the town’s accounts are already there. The credit lines approved were $2,500 to Mandy Taylor, $2,500 to Jimmy Tyndall, and $1,000 each to Carmen Gonzalez, Billy Ward and Matthew Scott.

Mayor Ward gave an update concerning the Parks and Recreation after-school program.

“Matt is testing for his CDL tomorrow and Jimmy is already nished and licensed. We have one bus ready to go, and it was at the 250th event,” Ward said.

The board approved hiring Melany Sanchez part-time for

Parks and Recreation at $12 an hour. The board also approved accepting 79.33 hours of accrued sick time for Carmen Gonzalez.

The board discussed property taxes on land exchanged with the Cottles. The property has been in the town’s possession since 2006 as part of the water plant, but it needs a signature to nalize ownership. A certi ed letter has been sent to the party of interest, and the board approved assuming responsibility for paying applicable taxes for 2025 and all taxes going forward. The board also approved a tax write o for Edward Hill and tax write-o for Randy Jordan and Yavonne Robinson Williams.

The board discussed the Thornton mural that Heather Williams is currently working on for the center of the old depot across from town hall. The artist o ered to repaint the other existing murals as well, and the board approved taking them down and delivering them to her to do the work over the summer.

The board discussed the

“Without the hog and poultry industry, I’m not sure what Eastern North Carolina would look like.”

Je ery Turner

approached Turner and suggested they build farms together as Murphy Family Ventures began to expand their operations. Then, Murphy came to him with another o er.

“In 1995, Wendell approached me and asked if I would consider coming on board with Murphy Farms. He was looking at a succession plan and had me in mind,” Turner said. “So, in 1996, I sold my insurance businesses and came to work for the company.”

He is now the company’s chief operating o cer.

Turner’s work still takes him before members of the General Assembly to consistently remind those from more urban areas that agriculture is the state’s largest industry.

“That helps to start building bridges to help the more urban members understand how important agriculture is to rural North Carolina, and the entire state,” he said.

Turner said as fewer people enter farming today, Murphy Farms wants to maintain agriculture’s importance for the future.

“Wendell’s son, ‘Dell’ Murphy Jr., who started Murphy Family Ventures, and I share the same desire to hand something to the next generation and keep it a viable operating business, not only for our own kids, but [also for] all those contract growers that have been associated with this business for the last 30 years or so,” Turner said.

overall success of the 250th celebration and how many people have requested it become an annual event.

“We had thousands of people come out to that eld, and I’ve not seen an event do that since I’ve been here,” Tyndall said.

“We need to do something to keep this town moving forward,” Commissioner Carolyn Kenyon said.

“F.I.G. does a lot for us and will help us with this, but this will be our one big event that the town puts o ,” Ward said.

The board discussed the value and nancial risk of the event, but determined it was worth it for the overall community engagement.

“Yes it is a risk, but it is a risk that paid o ,” Tyndall said. The board decided to approve appropriating $45,000 to make the event happen in 2027, and they plan to make room for it in the budget going forward. Before the meeting adjourned, Ward mentioned the ghost walk and house tours that F.I.G. is working on.

“If you haven’t seen it yet, you should see what they have accomplished at the museum,” Commissioner Christy Allen said. “It may be a small area, but it is really something to be proud of.”

THE CONVERSATION

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

The fall of Vicksburg

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

WHEN I WAS 19, I knew a much older man who’d grown up in 1930s Alabama.

“We didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July,” he told me. “For us, it was the day Vicksburg fell.”

Vicksburg, Mississippi, fell to Union troops on July 4, 1863. The Confederates surrendered, as was their habit. Long memories still mourn the Lost Cause of Black backs whipped bloody.

So how am I, a resident of Rhode Island, supposed to celebrate the Fourth of July this year?

When I was maybe 8 years old, reworks were illegal in Massachusetts, but my father, a bartender who invariably “knew a guy,” brought home a box of sparklers for me.

The sparkler is the lowest form of rework. It doesn’t blow up, it doesn’t make a loud noise and it doesn’t go up in the air. It’s a long wire, the top half of which is coated with some sort of chemical mix that throws o showers of silver sparks when it’s lit. You hold the sparkler by the uncoated bottom half. Those kids who hold the sparkler by the burning top half don’t do it for long.

I would use the sparklers on the top step of the three steps that went down from the kitchen door of our rented house in Taunton, Massachusetts, under the supervision of my father.

I remember the metallic brightness of the sparks against the dark sky, and my father’s deep voice.

“Be careful,” he’d say. “Don’t hold it too

close to you.”

I’ve always held things too close, and that’s true of both my memories and America.

I don’t hate America. I love America. What I hate is our gradual weakening, our string of lost or inconclusive wars, our blustering, Jesus-pimping leadership. We crow endlessly about this being “the greatest country in the world,” but the highway bridges are rotting, we don’t have enough technical skill to reline a pool and we’re pushing hard to regain the use of every vile term we’ve ever used to describe nonwhites and women.

“If you don’t like it here, why don’t you move to Iran?” I’m asked.

I can’t. I can’t go anywhere else. My ethnic heritage is so jumbled that I can only call this country my own because America is where they made a new people from French and Irish and Scottish and English, which is what I am “by blood” if you think blood sings in di erent languages.

Maybe 2 miles from our house, my uncle Kendall’s name is engraved on the town honor roll. He served in World War II and the Korean War. The honor roll is granite, and it’s dead. Kendall is dead. When he came back from his wars, he pumped gas for the rest of his working life.

I’ve touched his name where it’s cut into the stone.

It’s not as though there are no Fourth of July celebrations taking place near me, either. The worse the country gets, the bigger and

tackier the patriotic celebrations get. If we ght a draw with Iran, next Fourth of July, there will be a pro wrestling show at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The ags keep getting bigger, too. In my neighborhood, there are people ying ags bigger than the one they y outside the post o ce.

Rhode Island opted out of the Great American State Fair, as did most of the American population. Not even a speech from our rapidly failing president could save that disaster.

My wife Deborah was in charge of our yard decorations for the Fourth of July. She put out a owered ag with a peace sign in the middle. It’s a small ag, close to the ground, and it utters from a small iron stake driven into the lawn. It probably stands 2 feet high, and on either side, there are small American ags on skinny sticks.

It’s a modest display, is what it is, a little splash of peace and patriotism next to the rhododendron bush.

I’m already starting to feel protective of the little display. I don’t want it to feel bullied by the big ags that have their own tall poles. That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”

(Copyright 2026 creators.com)

The United States has always been at war

Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy.

ONE OF THE MOST popular complaints of the younger Americans is that the United States has been bogged down in endless war and interventionism virtually their entire lifetimes.

Welcome to history. As much as we may not like it, the United States has engaged in con ict and meddling more or less since its inception. The U.S. was born in war. It expanded through war. It freed its slaves through war. It grew into a superpower through war. And until utopia exists, it’s exceedingly likely we will need to clash with those who threaten our prestige and power.

Indeed, you can look at the parallels between today’s war against the Iranian terrorist regime and our very rst foreign con ict to understand why.

From the founding, the Islamic states in Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis in North Africa were capturing American ships, demanding tolls and taking hostages. Without the protection of the British Royal Navy, President George Washington felt compelled to pay o the emirs. President John Adams was even more susceptible to blackmail, appeasing the Islamic rulers with ships, weaponry, ammunition and annual sums — let’s call them “pallets” — of gold and silver.

The Barbary States took the bounty, strung the U.S. along in negotiations, ultimately ignored the treaties they did sign and continued to take captives, murder Americans and disrupt trade.

After winning the White House in 1801, Thomas Je erson halted the payo s. His justi cations for ghting the Barbary “pirates” — a historical mischaracterization that understates the importance of the Islamic sultans who had been raiding coastal towns and ships in the Mediterranean and Atlantic for two centuries, grabbing over a million

European slaves — were more than just narrow trading interests.

When serving as ambassador in Britain in 1785, Je erson had met with Tripoli’s representative Abdul Rahman Adja and asked him why the Barbary States were targeting Americans who had shown them no hostility. Je erson, in a letter co-written by Adams, described Adja’s response in a letter to John Jay.

“The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Mussulman (Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise,” Je erson wrote.

Sounds familiar. Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy. Paying tributes to these “barbarians,” Je erson later argued, not only rewarded aggression and subverted America’s standing but was in direct con ict with the ideals of the new nation.

When Je erson congratulated the Marines on their victory against the Algerians, it wasn’t merely for valiantly ghting the enemy but defeating those who “trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature.”

President James Madison also sent another naval force to Algiers in 1815 to subdue the Islamic corsairs.

Yet, in the imagination of contemporary isolationists, early American foreign entanglements were only taken on for immediate national interests, stripped of any idealism. This simply isn’t so.

And every subsequent generation saw war, as well. Initially, these were con icts of Western expansion. Soon we were involved in con icts around the world.

The Left and isolationist Right are perturbed by our interference with Venezuelan and Cuban sovereignty. But American history is littered with instances of us meddling in places including Haiti, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Cuba, again, to name a few.

“Gunboat diplomacy” was not predominantly deployed to uphold the Monroe Doctrine and eject European powers from the Western Hemisphere, but rather to intimidate and quash domestic movements that threatened American in uence.

By 1852, President Millard Fillmore famously dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan to end that nation’s isolationist policies and open trade by force, if needed. President Ulysses Grant sent another military expedition to Korea in 1871 to do the same. President Grover Cleveland sent the Navy to Samoa to protect American commercial interests from the Germans and British. None of those nations threatened American sovereignty.

Some of these con icts were more moral than others. Some back red. Some were unnecessary tragedies. Some made the world safer. The U.S. has kept Europe free of allencompassing war since 1945. Neither war nor intervention should ever be taken on lightly. The notion, however, that Americans are living through some uniquely bellicose or interventionist era is debunked by even a cursory reading of history.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 creators.com)

A mission built on service, compassion

Charity Mission Center has become a hub for disaster recovery, food programs and volunteer ministry

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WINSTON CHURCHILL

once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Giving has denitely been the work of Charity Mission Center in Rose Hill since 2018.

Charity Mission Center, with its home in the former Charity Middle School, was founded after Hurricane Florence devastated parts of southeastern North Carolina with record ooding leaving many people with no livable home to return to after the storm passed.

That’s when Baptists on Missions, the volunteers who are regularly seen in yellow shirts o ering help after a disaster, put the center into operation and it has been serving people in this part of the state ever since, building or rebuilding homes damaged by hurricanes or ooding, as well as feeding many seniors and others in need of assistance. Baptists on Mission purchased the school from Duplin County Schools.

According to Tammy Weeks, who is the mission and ministry director for the Eastern Baptist Association and serves as co-site director for the Chari-

Volunteers pack food boxes during a service day at Charity Mission Center. The boxes are provided to seniors and others in need across four counties.

ty Mission Center with her husband, Richard, the number of people who have been helped through the ministry is impressively high.

“During the eight years after Hurricane Florence, we’ve rebuilt about 525 homes in Duplin County alone,” Weeks told Duplin Journal, adding that they built 31 new homes to replace

houses that could not be rebuilt.

Charity Mission Center becomes a central hub in the efforts to serve. With the ability to house 200 volunteers in the building, volunteers come from all over the country to serve when needed, according to Weeks.

Rebuilding or replacing homes damaged by recent hur-

ricanes is not the only service taking place out of the center.

“We do other things like wheelchair ramps, the senior food box program, which is the supplemental food program through the Department of Agriculture,” Weeks said. “We pack food boxes that go out to four counties.”

In the summer, ministry ac-

“During the eight years after Hurricane Florence, we’ve rebuilt about 525 homes in Duplin County alone.”

Tammy Weeks

tivity picks up thanks to youth, including a lot of college students, coming to Charity Mission Center. Weeks said they do yard work in the area and clean up for senior adults who otherwise may not have anyone to help them with that work.

Weeks and her husband have been involved with disaster recovery through the church since Hurricane Floyd struck eastern North Carolina in September 1999. Since Charity Mission Center opened, they have been even more involved.

“We haven’t lived in our home in eight years because we live in the facility,” she said. “It’s just a calling on our life to serve and to help mobilize people to get more involved in serving those that are in need.”

Most of the funding for Charity Mission Center comes from contributions from Baptist churches and individual donations. Participation in the ministry comes from a much larger number of churches involved across the United States, according to Weeks.

PLAN from page A1

organized. Multiple library assistant I positions were reclassi ed as library branch coordinators without changing pay grades, while a library assistant IV position became a library operations manager moving from Grade 53 to Grade 59. Not every position moved upward. County documents show the salary oor for some law enforcement classi cations decreased under the new pay structure. For deputies or jailers promoted into those classi cations during scal year 2027, the minimum hourly rate associated with the new classi cation changed approximately $3 lower than the previous classi cation’s minimum rate. Management also used the new plan to eliminate several positions that had remained vacant for years.

“We’ve looked at the positions that are in Munas. Some of them have been vacant since 2019. Some of them have been vacant a couple of years,” said Hughes. “I would say this eliminates about 30 positions.”

Hughes explained that the county had roughly 100 vacant positions across various departments. Among those removed were three deputy II positions and a part-time water technician position. The restructuring also shifted leadership responsibilities within Health and Human Services.

Hughes explained that the department previously operated with both a director and a deputy director. As part of this transition, the deputy health and human services director position is being eliminated. Simultaneously, the existing social services director posi-

tion was reclassi ed as a social services deputy director, with a pay grade adjustment from Grade 77 to Grade 74.

“Positions were eliminated based upon di erent factors: they had been vacant for over one year, some for seven years, the department director requested they be eliminated, or the position was determined to no longer be needed,” Hughes told Duplin Journal.

The classi cation plan follows several organizational changes approved by commissioners throughout 2026.

In February, the board transferred housekeeping and building maintenance employees from the Health Department and Department of Social Services to the Public Buildings Department. County records show those employees received pay increases ranging from

25% to 30%. During the same meeting, commissioners eliminated ve positions as part of the county’s transition to privatized child support services. Along with the transfer, the building maintenance position was reclassi ed to building maintenance custodian and upgraded from a Grade 54 to a Grade 56, while the lead housekeeper was changed to a housekeeper position and adjusted from a Grade 54 to a Grade 52. Additional changes followed in March and April. Commissioners reclassi ed the EMS director position as EMS division chief, moved the county manager’s executive assistant position into nance as a purchasing coordinator moving from Grade 61 to Grade 63, reclassi ed the airport operations manager position as an airport technician dropping from

Grade 64 to Grade 58, created a new marketing director position to bring communications work in-house and added more than 10 grant-funded positions within the Health Department.

The classi cation plan also works alongside the county’s Employee Development and Educational Incentives Policy, which provides salary increases ranging from $1,500 for an associate degree to $6,000 for a doctorate for qualifying employees across all departments.

“This Classi cation and Pay Plan is a starting point, a baseline if you will, as the County did not have a consolidated document like this. Over the next several months, the Plan will be evaluated to explore how the classi cations relate to one another, as well as to surrounding counties,” said Hughes.

Annual Independence Celebration brings community together

Hundreds turned out July 1 for the annual Independence Celebration at Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church. The family-oriented event included plenty of food, as well as water slides, a bouncy house, a cornhole tournament and a new attraction — a foam cannon that was a hit with the children.

John Michaelson, the church’s youth and outreach pastor, told Duplin Journal the church has held the event annually for at least the past decade.

The evening ended with a reworks display.

Video from the event is available on the Duplin Journal YouTube channel at youtube.com/@duplinjournal

Warsaw woman’s lifelong calling leads her back to nursing dream

Childhood experiences with compassionate nurses inspired Lakeisha Yelverton’s career in healthcare

Duplin Journal Sta

GROWING UP in Warsaw, Lakeisha Yelverton learned early that caring for others could make a lasting di erence.

Her rst experiences with healthcare did not come from working in a hospital, but from being a patient. Born prematurely, Yelverton and her identical twin sister, Felicia, spent much of their childhood in hospitals while receiving treatment for chronic asthma.

During those years, she noticed the nurses who cared for her and the compassion they showed during di cult moments.

“I vividly remember the nurses who took care of me,” Yelverton said.

Those memories planted a seed that would eventually become a lifelong calling.

Decades later, after building a career caring for patients, serving her church and raising a family, the Warsaw native is continuing the journey she began as a child. She is now pursuing her registered nursing degree at the University of Mount Olive — a step toward completing a dream she carried for most of her life.

The path to this point was not easy.

Yelverton rst began exploring healthcare while in high school, earning a Health Technician/Certi ed Nursing Assistant certi cation. But at 17, she became a mother and shifted her focus toward providing for her young son while continuing to work toward her goals. She spent eight years as a nursing assistant at O’Berry Center before earning her Practical Nursing degree from Wayne Community College in 2013. She passed the NCLEX

on her rst attempt and began working as a licensed practical nurse.

Her career has taken her from long-term care to Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Bragg, where she continues to serve patients today.

But becoming a registered nurse remained an un nished goal.

“With nursing still in my heart, I desired to go back,” Yelverton said. In 2024, a coworker intro -

duced her to the University of Mount Olive’s nursing program. After years of balancing work, family and ministry, she decided to make one more attempt.

“I said to myself, if I don’t get in this time, I’m done. I won’t apply ever again,” she said.

When her acceptance letter arrived March 1, 2025, Yelverton knew she was beginning a new chapter.

“It felt like life had come full circle,” she said.

“He took care of home and gave me the time I needed to pursue my education.”

Lakeisha Yelverton

Outside the classroom, Yelverton continues serving others through her career and ministry. She is an ordained elder and pastor of Destined For Purpose Apostolic Ministries. Her future goal is to specialize in mental health nursing, a eld connected to her years of experience working at O’Berry Center.

Throughout her career, Yelverton has received several honors, including the Florence Nightingale “I Care” Award, the Defense Health Agency Team Excellence Award and the 2022 ACHI Magazine Woman of Inspiration Award.

She credits her husband, Ivory, as one of her greatest supporters, saying he helped make it possible for her to return to school while balancing the demands of daily life.

“He has been my greatest supporter and biggest cheerleader,” she said. “He took care of home and gave me the time I needed to pursue my education.”

Now, after decades of caring for others, Yelverton is working toward the credential she rst dreamed about as a young girl in Warsaw.

Her message to others who may have put their goals on hold is one she has lived herself.

“Never give up, don’t give in and don’t give out,” she said. “It’s never too late to achieve your heart’s desire or complete your goals in life. If I can do it … so can you.”

DUPLIN SPORTS Back

Beulaville squad faces Wilmington Post 10 Blue for a trip to the American Legion Sr. State Finals in Gastonia

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — The postseason comes quickly for American Legion baseball teams.

The run to a state tournament bid begins on July 9 as Beulaville Post 511 faces Wilmington Post 10 Blue in a rst-round Area II best-of- ve series.

The winner will be awarded one the league’s two spots in the American Legion Sr. State Tournament at

Sims Park in Gastonia on July 25-29.

The two squads were virtually tied for second place behind league winner Wilmington Post 10 Jr. Sharks (16-4). Tabor City Post 507 (4-8), Jacksonville Post 265 (2-5) and Castle Hayne Post 545 (1-9) were the bottom three clubs.

The playo series will run on consecutive nights and barring rain will end on Sunday. The nals series is played the following week.

Nine teams, which include the host city, will play. The Southeast Regional Tournament takes place from Aug. 5-9 at Fraley Field in Cherryville. The winner of the eight regional tournaments advance to the American Legion World Series in Shelby, which will be Aug. 13-18.

Here’s a recap of action last week. Post 10 Blue (Wilmington) 4, Post 511 (Beulaville) 2

The Blue gang jumped to a 3-0 rst-inning leads and held on during a game in which they outhit Beulaville 6-5.

Wilmington’s third, fourth and fth hitters in the order each stroked a single and scored in the opening frame.

Singles turned into runs for Gavin Holmes and Breaden Barnett in the second and fourth innings as the lead was trimmed to 3-2 thanks to RBIs by Eli Avent and Blayden

Ten Duplin County players nab

Panthers put four on NC Coaches Association’s 4A list, Rebels land three in 2A, Bulldogs two in 3A

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Nine all-county rst-team players were among the 10 players from Duplin that were given all-state status by the North Carolina Softball Coaches Association.

East Duplin garnered ve spots in 4A, North Duplin three in 2A and Wallace-Rose Hill two in 3A. James Kenan did not nominate a player, though fel-

low all-Duplin Tigers Jourdan Joe, Shylah Sloan and Kenadi Gideons would have likely made the cut in 3A. Lilly Fulghum, who was named Ms. Softball in Duplin a week ago, and WRH’s Jansley Page, were the lone all-state players to repeat. They were joined by ND’s Gracie Higginbotham and Wyllow Holmes, ED’s Ava Noble, Zoe Turner, Sophia Jones, Ansley Hunter and Leighton Davis and WRH’s Mattie Gavin. Fulghum (Charlotte University) guided ND to the 2Anals last spring and as a fouryear starter was a key player in the Rebels’ run to the 1A nals in 2022.

She led Duplin in hitting (.607), extra-base hits (21), RBI’s (41) and was second in runs (39) and walks (17), while going 7-1 with a 2.25 ERA in the circle.

Fulghum was also a rstteam player in volleyball and basketball and was the Female Athlete of the Year in Duplin County.

Last spring, Higginbotham’s sister Addy was a rst-team allstate selection. Gracie, a freshman, likewise got votes from coaches because of her bat and arm.

She was second in hitting (.574) and runs (38), punching 14 extra-base e orts, rst in

Panthers’ Davis, LeBlanc, McKinnie will be called upon in Wing T o ense

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Football teams in Duplin County run the football and this fall the oddity will be that all four will be replacing runners who put up legendary career numbers in East Duplin’s Shawn Davis (3,840 53 TDs), Wallace-Rose Hill’s Jamarae Lamb (4,686, 47 TDs), North Duplin’s Carell Phillips (4,876, 70 TDs) and James Kenan’s Jeremiah Hall (3,210, 40 TDs).

Additionally, ED, WRH and JK will have new quarterbacks. ND, which threw the ball 10 times in 2025, returns second-year signal caller Keiz Brock.

Tigers go to Pearsall, Morrisey, Graham

Unlike the past, all four will be looking for a new No. 1 runner. JK’s Taulil (72-837, 11 TDs) enters as the back with the most yardage from a season ago. He will get ample carries to show he can carry the load. Keyshawn Murray is the QB heading into the summer with Kentrall Morrisey and Jamari Graham runners who need the ball in their hands.

But Graham was involved in a vehicle accident last week and likely won’t be able to play this fall and likely won’t be available until Week 3 (Sept. 11 vs. East Duplin).

Sophomores Jemarion Dudley and Zavion Woodard and freshmen Sherrod King and Kingston Dunn will be looking for hando s from Murray and holes from a new Tiger line anchored by veteran tackle Alex Vasquez and promising newcomer Torrance McClain, guards Mason Garner and Lee McRae and center Gavin Garner.

Panthers Davis, LeBlanc, McKinnie will be called upon

In Beulaville the best news is that Noah LeBlanc is ready to rumble. The former Richlands RB ran for 887 yards and caught six passes for 75 yards as a sophomore but torn his ACL just before the start of football last summer shortly before arriving at East Duplin.

The Panthers also lost second-leading rusher Aaron Hall (919 yards, 10 TDs), but Battle Holley, head coach and o ensive coordinator of the Wing T, will have a number of options.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Carson Tew

Beulaville Post 511 baseball

Carson Tew made his leadership and defensive skills known immediately after putting on the Beulaville Post 511 uniform.

His bat has gotten hotter than the weather as the American Legion Area II playo s begin this week.

Tew, who led Midway (20-9) to a berth in the 3A East Region nal, is attempting to put Post 511 into the State Tournament for the second time in as many summers.

The shortstop/third baseman is hitting .327 and has spearheaded a defense that has complemented Beulaville’s strong and deep pitching sta .

Tew hit .523 in the spring and was an all-state 3A player by the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association. He bashed eight doubles, six triples, a homerun and 20 RBIs as the Raiders came within a win of advancing to the state nals, falling to Whiteville in a three-game series.

Yet his biggest prep state might that he scored 49 times, which ranked him third in the state behind Cole Blevins of West Rowan and Gunner Alm of Polk County (50 each).

Tew will play for the University of Mount Olive in the fall.

Blevin played in two more games and Alm more game than Tew.

Sutton

to ll as Tigers’ defensive coordinator

JK graduate takes over for John Bert Avent as JK once again rebuilds its defense

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Lee Sutton had to feel the movement to fully experience football at his alma mater.

Sutton, who played baseball and basketball at James Kenan, got pulled into gridiron madness shortly after graduating from Methodist University.

His mentoring was under John Bert Avent, who was the defensive coordinator at JK that past two seasons when the Tigers had identical 12-2 campaigns. Avent also called the shots when JK won a state title under his brother Ken Jr.

The 2019 Tiger grad is on his own now, though he’ll have a lot of help on the sidelines and high atop the announcer’s booth.

He’s the new defensive coordinator as Avent is letting go of his duties after his twin sons Eli and Cal graduated in June.

He coached both sides of the ball his rst two seasons and was Avent’s assistant the last two.

“John’s one of the best defensive coaches and it’s been so great to work under him,” said Sutton, whose father Chuck is in the JK Athletic Hall of Fame and whose younger brother Will also played for the Tigers.

“I fell in love with the community aspect of the community. My blood really ows on Friday nights.”

Sutton will likely have John Bert in the press box and Ken Avent atop of it and a few assistant coaches with replay monitors to feed him game information.

“That’s the thing, we all work together and o of each other,” Sutton said. “You can’t

have enough eyes.”

Football and football mixed when Sutton married Ken Avent’s daughter Allison, who also works at the school as a teacher’s aide.

As nearly everyone knows, Ken Avent captured two state titles at JK, while his father Ken Sr., has coached more seasons in Duplin County than anyone (his tenure was at North Duplin).

“I love to watch what he calls to defend teams,” said Pat Byrd, who is the OC at Richlands. “He’s so good and makes great adjustments. That’s not as easy as he makes it look.”

Sutton will have the same mission Avent had in the summer of 2025: Rebuild the defense following the loss of experienced, savvy and hardnosed defenders.

Avent did it following the loss of Mr. Football Hassan Kornegay, who led the state in tackles in 2024.

He did so by putting a little bit of Kornegay into several of his defenders.

As a result, free safety David Zeleya, the Defensive Player of the Year, Cal Avent, Stedman McIver, Jaquez Smith, Zamarion Smith each tallied more than 110 tackles, while Jeremiah Hall, Taulil Pearsall, Chris Hill and Alex Vasquez combined for 237 takedowns as the Tigers swarmed to the ball.

Sutton, who has been JK’s head baseball coach for the past three seasons, though that sport isn’t producing enough talent to compete for a title, is ready for the challenge of defending the likes of East Duplin, Wallace-Rose Hill and Southern Nash.

But the new in ux talent pool into the gridiron has had nearly everyone in the Warsaw-Kenansville-Magnolia area buzzing the past two seasons.

Bridgen.

Post 10 got just one more run o hurler Cole Jarman during his third-to-sixth inning stint, and none in an inning o Holmes.

Colin Beddard struck out seven and gave up just one hit and one walk in ve frames of work for the win.

Gage Howard had two hits in four plate appearances but was left stranded on the bases.

Post 511 (Beulaville) 8, Post 507 (Tabor City) 0

James Kenan graduate Eli Avent had three hits and scored twice, and Midway’s Carson Tew also rapped three hits and Jaxon Smith struck out nine while yielding four hits.

Beulaville scored four times in the fourth to cruise.

Cole Jarman singled, doubled, walked and scored a pair of runs, while Reed Davis pitched a hitless seventh, getting two hitters via strikeouts. And it could have been worse as Post 511 stranded 12 runners on bases.

Post 511’s o ense has found a way to score enough runs most games, though they talk over tragedy whenever it is needed.

Post 511 (Beulaville) 5, Post 232 (Garner) 1

Tew, Avent, Howard and Pridgen each had two hits as Post 511 scored twice in the third and three times in the fourth to top its Wake County foe.

Daniel Boyette, Mason Murphy and Jarman didn’t allow a hit in six innings and

Garner had just six baserunners the entire game. That Post 511 had 11 hits, ve walks and seven stole bases and didn’t score more runs was a question Beulaville had leaving the ballpark after a win.

Austin Clement struck out three and gave up the lone Garner hit to Easton Creech in the seventh.

Post 511 Notebook

Avent (.400) leads the team in hitting, though Henry Bass (.394), Howard (.390) and Jarman (.348) are not far behind. Bridgen is at .338, Tew .327 Barnett .312 and Shawn Marshburn .267. Smith has 35 strikeouts in 35 innings and a 3.08 ERA as the ace of the sta . Boyette and Jarman have each gone 13 frames apiece and combined for 19 whi s. Christian Wooten has been the surprise of the summer on the hill. After having a less-than spectacular prep season he’s got an ERA of 1.80. ED’s Holmes and Silas Jarman have also contributed on the mound in a relief capacity.

First though, he must decide if DJ Davis or Brayden Jones is his QB. Jones is the likely choice, if only because it puts him in a needed spot: the backeld.

Look for senior Keeshon McKinnie to make an impact as a wingback, though the Panthers want the Defensive MVP of the ECC last season to be a stud defender and kick returner.

Zachary Cruz, Darwin Bonilla, Hayes Lanier and Hatch Becker will get to audition behind a Panther line that is led center Brody Blizzard and tackles Everett Miller and Anderson Puac.

LeBlanc’s younger brother Josiah is waiting in the wings as a sophomore linebacker/running back.

Welcome to the RB Factory, Mr. Miller

No one is giving WRH a chance this season.

My have the times changed for the winningest school in Duplin County in terms of wins and state championships.

That’s enough fodder to force head coach Kevin Motsinger to make foes eat their words.

The addition of transfer Jarrod Miller will help the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball.

Miller averaged 70 yards a game for Harrell Christian Academy (86-694), while scoring 11 times and making 13 tackles and one sack.

He galloped for 136 yards and a touchdown in a key win over Covenant Day and scored four times and had a season-high 185 yards in a 41=21 triumph over Hickory Grove Academy.

Sophomore Kayden Keith is a good t at QB for WRH and running option include Adrian Glover, a 200-meter 3A sprint champion, Raquan McCrimmon, Logan Marks, and Khajyre Murphy. Underclassmen Kaleb Carr and Jayden Boney also want the ball tucked into their belly.

Jacob Hester, Jacoby Dixon and Jayden Clemmons could be factors on the O-line. Adrian Allen, the best defensive lineman in the ECC, returns to haunt o enses and opposing coordinators.

Rebels look for breakout performer

The last time ND didn’t have a 1,000-yard runner was in 2018 and who will become the next one is anyone’s guess.

It could be returnee Jayden Pope (78-597, 6 TDs). Or possibly Messiah Cooper or Cole Grady, both excellent allaround athletes with speed, though both combined for six carries and 26 yards in 2025. ND lost Vance Carter and Quan Stevens, but still has fullback Noa Quintanilla in its stable.

walks (19) and knocked in 16 runs hitting either leado or second in the order.

Higginbotham’s left arm carved out a 10-1 mark and 2.61 ERA.

Classmate Holmes (.400, 34 runs, 15 RBIs) just missed making the all-county team, which was limited to 13 players.

She went 6 of 12 in the East Region nals versus Manteo but was just 1 of 11 in the 2A nals series against Roxbury Community as senior Marissa Bernal and Ady Spence joined Higginbotham and Fulghum in making big plays, even though the Rebels fell 2-1 in the best-of-three series at Duke University.

Roxboro’s UNCG recruit Karrie Obie was the East Player of the Year in 2A. South Lenoir’s Manteo’s Makena Gray was the East’s Pitcher of the Year.

Noble, Turner, Page earn high honors

Noble, meanwhile, was as good as any elite player in the state, and was named 4A Player of the Year in the East.

The junior, who sat out her sophomore season with a knee injury, hit .568 with nine doubles, ve triples, three HRs, 25 RBIs and 40 runs. She had a county-high 46 hits to lead the Panthers to 19 wins and into the fourth round of the state

It looks like a challenging season for head coach Hugh Martin, who lost a ton of seniors who were multi-year starters.

ND has engineered consecutive 10-win seasons and is 29-5 over its last three campaigns.

Phillips ran for more than 2,000 yards last fall. Martin might need that production number split between two or three runners this season.

The newly constructed seven-school ECC starts being heavy with its league opener against bitter rival Lakewood and ends with Hobbton, which is coached by former

playo s.

The arm that led ED there was Turner (10-1, 2.81 ERA in 83 innings), who nabbed Pitcher of the Year honors.

Hunter (.403, 31 hits, 20 ruins, 14 RBIs) was a freshman surprise for ED, while Davis (.342), an excellent defensive third baseman, began the journey to peaking after a promising frosh season in 2025.

Sophomore Jones (.426, 28 RBIs) also came to the front after a solid freshman campaign. Page, Gavin go out together

Page is the best player to come from Teachey since speedster Angel Pearsall and pitcher and righty-hitting Haven Williams, who captured consecutive Ms. Softball titles in 2018 and 2019.

The shortstop who was a four-year starter who hit .484 and scored 25 times, leading WRH to a second-round upset of James Kenan in the 3A playo s.

Teammate Gavin, who was the club’s catcher for the previous three seasons, hit .407. She and classmate Page were also all-state, as per the NC Volleyball Coaches Association last fall after WRH advanced to the fourth round of the playo s.

South Lenoir’s Makenzie Herring was the top player in 3A, while Midway’s Kyleigh Stonerock the Pitcher of the Year. Stonerock was one of ve Raiders on the rst team.

WRH OC Adam Scronce.

Crusaders’ Davis back on the block

Harrells Christian Academy will likewise need to nd a replacement for quarterback Reid Strickland, but the return of RBs Jeremiah Davis (1,143 yards, 14 TDs) and Demetrius Jones (383, 7 TDs) will be points of emphasis for head coach Clayton Hall, whose team went 9-3 last season.

A big season will be necessary from Davis in the absence of do-it-all wing back Dashaun

McKoy. Davis had ve games with 147 or more yards and 191 yards and four scores catching the ball.

Hall, the longtime o ensive coordinator, is 15-7 since taking over a month before the start of the season in 2024.

Wildcats need to make o ensive changes

Richlands’ running attack needs the most help, though.

The Wildcats ran the ball 199 times last season and got all of 349 yards from it.

That’s a paltry 1.8 yards per carry and not enough to keep defenses honest, even with a good passing plan. Something has to change. Graduating QB CJ DiBenedetto threw for 1,252 yards and 9 TDs and ran for a team-high 168 yards.

It might be impossible to go beyond last season’s 3-8 mark without major changes in the Wildcat o ense.

Last season Richlands’ 12 TDs only led to wins over Southwest Onslow, Swansboro and Dixon, whose combined record was 10-22.

Briscoe holds o Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway

By Jay Cohen

The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. — Chase Briscoe was on an o season bonding trip to the United Kingdom with crew chief James Small when the NASCAR driver discovered chocolate buttons, a popular British treat. He bought some online after he returned to the U.S., but he said it wasn’t the same.

Small purchased some on a return trip to the U.K., and he promised to share if Briscoe won on the crew chief’s birthday. That made Sunday night’s victory pretty sweet.

Briscoe held o Christopher Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway, racing to his rst Cup Series win of the season. And Small delivered the chocolates to Briscoe moments after it was over.

“They were pretty dang good,” Briscoe said.

Briscoe was followed closely by Bell in the nal laps on the 1.5-mile oval about 50 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. But Bell was unable to run down his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.

The 31-year-old Briscoe, an Indiana native, celebrated his sixth career win with a burnout before standing on his car and waving to the sellout crowd.

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to, and I’ve missed it,” Briscoe said. “It’s always been one of my top- ve tracks.”

It was Bell’s fourth run-

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to.”

Chase

Briscoe

ner-up nish this season. He was wearing a splint on his arm as he continues his recovery after breaking his left wrist in a crash at Michigan on June 7.

“I think he’s handled that as well as you can handle it,” team owner Joe Gibbs said. “He’s got a burning desire to stay in there and win. I think he had, you know — he had a real good car tonight, too.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole, was third. William Byron, who won two stages while leading a race-high 94 laps, and Alex Bowman rounded out the top ve.

“I thought I was in control early on, even though I wasn’t leading,” Hamlin said. “I felt in control and probably got a little lazy on some restarts and things like that. Just taking for granted that I’ll just go up there and get it.”

NASCAR ran 19 Cup races in Joliet before pulling out after the 2019 season. It tried to build interest in the event in a crowded sports market, but the race struggled with attendance.

After racing on a street course in downtown Chicago each of the previous three years, NASCAR decided to go back to Chicagoland — eager to see how the Next Gen cars would do on the rough and bumpy asphalt at the facility.

Rain on Friday and Saturday caused some parking issues, but the racing was compelling.

Led by Briscoe, Bell and Hamlin, Toyota accounted for seven of the top 10 cars for the rst time in a Cup Series race — continuing a strong season for the manufacturer.

“Yeah, Toyotas are fast,” Bell said.

Driving a “Space Jam”themed car in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Looney Tunes movie, Bubba Wallace was sixth in his No. 23 Toyota Camry. Wallace is part of the 23XI Racing team that is coowned by Michael Jordan, one of the stars of the 1996 movie.

Ryan Blaney was seventh in his seventh consecutive top-10 nish. Ty Gibbs, Corey Heim and Riley Herbst completed the top 10.

Tyler Reddick’s championship hopes were damaged by an oil leak with about 32 laps left in Stage 2. There was a long caution while Reddick’s 23XI Racing crew worked on his No. 45 Toyota in the garage, replacing the radiator because of a hole.

Reddick, who won the rst three races of the season, nished 36th. He trails Hamlin by 44 points at the top of Cup standings after he was down by one going into the weekend.

Kyle Larson also had a rough day after qualifying second behind Hamlin. He was in third place when he spun out of Turn 4 on Lap 93. He drove his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet into the wet in eld grass and had to be pulled out of the mud. Larson nished 34th, extending his winless drought to 43 races. He nished second in each of the previous two Cup races at Chicagoland.

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF DUPLIN 26E000174-300

NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of CIRCIA ARROYO DE HECKROTH, late deceased of said Duplin County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 21, 2026, or this notice will be pled in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 10th day of June, 2026. GLORIA ADRIANA ARROYO-DE MORENO Executor of the Estate of CIRCIA ARROYO DE HECKROTH C/O Brian M. Bullard, Attorney Bullard Law Firm, PLLC PO Box 1000 Faison, NC 28341 910-267-3151

NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SELL MOTOR VEHICLE

Vehicle Description: 2021 Honda Accord VIN: 1HGCV1F10MA081927 Location of Vehicle: Johnny’s Towing and Recovery 717 NW Railroad Street Wallace, NC

NOTICE

NOTICE NORTH

NOTICE

ESTATE OF EDGAR TYLER, DECEASED FILE No. 00E000193-300 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having

ed

Personal Representative of the Estate of Edgar Tyler, deceased, late of Duplin 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 September 25, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded

Jerry Reed Grady

Oct. 23, 1947 – July 2, 2026

Jerry Reed Grady, 78, died Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Kenansville Rehabilitation and Health Care. He is survived by his wife Janice Brown Grady of Beulaville; daughter, Kerry Grady Beach and husband Timothy of Pink Hill; sister Brenda Alphin of La Grange; two grandchildren, Jered Grady, Rebecca Beach; and one great grandchild, Lucas Grady.

Joyce Marie Lamb

Feb. 10, 1953 – June 27, 2026

Joyce Marie Lamb, 73, of Pink Hill, NC, passed away June 27, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC. Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Monday, July 6, 2026, at Hawes Funeral Home in Warsaw. Public viewing will be 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (one hour prior to the service).

Donald David Carr

April 21, 1953 – July 1, 2026

Mr. Donald David Carr, age 73, of Rose Hill, NC (Greenevers Community), passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:00 am at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Hwy 11, Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his daughter, Kimberly W. Brown (Gary) of Wallace, NC; three sisters: Carolyn Carr-Walker (Ron) of Greensboro, NC, Sandra Carr Jackson (Caesar) and D. Annette Carr, both of Durham, NC; two brothers: Harold Carr and Dwight Carr (Kim), both of Rose Hill, NC; one grandchild, Irving Brown of Athens, Ohio; one uncle, Bobby Carr; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Thaddeus Squires

May 14, 1943 – June 28, 2026

Thaddeus entered into the presence of the Lord Sunday, June 28, 2026, at his home with his loving family surrounding him.

He was born May 14, 1943, in Bladen County, the son of Cecil Gladston Squires and

Ashley Warren

April 9, 1995 – June 29, 2026

Goldsboro- “Sometimes God picks a ower that’s still in full bloom, sometimes the ower that is chosen, we feel He’s picked too soon”. Ashley Alexzaundrea Warren was born on April 9, 1995, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Alfred Lee Warren and Andrea Elieen Rogers. She was a happy

Margaret Bigford Squires. In addition to his parents and stepmother, Viola Phillips, he was preceded in death by brothers, Leon Squires and Norman Squires; stepbrothers, Cli ord Reynolds and Dennis Davis; and stepsisters, Hattie Malpass and Joan Gore.

Thaddeus was a member of Haw Blu Baptist Church, where he regularly attended while his health allowed.

He was a Millwright for Wright Chemical Corporation for over fty years. Thaddeus was also a dedicated farmer who took great pride in tending the land he farmed and taking care of his livestock. For many years, Thaddeus would do welding jobs on the side.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Patricia Squires; twin daughters, Toni Ward (Mitchell) of Whiteville and Teri Ward (Shad) of Kelly;

and talkative baby with a sassy personality as early as nine months.

As the daughter of military parents, traveling was part of Ashley’s life. That travel enhanced her love for language, her desire to be a linguist, her love for reading, her love for family, and her love for people and possibilities. While her family was stationed in Columbus, Georgia, Ashley professed her life to Christ. She was baptized by Reverend Marcus J Gibson at Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. As a member, she attended Sunday school, weekly Bible study, sang in the youth choir, and served on the youth usher ministry.

At a very early age, it was apparent that Ashley loved kids. There was no baby she could pass that she didn’t want to pick up, nourish and love. She worked in numerous childcare facilities

son, Matthew Squires (Lisa) of Kelly; grandsons, Mitchell Ward Jr. of Whiteville, Jesse Smith (Amber), Payton Squires, and Mason Squires all of Kelly; granddaughters, Andrea Batten (Ethan) of Hallsboro and Nicole Bassett (Isaac) of Leland; great grandchildren, Alice Batten, Conner Smith and Maverick Smith; sister, Virginia Pridgen; brothers, Eddie Squires and Ray Squires (Mona); stepbrother, Darrel Davis; and many nieces and nephews. Thaddeus was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and loyal friend to many. He found great joy in working the land he loved, caring for his farm, tending hay elds, raising livestock, and planting corn and soybeans each season. His dedication, hard work, and deep appreciation for rural life were evident in everything he did. In addition to farming, Thaddeus

in Texas and Georgia. Ashley also had a love for books and reading. She’d sit in a corner and read a novel 300 pages in just a few hours. Her playtime was hours spent in the library or the bookstore just reading. It was her heaven on earth.

Ashley was a 2013 graduate of Cole High in San Antonio, and from there she pursued higher education at San Antonio College, where she earned her associate’s degree. Ashley was a deep thinker. She was the only one who could challenge Daddy Rogers in Jeopardy with all her useless knowledge. She loved hair and nails, fashion, and Comic-Con, and she’d say “Hi” every time she passed you in the house. She loved her Grammie, and she loved her family.

In 2021, Ashley moved to North Carolina. She was so excited because being in North Carolina was her opportunity to

Sharon Mims

Aug. 13, 1955 – June 30, 2026

Ms. Sharon Denise Freeman Mims, age 70, of Beulaville, NC, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC, immediately followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Left to cherish her precious memories are two sisters: Deborah Watkins of Raleigh, NC and Sandra Farrior of Rose Hill, NC; one brother, Robert T. Freeman (Christine) of Quantico, VA; one aunt, Ernestine Hankins of Virginia Beach, VA; and three uncles: Ray Mann, Felton Mann and Melvin Manna; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Carolyn Moore Howard

Oct. 10, 1943 – June 30, 2026

Carolyn Moore Howard, 82, of Wallace, North Carolina, passed peacefully to her eternal rest on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at ECU Health Duplin Hospital following an extensive stroke.

Born on October 10, 1943, in Duplin County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Thomas William and Essie Browder Moore. Preceding her in death was her beloved husband of 47 years, Graham Howard; her daughter, Cynthia Futrell Lewis; and her sister, Doris Moore Frederick.

generously shared his welding skills with family and friends for many years, always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be remembered for his kindness, strong work ethic, generous spirit, and the lasting impact he had on all who knew him.

The family would like to especially thank Lower Cape Fear LifeCare sta for their comfort and care and Dr Je ery Kornegay for all his continuous excellent care that he provided for Thaddeus. The family would also like to thank a very special friend, Katie Moore of Currie for the continuous gesture of kindness throughout the past few months.

The graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Squires Cemetery on Natmore Road, Kelly with family receiving friends at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. The Rev. Jacob Lewis and The Rev. Walter Hayes will conduct the service.

be close to, connect with, and get to know her cousins, the family she so longed to know. While in North Carolina, Ashley went to school to become a Board Certi ed Nail Technician. She worked with Wayne County, and her greatest accomplishment was her tenure at Books-aMillion. To most, it was a job, but to her, BAM was family. She was loyal and loved the service she provided.

Ashley was preceded in death by her Grandparents: Jessie and Lula Bell Warren; Henry and Thalia Colvin; Edward Rogers, Sr.; Uncles: Jesse Jr, Bobby and Terry Warren. Memories of Ashley will always be cherished by those who remain on this side of heaven.

Parents: Alfred Warren, Andrea Rogers (Edward); Godmother: Brenda Borrego; Siblings: Quinte’ Warren (Geneva), April Rogers, Alijah Rogers; a host of cousins, family and friends.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@duplinjournal.com | Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Mrs. Howard was a long time member of Wallace First Assembly of God. She leaves behind her children: Graham Devern Howard, Jr. and wife Michelle of Wallace, Charlene Padgette and husband Vick of Wallace, Billy Devern Howard and wife Darlene of Magnolia, Tina Howard Bain of Burgaw, Ricky Dean Howard of Pink Hill, and Lonnie Graham Howard and wife Johnna of Willard. Carolyn was blessed with 22 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family members and friends who cherished her dearly.

A loving mother and caring grandmother, Carolyn held her family close to her heart. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life such as shopping, cooking, and river outings. Being a devoted follower of Jesus, she had a compassionate heart and humble spirit, believing deeply in the power of prayer. She was a fervent prayer warrior for others. Carolyn dearly loved her church family and was loved in return. More than anything, she cherished her love for her husband Graham and the relationship they had. Carolyn will surely be missed and never forgotten.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Wallace First Assembly Church, o ciated by Reverend Leo Bracken and Mrs. Linda Parker.

The family will welcome friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church, one hour prior to the service, and also at the home of Charlene and Vick Padgette in Wallace.

Burial will follow at Wells Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, on NC Hwy 41, Wallace, NC. Casket bearers will be Austin Howard, Payton Teachey, Jonathan Howard, Jason Howard, Phillip Howard and James Parker, Jr. In lieu of owers, memorial gifts may be sent in memory of Carolyn Howard to Wallace Gardens, PO Box 566, Wallace, NC 28466.

Edna Dawson Viney

Nov. 7, 1928 – July 4, 2026

Goldsboro- It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Ms. Edna Dawson Viney, age 70, who entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at UNC Health Wayne in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The arrangements are currently incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the Viney family, and please keep them in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE – As fewer veterinarians choose to work in rural communities, Davis Byrd hopes to return home and ll a growing need in eastern North Carolina.

The Beautancus native grew up on his family’s farm in rural Wayne County, where caring for cows, horses, pigs and chickens was part of everyday life. Those early experiences not only sparked his interest in veterinary medicine but also showed him how important veterinarians are to the families whose livelihoods depend on healthy livestock.

This fall, Byrd will take the next step toward meeting that need when he begins classes at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Byrd, who graduated in May from the University of Mount Olive, earned a degree in Veterinary Bioscience with a minor in Chemistry, after spending four years preparing for a career serving agricultural communities like the one that raised him.

“I have always loved animals and have a heart for them, especially large animals,” Byrd said. “Being raised on a farm is what truly shaped my interest in veterinary medicine.”

Growing up, agriculture was woven into everyday life. The health of the family’s animals a ected more than the farm itself — it a ected the people who cared for them and depended on them. Byrd said those experiences helped him understand the connection between veterinary medicine and rural communities long before he ever considered applying to veterinary school.

Byrd chose the UMO because it allowed him to remain close to home while enrolling in a respected animal science program. His education extended well beyond the classroom. Byrd spent countless hours at the student farm, where he worked directly with a variety of animals while developing the practical skills he believes every veterinarian needs.

“Some of the most impactful experiences I have had have

“Being

Davis Byrd

been at UMO’s student farm,” Byrd explained. “I have had the opportunity to work hands-on with a variety of animals, developing practical skills and growing in knowledge, patience, and critical thinking.”

Those hands-on experiences con rmed that he had chosen the right profession. Just as important were the mentors who helped guide him. Byrd credits veterinarians Harrison Dudley, Mark Sasser, Owen Martin and University of Mount Olive faculty member Will Farmer with challenging him academically while modeling the kind of veterinarian he hopes to become.

“Their mentorship has given me a model to strive for,” Byrd said. “They have encouraged me to work hard and pursue excellence.”

Even with strong academic preparation, acceptance into veterinary school was far from guaranteed. Byrd said the waiting period tested both his patience and his faith.

“The anxiety of waiting periods was tough at times, but I have learned to trust that the Lord will place me exactly where I am supposed to be,” Byrd said.

Byrd says his goal is to return to eastern North Carolina, establish a private practice and serve livestock producers and rural families throughout Duplin County and neighboring communities.

“I want to pour back into my community,” he said. “Being from a rural area, there is a great need for veterinarians, especially those who specialize in large animals.”

“I want to be someone who provides compassionate, high-quality care while supporting the farming communities that are so important to our region,” Byrd said.

For Byrd, veterinary medicine is a way to give back to the place that shaped him.

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Democrats’ narrow path to Senate majority gets rockier as Platner faces sexual assault allegation

A new accusation that Graham Platner once sexually assaulted a woman he was dating has rocked the U.S. Senate race in Maine and cast fresh doubt on Democrats’ path to a Senate majority. Republicans currently have a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Maine has been viewed as a necessary win for Democrats to gain the minimum net of four new Senate seats. But now there’s a question of whether Platner will even remain on the ballot and, if he does, whether he can defeat ve-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its repower as Trump demands Greenland Ankara, Turkey

President Donald Trump insists the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, renewing tensions in Europe at a NATO summit. Trump spoke during a meeting with the summit host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Trump also announced the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that were imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system. This decision could ease Turkey’s re-entry into the U.S. F-35 ghter jet program. NATO is showcasing military projects worth billions, aiming to satisfy Trump. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance.

French court clears way for far-right leader Le Pen to run in 2027

Paris A Paris appeals court has cleared the way for far-right leader Marine Le Pen to possibly run for the French presidency next year. However, she must wear an electronic monitor, which she has said is a no-go. The court found Le Pen guilty of embezzlement but softened the ban on her seeking elected o ce. Her prison sentence is now three years, with two suspended. The court’s notes on the verdict pointed out the “principle of freedom to stand for election.” Le Pen is expected to share her thoughts in a television interview later Tuesday.

Yadkin Riverkeeper details expanded role in Stanly County

The water advocacy group outlines new coverage areas

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners received an update Monday night on the Yad-

kin Riverkeeper’s work in the county and its plans to expand its coverage area in the region.

In a slideshow presentation, Edgar Miller, executive director of the nonpro t organization, explained its current priorities, including drinking water protection, environmental cleanup e orts in Badin, lake levels, land conservation and recreational use along the Yadkin River system.

“Stanly County is an important community for us along the Yadkin River, and I’m here today primarily to thank the county for supporting our efforts,” Miller said. “County Manager Andy Lucas has provided a letter of support to help us expand our jurisdiction. We are part of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, and we are proposing to expand our jurisdiction to cover southern Stanly County.” Yadkin Riverkeeper was founded in 2008 by the Friends of the Yadkin Pee Dee and is a liated with the Waterkeeper Alliance, Waterkeepers Carolina, the N.C. Conservation Network, the Great Trails

SCS hires elementary education and federal programs director

School district announces new director

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Stanly County Schools has added another member to its leadership team.

Jolene Graham

The district announced in a June 30 news release that Jolene Graham has been hired as its new director of elementary education and federal programs, a position within the curriculum and

instruction department.

“Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Graham to her new leadership role,” SCS said in a statement. “Her passion for supporting educators and improving student outcomes has been evident in every role she has held. We look forward to the positive impact she will make as she continues to support our students, sta , and school communities.”

In the role, Graham will help oversee elementary education programs while also

As the U.S. draws down its security role, NATO allies face new spending expectations

By Lorne Cook and Suzan Fraser The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey — NATO Secretary-General

Mark Rutte on Monday demanded that the allies put forward “clear, concrete and credible plans” to reach the organization’s spending targets at its annual summit in Ankara.

Rutte made the remarks in the Turkish capital ahead of a two-day summit starting on Tuesday that comes at a crucial time for the alliance with the United States scaling down its security role in Europe. Washington has been pressing allies to shoulder more of the spending burden.

The 32 nations agreed last year to invest 5% of their gross domestic product on defense — 3.5% on their defense budgets and 1.5% on roads, bridges and ports so troops and equipment can

State Coalition and Piedmont Promise.

The organization’s current coverage already includes Albemarle and parts of Stanly County along the Yadkin River, but the proposed 2026 jurisdiction expansion would add about 1,180 square miles to its coverage area.

Locally, that would include the northern portion of the Rocky River watershed, while the Catawba Riverkeeper would take the Rocky River watershed in Union County.

Miller said the organization’s Stanly County priorities begin with protecting the county’s drinking water supply.

“We’ve long been involved with the cleanup of the Alcoa Badin Business Park in Badin,” Miller said. “Obviously, we’re concerned about Alcoa potentially selling land in Tuckertown for development purposes, so we have some thoughts about that.”

The organization’s presentation listed hazardous waste cleanup at the Alcoa Badin Business Park, Tuckertown land conservation, reduced nutrient and sediment pollu-

Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador

move faster in con ict.

Spain endorsed the goal but said that it could fulll NATO’s security requirements without spending so much. Some countries are still struggling to meet the alliance’s old target of 2% of GDP.

Asked what would happen to allies that don’t have a clear plan, Rutte said: “If one or two still have to be convinced, we have ways to do that.” He did not elaborate. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker suggested last week that the United States does have something in store for those who do not step up, but he declined to say what that might be.

“President Trump fully expects that all allies will step up immediately and get on the path to 5% and do it with urgency,” he said.

On spending among European allies and Canada, Rutte said that “the evidence we see so far is impressive.” He said that NATO estimates that they will invest a combined $258 billion more in defense in 2025 and this year than they have in previous years.

But the numbers might not be enough to satisfy the Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly lashed U.S. allies over defense spending, and in the past threatened not to come to the defense of any member not doing enough.

Trump has called for “loyalty” from NATO allies, after some of them declined to allow the use of their bases in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

“We need our allies in NATO to step up and assume leadership roles, and I mean that not only in sort of loud cheerleading but also the moral authority and the moral compass of the alliance,” Whitaker said last week.

gives

presentation

Commissioners on Monday night.

tion, maintaining Badin Lake levels and promoting recreation as additional local priorities.

Miller said nutrient and sediment pollution remain a concern across the watershed, particularly because of algal blooms in area lakes.

“Overall, as far as the watershed is concerned, we’re working hard to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution that causes algal blooms that have been particularly bad at

Tuckertown.” Yadkin Riverkeeper is also promoting recreational use of the area’s waterways, including boating, swimming, shing and the 163-mile Yadkin River State Trail, which begins at Morrow Mountain State Park.

The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:

July 10-11

Summer Art Explosion Art Take-in 11

Those

Stanly

July 14 –Aug. 8

Summer

July 24 & 25

The Uwharrie Players Present “Footloose the Musical”

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

July 25

Summer Concert Series: Gump Fiction 7 to 10 p.m.

Musical guests Gump Fiction, and various vendors. Beverages and food available onsite.

The Backyard 186 Ray Kennedy Drive Locust

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The fall of Vicksburg

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

WHEN I WAS 19, I knew a much older man who’d grown up in 1930s Alabama.

“We didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July,” he told me. “For us, it was the day Vicksburg fell.”

Vicksburg, Mississippi, fell to Union troops on July 4, 1863. The Confederates surrendered, as was their habit. Long memories still mourn the Lost Cause of Black backs whipped bloody.

So how am I, a resident of Rhode Island, supposed to celebrate the Fourth of July this year?

When I was maybe 8 years old, reworks were illegal in Massachusetts, but my father, a bartender who invariably “knew a guy,” brought home a box of sparklers for me.

The sparkler is the lowest form of rework. It doesn’t blow up, it doesn’t make a loud noise and it doesn’t go up in the air. It’s a long wire, the top half of which is coated with some sort of chemical mix that throws o showers of silver sparks when it’s lit. You hold the sparkler by the uncoated bottom half. Those kids who hold the sparkler by the burning top half don’t do it for long.

I would use the sparklers on the top step of the three steps that went down from the kitchen door of our rented house in Taunton, Massachusetts, under the supervision of my father.

I remember the metallic brightness of the sparks against the dark sky, and my father’s deep voice.

“Be careful,” he’d say. “Don’t hold it too

The

close to you.”

I’ve always held things too close, and that’s true of both my memories and America.

I don’t hate America. I love America. What I hate is our gradual weakening, our string of lost or inconclusive wars, our blustering, Jesus-pimping leadership. We crow endlessly about this being “the greatest country in the world,” but the highway bridges are rotting, we don’t have enough technical skill to reline a pool and we’re pushing hard to regain the use of every vile term we’ve ever used to describe nonwhites and women.

“If you don’t like it here, why don’t you move to Iran?” I’m asked.

I can’t. I can’t go anywhere else. My ethnic heritage is so jumbled that I can only call this country my own because America is where they made a new people from French and Irish and Scottish and English, which is what I am “by blood” if you think blood sings in di erent languages.

Maybe two miles from our house, my uncle Kendall’s name is engraved on the town honor roll. He served in World War II and the Korean War. The honor roll is granite, and it’s dead. Kendall is dead. When he came back from his wars, he pumped gas for the rest of his working life.

I’ve touched his name where it’s cut into the stone.

It’s not as though there are no Fourth of July celebrations taking place near me, either. The worse the country gets, the bigger and

tackier the patriotic celebrations get. If we ght a draw with Iran, next Fourth of July, there will be a pro wrestling show at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The ags keep getting bigger, too. In my neighborhood, there are people ying ags bigger than the one they y outside the post o ce.

Rhode Island opted out of the Great American State Fair, as did most of the American population. Not even a speech from our rapidly failing president could save that disaster.

My wife Deborah was in charge of our yard decorations for the Fourth of July. She put out a owered ag with a peace sign in the middle. It’s a small ag, close to the ground, and it utters from a small iron stake driven into the lawn. It probably stands two feet high, and on either side, there are small American ags on skinny sticks.

It’s a modest display, is what it is, a little splash of peace and patriotism next to the rhododendron bush.

I’m already starting to feel protective of the little display. I don’t want it to feel bullied by the big ags that have their own tall poles.

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”

(Copyright 2026 creators.com)

United States has always been at war

Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy.

ONE OF THE MOST popular complaints of the younger Americans is that the United States has been bogged down in endless war and interventionism virtually their entire lifetimes.

Welcome to history. As much as we may not like it, the United States has engaged in con ict and meddling more or less since its inception. The U.S. was born in war. It expanded through war. It freed its slaves through war. It grew into a superpower through war. And until utopia exists, it’s exceedingly likely we will need to clash with those who threaten our prestige and power.

Indeed, you can look at the parallels between today’s war against the Iranian terrorist regime and our very rst foreign con ict to understand why.

From the founding, the Islamic states in Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis in North Africa were capturing American ships, demanding tolls and taking hostages. Without the protection of the British Royal Navy, President George Washington felt compelled to pay o the emirs. President John Adams was even more susceptible to blackmail, appeasing the Islamic rulers with ships, weaponry, ammunition and annual sums — let’s call them “pallets” — of gold and silver.

The Barbary States took the bounty, strung the U.S. along in negotiations, ultimately ignored the treaties they did sign and continued to take captives, murder Americans and disrupt trade.

After winning the White House in 1801, Thomas Je erson halted the payo s. His justi cations for ghting the Barbary “pirates” — a historical mischaracterization that understates the importance of the Islamic sultans who had been raiding coastal towns and ships in the Mediterranean and Atlantic for two centuries, grabbing over a million

European slaves — were more than just narrow trading interests.

When serving as ambassador in Britain in 1785, Je erson had met with Tripoli’s representative Abdul Rahman Adja and asked him why the Barbary States were targeting Americans who had shown them no hostility.

Je erson, in a letter co-written by Adams, described Adja’s response in a letter to John Jay.

“The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Mussulman (Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise,” Je erson wrote.

Sounds familiar. Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy. Paying tributes to these “barbarians,” Je erson later argued, not only rewarded aggression and subverted America’s standing but was in direct con ict with the ideals of the new nation.

When Je erson congratulated the Marines on their victory against the Algerians, it wasn’t merely for valiantly ghting the enemy but defeating those who “trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature.”

President James Madison also sent another naval force to Algiers in 1815 to subdue the Islamic corsairs.

Yet, in the imagination of contemporary isolationists, early American foreign entanglements were only taken on for immediate national interests, stripped of any idealism. This simply isn’t so.

And every subsequent generation saw war, as well. Initially, these were con icts of Western expansion. Soon we were involved in con icts around the world.

The Left and isolationist Right are perturbed by our interference with Venezuelan and Cuban sovereignty. But American history is littered with instances of us meddling in places including Haiti, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Cuba, again, to name a few.

“Gunboat diplomacy” was not predominantly deployed to uphold the Monroe Doctrine and eject European powers from the Western Hemisphere, but rather to intimidate and quash domestic movements that threatened American in uence.

By 1852, President Millard Fillmore famously dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan to end that nation’s isolationist policies and open trade by force, if needed. President Ulysses Grant sent another military expedition to Korea in 1871 to do the same. President Grover Cleveland sent the Navy to Samoa to protect American commercial interests from the Germans and British. None of those nations threatened American sovereignty.

Some of these con icts were more moral than others. Some back red. Some were unnecessary tragedies. Some made the world safer. The U.S. has kept Europe free of allencompassing war since 1945. Neither war nor intervention should ever be taken on lightly. The notion, however, that Americans are living through some uniquely bellicose or interventionist era is debunked by even a cursory reading of history.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 creators.com)

Australian o cials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothing

Juvenile experimentation explains Neil’s antics, but his viral fame poses a real threat to his well-being

By Charlotte Graham-McLay The Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 2,200 pound elephant seal.

In June, the bellowing and blubbery 5-year-old mammal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania state after months of feeding at sea. That’s posing problems now that he weighs as much as a small car and has a social media following more than double Tasmania’s human population.

His rampage through local infrastructure has claimed bent tra c bollards, a sign warning the public about seals and a fence that did not survive Neil’s attempt to vault it. The rest of the time he lies placidly any place he likes, which is sometimes the middle of the road, bringing towns he visits to a standstill.

But o cials say their biggest concern is that Neil’s popularity could lead to ill-advised human-seal encounters that are dangerous for both sides.

Neil is a bad boy with a long rap sheet

Neil, the only male elephant seal to visit Tasmania in years, has commanded an enthralled TikTok following of 1.4 million in part because he acts like kind of a jerk. During this visit to shore, his 12th, his crimes have included picking ghts with parked cars and smashing through barriers erected to keep him o roads.

Those antics have prompted some online to hail Neil as a kind of anti-authoritarian hero.

But experts say it’s normal experimentation for a growing seal.

Juvenile male elephant seals need to practice for dominance

battles in which adults rear up and crash their chests together as they compete for breeding opportunities, said Sophia Volzke, an elephant seal scientist based at the University of Tasmania in Hobart.

With no other juveniles to practice with, Neil can only rehearse on Toyotas.

O cials plead for fans to leave Neil alone

Local o cials fear that Neil is the latest wild animal whose social media stardom has outgrown what’s good for him.

“Neil’s fame is a bit of a double-edged sword,” said Kris Carlyon from Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, at a news conference in Hobart on Thursday in which he asked the seal’s fans to give him privacy.

“We have had some pretty silly behavior, instances with people carrying their small babies up close to him and simply

SCS from page A1

managing federal program responsibilities for the district.

She brings 19 years of experience in education, including work in literacy instruction, instructional leadership and school improvement.

Her career has included work as an elementary classroom teacher, reading design coach and early literacy specialist, and she has presented at state and regional conferences on early literacy practices.

“I look forward to creating ripples that reach every student by supporting the

trying to get that shot for Instagram,” he said.

O cials have urged the public to refrain from identifying the town Neil is currently delighting or terrorizing, depending on who you speak to. They fear a disastrous encounter between the seal and an admirer could force rangers into a risky operation to move him elsewhere.

Carlyon also warned of worse. In a 2023 episode, a walrus known as Freya who drew huge crowds in Norway was euthanized after o cials cited a growing risk to human safety.

“There is a risk here of essentially loving Neil to death,” Carlyon said.

Neil’s problems will get bigger as he does

It’s usual for seals to return biannually to the place they were born to rest, fast and shed fur. Many species roam inland during visits to shore,

educators and leaders who make a di erence every day,” Graham said.

Reporting to Chief Academic O cer Lynn Plummer, Graham will support the district’s work in foundational skills, reading, math and writing while assisting principals and teachers through professional learning and instructional planning.

The district said she will also help align academic initiatives, use data to support student achievement and oversee supplemental funding provided under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.

sometimes leading them into beachside towns.

What’s unusual about Neil is that he’s the only male elephant seal hauling ashore in Tasmania.

Sub-Antarctic islands south of Tasmania are home to breeding populations of elephant seals and Neil’s mother would have arrived from one of them to give birth, Volzke said. Females have been spotted ashore in Tasmania before, but topping out at the size Neil reached when he was a year or two old, they don’t cause the same kind of chaos, she added.

“Humans got rid of those animals and now maybe they are coming back and repopulating areas that they were previously seen in,” she said. “We do need to nd a way to coexist.”

That could prove tricky for Neil, and for the rangers, police o cers and security guards who follow in his wake. If he survives to adulthood, Neil could measure up to 5 meters (16 feet) in

Much of that funding is intended to help schools provide students with access to a high-quality education.

Graham will serve as the district’s federal programs administrator, helping support budgets, plans and implementation tied to federal Title funding.

She will also collaborate with the curriculum and instruction department to support school administrators, curriculum coaches, academically or intellectually gifted teachers and English as a Second Language teachers. During her career, Graham has led district literacy initia-

length and weigh triple what he does now.

However, about 90% of male elephant seals die before they reach a breeding age of around 10, Volzke said.

For now, Neil the seal is occupying a stretch of sidewalk, unmoving and unbothered. Sometimes he canoodles with an orange tra c cone, to the delight of his online followers. It isn’t clear why he prefers that location, which he has returned to even after being ushered away by rangers.

“He’s obviously decided this puddle surrounded by bollards, which are horizontal at the moment, is his spot,” said Carlyon on Thursday.

His fans can relate. The locals have mixed feelings.

“He’s one of our biggest exports at the moment,” said Dale Creamer, a resident of the town that the seal is currently trashing, who has not been personally inconvenienced. “It’s Neil’s world and we’re just living in it.”

tives, supported Multi-Tiered System of Supports implementation and provided professional learning for teachers, instructional coaches and administrators. Additionally, she has collaborated with school leaders to improve classroom instruction and student outcomes.

Originally from Alden, New York, Graham holds bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education and childhood education, along with a master’s degree in reading for grades K-12. SCS has a full list of its latest leadership hires available online at stanlycountyschools.org.

Badin celebrates Fourth of July

Celebrations were held across America and Stanly County on Saturday for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, including at the Badin Inn and the famous Oakboro Fourth of July parade.

OBITUARIES

IN MEMORY

Sylvia Morrow Glenn

Jan. 14, 1934 – July 4, 2026

Sylvia Morrow Glenn, 92, beloved wife of Chalmers Lanier Glenn III, passed away peacefully and entered eternity on July 4th, 2026. Born January 14th, 1934 in Albemarle, NC, she was the daughter of David McKnight and Bertha Nemon Morrow. Sylvia graduated with honors from Albemarle High School in 1952 and Peace College in 1954. She was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church in Albemarle.

Sylvia married the love of her life on June 12th, 1954 and recently celebrated 72 years of marriage. Sylvia was the steadfast foundation of her family. As a devoted corporate wife, she embraced each new chapter with grace, supporting frequent relocations without complaint and creating warm, loving homes in Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina, and multiple locations throughout North Carolina. She was the quiet strength behind her family’s success, never seeking recognition for the many sacri ces she made or the

Cynthia Little Collins

May 19, 1966 – July 6, 2026

Cynthia Little Collins, 60, of Florence, South Carolina, formerly of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

A funeral service to celebrate Cynthia’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026 with Pastor Jeremy Blake o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.

Born on May 19, 1966, in Stanly County, Cynthia was the beloved daughter of the late Dwight and Betty Little.

Cynthia is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 30

countless ways she enriched the lives of those she loved. Known for her gentle spirit, humble nature, and unwavering kindness, Sylvia touched everyone she met with her warm smile and contagious laugh. She was deeply admired for her calm presence, compassionate heart, and ability to make others feel welcome and loved. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sylvia leaves behind a lasting legacy for future generations.

Sylvia was a bona de lifelong Tar Heel fan. From women’s soccer to men’s basketball and every sport in between, she was always ready to cheer on her team. In keeping with her demeanor, she never took the outcome too seriously. Regardless of the score, she never stopped cheering with everything she had.

In addition to her parents, Sylvia was preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie Morrow Glenn MD and her sister, Jean Morrow Allred. Sylvia is survived by her loving husband “Cham”; son Chalmers Lanier Glenn IV (Robin); three grandchildren, Jennifer Glenn Davis (Drew), Mckenzie Glenn Parker (Landon), and Joshua McKnight Glenn (Katie); and ve greatgrandchildren, Grayson Davis, Lainey and Brody Parker, and Jackson and Evie Glenn.

A graveside service was held Thursday, July 9th at 11:00 at the Salem Cemetery in Winston Salem, NC. Memorials may be sent to Friends of Morrow Mountain, PO Box 306, Badin, NC 28009.

Salem Funeral and Cremation Services, 120 South Main St, Winston Salem, NC, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.

years, Jay Collins. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins who will cherish her memory and the time they shared with her.

A lifelong learner with a creative spirit, Cynthia earned her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University before receiving her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She had a passion for crafting, especially scrapbooking, and found great joy in preserving memories for those she loved. An avid reader, Cynthia also faithfully supported Appalachian football and took great pride in her alma mater.

She shared a special bond with her beloved feline companions, who brought her much comfort and happiness throughout the years.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Ellen and Jason Drucker for the exceptional care, unwavering support, and genuine compassion they showed Cynthia throughout her declining health. Their kindness and friendship will always be remembered with deep gratitude.

Though Cynthia’s earthly journey has come to an end, the love she shared, the memories she preserved, and the kindness she extended to others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ stanlynewsjournal.com

ALICE MARIE ROTHE

OCT. 21, 1937 – JULY 3, 2026

Alice Marie Rothe, age 88, of New London, NC, passed away very peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Trinity Place Nursing Home in Albemarle, NC. She was provided a very kind and moving transport by Tillery Compassionate Care and the sta at Trinity Place as she exited the facility.

Alice was born on October 21, 1937, to Fred and Emma Stevens of Redding, CT, where the family operated a large farm stand. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Frederick Allan Rothe; her brother, Fred Stevens; her grandson, Lucas Thompson; and one step-grandson, Michael Clough. She is survived by two daughters, Debra Clough - husband Dale, Anna Walker - husband Nelson, and son Frank Rothe - wife Theresa, 5 grandsons and their wives, 2 step-grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren, 5 step great-grandchildren, 1 step great-great-grandchild, sister Emma Lynch and brother-in - law Richard Rothe as well as several nieces and nephews.

Alice was a long-time member of Salem Global Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Circle and Ladies Sunday School class. She also performed volunteer services at Tillery Compassionate Care. Alice had a long career in food service with 20 years as Director of Food Service at Monroe Consolidated School in Monroe, NH and several years in food service at Stonewall Jackson School and Stanly Memorial Hospital. Alice loved reading and gardening and spending time with her family, with a special love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of owers, gifts in her name can be made to Tillery Compassionate Care 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

The family would like to thank the wonderful sta at Trinity Place as well as the amazing nurses from Tillery Compassionate Care for their loving care both physically and spiritually for Alice and her family. She loved them all very much and considered them extended family.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary at Salem and a graveside service will be held at a later date in Monroe, NH.

David Clayton-Thomas, powerhouse lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, dies at 84

The former street ghter and petty thief became a Grammy-winning rock superstar

By Hillel Italie The Associated Press

NEW YORK — David Clayton-Thomas, the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, whose husky, high-strung tenor on “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die” and other hits helped make the so-called “brass rock” band among the most popular acts of the late 1960s, has died at age 84.

Spokesperson Eric Alper said that Clayton-Thomas died “peacefully” Wednesday at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Alper did not cite a specific cause.

Clayton-Thomas was a onetime street ghter and petty thief from Canada who briefly became a rock superstar, the front man of a nine-member group that sold millions of records and won two Grammys for “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” which beat out the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” for best album of 1969. Calling out amid a jazzy parade of horns, keyboards and percussion, Clayton-Thomas’ urgent shout was a signature voice of the era, preaching love on the Motown cover “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” a lasting legacy on Laura Nyro’s “And When I Die” and a cool head on his own “Spinning Wheel.” Meanwhile, Blood, Sweat & Tears helped inspire a wave of hornled bands, among them Chicago, the Electric Flag and Ten Wheel Drive.

“A lot of the guys (in Blood, Sweat & Tears) would play a Broadway show matinee, then go up to Harlem and play Latin music or R&B and funk at night, or come down to the Village and play pure jazz the next night,” Clayton-Thomas told bestclassicbands.com in 2023. “I was just a blues player: give me three chords and I’ve got a song.”

At its peak, Blood, Sweat & Tears’ appeal was so broad it helped lead to the band’s downfall.

Hip enough to perform at the 1969 Woodstock festival, where they were among the highest paid acts, they also were known enough to the establishment to tour Eastern Europe the following year on behalf of the State Department. When Clayton-Thomas and other band members denounced the Communist regimes on the other side of the Cold War, Rolling Stone’s David Felton wrote that “the State Department got its money worth.” Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears

“I was just a blues player: give me three chords and I’ve got a song.”

David Clayton-Thomas

show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate. The band had practical reasons for going along with the government: Clayton-Thomas, who had allegedly wielded a gun at his girlfriend, had been denied a green card and faced deportation. But after topping the charts in 1970 with the album “Blood, Sweat & Tears 3,” their appeal soon faded. A burned out Clayton-Thomas left the group in 1972, and neither he nor the remaining musicians ever regained their old stature. Blood, Sweat & Tears would continue recording over the next few years, and even brie y reunited with Clayton-Thomas, who went on to release more than a dozen solo albums and tour on his own for decades.

Clayton-Thomas was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1996. “Spinning Wheel,” covered by everyone from James Brown to TV star Barbara Eden, was voted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame a decade later.

Clayton-Thomas is survived by his daughters, Ashleigh Clayton-Thomas and Christine Graham.

Up from the streets

Born David Henry Thomsett in Surrey, England, and raised near Toronto and Ottawa, he was the son of a Canadian World War II veteran and of a pianist-entertainer who helped inspire her son’s interest in music. Thomsett was lucky to have the chance. He fought violently with his father, was living in the streets by his mid-teens and by age 20 was serving time in a reformatory for vagrancy, assault and other crimes.

An old guitar, left behind by a fellow inmate, changed his life. He taught himself to play and began spending extensive time in the early 1960s around Toronto’s Yonge Street music “strip,” where peers included the American rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins, a mentor to Robbie Robertson and other future members of the Band and a guide for Thomsett early in his career.

Anxious to reinvent himself, he changed his last name to Clayton-Thomas while leading

his own groups. In the mid60s, he released such albums as “Sings Like It Is” and had a hit single with the anti-war rocker “Brainwashed.” He would also befriend a rising star, Joni Mitchell, whose childlike “Circle Game” helped inspire “Spinning Wheel,” and the venerable John Lee Hooker, who would indirectly contribute to Clayton-Thomas’ breakthrough in the U.S. America beckons

Hooker had encouraged Clayton-Thomas to move to New York, where the American bluesman had an engagement at the Cafe Au Go Go in Greenwich Village. When Hooker unexpectedly departed for a tour of Europe, club owner Howard Solomon needed a replacement and recruited Clayton-Thomas.

“So I played him a couple songs on the guitar,” Clayton-Thomas told bestclassicbands.com. “He said, ‘Do you have a band?’ I said, ‘Sure,’ and went out into Greenwich Village looking for anybody carrying a guitar case or even looking like a musician, and we put together a little band and we opened there that night. We ended up staying there for several months.”

Around the same time, session man-producer Al Kooper was looking to form a jazz-rock group and was joined by such musicians as guitarist Steve Katz, drummer Bobby Colomby and horn players Randy Brecker and Jerry Weiss. They called themselves Blood, Sweat & Tears, releasing the debut album “Child Is Father to the Man” early in 1968. Although praised by Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner as “a ne, exemplary group,” members were torn between those allied with Kooper and those who thought his vocals too weak to attract a substantial audience. By the end of the year, Kooper and others had departed, and the band was seeking a new singer. After Judy Collins saw Clayton-Thomas perform, she recommended him to Colomby.

“I got home and just a couple of days later, Bobby Colomby called me up and said, ‘Hey, Kooper’s gone. We got four guys left out of the nine. And we still got a record contract with Columbia. Do you want to come down and try out for the band?”’ Clayton-Thomas told bestclassicbands.com. ”I said, ‘You’re damn right.’ I knew (bassist) Jim Fielder real well and I knew they were superb musicians. So I was on the next plane. We had a rehearsal that afternoon, an audition, and it was instant magic. We just knew right o the bat.”

STANLY SPORTS

Lowder shifts to Reds bullpen ahead of All-Star break

Albemarle native takes on temporary relief role

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Former North Stanly pitcher Rhett Lowder is taking on a new role for the Cincinnati Reds, at least for now.

The 24-year-old Albemarle native worked out of the bullpen Saturday for the rst time in his major league career, throwing three scoreless innings in Cincinnati’s 8-5 home loss to the

Baltimore Orioles. Lowder, who had made 19 career MLB starts before Saturday, was shifted out of the rotation after the Reds activated Hunter Greene for his rst start of the season.

Cincinnati manager Terry Francona said the move is designed as a short-term adjustment to get the club through the nal stretch before the All-Star break.

“When we get to next Sunday, we’ll see where we’re at and map it out from there,” Francona said over the weekend. “We’re not trying to make Lowder a

“The end goal is to help this team win games.”

Rhett Lowder

bullpen guy. We’re trying to gure out ways to protect our sta , win games and get through this next week.”

Lowder is expected to serve as a multi-inning option, giving Cincinnati length behind its starters. He could also be used in higher-leverage situations when the Reds need a right-hander.

Lowder said the role change does not alter his main objective.

“It doesn’t really matter to me, I just want to help the team win and pitch as much as I can,” Lowder said. “I knew Hunter was coming back. I gured something would be done. The end goal is to help this team win games. Getting Hunter back and me providing length out of the bullpen, hopefully we can do that.”

Lowder’s temporary move comes during an uneven stretch in his rst full major league season.

The former Wake Forest standout and seventh overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft earned a rotation spot during spring training after missing the 2025 major league season with oblique and forearm injuries.

He opened this year 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA through six starts before his momentum slowed in May and he sat out more time due to right shoulder discomfort.

After returning from the injured list last month, Lowder has continued to search for consistency. In his last start, June 30 at Milwaukee, he struck out a career-high eight batters but allowed six runs, a career-high 11 hits and one walk in 4 2/3 innings.

Through 14 appearances, including 13 starts, Lowder is 3-6 with a 5.07 ERA, 56 strikeouts and 33 walks in 65 2/3 innings.

Awards are based on athletic and academic achievements

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Seven Pfei er University runners were named to the 2025-26 Academic All-District Men’s and Women’s Track and Cross Country Teams, College Sports Communicators recently announced.

The Falcons accounted for half of the USA South Athletic Conference’s 14 total selections, continuing a strong year for Pfei er’s distance programs both academically and competitively.

Pfei er’s men’s honorees were Bricen Burleson, Sawyer Helms, Rahnier Lyons, Cannon Powell and Drake Stewart. Makayla Borst and Katelyn Lentz represented the Falcons on the women’s side.

The number of Falcons track and cross country players who are CSC Academic All-America nalists

conference championships in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 10,000-meter run at the USA South outdoor meet in April. Burleson was named the meet’s Track Athlete of the Meet after winning the 800-meter run and 1,500-meter run. The recognition adds to a successful year across Pfei er’s cross country and track programs. The Falcons’ men’s cross country team won the USA South championship, while the women’s team nished third at the conference meet.

Pfei er had ve of the conference’s eight men’s selections and two of its six women’s honorees. Brevard, Meredith and Methodist also had student-athletes recognized by CSC.

The CSC Academic All-District program recognizes student-athletes who have performed at a high level in competition while also meeting academic standards. To qualify, nominees must be at least sophomores academically and athletically and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or higher.

Two Falcons will remain in consideration for additional national honors. Powell and Burleson were selected as CSC Academic All-America nalists and will move on to the national ballot, where CSC members will vote on rst-team, second-team and third-team Academic

All-America selections. The men’s Academic All-America teams are scheduled to be announced July 14, with the women’s teams set for July 15.

Powell and Burleson were part of a standout season for the Pfei er men’s track and eld program. Powell won

Pfei er’s men’s track and eld team followed by sweeping the USA South indoor and outdoor titles. The Falcons’ women’s track and eld team placed fourth at both the indoor and outdoor conference championships. Recognizing players in NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA, CSC has been honoring academic and athletic achievement by student-athletes throughout the landscape of college sports since 1952.

WNBA

More than half of WNBA players miss All-Star starter vote

More than half of the WNBA’s 180 players didn’t submit their ballots for All-Star starters ahead of this month’s game in Chicago, a person familiar with the balloting told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the voting. It’s unclear why so many players didn’t cast their votes. Fan vote accounts for 50% of the overall vote while players and a media panel each account for 25%. It’s been that way since 2017.

NBA Former NBA star Beasley pleads not guilty to gambling charges

New York Malik Beasley’s lawyer said the indicted former NBA star “wants to move on with his life” after pleading not guilty to charges that he altered his play in certain games to enrich sports bettors and ease his own debts. Beasley, the latest big name caught up in a sweeping federal gambling investigation, attentively followed along but said little at his arraignment on Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court. He answered a judge’s questions with “yes, Your Honor” but let his lawyer, Jason Goldman, enter his plea.

NFL

NFL player Campbell’s brother is charged with murder after mother found dead

Atlanta

A brother of NFL player Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother in Atlanta. Police o cers found her body during a welfare check. An arrest warrant says Ciarre Campbell was found with a knife. His family told police he struggled with mental illness. He’s being held in Fulton County Jail and waived his initial court appearance Wednesday. Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, is entering his 19th NFL season. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selection with 117 career sacks.

NBA Leonard going back to Toronto after Raptors make deal with Clippers

A person with knowledge of the trade says Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Toronto Raptors, after they struck a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to reunite with the player who led their run to the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two rst-round picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap to the Clippers for Leonard.

OLYMPICS

Denmark urges IOC to recognize Greenland and Faroe Islands as independent Olympic teams

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark’s parliament asked the IOC to recognize its territories Greenland and the Faroe Islands as independent Olympic teams. The parliament published a letter urging the International Olympic Committee to recognize the semi-autonomous territories and let their athletes compete at the Olympics under their own ags. The revival of a longstanding Olympic proposal previously made 20 years ago comes as the new Danish government pledges support for Greenland, which U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to acquire. The IOC recognizes 206 national Olympic bodies and is unlikely to support Denmark’s request.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

His sixth career win comes in NASCAR’s rst race there since 2019

By Jay Cohen

The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. — Chase Briscoe was on an o season bonding trip to the United Kingdom with crew chief James Small when the NASCAR driver discovered chocolate buttons, a popular British treat. He bought some online after he returned to the U.S., but he said it wasn’t the same.

Small purchased some on a return trip to the U.K., and he promised to share if Briscoe won on the crew chief’s birthday. That made Sunday night’s victory pretty sweet.

Briscoe held o Christopher Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway, racing to his rst Cup Series win of the season. And Small delivered the chocolates to Briscoe moments after it was over.

“They were pretty dang good,” Briscoe said.

Briscoe was followed closely by Bell in the nal laps on the 1.5-mile oval about 50 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. But Bell was unable to run down his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.

The 31-year-old Briscoe, an Indiana native, celebrated his sixth career win with a burnout before standing on his car and waving to the sellout crowd.

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to, and I’ve missed it,” Briscoe said. “It’s always been one of my top- ve tracks.”

It was Bell’s fourth run-

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to.”

Chase Briscoe

ner-up nish this season. He was wearing a splint on his arm as he continues his recovery after breaking his left wrist in a crash at Michigan on June 7.

“I think he’s handled that as well as you can handle it,” team owner Joe Gibbs said. “He’s got a burning desire to stay in there and win. I think he had, you know — he had a real good car tonight, too.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole, was third. William Byron, who won two stages while leading a race-high 94 laps, and Alex Bowman rounded out the top ve.

“I thought I was in control early on, even though I wasn’t leading,” Hamlin said. “I felt in control and probably got a little lazy on some restarts and things like that. Just taking for granted that I’ll just go up there and get it.”

NASCAR ran 19 Cup races in Joliet before pulling out after the 2019 season. It tried to build interest in the event in a crowded sports market, but the race struggled with attendance.

After racing on a street course in downtown Chicago each of the previous three years, NASCAR decided to go back to Chicagoland — eager to see how the Next Gen cars would do on the rough and bumpy asphalt at the facility.

Rain on Friday and Saturday caused some parking issues, but the racing was compelling.

Led by Briscoe, Bell and Hamlin, Toyota accounted for seven of the top 10 cars for the rst time in a Cup Series race — continuing a strong season for the manufacturer.

“Yeah, Toyotas are fast,” Bell said.

Driving a “Space Jam”themed car in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Looney Tunes movie, Bubba Wallace was sixth in his No. 23 Toyota Camry. Wallace is part of the 23XI Racing team that is coowned by Michael Jordan, one of the stars of the 1996 movie.

Ryan Blaney was seventh in his seventh consecutive top-10 nish. Ty Gibbs, Corey Heim and Riley Herbst completed the top 10.

Tyler Reddick’s champion ship hopes were damaged by an oil leak with about 32 laps left in Stage 2. There was a long cau tion while Reddick’s 23XI Rac ing crew worked on his No. 45 Toyota in the garage, replacing the radiator because of a hole.

Reddick, who won the rst three races of the season, n ished 36th. He trails Hamlin by 44 points at the top of Cup standings after he was down by one going into the weekend.

Kyle Larson also had a rough day after qualifying second be hind Hamlin. He was in third place when he spun out of Turn 4 on Lap 93. He drove his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevro let into the wet in eld grass and had to be pulled out of the mud. Larson nished 34th, ex tending his winless drought to 43 races. He nished second in each of the previous two Cup races at Chicagoland.

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RE-ADVERTISEMENT Sealed Bids for furnishing materials, labor and equipment for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Street Resurfacing Project, will be received by the City of Albemarle, at the O ce of the Purchasing Coordinator, 144 North Second Street, Albemarle NC 28001; or by Mail at P O Box 190, Albemarle NC 28002-0190 until 11:00 a.m., local time on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in the Raymond I. Allen Community Room #118, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

Estimated Project Quantities: +/- 3,699 TN S9.5-C Asphalt Surface Course (Fiber Reinforced) +/- 31,640 SY Asphalt Milling 2” Depth Including but not limited to adjustment of manholes and water valves, and all other associated work. Plans, Speci cations, and Bid Document may be viewed Electronically at: http://ftp2.withersravenel.com Username: AlbemarleResurfacing Password: psXpsG Project Contact: Zach Ward PE, Assistant Project Manager, WithersRavenel, 115 MacKenan Drive, Cary NC 27511, 828-255-0313. The Bid must be accompanied by a Bid Deposit in the amount of not less than ve percent (5%) of the amount Bid in the form of cash, cashier’s check, or certi ed check on some bank or trust company surety licensed under the laws of North Carolina to execute bonds. Contractors o ering a proposal on this project must be licensed to do the speci ed type of contracting in the State of North Carolina. The City of Albemarle reserves the right to reject any and all bids, as may be in the best interest of the City of Albemarle, and further reserves the right to waive any irregularities and informalities in any bid submitted. BID NUMBER: 2026-10

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Alyssa Nicole Schoenewerk, late of 9749 Bethel Church Road, Locust, Stanly County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned c/o attorney Kelly Rains Jesson at 5821 Fairview Road, Suite 218, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28209, on or before October 1, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 1st day of July, 2026 Francine Everett, Administrator of the Estate of Alyssa Nicole Schoenewerk Kelly Rains Jesson, Esq. Jesson & Rains, PLLC 5821 Fairview Road, Suite 218 Charlotte, NC 28209 26E000304-830 (For Publication: Dates 07/01/2026, 07/08/2026, 07/15/2026, 07/22/2026)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000194-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY Having quali ed as Co-Administrators of the Estate of the late, MICHAEL TODD HOWELL, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before October 1, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 1st day of July, 2026. Brandon Todd Howell 213 Kelty Ave. Norwood, NC 28128 Brandi Howell Talbert 1355 Hwy 109N Troy, NC 27371 Scarborough Law, PLLC Whitney T. Scarborough 107 A East Wade Street Wadesboro , NC 28170

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE No. 26E000076-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as EXECUTOR of the estate of MICHAEL J. SMITH, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said MICHAEL J. SMITH to present them to the undersigned on or before September 24, 2026, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 24th day of June, 2026. Executor: Ashley E. Smith 32 William Penn Avenue Pennsville, NJ 08070

Erin L. Basinger Attorney at Law PO Box 65 Albemarle, NC 28002 (704) 322-2800

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000277-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000315-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Rex Allen deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Rex Allen to present them to the undersigned on or before October 9, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of July 2026 Lynsie Marie Allen 222 Gordon Street Norwood, NC 28128 Executor

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000082-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administratrix of the Estate of Walter Louis Blalock deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Walter Louis Blalock to present them to the undersigned on or before October 9, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of July 2026 Alice Fay Allen Blalock 40481 Mt. Zion Church Road Norwood, NC 28128 Administratrix

Having quali ed as Executrix of the Estate of Peggy Lowder Burris a/k/a Peggy L. Burris deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Peggy Lowder Burris a/k/a Peggy L. Burris to present them to the undersigned on or before September 19, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 17th day of June 2026. Rita B. Gri n 807 Sylvania Avenue Albemarle, NC 28001 Executrix

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000318-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administratrix of the Estate of James Ellis Covington deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jame Ellis Covington to present them to the undersigned on or before October 9, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of July 2026 Loria Watkins 20088 Hurley Road Oakboro, NC 28129 Administratrix

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000306-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Glenn Dale Jackson, Jr. deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Glenn Dale Jackson, Jr. to present them to the undersigned on or before October 3, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons

NOTICE

NOTICE

Haruki Murakami’s novel ‘The tale of KAHO’ goes on sale

The author also wrote “The City and Its Uncertain Walls”

By Mari Yamaguchi

The Associated Press

TOKYO — Haruki Murakami’s new book went on sale in Japan on Friday, but dozens of enthusiastic fans marked the release at a countdown event at a major Tokyo bookstore to get their rst copies as soon as the clock struck midnight.

“The Tale of KAHO” is the Japanese author’s rst fulllength novel featuring a lone woman protagonist, according to Shinchosha Publishing Co.

“Kaho, a picture book author, is just an average young woman. But truly bizarre things start happening around her,” Murakami said in a brief message posted on the publisher’s campaign website. “I wrote this novel as I put myself in her shoes.”

His statement drew the attention of many fans, because most of Murakami’s protago -

HIRO KOMAE / AP PHOTO

Bookstore sta prepare a countdown event for their customers to receive copies they pre-purchased, of author Haruki Murakami’s new book titled “The Tale of Kaho,” at the Kinokuniya bookstore in Tokyo, Thursday, July 2, 2026.

nists are young or middle-aged men.

“I’m excited about nding out how the story evolves around a female main character,” said Naoyuki Yamano, the rst customer to buy the new

N. 2ND ST, Albemarle, NC 28001. Please check in and remain in the lobby of the rear entrance outside the council chamber.

Scope of Work: Renovation of interior o ce spaces for security upgrades. Work takes place entirely on the interior, with the exterior being completely out of scope.

Albemarle City Hall 144 N 2ND ST, Albemarle, NC 28001. Late bids will not be accepted. If a Bid is sent by mail or other delivery system, the sealed envelope containing the Bid shall be enclosed in a separate package plainly marked on the outside with the notation “BID ENCLOSED – 2026-07” and “BID ENCLOSED – 2026-07 Bid Bond” and shall be addressed to 144 N. 2ND ST., Albemarle, NC 28801, Attn: Matt Smith. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference and

Site Visit will be held on July 9, 2026, at 2:30 PM local time at the Albemarle City Hall 144

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000002-830

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Latoya Allen (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Latoya Allen) to Craig Shoemaker, Trustee(s), dated July 29, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 1794, at Page 1166 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modi ed by the following: A Loan Modi cation recorded on April 8, 2025, in Book No. 1879, at Page 1456 , 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 Stanly 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 Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP000027-830

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Toriano Adaryll Thomas (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Toriano Adaryll Thomas) to Connie E. Josey, Trustee(s), dated January 11, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 1593, at Page 386 in Stanly 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 Stanly 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 Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on July 22, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in the City of Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, on the northeast side of Bird Road, and being more particularly described as follows:

The Work shall be completed in two phases, one being the Economic Development and Planning Department areas and the second phase being the Administration and Public Utilities areas. The Work includes coordinating with Albemarle City Hall for access, security, and shut downs.

All questions about the meaning or intent of the Bidding Documents are to be submitted in writing to the architect via email at jcrawford@creech-design.com. Deadline for questions is 5:00 PM local time on July 23, 2026. Questions will be addressed via Addenda no later than 7 days prior to bid date. The Issuing O ce for the Bidding Documents is:

AM on July 22, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Locust in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 3 as shown on that certain plat entitled “Major Subdivision - Final Plat Morgan Meadows Subdivision” recorded in Plat Book 28, Pages 98-99 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Stanly County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 113 Wild ower Drive, Locust, North Carolina. Property Address: 113 Wild ower Drive, Locust, NC 28097 Parcel ID: 557603218602

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

BEGINNING at an existing bent iron pipe in the eastern right-of-way of Bird Road at the intersection of Woodhurst Lane, and from said point of BEGINNING thence with the right-of-way of Bird Road, N. 41-43-01 W. 200.00 feet to an existing iron pipe in an old lot line; thence N. 41-43-09 W. 137.37 feet to a set iron rebar in the right-of-way of Bird Road, a corner of Lowe’s Home Center, Inc. (Map Book 17, Page 409); thence with the line of Lowe’s Home Center, Inc., N. 48-16-12-E. 250.00 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence turning and running with the line of Lowe’s Home Center, Inc. S. 41-42-59 E. 22.12 feet to an existing bent iron pipe; thence with the line of South Central Oil Company, Inc. (Deed Book 374, Page 341), S. 41-46-12 E. 115.18 fee to an existing iron pipe, in the old lot line; thence continuing with the line of South Central Oil Company, Inc., S. 41-4113 E. 248.37 feet to an existing bent iron pipe in the right-of-way of Woodhurst Lane; thence turning and running with the right-ofway of Woodhurst Lane along a curve with a radius of 664.32 feet and an arc distance of 30.39 feet, a chord bearing of S. 57-22-03 W. 30.39 feet to an existing bent iron pipe; thence continuing with Woodhurst Lane S. 56-56-18 W. 152.37 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence continuing with Woodhurst Lane S. 64-45-47 W. 72.30 feet to the point of BEGINNING, containing 2.095 acres (91,269 square feet) and being a portion of the property conveyed to Larry McDowell Construction, Inc. by deed recorded in Book 564, Page 977, Stanly County Registry, all as shown on map entitled “A Physical Survey

Murakami novel. Initially, the novel started as a short story titled “Kaho,” which Murakami rehearsed at a book reading event two years ago at Waseda University, his alma mater in Tokyo,

Creech & Associate 1000 W. Morehead St., Suite 120 Charlotte, NC 28208 Attn: John Crawford, AIA

For any question concerning the project, please contact: John Crawford jcrawford@creech-design.com

Bidding Documents will be available in electronic format on the city’s website. The link will allow you to download the documents as well as any addenda that may be issued throughout the bidding process.

Bids will be received for a single prime, lump sum Contract.

Bidders must have a license to do work as a contractor in the State of North Carolina, as set forth under Article 1 chapter 87 of the North Carolina General statutes. The bidder’s North Carolina Contractor license number shall be designated on the outside

purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also

of PID#655803212920 on Bird Road, the Larry McDowell Construction Inc. Property”, dated July 2, 2016 and prepared by On Point Surveying, PLLC, Marshville, NC, under the supervision of Justin McKeon, PLS# 4739. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1355 Bird Road and 1349 Bird Road, Albemarle, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors,

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

with Mieko Kawakami, a renowned female author and fan of his work. The story was published in the June 2024 edition of Shincho magazine.

Takumi Hashimoto, a 33-year-old o ce worker who attended the launch event with three fellow members of a Murakami book reading club, said he hopes to read a story from a female protagonist’s perspective and nd out how the story evolved from a series of magazine stories into a fulllength novel. His companion, Mizuki Shirota, 33, said she was struck by the way Murakami portrayed the female protagonist’s emotions in the magazine version.

“The story was written in a way that makes you very aware of lookism, or how I, as a woman, am perceived by men ... there were parts that I even felt startled a bit,” Shirota said. “So, I want to read that again in the book.”

Beaming and all smiles, the group headed to a co ee shop open all night to immediately start reading the book.

of the sealed envelope containing the Bid.

Bidders are required to provide a noncollusion a davit, as set forth in the bidding documents.

As provided by statute, a deposit of cash, cashier’s check or certi ed check on some bank or trust company insured by the Federal Deposit insurance Company, or a bid bond executed by corporate surety licensed under the laws of North Carolina to execute such bonds in the amount of 5% of the bid must accompany each bid. The payee shall be “City

and

Bidders should note

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

One day, 26-year-old Kaho goes on a blind date arranged by her book editor. Over dinner, her date tells her that, although he has dated a number of women, “I’ve never seen one as ugly as you.” Ba ed rather than outraged, curious Kaho tries to uncover the meaning of his words. Soon, bizarre things begin happening to her, including encounters with other mysterious characters, such as an anteater and a jaguar. Murakami has since released three subsequent “Kaho” stories in Shincho magazine, most recently in the March edition. He weaves the four stories into a 352-page new novel with four chapters: “Kaho and the Motorcycle Man,” “The Anteater of Musashi-sakai,” “Kaho and the Termite Queen” and “The Guardian Angel, Elephant Egg and Scarlett Johansson.”

The magazine version of the rst “Kaho” story has been published in English in The New Yorker, but the novel for now is available only in Japanese. Translation plans have not been disclosed.

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

Independence Day

Fireworks shows occurred across the nation and the state on Saturday, as the country celebrated its 250th birthday, including these from the Pinehurst Harness Track.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

US launches new strikes on Iran, revokes oil sales permit after 3 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military has attacked Iran after it said Tehran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes Wednesday came as part of an American e ort that also revoked the Islamic Republic’s ability to openly sell crude oil in the world market. Iran immediately warned Washington it would “take whatever measures it deems necessary.” That raises the risks that an interim agreement in the war halting ghting could break down, putting the wider Middle East again at risk of a wider con ict.

NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its repower as Trump demands Greenland Ankara, Turkey President Donald Trump insists the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, renewing tensions in Europe at a NATO summit. Trump spoke during a meeting with the summit host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Trump also announced the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that were imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system. This decision could ease Turkey’s re-entry into the U.S. F-35 ghter jet program. NATO is showcasing military projects worth billions, aiming to satisfy Trump. Separately, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance.

$2.00

Democrats’ narrow path to Senate majority gets rockier as Platner faces allegations

The Maine allegation complicates races Democrats considered their best chances to ip Senate seats

By Bill Barrow and Mike Catalini The Associated Press

A NEW ACCUSATION that Graham Platner once sexually assaulted a woman he was dating has rocked the U.S. Senate race in Maine and cast fresh doubt on Democrats’ path to a Senate majority.

Republicans currently have a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Maine is viewed as a necessary win for Democrats to gain the minimum of four new Senate seats. But now there’s a question of whether Platner, who de -

nied the allegation, will remain on the ballot and, if he does, whether he can defeat ve-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Here’s a closer look at the top races that Democrats are targeting.

Democrats see some pickup opportunities

ALASKA: Former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s candidacy against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan has buoyed her party.

Peltola, one of a handful of Democrats who’ve won in Republican dominated states, was the rst Alaska Native to serve in Congress, winning special and regular elections in 2022 for the state’s only House seat.

See SENATE, page A2

Small businesses having good summer as Americans travel closer to

The shift could help reduce the nation’s travel and tourism trade de cit

By Mae Anderson The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Small busi-

ness owners in U.S. tourist destinations say they’re seeing more Americans sticking closer to home this summer, trading overseas travel for road trips, choosing daylong sojourns over extended beach stays, and cooking instead of eating out while on vacation to save money. The reported boost to domestic tourism, though anecdotal, comes as higher airfares and gasoline prices have made vacations more expensive. The FIFA World Cup soccer tour -

nament and celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday have given some U.S. residents additional incentives to create summer memories without going far. Motor club federation AAA estimated that 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and this Sunday. That’s 0.5% more than the number who got away during last year’s July Fourth travel period, but the forecasted increase is almost all due to people taking cruises, buses and trains; AAA expects no change in the number driving or ying to their destinations. A meaningful reduction in summer globetrotting might have an upside for businesses that depend on tourists, said Tarik Dogru, an associ-

home

ate professor at Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality. Fewer U.S. residents heading abroad or ying across the country means more of their vacation budgets are staying local too, Dogru said.

“The current economic and tourism dynamics are likely to redirect spending toward small businesses, such as regional restaurants, local attractions, Airbnb hosts, and roadside businesses along drive routes that serve budget-conscious and close-tohome travel,” he said.

If the trend holds through the summer and the rest of the year, it could reduce a travel and tourism trade decit the United States has run since the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year since 2020,

Americans spent more on foreign travel than international visitors spent on travel-related goods and services in the U.S., according to the National Travel and Tourism O ce.

Morgan Kain, a teacher in Baltimore, said her family is among the ones keeping their travel bugs in check for nancial reasons. Kain, her husband and three children usually take multiple trips each summer, including a weeklong stay at a Virginia lake house. Last year, they spent six weeks traveling around Italy.

“This summer, we’re still doing a couple overnights and the lake house, but nothing else,” Kain said. “Things are crazy expensive, from travel costs to food costs to gas.”

THURSDAY

7.9.26 #408

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

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Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Australian o cials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothing

Juvenile experimentation explains Neil’s antics, but his viral fame poses a real threat to his well-being

By Charlotte Graham-McLay

The Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zea-

land — Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 2,200 pound elephant seal.

In June, the bellowing and blubbery 5-year-old mammal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania state after months of feeding at sea. That’s posing problems now that he weighs as much as a small car and has a social media following more than double Tasmania’s human population.

His rampage through local infrastructure has claimed bent tra c bollards, a sign warning the public about seals and a fence that did not survive Neil’s attempt to vault it. The rest of the time he lies placidly any place he likes, which is sometimes the middle of the road, bringing towns he visits to a standstill.

But o cials say their biggest concern is that Neil’s popularity could lead to ill-advised human-seal encounters that are dangerous for both sides.

Neil is a bad boy with a long rap sheet

Neil, the only male elephant seal to visit Tasmania in years, has commanded an enthralled TikTok following of 1.4 million in part because he acts like kind of a jerk. During this visit to shore, his 12th, his crimes have included picking ghts with parked cars and smashing through barriers erected to keep him o roads.

Those antics have prompted some online to hail Neil as a kind of anti-authoritarian hero. But

SENATE from page A1

At center stage for the state’s Aug. 18 primary is drama involving a man running with the same name and party a liation as Sullivan. The state supreme court has said the challenger is quali ed to be on the ballot.

Peltola’s campaign and state Democrats have denied Sullivan’s allegation that they’re working with the challenger to cause confusion..

MAINE: Platner catapulted to the Democratic nomination despite earlier controversies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer initially backed sitting Gov. Janet Mills but reluctantly aligned behind Platner -- until Monday’s latest bombshell accusation.

Now, Schumer and many Democrats are pushing for Platner to withdraw. If he does that by July 13, Maine Democrats can put a replacement on the ballot. If not, Platner could have to face Collins with little to no national party support.

If Platner drops out, his replacement could meet a similar challenge to what presidential candidate Kamala Harris faced in 2024, when she had a late start to appeal to a general election audience without having won the nomination in a competitive primary.

Meanwhile, Collins has won elections for 30 years despite no Republican presidential nominee, including President Donald Trump, winning Maine since 1988.

NORTH CAROLINA: Democrats landed one of their prize recruits with former Gov. Roy Cooper, who has never lost a statewide election through four terms as attorney general and two terms as governor. Republicans answered with Trump’s handpicked candidate, Michael Whatley, who’d previously served as state GOP chairman

experts say it’s normal experimentation for a growing seal.

Juvenile male elephant seals need to practice for dominance battles in which adults rear up and crash their chests together as they compete for breeding opportunities, said Sophia Volzke, an elephant seal scientist based at the University of Tasmania in Hobart.

With no other juveniles to practice with, Neil can only rehearse on Toyotas.

O cials plead for fans to leave Neil alone

Local o cials fear that Neil is the latest wild animal whose social media stardom has outgrown what’s good for him.

“Neil’s fame is a bit of a double-edged sword,” said Kris Carlyon from Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, at a news conference in Hobart on Thursday in which he asked the seal’s fans to give him privacy.

“We have had some pretty silly behavior, instances with people carrying their small babies up close to him and simply trying to get that shot for Instagram,” he said.

O cials have urged the public to refrain from identifying the town Neil is currently delighting or terrorizing, depending on who you speak to. They

and as the Republican National Committee chairman.

Whatley was viewed as a prodigious fundraiser and ideal Trump surrogate in a state the president carried three times, and he has history on his side -- Democrats have won just two U.S. Senate races and one presidential contest in North Carolina in the last three decades.

Yet Cooper won governors races in two of Trump’s three presidential cycles and is leveraging his centrist image at a time when independents have soured on Trump. That leaves Whatley with the di cult tasks of satisfying Trump’s core supporters without alienating other voters; introducing himself to voters who don’t know him; and convincing enough North Carolina voters that they’ve been wrong about Cooper for decades.

OHIO: Democrats are counting on former Sen. Sherrod Brown to unseat Republican incumbent Jon Husted in what’s shaping up to be another expensive contest in the state — its third in four years.

The Senate Leadership Fund, a GOP super PAC, has pledged $79 million to defend Husted’s seat.

Brown served three terms in the Senate before losing a tough reelection contest in 2024.

Ohio has steadily trended Republican. But Brown won previously as an advocate of unions and the working class, and Democrats believe he can attract some of the voters who’ve helped Trump win the state three times.

Underdogs could o er surprises

IOWA: The state, which Trump won three times gives Democrats an opportunity to ip a Senate seat with twoterm Republican Sen. Joni Ernst’s retirement.

Democratic Iowa state Rep.

fear a disastrous encounter between the seal and an admirer could force rangers into a risky operation to move him elsewhere.

Carlyon also warned of worse.

In a 2023 episode, a walrus known as Freya who drew huge crowds in Norway was euthanized after o cials cited a growing risk to human safety.

“There is a risk here of essentially loving Neil to death,” Carlyon said.

Neil’s problems will get bigger as he does

It’s usual for seals to return biannually to the place they were born to rest, fast and shed fur. Many species roam inland during visits to shore, sometimes leading them into beachside towns.

What’s unusual about Neil is that he’s the only male elephant seal hauling ashore in Tasmania.

Sub-Antarctic islands south of Tasmania are home to breeding populations of elephant seals and Neil’s mother would have arrived from one of them to give birth, Volzke said. Females have been spotted ashore in Tasmania before, but topping out at the size Neil reached when he was a year or two old, they don’t cause the same kind of chaos, she added.

“Humans got rid of those an-

Josh Turek faces Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has been endorsed by Trump. Turek is a relative newcomer to elected o ce and has pointed to his experience winning in a red, Trump-won state House district as proof he could appeal to independent and moderate Republican voters in November. Hinson is a three-term House incumbent representing northeastern Iowa, and claims Trump needs a ghter who would “always have his back.”

TEXAS: State Rep. James Talarico, a 37-year-old seminarian, has become a national fundraising phenomenon.

Talarico faces the scandal-ridden Republican nominee Ken Paxton. The Texas attorney general has weathered an impeachment attempt by his own party, a yearslong corruption investigation and public airing of his martial di culties. Through all that, Paxton has won multiple reelections.

Democrats were buoyed by their primary turnout of about 2.3 million eclipsing Republicans’ 2.2 million, something that hasn’t happened since the state ipped to Republicans in the 1990s. But the challenge for Talarico is turning that momentum into a racially, ethnically and geographically diverse coalition in November.

The seats Democrats have to hold

GEORGIA: Sen. Jon Osso is the only Democratic senator running for reelection this year in a state Trump won in 2024. He had no primary opposition, and he’s been a fundraising force with more than $30 million cash-on-hand as he entered the general election campaign. Ossof has attracted national attention with his unapologetic broadsides against Trump.

Neil the Seal, a 2,200 pound elephant seal, nuzzles up to bollards he has damaged in Tasmania, Australia, last month.

imals and now maybe they are coming back and repopulating areas that they were previously seen in,” she said. “We do need to nd a way to coexist.”

That could prove tricky for Neil, and for the rangers, police o cers and security guards who follow in his wake. If he survives to adulthood, Neil could measure up to 5 meters (16 feet) in length and weigh triple what he does now.

However, about 90% of male elephant seals die before they reach a breeding age of around 10, Volzke said.

For now, Neil the seal is occupying a stretch of sidewalk, unmoving and unbothered. Sometimes he canoodles with an orange tra c cone, to the delight of his online followers. It isn’t clear why he prefers that location, which he has returned to even after being ushered away by rangers.

“He’s obviously decided this puddle surrounded by bollards, which are horizontal at the moment, is his spot,” said Carlyon on Thursday.

His fans can relate. The locals have mixed feelings.

“He’s one of our biggest exports at the moment,” said Dale Creamer, a resident of the town that the seal is currently trashing, who has not been personally inconvenienced. “It’s Neil’s world and we’re just living in it.”

Republican Rep. Mike Collins is playing catchup after winning a bruising GOP primary runo . He must navigate skeptical Republicans who believe he’s too conservative or controversial for this battleground state. Collins repeats Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was rigged, and he’s also facing a House ethics inquiry over allegations that he misused taxpayer money to pay the girlfriend of a former top aide. Collins’ strongest line of attack against Osso comes on immigration. Collins sponsored the Laken Riley Act, named for a Georgia nursing student killed by a Venezuelan man in the U.S. illegally. The law, among other provisions, requires immigrants accused of certain crimes to be held without bond. Osso voted against the measure before reversing his vote after Trump returned to the White House.

MICHIGAN: Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement opens up a seat the party must hold in a key presidential battleground that Trump won twice and former President Joe Biden carried in 2020.

The Aug. 4 Democratic primary is a contest between moderate Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed. Stevens has also bene ted from heavy outside spending, including nearly $8 million from a super PAC a liated with the American Israel Public A airs Committee.

El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, has run on issues like Medicare for All and halting all U.S. weapons transfers to Israel. He has campaigned with popular-yet-controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who has millions of followers online and has said things such as that “America deserved 9/11.”

The winner is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, who lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, in 2024.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The fall of Vicksburg

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

WHEN I WAS 19, I knew a much older man who’d grown up in 1930s Alabama.

“We didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July,” he told me. “For us, it was the day Vicksburg fell.”

Vicksburg, Mississippi, fell to Union troops on July 4, 1863. The Confederates surrendered, as was their habit. Long memories still mourn the Lost Cause of Black backs whipped bloody.

So how am I, a resident of Rhode Island, supposed to celebrate the Fourth of July this year?

When I was maybe 8 years old, reworks were illegal in Massachusetts, but my father, a bartender who invariably “knew a guy,” brought home a box of sparklers for me.

The sparkler is the lowest form of rework. It doesn’t blow up, it doesn’t make a loud noise and it doesn’t go up in the air. It’s a long wire, the top half of which is coated with some sort of chemical mix that throws o showers of silver sparks when it’s lit. You hold the sparkler by the uncoated bottom half. Those kids who hold the sparkler by the burning top half don’t do it for long.

I would use the sparklers on the top step of the three steps that went down from the kitchen door of our rented house in Taunton, Massachusetts, under the supervision of my father.

I remember the metallic brightness of the sparks against the dark sky, and my father’s deep voice.

“Be careful,” he’d say. “Don’t hold it too

close to you.”

I’ve always held things too close, and that’s true of both my memories and America.

I don’t hate America. I love America. What I hate is our gradual weakening, our string of lost or inconclusive wars, our blustering, Jesus-pimping leadership. We crow endlessly about this being “the greatest country in the world,” but the highway bridges are rotting, we don’t have enough technical skill to reline a pool and we’re pushing hard to regain the use of every vile term we’ve ever used to describe nonwhites and women.

“If you don’t like it here, why don’t you move to Iran?” I’m asked.

I can’t. I can’t go anywhere else. My ethnic heritage is so jumbled that I can only call this country my own because America is where they made a new people from French and Irish and Scottish and English, which is what I am “by blood” if you think blood sings in di erent languages.

Maybe 2 miles from our house, my uncle Kendall’s name is engraved on the town honor roll. He served in World War II and the Korean War. The honor roll is granite, and it’s dead. Kendall is dead. When he came back from his wars, he pumped gas for the rest of his working life.

I’ve touched his name where it’s cut into the stone.

It’s not as though there are no Fourth of July celebrations taking place near me, either. The worse the country gets, the bigger and

tackier the patriotic celebrations get. If we ght a draw with Iran, next Fourth of July, there will be a pro wrestling show at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The ags keep getting bigger, too. In my neighborhood, there are people ying ags bigger than the one they y outside the post o ce.

Rhode Island opted out of the Great American State Fair, as did most of the American population. Not even a speech from our rapidly failing president could save that disaster.

My wife Deborah was in charge of our yard decorations for the Fourth of July. She put out a owered ag with a peace sign in the middle. It’s a small ag, close to the ground, and it utters from a small iron stake driven into the lawn. It probably stands 2 feet high, and on either side, there are small American ags on skinny sticks.

It’s a modest display, is what it is, a little splash of peace and patriotism next to the rhododendron bush.

I’m already starting to feel protective of the little display. I don’t want it to feel bullied by the big ags that have their own tall poles. That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”

(Copyright 2026 creators.com)

The United States has always been at war

Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy.

ONE OF THE MOST popular complaints of the younger Americans is that the United States has been bogged down in endless war and interventionism virtually their entire lifetimes.

Welcome to history. As much as we may not like it, the United States has engaged in con ict and meddling more or less since its inception. The U.S. was born in war. It expanded through war. It freed its slaves through war. It grew into a superpower through war. And until utopia exists, it’s exceedingly likely we will need to clash with those who threaten our prestige and power.

Indeed, you can look at the parallels between today’s war against the Iranian terrorist regime and our very rst foreign con ict to understand why.

From the founding, the Islamic states in Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis in North Africa were capturing American ships, demanding tolls and taking hostages. Without the protection of the British Royal Navy, President George Washington felt compelled to pay o the emirs. President John Adams was even more susceptible to blackmail, appeasing the Islamic rulers with ships, weaponry, ammunition and annual sums — let’s call them “pallets” — of gold and silver.

The Barbary States took the bounty, strung the U.S. along in negotiations, ultimately ignored the treaties they did sign and continued to take captives, murder Americans and disrupt trade.

After winning the White House in 1801, Thomas Je erson halted the payo s. His justi cations for ghting the Barbary “pirates” — a historical mischaracterization that understates the importance of the Islamic sultans who had been raiding coastal towns and ships in the Mediterranean and Atlantic for two centuries, grabbing over a million

European slaves — were more than just narrow trading interests.

When serving as ambassador in Britain in 1785, Je erson had met with Tripoli’s representative Abdul Rahman Adja and asked him why the Barbary States were targeting Americans who had shown them no hostility. Je erson, in a letter co-written by Adams, described Adja’s response in a letter to John Jay.

“The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Mussulman (Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise,” Je erson wrote.

Sounds familiar. Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy. Paying tributes to these “barbarians,” Je erson later argued, not only rewarded aggression and subverted America’s standing but was in direct con ict with the ideals of the new nation.

When Je erson congratulated the Marines on their victory against the Algerians, it wasn’t merely for valiantly ghting the enemy but defeating those who “trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature.”

President James Madison also sent another naval force to Algiers in 1815 to subdue the Islamic corsairs.

Yet, in the imagination of contemporary isolationists, early American foreign entanglements were only taken on for immediate national interests, stripped of any idealism. This simply isn’t so.

And every subsequent generation saw war, as well. Initially, these were con icts of Western expansion. Soon we were involved in con icts around the world.

The Left and isolationist Right are perturbed by our interference with Venezuelan and Cuban sovereignty. But American history is littered with instances of us meddling in places including Haiti, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Cuba, again, to name a few.

“Gunboat diplomacy” was not predominantly deployed to uphold the Monroe Doctrine and eject European powers from the Western Hemisphere, but rather to intimidate and quash domestic movements that threatened American in uence.

By 1852, President Millard Fillmore famously dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan to end that nation’s isolationist policies and open trade by force, if needed. President Ulysses Grant sent another military expedition to Korea in 1871 to do the same. President Grover Cleveland sent the Navy to Samoa to protect American commercial interests from the Germans and British. None of those nations threatened American sovereignty.

Some of these con icts were more moral than others. Some back red. Some were unnecessary tragedies. Some made the world safer. The U.S. has kept Europe free of allencompassing war since 1945. Neither war nor intervention should ever be taken on lightly. The notion, however, that Americans are living through some uniquely bellicose or interventionist era is debunked by even a cursory reading of history.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 creators.com)

Rescue mission launches to save NASA telescope that’s falling back to Earth

Vacationers

are taking trips within driving

distance

Despite gasoline costing more than it did a year ago, 85% of Independence Day week travelers were expected to drive to their destinations, AAA said, noting that car trips still are cheaper than ights for the most part.

Around Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, several businesses reported spotting more visitors driving in from cities along the West Coast.

Ron Williams, who owns Tahoe Sports, said he worried at the beginning of the season that customers might not show up to rent boats and Jet Skis due to economic concerns. Like the gasoline that powers cars, the price of boat fuel went up during the Iran war.

But Williams so far is “pleasantly surprised with how well the business is doing across the board.” His future bookings are 10% higher compared to the same time last year, he said.

“I think people are probably sticking close to home, and being in Lake Tahoe, we have such a huge drive-up market,” Williams said.

Increased demand for the three Lake Tahoe area rental properties that Jerry Bindel manages for Pyramid Global Hospitality also came as a relief. Ski season bookings petered out along with the snow during an unusually warm winter, but “we just saw that ip” with the arrival of hiking and boating weather, he said.

Bindel, an area general director for the property management company, said he spotted a possible sign of Tahoe visitors watching their spending: more of them skipping restaurants and using the kitchens in their rental units or outdoor barbecue grills to prepare their own food.

“We’re seeing a lot of additional use on those items this summer,” he said.

Locals still want to have memorable summer experiences

In Asheville, North Caro-

The commercial spacecraft will boost Swift 150 miles higher to resume its observations

By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —

A three-armed spacecraft rocketed into orbit Friday to rescue a NASA telescope that’s in danger of crashing back to Earth.

Northrop Grumman launched Katalyst Space Technologies’ Link spacecraft from the Marshall Islands in the Paci c. The Pegasus rocket blasted o from the belly of a modi ed airplane, putting Link on course to reach and capture

NASA’s Swift Observatory in about a month. Launched in 2004, Swift is sinking faster than ever because of recent solar storms. NASA is paying $30 million for Katalyst to capture the telescope and boost its orbit so it can continue tracking some of the biggest explosions in the universe, like gamma ray bursts and exploding stars. If all goes well, Swift could be back scanning the cosmos by September. Observations are currently on hold to preserve theç telescope’s orbit as long as possible.

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope could be a candidate for a similar salvage operation in a few years. It’s also slipping in al-

titude because of increased atmospheric drag caused by the sun’s outbursts.

The 1.6-ton (1.4-metric ton) Swift currently is circling 224 miles (360 kilometers) above Earth. Katalyst aims to raise the telescope’s altitude by 150 miles (240 kilometers), back to where it all began. Link’s thrusters will re to boost Swift slowly, so there’s no heavy jostling.

Katalyst threw the mission together in just nine months. NASA insisted on a rush job because the telescope will be too low to recover by the fall. Without a boost, it’s predicted to plunge to its demise in October.

Bad weather and technical issues caused a series of last-minute launch delays.

“This is a high-risk, high-reward mission,” Katalyst Space CEO Ghonhee Lee said ahead of lifto . “The biggest danger was always we don’t launch anything and we let Swift burn up in the atmosphere. So we were always trying to avoid that risk, and our team has done that.”

lina, small business owners have hoped tourism would rebound since Hurricane Helene and ooding from days of torrential rain caused widespread destruction to the city’s landscape, buildings and infrastructure in September 2024.

Aubrey Anderson, who owns a river tubing out tter in Asheville, reduced her summer sta from 100 people to 25 after Helene. After reservations picked up earlier this year and she noticed “a lot new people coming into town,” Anderson felt encouraged enough to hire 50 workers for Zen Tubing’s current season.

The unfamiliar faces include day-trippers driving in from South Carolina, Tennessee and other parts of North Carolina to spend several hours oating down the French Broad River for around $30 per person, Anderson said. After tubing, customers from around the region often grab a meal, stop at a

brewery, shop or visit other local attractions before heading home, which is “a win for Asheville as a whole,” she said.

“We’re de nitely seeing a lot of locals, so to speak,” Anderson said. “People are maybe skipping the long drive to the beach this year, and they’re kind of doing just something close by so that they can save a little money and still enjoy a family outing.”

Factory tours o ered by French Broad Chocolate have surged this summer, according to Jael Ske ngton, the Asheville chocolate maker’s CEO and co-founder. Tour-takers often stop in the on-site cafe for ice cream or co ee and buy a box of chocolate bars or bonbons before they leave, she said.

“So it’s good for business, but it also seems to be what people are looking for is something to do, not just something to eat — something to experience.” Ske ngton said.

Cities are getting a World Cup boost

Soccer enthusiasts have poured into Kansas City, Missouri, just like other North American cities hosting World Cup matches.

Made in KC, a chain of four cafes and 11 shops that sells locally made sauces, Kansas City-themed gifts and T-shirts for fans of the city’s professional sports teams, has gotten “really noticeable spikes of tra c” at all its locations during the tournament, co-owner Keith Bradley said. World Cup-related merchandise, including $40 hats featuring the team colors of this year’s competitors, have been a big hit, he said. American tourists from other Midwestern cities — Des Moines and Omaha both are within a three-hour drive from Kansas City — seem to outnumber U.S. visitors from farther away, Bradley noted.

“We have a couple locations that are in tourist parts of Kansas City. ... But then we also have little shops that are just in suburban neighborhoods in Kansas City, and those have also seen World Cup tra c of people going to watch parties, people coming in town to go to the games, and then tourists just exploring Kansas City on their own.”

Mollie Lothman, co-owner of McLain’s Bakery, a family-owned cafe with ve locations, said she thinks the cost of food and lodging in Kansas City compared to bigger or better known host cities has helped.

“We’re one of the smaller markets who got the World Cup in Kansas City, but we’re also probably one of least expensive markets, in terms of family budgeting, to try to come and experience the World Cup,” Lothman said. “So I think that’s been a huge draw for people.”

Fans

Forsyth SPORTS

Guardians rookie Ingle loses track of outs, tosses ball into stands, giving away a run

Asheville native has an embarrassing moment early in his MLB career

By Tom Withers The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Rookies are prone to mistakes. Cooper Ingle made a big one he may never forget.

Cleveland’s left elder lost track of the number of outs in the seventh inning and threw the ball into the stands, allowing the Texas Rangers to score the go-ahead run in a 4-2 victory over the Guardians on Tuesday night.

“Obviously, I feel terrible,” Ingle said, his face ushed red on a warm, humid night. “It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling.”

With a runner at second base and one out in the seventh, the 24-year-old Ingle, making just his second major league start as an out elder, caught a routine y ball hit by Rangers left elder Alejandro Osuna o Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee for the second out.

Thinking it was out No. 3, Ingle brie y glanced at the ball in his glove before throwing it over the protective netting to fans as a souvenir.

The umpires immediately ruled the ball was dead and Osuna was awarded home plate.

It wasn’t until then that Ingle realized his mistake and he walked back to his position in shocked disbelief. He was charged with an error.

“Yeah, honestly when I threw the ball out, I heard a bunch of yelling,” Ingle said. “Happens sometimes, but just got to learn from it and not make the same mistake.”

“It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling.”

Tanner Ingle

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who has had to plug rookies into his starting lineup all season, o ered his unwavering support to Ingle.

“These things happen,” Vogt said. “Rookie. Nonrookie. It’s happened to Hall of Famers. They’ve done it. We’re going to keep learning. We’re going to keep getting better.”

Vogt was proud of the way Ingle’s teammates quickly rallied around him following the bone-headed play.

“It’s a mistake. Lost track of the outs. Pretty big spot,” he said. “We’ll learn from it and can’t control it once it happens. That’s why I was like, ush it. And I just want to give a credit to the dugout. Every one of his teammates, when he came back in, same messaging.”

One of the rst to talk to Ingle was Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, who told him to keep his chin up.

“I’ve made so many mistakes,” Hedges said. “I can’t even remember half of them. I’ve embarrassed myself a billion times on the eld. I mean, just check my o ensive numbers for my career. It’s not super easy to go through that, but that’s the big leagues.”

After his mistake, Ingle said he immediately apologized to Bibee (2-9), who went toe to toe with Jacob deGrom for seven innings. Bibee’s response to his teammates was to try and make things right.

“I just told him to go tie the game right back up,” Bibee said. “Obviously, we all make mistakes. Everyone in this locker room has made multiple mistakes in the big leagues, whether you’re (rookie) Khalil (Watson) or me or Hedgie. It’s tough.”

Ingle was brought up from Triple-A Columbus last week. He made his big league debut on June 26 and got his rst major league hit the next day, a two-run single against Seattle.

After his elding foible, Ingle came up in the bottom of the seventh and grounded out. He got another chance in the ninth to avenge his ga e but struck out looking for the game’s nal out.

What’s most important now is that he move forward.

“Obviously learn from it and think about it,” he said. “It’s not something that makes you feel great, but things like that happen for a reason and learning from those things and moving on and getting better from them, it’s pretty much the only thing you can do.”

Vogt said the mistake doesn’t a ect his belief in Ingle.

“We’re going to help him through it. That’s what we’re here for,” he said. “You’re playing in your second game in the out eld in the big leagues and a mistake like that. Let’s learn. So what? It’s over. Flush it. We’re not going to be mad at him.

“We’re not going to hold it against him. He’s going to be right back out there the next time it’s his turn to play out eld. This was a mistake. This isn’t a judgment or anything like that, but we know how good of a player Coop is and we’re going to stick with him and we’re going to keep helping him.”

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Forsyth Frenzy

Special Olympics of North Carolina Summer Games

The Forsyth Frenzy is Elizabeth Agee, Vivie Bowers, Amber Goforth, Averie Moser, Kira Penn, Kathryn Troyan, Mary Vannoy and Brianna Wagoner.

The eight of them represented Forsyth County in last month’s Special Olympics of North Carolina Summer Games in Raleigh. They were one of two cheer teams on the Forsyth County squad, and they returned with bronze medals in the cheerleading team competition.

A red card means trouble and controversy at the World Cup: Here’s what to know

The U.S. red card is not the rst, or last, the process has raised a fuss

By Jim Vertuno The Associated Press

THE AMERICANS are seeing red over the most controversial and consequential red card so far in the World Cup.

While the United States celebrated a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, fans and players were angry and frustrated by a second-half red card that sent o star striker Folarin Balogun.

The penalty, called after the referee watched a video replay, ignited debate over whether it was too harsh and whether other players, most notably Argentina’s Lionel Messi, have unfairly avoided similar punishment.

Red cards are the most serious form of punishment in a referee’s pocket. A red card does more than just send a player out of the game. It also means the team can’t replace them and must play shorthanded. The ejected player is also suspended for the next match — and sometimes longer depending on the o ense.

The red and yellow card system of discipline was invented after the 1966 World Cup by former referee Ken Aston, who came up with the color-coded level of discipline while stopped at a tra c light.

“I thought, ‘Yellow, take it easy; red, stop, you’re o ’,” said Aston, who died in 2001.

Much is left to the referee’s discretion in the heat of play. A player who receives a second yellow card during a game is automatically ejected with a red card. Direct red cards usu-

Cup round of 32.

ally result from more serious o enses, such as dangerous tackles and violent play. Under FIFA rules, “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”

Balogun’s red card sparked a debate over whether the foul should have been deemed intentional or just a hard tackle that would have justi ed a warning with a yellow card.

“It never was intentional,”

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “If the intention is to damage the opponent, OK,

“If the intention is to damage the opponent, OK, I understand. But that never was.”

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino

I understand. But that never was. It was a normal action in football that you are ghting for the ball and your feet land.”

The referee has the challenge of watching all the action all the time. In a tangle of bodies, something could be missed.

FIFA introduced the use of Video Assisted Review, or VAR, in

the World Cup in 2018.

In Balogun’s case, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus didn’t initially signal a card. But an order from the VAR o cials to review the replay in slow motion resulted in the red card.

That sparked another debate of whether the play looked worse and more intentional in slow motion.

Former France striker Thierry Henry, now a studio analyst for the World Cup with Fox Sports, criticized the red card.

“You need to have some common sense,” Henry said.

“Where is the player supposed to put his foot there in that situation?”

Critics have been raising

this question since the start of tournament as some of the top players have been entangled in questionable plays, most notably Messi.

In Argentina’s rst match, Messi’s studs-up challenge from behind caught Algeria defender Aissa Mandi on the calf and Achilles tendon. It left Mandi rolling on the ground and clutching his leg.

Messi immediately put his arms up like he didn’t mean to hack Mandi’s leg. Algeria was awarded a free kick, but the tournament’s biggest star wasn’t booked, stayed in the game nished with a hat trick.

Video clips of the Messi foul began ying around social media by the next day, and caught re again after the Balogun red card.

American defender Weston McKennie called the red card against Balogun “disappointing.” Balogun is the top scorer for the U.S. with three goals.

“I think there’s been many other plays like that throughout the tournament on other players that a card wasn’t given at all,” McKennie said.

The American’s aren’t the rst to howl over a red card and won’t be the last. The complaints come after send-o s and no-calls alike.

In 1998, England’s David Beckham was dismissed in the second half of a round of 16 match against Argentina for tripping Diego Simeone in retaliation. In 2006, England’s Wayne Rooney was sent o of a quarter nal loss to Portugal after he stomped prone Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho in the groin.

The most famous World Cup red card sent France legend Zinedine Zidane out of the 2006 nal after he headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Italy would win on penalty kicks. The most famous non-call came in the 2010 nal when the Netherlands’ Nigel de Jong wasn’t sent o for his studs-up kick into the chest of Spain’s Xabi Alonso in the rst half. Spain would win in extra time.

SIDELINE REPORT

WNBA

More than half of WNBA players miss All-Star starter vote

More than half of the WNBA’s 180 players didn’t submit their ballots for All-Star starters ahead of this month’s game in Chicago, a person familiar with the balloting told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the voting. It’s unclear why so many players didn’t cast their votes. Fan vote accounts for 50% of the overall vote while players and a media panel each are 25%. It’s been that way since 2017.

NBA

Former NBA star

Beasley pleads not guilty to gambling charges

New York Malik Beasley’s lawyer said the indicted former NBA star “wants to move on with his life” after pleading not guilty to charges that he altered his play in certain games to enrich sports bettors and ease his own debts. Beasley, the latest big name caught up in a sweeping federal gambling investigation, attentively followed along but said little at his arraignment on Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court. He answered a judge’s questions with “yes, your honor” but let his lawyer, Jason Goldman, enter his plea on his behalf.

NFL NFL player Campbell’s brother is charged with murder after mother found dead

Atlanta

A brother of NFL player Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother in Atlanta. Police o cers found her body during a welfare check. An arrest warrant says Ciarre Campbell was found with a knife. His family told police he struggled with mental illness. He’s being held in Fulton County Jail and waived his initial court appearance Wednesday. Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, is entering his 19th NFL season. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selection with 117 career sacks.

NBA Leonard going back to Toronto after Raptors make deal with Clippers

A person with knowledge of the trade says Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Toronto Raptors, after they struck a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to reunite with the player who led their run to the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two rst-round picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap to the Clippers for Leonard.

Briscoe holds o Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway

His sixth career win comes in NASCAR’s rst race there since 2019

By Jay Cohen The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. — Chase Briscoe was on an o season bonding trip to the United Kingdom with crew chief James Small when the NASCAR driver discovered chocolate buttons, a popular British treat. He bought some online after he returned to the U.S., but he said it wasn’t the same.

Small purchased some on a return trip to the U.K., and he promised to share if Briscoe won on the crew chief’s birthday. That made Sunday night’s victory pretty sweet.

Briscoe held o Christopher Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway, racing to his rst Cup Series win of the season. And Small delivered the chocolates to Briscoe moments after it was over.

“They were pretty dang good,” Briscoe said.

Briscoe was followed closely by Bell in the nal laps on the 1.5-mile oval about 50 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. But Bell was unable to run down his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.

The 31-year-old Briscoe, an Indiana native, celebrated his sixth career win with a burnout before standing on his car and waving to the sellout crowd.

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to, and I’ve missed it,” Briscoe said. “It’s always been one of my top- ve tracks.”

It was Bell’s fourth runner-up nish this season. He was wearing a splint on his arm as he continues his recovery after breaking his left wrist in a crash at Michigan on June 7.

“I think he’s handled that as well as you can handle it,” team owner Joe Gibbs said. “He’s got

a burning desire to stay in there and win. I think he had, you know — he had a real good car tonight, too.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole, was third. William Byron, who won two stages while leading a race-high 94 laps, and Alex Bowman rounded out the top ve.

“I thought I was in control early on, even though I wasn’t leading,” Hamlin said. “I felt in control and probably got a little lazy on some restarts and things like that. Just taking for granted that I’ll just go up there and get it.”

NASCAR ran 19 Cup races in Joliet before pulling out after the 2019 season. It tried to build interest in the event in a crowded sports market, but the race struggled with attendance.

After racing on a street course in downtown Chicago each of the previous three years, NASCAR decided to go back to Chicagoland — eager to see how the Next Gen cars would do on the rough and bumpy asphalt at the facility. Rain on Friday and

“This

has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to.”

Chase Briscoe

Saturday caused some parking issues, but the racing was compelling.

Led by Briscoe, Bell and Hamlin, Toyota accounted for seven of the top 10 cars for the rst time in a Cup Series race — continuing a strong season for the manufacturer.

“Yeah, Toyotas are fast,” Bell said.

Driving a “Space Jam”themed car in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Looney Tunes movie, Bubba Wallace was sixth in his No. 23 Toyota Camry. Wallace is part of the 23XI Racing team that is coowned by Michael Jordan, one of the stars of the 1996 movie.

Ryan Blaney was seventh in

his seventh consecutive top-10 nish. Ty Gibbs, Corey Heim and Riley Herbst completed the top 10.

Tyler Reddick’s championship hopes were damaged by an oil leak with about 32 laps left in Stage 2. There was a long caution while Reddick’s 23XI Racing crew worked on his No. 45 Toyota in the garage, replacing the radiator because of a hole.

Reddick, who won the rst three races of the season, nished 36th. He trails Hamlin by 44 points at the top of Cup standings after he was down by one going into the weekend. Kyle Larson also had a rough day after qualifying second behind Hamlin. He was in third place when he spun out of Turn 4 on Lap 93. He drove his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet into the wet in eld grass and had to be pulled out of the mud. Larson nished 34th, extending his winless drought to 43 races. He nished second in each of the previous two Cup races at Chicagoland.

Too pushy? Gau brought to tears by interaction with anti-doping tester

The players at Wimbledon want changes to the drug testing system

By Ken Maguire The Associated Press

LONDON — Coco Gau said she was brought to tears by a “pushy” anti-doping tester. Serena Williams called the system “grueling.”

Protocols designed to protect tennis from doping are in the spotlight as players open up about their experiences navigating the system in the aftermath of a four-year ban handed to 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova — not for testing positive but for refusing to take a test.

Players are required to provide a 60-minute time slot each day to be available for testing, plus the International Tennis Integrity Agency says that if a doping control o cer “locates and noti es a player outside of that hour, they must complete the test.” Naturally, there’s a need for communication between players and testers.

“I’m not going to lie, some of them can be pushy, make you feel like you’re doing something wrong,” Gau , the No. 7 seed, said after her rst-round victory at Wimbledon.

“One time she came outside my time slot. But the way she was speaking to me on the phone, it literally made me cry afterwards,” the 22-year-old American said. “I found out I was in the right, and I didn’t have to do anything.”

Ahead of her rst-round match, Ajla Tomljanovic described her close calls.

“I’m very scared of the system because it feels broken,”

she said. “I’ve had a few experiences of my own where it was about technicalities and when I speak to people in charge they’re not helpful — I don’t want to say they don’t care — but they weren’t very helpful at all to explain things or just show some sort of compassion when I was nowhere near missing a test or testing positive.”

The Australian player said she was seeking help about how the app works.

“I was new to the whole system. And I was at two fails for a month and I knew if I get a third one accidentally I would be out for at least two, three years,” she said. “It’s in a way, I won’t say no fault of my own but it’s not to the degree of being banned and smearing your name. In that sense, I think there’s so much to improve on.” Williams, who makes her Wimbledon return on Tuesday, said the testing system was “a big reason why I didn’t want to come back either, because it’s

“I’m very scared of the system because it

Ajla

Tomljanovic

just so hard.”

The Vondrousova case

The 27-year-old Czech player, who became Wimbledon’s rst unseeded female champion when she beat Ons Jabeur in the 2023 nal, refused to take a test in early December 2025 after a doping control ofcer rang her apartment’s intercom at 8 p.m.

This month, following a hearing by an independent tribunal, Vondrousova received the maximum four-year ban for a rst o ense.

The ITIA published a video explainer of the case, saying Vondrousova on the night in question challenged the tim-

ing of the test because it was outside her designated time slot.

The agency noted: “If a Doping Control O cer, or DCO, locates and noti es a player outside of that hour, they must complete the test.”

Vondrousova had described the tester as “aggressive” and said the frequent ringing of the intercom “triggered a state of distress,” the ITIA video says.

The tribunal’s June 22 decision con rmed that Vondrousova refused the test and that the evidence “provided no compelling justi cation for doing so.”

The ITIA added that under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, “test refusals can be sanctioned as severely as positive tests.” One rationale is an athlete who is doping could simply refuse a test and seek a lighter punishment.

Last year, the ITIA said it conducted over 8,000 tests both in and out of competition “and received a handful of complaints. We take all feedback on board and encourage players to share their views with us.” Other organizations, such as the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also conduct player testing.

On possible changes to the system, the ITIA noted that tennis follows WADA rules and processes, which “will be refreshed in 2027. As part of this process, WADA consults with athletes from across global sport.”

“We understand the system can seem challenging,” the ITIA said, “but it is there to protect players, not to trip them up. If players are ever unsure about a test, have questions, or would like to provide feedback on their experience, we want to hear about it.”

the stream

Rolling Stones,

‘Little House on the Prairie,’ ‘Backrooms’

J.K. Simmons stars in ‘The Westies’

The Associated Press

THE LATEST Rolling Stones album and the streaming debut of the hit movie “Backrooms” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: a new version of “Little House on the Prairie,” new albums from Adam Lambert and Finn Wolfhard and “College Football 27” from EA Sports.

MOVIES TO STREAM

The box-o ce sensation “Backrooms” is making its premium video-on-demand debut on July 7, available to purchase on all the major streaming services. Kane Parsons, 20, directed the feature-length adaptation of his viral web series about the dread of liminal space, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as a furniture store salesman. In his review, Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it’s a “ tfully unsettling nightmare that never convincingly builds beyond its creepy, dated-decor premise.”

Maika Monroe plays a woman looking to rebuild her life after prison, heartbreak and tragedy, opposite Tyriq Withers in the Colleen Hoover adaptation

“Reminders of Him,” streaming on Peacock on Friday, July 10. In his review for the AP, Mark Kennedy called it “a well-crafted, well-acted sad-happy Hoover adaptation,” praising Monroe, who, he writes, “stretches out her dramatic muscles to play Kenna and nails the assignment, a woman with a hard shell who is looking for a little grace, a tricky role that’s both irty and maternal.”

And just in time for the Fourth of July comedown, “The Long Walk,” set in a dystopian, postwar America, arrives on HBO Max on July 10. Cooper Ho man and David Jonsson star in this adaptation of a Stephen King story in which 50 boys are selected by lottery for a

harrowing contest in which the walk only ends when one survivor remains. Fittingly, “Hunger Games” veteran Francis Lawrence directed.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Only the Rolling Stones have the ex to get Anya Taylor-Joy and Charles Melton to appear in one of their music videos.

The movie stars play a frustrated couple in the video for the new soulful R&B single “Jealous Lover.” That’s from the upcoming album “Foreign Tongues,” out Friday, July 10, which includes the Cure’s Robert Smith on guitar for the rollicking single “Divine Intervention.” The album also has contributions from Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith. “Foreign Tongues” will also include a special appearance from drummer Charlie Watts, lifted from one of his nal recording sessions before his death in 2021.

Finn Wolfhard isn’t resting on his music or TV successes.

The “Stranger Things” star has his sophomore solo album out Friday, July 10, a year after the intriguing multi-hyphenate artist dropped “Happy Birthday.”

And things are looking up — or is that Upside Down? — for Wolfhard: While his debut was a lo- , distortion-heavy sneer of garage-band strut, the singles from the 12-track “Fire From the Hip” so far reveal a more mature songwriter, with a more melodic bent and less dense, punky production. The lead single “I’ll Let You Finish” cheekily nods to the viral VMA moment when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift at the 2009 Video Music Awards. Adam Lambert struts away from Queen for his sixth solo studio album, simply titled “Adam.” Lambert says he was inspired by ‘90s alternative rock and electronica, including Nine Inch Nails, Björk, Prince and Muse. Singles from the 12-track album include the vampire-dance of “Eat U Alive” and the infectious glam of “Under the Rhythm,” which samples ATC’s “Around the World (La La La La La).” Both tracks explore losing control with a lover: “I know I look a mess, but

“‘Backrooms’ is a tfully unsettling nightmare that never convincingly builds beyond its creepy, dateddecor premise.”

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

I’m gon’ sweat it o ,” he sings in the second. The Associated Press rst reviewed The War and Treaty in 2018, writing: “Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter, the pride of Albion, Michigan, are husband and wife and a powerhouse R&B duo who sound as though they were born to sing together.” The assessment holds true nearly a decade later, as they prepare to release

their latest album, “The Story of Michael and Tanya.” Lead single “Don’t Say Goodbye” is a smooth throwback, timeless with its harmonies and soulful production. If that’s not enough to sway you, maybe this is: The album also features Wynonna Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. You read that correctly.

TV TO STREAM

A reboot of “Little House on the Prairie” debuts on Netix Thursday, July 9. Like the original series starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, the show is based on the classic books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Set in the American West in the late 19th century, the tight-knit Ingalls family settles in Kansas, but their new home comes with a variety of challenges. Luke

Bracey plays the father, Charles. Crosby Fitzgerald is Caroline, the family matriarch. Skywalker Hughes plays eldest daughter, Mary, and Alice Halsey is the feisty younger daughter, Laura, also known as Half-Pint. J.K. Simmons stars in the new MGM+ crime drama “The Westies,” about the real Irish gang that ruled the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in Manhattan in the early 1980s. In the series, the Jacob Javits Convention Center is under construction in their backyard, promising an abundance of (illegal) ways to make money. The Westies’ turf is threatened by a clash of ideas between the young and oldschool members. The eight-episode series debuts on Sunday, July 12.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The World Cup may still be raging, but EA Sports would like to remind you that the other kind of football is right around the corner. “College Football 27” promises streamlined playcalling, a new “Dynasty Blueprint” mode for aspiring athletic directors and a revamped “Road to Glory” campaign that lets you rake in the sponsorship cash as you ght for the Heisman Trophy. Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore are the cover models, but the buzziest addition may be Mascot Mashup, which pits team mascots against each other in 11-on11 slugfests. Kicko is Thursday, July 9, on

5,

or PC.

STATE & NATION

Dedicated volunteers in Nashville relay calm, straight-talk info during storms

Volunteers livestream hyperlocal coverage that modern audiences trust more than traditional TV

By Travis Loller The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Anyone who has watched an episode of “9-1-1: Nashville” could be forgiven for thinking the city is constantly beset by tornadoes that turn outdoor concerts into scenes of carnage and blow scooter-riding tourists onto the tops of water towers.

That may be a TV exaggeration, but tornadoes and other dangerous storms do hit the city regularly. When they do, many people here turn to Nashville Severe Weather.

This group of dedicated volunteers can be found on social media, calmly explaining the storm movement, advising when to take cover and giving the “all clear.” The coverage by Will Minko , Andrew Leeper and Tom Johnstone draws tens of thousands of viewers who interact with them in real time. It’s a service that evokes the early promise of the internet, before the rise of the in uencer.

This is happening at a time when many people no longer watch local news and weather reports. Yet Kevin Trowbridge, who teaches strategic communication at Belmont University in Nashville, says an informal survey of his students found many are tuning in to Nashville Severe Weather.

“The millennials and Gen Z — and teaching college students, I know this all too well — their source of information is that handheld device,” he says. “It’s not turning on a TV. And it’s not even looking at a traditional media outlet’s online presence. It’s nding sources that provide them quick information when they need it.”

They are ‘prepared, not scared’

The rise of Nashville Severe Weather is a modern case study in multiple areas — a shifting tornado alley, a changing climate, the prevalence of social media and the value of instantaneous, hyperlocal information that can save the day or save lives.

The initiative has evolved over more than a decade from its origins as a Twitter feed and blog. Today, volunteers livestream on their YouTube channel whenever Nashville or surrounding counties face severe weather. Because Leeper, Minko and Johnstone all live here, they are facing the same threats as their audience.

“There’s something about Nash Severe Weather that’s different from the hobbyist enthusiast,” Trowbridge says. “I think that’s why people are following them. That’s why they are trust-

ing them. That’s why they’re tuning in and turning to them. ... It is authentic and real.”

Leeper, a church pastor, has a soothing voice and a sign on a shelf behind him that reads “prepared not scared.” He has had to leave the stream to wake up his family and hunker down in their safe space. He did so calmly, modeling the behavior of his motto. After the threat passed, he rejoined the stream.

Katherine Mo at, who works as the executive director of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants, says local TV weather can be “a little over-thetop” when storms are threatening. Nashville Severe Weather, she says, is di erent.

“They’re a little more calm and telling it to you straight,” she says. “They don’t get people overly excited.”

Tornado Alley has shifted

The need for their service has never been greater. “Tornado Alley” has been shifting from the Midwest plains to states further east, says Johnstone, a meteorologist who joined the group last year after 33 years with the National Weather Service.

“The mid-South, especially down through Alabama, Mississippi, and into Tennessee and western Kentucky, has been where tornadoes have been most frequent ... and people have been dying in the highest numbers,” he says.

Michelle Stewart gets all her weather information via push noti cations from Nashville Se-

“They’re a little more calm and telling it to you straight. They don’t get people overly excited.”

Katherine Mo at, Executive Director, Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants

vere Weather on her phone. It’s a service she found invaluable during an ice storm that left much of the city without power or internet service for days.

“They are very informative about, not just what to expect, but how to be prepared, and just giving everybody the lay of the land without it being too science-y. You know, it kind of feels like you’re talking to your neighbor,” says Stewart, a project manager at a healthcare research company. “They are so calming to me during those live events.”

Brett Withers, a former Nashville city councilman who saw two people die in his district during a 2020 tornado that killed 24 people in Tennessee, calls Nashville Severe Weather a “godsend.”

“We have so many people moving to Nashville, and they might move from places where tornadoes are rare, if they ever happen,” he says.

Low production value with a ‘volunteer heart’

The popularity of Nashville Severe Weather de es much of

the received logic about how to build an audience on social media. There’s nothing fancy or highly produced about their livestreams. They don’t try to play up danger or excitement. They certainly don’t try to chase down tornadoes or run around outside in hurricane-force winds. Their streams are visually dominated by weather radar. Minko , Leeper and Johnstone, sometimes joined by other volunteers, each stream from their own homes and appear in little boxes at the bottom or side of the screen. Graphics, when they have them at all, look like they could have been drawn by a 5-year-old. Take the beloved “Dry Air Monster,” a stick gure with an huge head and chomping Godzilla jaws.

Nashville Severe Weather co-founder David Drobny drew this to explain how dry air could “eat” snow that was headed toward Nashville. In a Southern town that usually sees snow on the ground only a few days each year, many people look forward to it as a mini-vacation. The monster’s motto is “No Snow for You.”

Its hyperlocal focus stays grounded

Their hyperlocal focus allows Nashville Severe Weather to ll a niche left open by the local TV meteorologists who have to report on dozens of counties.

“One of the things that Nash Severe can do that even the TV stations have trouble doing is

really bring it down to intersection level, school level, church level to let people know where the danger and the threat is,” Johnstone says. Their coverage is a two-way street. Audience members provide photos and video showing on-the-ground conditions and comment in the chat. Nashville Severe Weather shares that information with the National Weather Service and TV meteorologists. They also try to answer people’s questions as they stream.

Leeper remembers a day when schoolchildren were sent home because of a tornado threat. When one child commented in the chat about being home alone, his heart sank.

“We just stopped what we were saying on the stream, and I said, ‘Hey. It dawns on me that we’ve got a bunch of kiddos at home that are maybe by themselves. Hey. Here’s what you do’,” Leeper recalls. “I love those moments where we can just sort of put everything else aside to talk to the people who are listening, in whatever situation they’re in.”

It’s moments like that that help them stay grounded.

In 2023, a tornado killed a mother and young child here who lived in a trailer. Leeper didn’t know them, but he attended the visitation.

“It just creates a whole other emotion when you walk into a funeral visitation for hurting families when it’s a weather event that you covered,” he says. “It’s not all action and adventure. It really a ects people’s lives forever.”

Randolph record

Independence Day

Towns across the country and the county gathered on Saturday to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, including in Millboro, above.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Randolph approves appointment of new nance o cer

US launches new strikes on Iran, revokes oil sales permit after 3 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military has attacked Iran after it said Tehran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes Wednesday came as part of an American e ort that also revoked the Islamic Republic’s ability to openly sell crude oil in the world market. Iran immediately warned Washington it would “take whatever measures it deems necessary.” That raises the risks that an interim agreement in the war halting ghting could break down, putting the wider Middle East again at risk of a wider con ict.

NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its repower as Trump demands Greenland

Ankara, Turkey President Donald Trump insists the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, renewing tensions in Europe at a NATO summit. Trump spoke during a meeting with the summit host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Trump also announced the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that were imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system. This decision could ease Turkey’s re-entry into the U.S. F-35 ghter jet program. NATO is showcasing military projects worth billions, aiming to satisfy Trump. Separately, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance.

$2.00

Michael McKenzie will replace the retiring Will Massie

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Randolph County will have a new nance director starting next month.

At the Randolph County Board of Commissioners’ July 6 meeting, the board approved the appointment of Michael McKenzie to be the county’s new nance o cer e ective Aug. 1 to replace the retiring Will Massie.

McKenzie, who has been with the county for more than a decade, serves as the deputy nance o cer. He’s a Randolph County native and a graduate of Asheboro High School.

“Mr. McKenzie has been with us for 11 years and he’s really shown out here recently his

desire and intention to move forward with Randolph County and we’re extremely excited to be able to bring him on board not only in general, but also with bringing someone from within,” county manager Zeb Holden said. “It’s a pleasure and a luxury that not everybody has and we’re very fortunate and gracious and thankful that he accepted.”

The board also approved the acceptance of two North Carolina Railroad Grants related to approximately 68 acres of property owned by Ace/Avant.

The industrial property located at the Highway 311 South site has been for sale for multiple years, but hasn’t been able to land a potential buyer.

As such, the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation had applied for grants for infrastructure improvements at the site to help in its marketing.

“Mr. McKenzie has been with us for 11 years and he’s really shown out here recently his desire and intention to move forward with Randolph County.”

Zeb Holden, County manager

“We have a great partnership going on with a property owner, a developer, and that public-private partnership is essential in us moving forward for our future,” said Crystal Gettys, RCEDC’s business recruitment director.

North Carolina Railroad awarded the county two grants each for $500,000 to rst provide water and sewer to the site and also to improve access

points.

No local county match is required with the grants.

The board also approved two items related to sewer and water.

The rst item was a $264,000 engineering services agreement with Withers Ravenel for asset inventory and assessment of the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District.

“As part of our ongoing support in trying to stabilize the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District and facilitate a possible merger, the county committed to performing an asset inventory and assessment project,” said Chris Hildreth, infrastructure coordinator.

The project will give the county a better understanding of the critical infrastructure and the risk status of all the di erent facilities within the

RCC touts school’s largest graduating class

The 2025-26 academic year proved to be record-setting for the community college

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — The largest graduating class in Randolph Community College history came at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

This spring approximately 1,400 students made up the graduating class.

“Every one of these graduates represents a story of determination, growth, and opportunity,” said Shah Ardalan, president and CEO of RCC. “At Randolph Community College, we believe that success to education creates pathways to success, and this record-setting

“The world needs people with resilience, empathy, integrity, and determination ... It needs people like you.”

Lisa Carlson, RCC vice president of

student success

graduating class demonstrates what is possible when students are supported by dedicated faculty, sta , families, and community partners.”

In total, more than 1,700 credentials were award during the commencement May 13 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro. State auditor Dave Boliek gave the commencement address.

RCC reported that a record

430 of the graduates participated in the commencement exercises.

Bullet Rundberg, who at the time had yet to earn her high school diploma from Randolph Early College, delivered the student address. She has been Student Government Association president.

“As I stand here, looking at all of you, I do not just see graduates,” Rundberg said. “I see stories. I see people who kept going when it would have been easier to stop. I see people who chose to continue.”

Lisa Carlson, RCC’s vice president of student success, said perseverance and determination will be critical to the graduates’ futures.

“The world needs people with resilience, empathy, integrity, and determination,” Carl-

son said. “It needs people like you.”

Two RCC were surprised with special $1,000 awards presented in honor of Boliek. Ruth Lambeth, who earned her High School Equivalency diploma, and Rundberg, who earned her Associate in Arts degree, were recognized for their determination, leadership and academic achievement.

RCC, citing a 2026 Lightcast Economic Impact Study, announced that RCC alumni support 1,673 jobs in Randolph County.

The ceremony opened and closed with traditional bagpipe processional and recessional performances by Bill Caudill and featured the presentation of colors by Asheboro High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC.

Trip

THURSDAY

‘Sleigh Ride’ set for summer ride

The event is a fundraiser for the group supporting children in the county around Christmas

Randolph Record sta ASHEBORO — Operation Red Sleigh’s annual charity cycling event, the “Sleigh Ride,” is scheduled for July 18.

CRIME LOG

June 29

• Lauren Richard Ellis, 36, of Burlington, was arrested by RCSO for failure to register as a sex o ender.

• Maynor Steven Lemus-Muralles, 18, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of a machine gun; possession of a weapon of mass destruction; and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, and other charges.

• Danny Gene Mounce, 64, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for obtaining property by false pretense, attempted uttering and resisting a public o cer.

June 30

• Collin Todd Blythe, 32, of Whiteville, was arrested by Randleman PD for possession of fentanyl, obtaining property by false pretense and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.

• David Michael Cline, 50, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for felony possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.

• Jared Kayne Drye, 46, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for discharging a rearm in an enclosure to incite fear and assault by pointing a gun.

THURSDAY JULY 9

FRIDAY JULY 10

SATURDAY JULY 11

SUNDAY JULY 12

• William Henry Jones, 68, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman PD for possession of methamphetamine, driving on a revoked license and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Aaron Ryan Massey, 36, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for misdemeanor child abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor larceny.

• Morgan Victoria Tracy, 29, of Seagrove, was arrested by RCSO for simple assault and nonsupport of a child.

July 1

• Robert Edward Clark, 46, of Jamestown, was arrested by RCSO for rst-degree burglary.

Organizers hail the event as the safest cycling ride in North Carolina, with the assistance of local law enforcement, re departments, emergency services and volunteers. Intersections are swept to remove debris that may be a hazard for riders. There are rest stops along the route. The ride starts and ends at Southwestern Randolph High

• Nicholas Wayne Craven, 30, of Liberty, was arrested by NC P&P for eeing to elude arrest in a motor vehicle, larceny of a motor vehicle and felony aiding and abetting, and other charges.

• Cara Leigh Gunn, 27, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for felony obstruction of justice and felony aiding and abetting.

• Jakiah Terrell Spencer, 22, of Ramseur, was arrested by NC P&P for simple assault and injury to personal property.

• Kaiden Michael Suggs, 18, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for larceny of a motor vehicle, felony conspiracy and breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, and other charges.

• Juan Ignacio Vargas Anzaldo, 29, of Charlotte, was arrested by RCSO for tra cking in cocaine.

July 2

• Dillon Jay Go , 29, of Lilesville, was arrested by RCSO for felony conspiracy and larceny of a motor vehicle.

• Richard Paul Grecho, 52, of Hudson, was arrested by High Point PD for identity theft, forgery of an instrument and uttering a forged instrument, and other charges.

• Robert Troy Heaton, 61, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for tra cking in fentanyl; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance; and possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises, and other charges.

• Todd Smith Lemonds, 55, of Troy, was arrested by Archdale PD for possession of methamphetamine.

• Daniel Joshua Welch, 32, of Seagrove, was arrested by RCSO for misdemeanor violation of a domestic violence protective order.

• Isaiah Eugene White, 20, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for assault with a deadly weapon in icting serious injury, possession of a rearm by a felon and larceny of a rearm, and other charges.

July 3

• Donald Micheal Franzen, 61, of Bennett, was arrested by RCSO for assault by strangulation,

School, with riders choosing among three routes. Many of the routes are the same as in past years, including paths that involve the edge of Uwharrie National Forest. The race’s staggered start begins at 8 a.m.

Pre-registration ends July 16 for $35. On-site registration is $40 beginning at 6:30 a.m. Riders under age 12 are free with a riding adult. Riders receive a T-shirt. This is the Denton-based non-pro t organization’s major fundraiser. Funds are used to assist underprivileged children in Randolph County around the Christmas holiday, impacting approximately 400 children.

assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Alicia Nicole Martindale, 35, of Seagrove, was arrested by Asheboro PD for second-degree trespass and being intoxicated and disruptive.

• Jeremy Scott Robinson, 26, of Pleasant Garden, was arrested by RCSO for second-degree trespass.

• Brock Allen Whalen, 31, of Reidsville, was arrested by NCHP for felony possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and other charges.

July 4

• Pablo Armando Morales, 30, of Asheboro, was arrested by Randleman PD for tra cking in cocaine; possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine; and manufacturing, selling, delivering or possessing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a park, and other charges.

July 5

• Corey Elaine Allred, 47, of Asheboro, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license and failure to heed light or siren, and other charges.

• Christopher Frank Faison, 41, of Fayetteville, was arrested by Asheboro PD for felony possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and other charges.

• Adryon Montrell Jenkins, 19, of Burlington, was arrested by RCSO for felony eeing to elude arrest in a motor vehicle, larceny of a motor vehicle and breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, and other charges.

• Khalil Ja’Quan Jones, 26, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for assault by strangulation, injury to real property and second-degree trespass.

• Landon Celestine Williams, 32, of Climax, was arrested by RCSO for assault on a female.

Randolph Guide

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

July

9

Steve Somers’ Dig Into Reading Show

10:30 a.m.

Performer Steve Somers presents a live summer reading show for children as part of the Randolph County Public Library’s “Unearth a Story” summer reading program.

Randleman Public Library 122 Commerce Square Randleman

July

11

Creature Catcher Event

9:30 a.m.

The North Carolina Zoo hosts a two-day Pokémon GO celebration coinciding with Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global, featuring more than 50 PokéStops, 12 Gyms, a daily scavenger hunt with exclusive prizes, themed food, and cosplay. The event continues Sunday, July 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors who donate $10 or more to the Save the American Red Wolf Fund are entered to win all event prizes plus a one-year family zoo membership.

North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Pkwy Asheboro

Liberty America250 July Festival

4 p.m.

The Town of Liberty hosts its annual summer festival as the America250 July Festival, celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary with vendors, food trucks, live music, a kids’ zone and the third annual hot dog eating contest. Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.

Downtown Liberty N. Fayetteville St.

Liberty

Stepping Into the Craft – Summers in Seagrove

MONDAY JULY 13

TUESDAY JULY 14

WEDNESDAY JULY 15

FINANCE from page A1

water district in order to understand the revenue that’s going to be required to sustain it moving forward.

“Without this information, we’re ying blind,” Hildreth said. The board then approved a resolution in support of in-

terlocal cooperation between Randolph County, the town of Liberty and the city of Greensboro for the provision of water.

“Liberty is facing some capacity issues with their sewer and water supply,” county engineer Paxton Arthurs said.

The agreement will see the county design and construct a water connection on the north side of Liberty with Greensboro to provide the town, provided that it purchases treated water from Randolph County. The county is also committed to studying alternative, long-term solutions to better support Liberty. The Randolph County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 3.

Seven Seagrove-area studios o er wheel demonstrations, handle-pulling demonstrations, hands-on clay sessions, and new work for sale as part of the monthlong Summers in Seagrove series. Some studios require advance reservations for hands-on activities; check discoverseagrove.com for individual studio hours and registration.

Multiple pottery studios Seagrove

July 12

Liberty’s July Festival 4 p.m.

The town closes out Randolph County’s summer celebration season with a street festival featuring live music by Deep River Revival, a kids’ zone, food trucks, vendors, and a hot dog eating contest, with reworks beginning around 9:30 p.m. Food trucks include Tacos Mama Chava, Hot Cakes & Chicken, Honey Catering, Custom Corn, Shaved Paradise, Polar Ice, and Donut NV.

Downtown Liberty N. Fayetteville St. Liberty

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The fall of Vicksburg

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

WHEN I WAS 19, I knew a much older man who’d grown up in 1930s Alabama.

“We didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July,” he told me. “For us, it was the day Vicksburg fell.”

Vicksburg, Mississippi, fell to Union troops on July 4, 1863. The Confederates surrendered, as was their habit. Long memories still mourn the Lost Cause of Black backs whipped bloody.

So how am I, a resident of Rhode Island, supposed to celebrate the Fourth of July this year?

When I was maybe 8 years old, reworks were illegal in Massachusetts, but my father, a bartender who invariably “knew a guy,” brought home a box of sparklers for me.

The sparkler is the lowest form of rework. It doesn’t blow up, it doesn’t make a loud noise and it doesn’t go up in the air. It’s a long wire, the top half of which is coated with some sort of chemical mix that throws o showers of silver sparks when it’s lit. You hold the sparkler by the uncoated bottom half. Those kids who hold the sparkler by the burning top half don’t do it for long.

I would use the sparklers on the top step of the three steps that went down from the kitchen door of our rented house in Taunton, Massachusetts, under the supervision of my father.

I remember the metallic brightness of the sparks against the dark sky, and my father’s deep voice.

“Be careful,” he’d say. “Don’t hold it too

close to you.”

I’ve always held things too close, and that’s true of both my memories and America.

I don’t hate America. I love America. What I hate is our gradual weakening, our string of lost or inconclusive wars, our blustering, Jesus-pimping leadership. We crow endlessly about this being “the greatest country in the world,” but the highway bridges are rotting, we don’t have enough technical skill to reline a pool and we’re pushing hard to regain the use of every vile term we’ve ever used to describe nonwhites and women.

“If you don’t like it here, why don’t you move to Iran?” I’m asked.

I can’t. I can’t go anywhere else. My ethnic heritage is so jumbled that I can only call this country my own because America is where they made a new people from French and Irish and Scottish and English, which is what I am “by blood” if you think blood sings in di erent languages.

Maybe 2 miles from our house, my uncle Kendall’s name is engraved on the town honor roll. He served in World War II and the Korean War. The honor roll is granite, and it’s dead. Kendall is dead. When he came back from his wars, he pumped gas for the rest of his working life.

I’ve touched his name where it’s cut into the stone.

It’s not as though there are no Fourth of July celebrations taking place near me, either. The worse the country gets, the bigger and

tackier the patriotic celebrations get. If we ght a draw with Iran, next Fourth of July, there will be a pro wrestling show at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The ags keep getting bigger, too. In my neighborhood, there are people ying ags bigger than the one they y outside the post o ce.

Rhode Island opted out of the Great American State Fair, as did most of the American population. Not even a speech from our rapidly failing president could save that disaster.

My wife Deborah was in charge of our yard decorations for the Fourth of July. She put out a owered ag with a peace sign in the middle. It’s a small ag, close to the ground, and it utters from a small iron stake driven into the lawn. It probably stands 2 feet high, and on either side, there are small American ags on skinny sticks.

It’s a modest display, is what it is, a little splash of peace and patriotism next to the rhododendron bush.

I’m already starting to feel protective of the little display. I don’t want it to feel bullied by the big ags that have their own tall poles. That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”

(Copyright 2026 creators.com)

The United States has always been at war

Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy.

ONE OF THE MOST popular complaints of the younger Americans is that the United States has been bogged down in endless war and interventionism virtually their entire lifetimes.

Welcome to history. As much as we may not like it, the United States has engaged in con ict and meddling more or less since its inception. The U.S. was born in war. It expanded through war. It freed its slaves through war. It grew into a superpower through war. And until utopia exists, it’s exceedingly likely we will need to clash with those who threaten our prestige and power.

Indeed, you can look at the parallels between today’s war against the Iranian terrorist regime and our very rst foreign con ict to understand why.

From the founding, the Islamic states in Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis in North Africa were capturing American ships, demanding tolls and taking hostages. Without the protection of the British Royal Navy, President George Washington felt compelled to pay o the emirs. President John Adams was even more susceptible to blackmail, appeasing the Islamic rulers with ships, weaponry, ammunition and annual sums — let’s call them “pallets” — of gold and silver.

The Barbary States took the bounty, strung the U.S. along in negotiations, ultimately ignored the treaties they did sign and continued to take captives, murder Americans and disrupt trade.

After winning the White House in 1801, Thomas Je erson halted the payo s. His justi cations for ghting the Barbary “pirates” — a historical mischaracterization that understates the importance of the Islamic sultans who had been raiding coastal towns and ships in the Mediterranean and Atlantic for two centuries, grabbing over a million

European slaves — were more than just narrow trading interests.

When serving as ambassador in Britain in 1785, Je erson had met with Tripoli’s representative Abdul Rahman Adja and asked him why the Barbary States were targeting Americans who had shown them no hostility. Je erson, in a letter co-written by Adams, described Adja’s response in a letter to John Jay.

“The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Mussulman (Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise,” Je erson wrote.

Sounds familiar. Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy. Paying tributes to these “barbarians,” Je erson later argued, not only rewarded aggression and subverted America’s standing but was in direct con ict with the ideals of the new nation.

When Je erson congratulated the Marines on their victory against the Algerians, it wasn’t merely for valiantly ghting the enemy but defeating those who “trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature.”

President James Madison also sent another naval force to Algiers in 1815 to subdue the Islamic corsairs.

Yet, in the imagination of contemporary isolationists, early American foreign entanglements were only taken on for immediate national interests, stripped of any idealism. This simply isn’t so.

And every subsequent generation saw war, as well. Initially, these were con icts of Western expansion. Soon we were involved in con icts around the world.

The Left and isolationist Right are perturbed by our interference with Venezuelan and Cuban sovereignty. But American history is littered with instances of us meddling in places including Haiti, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Cuba, again, to name a few.

“Gunboat diplomacy” was not predominantly deployed to uphold the Monroe Doctrine and eject European powers from the Western Hemisphere, but rather to intimidate and quash domestic movements that threatened American in uence.

By 1852, President Millard Fillmore famously dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan to end that nation’s isolationist policies and open trade by force, if needed. President Ulysses Grant sent another military expedition to Korea in 1871 to do the same. President Grover Cleveland sent the Navy to Samoa to protect American commercial interests from the Germans and British. None of those nations threatened American sovereignty.

Some of these con icts were more moral than others. Some back red. Some were unnecessary tragedies. Some made the world safer. The U.S. has kept Europe free of allencompassing war since 1945. Neither war nor intervention should ever be taken on lightly. The notion, however, that Americans are living through some uniquely bellicose or interventionist era is debunked by even a cursory reading of history.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 creators.com)

The shift could help reduce the nation’s travel and tourism trade de cit

By Mae Anderson The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Small business owners in U.S. tourist destinations say they’re seeing more Americans sticking closer to home this summer, trading overseas travel for road trips, choosing daylong sojourns over extended beach stays, and cooking instead of eating out while on vacation to save money.

The reported boost to domestic tourism, though anecdotal, comes as higher airfares and gasoline prices have made vacations more expensive. The FIFA World Cup soccer tournament and celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday have given some U.S. residents additional incentives to create summer memories without going far.

Motor club federation AAA estimated that 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and this Sunday. That’s 0.5% more than the number who got away during last year’s July Fourth travel period, but the forecasted increase is almost all due to people taking cruises, buses and trains; AAA expects no change in the number driving or ying to their destinations.

A meaningful reduction in summer globetrotting might have an upside for businesses that depend on tourists, said Tarik Dogru, an associate professor at Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality. Fewer U.S. residents heading abroad or ying across the country means more of their vacation budgets are staying local too, Dogru said.

“The current economic and tourism dynamics are likely to redirect spending toward small businesses, such as regional restaurants, local attractions, Airbnb hosts, and roadside businesses along drive routes that serve budget-conscious and close-to-home travel,” he said.

If the trend holds through the summer and the rest of the year, it could reduce a travel and tourism trade de cit the United States has run since the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year since 2020, Americans spent more on foreign travel than international visitors spent on travel-related goods and services in the U.S., according to the National Travel and Tourism O ce.

Morgan Kain, a teacher in Baltimore, said her family is among the ones keeping their travel bugs in check for nancial reasons. Kain, her husband and three children usually take multiple trips each summer, includ-

ing a weeklong stay at a Virginia lake house. Last year, they spent six weeks traveling around Italy.

“This summer, we’re still doing a couple overnights and the lake house, but nothing else,” Kain said. “Things are crazy expensive, from travel costs to food costs to gas.”

Vacationers are taking trips within driving distance

Despite gasoline costing more than it did a year ago, 85% of Independence Day week travelers were expected to drive to their destinations, AAA said, noting that car trips still are cheaper than ights for the most part.

Around Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, several businesses reported spotting more visitors driving in from cities along the West Coast.

Ron Williams, who owns Tahoe Sports, said he worried

at the beginning of the season that customers might not show up to rent boats and Jet Skis due to economic concerns. Like the gasoline that powers cars, the price of boat fuel went up during the Iran war.

But Williams so far is “pleasantly surprised with how well the business is doing across the board.” His future bookings are 10% higher compared to the same time last year, he said.

“I think people are probably sticking close to home, and being in Lake Tahoe, we have such a huge drive-up market,” Williams said.

Increased demand for the three Lake Tahoe area rental properties that Jerry Bindel manages for Pyramid Global Hospitality also came as a relief. Ski season bookings petered out along with the snow during an unusually warm winter, but “we just saw that ip” with the arrival of hiking and boating weath-

“Things are crazy expensive, from travel costs to food costs to gas.”

Morgan Kain, Baltimore teacher

er, he said.

Bindel, an area general director for the property management company, said he spotted a possible sign of Tahoe visitors watching their spending: more of them skipping restaurants and using the kitchens in their rental units or outdoor barbecue grills to prepare their own food.

“We’re seeing a lot of additional use on those items this summer,” he said.

Locals still want to have memorable summer experiences

In Asheville, North Carolina, small business owners have hoped tourism would rebound since Hurricane Helene and ooding from days of torrential rain caused widespread destruction to the city’s landscape, buildings and infrastructure in September 2024.

Aubrey Anderson, who owns a river tubing out tter in Asheville, reduced her summer sta from 100 people to 25 after Helene. After reservations picked up earlier this year and she noticed “a lot new people coming into town,” Anderson felt encouraged enough to hire 50 workers for Zen Tubing’s current season.

The unfamiliar faces include day-trippers driving in from South Carolina, Tennessee and

other parts of North Carolina to spend several hours oating down the French Broad River for around $30 per person, Anderson said. After tubing, customers from around the region often grab a meal, stop at a brewery, shop or visit other local attractions before heading home, which is “a win for Asheville as a whole,” she said.

“We’re de nitely seeing a lot of locals, so to speak,” Anderson said. “People are maybe skipping the long drive to the beach this year, and they’re kind of doing just something close by so that they can save a little money and still enjoy a family outing.”

Factory tours o ered by French Broad Chocolate have surged this summer, according to Jael Ske ngton, the Asheville chocolate maker’s CEO and co-founder. Tour-takers often stop in the on-site cafe for ice cream or co ee and buy a box of chocolate bars or bonbons before they leave, she said.

“So it’s good for business, but it also seems to be what people are looking for is something to do, not just something to eat — something to experience.” Skeington said.

Cities are getting a World Cup boost

Soccer enthusiasts have poured into Kansas City, Missouri, just like other North American cities hosting World Cup matches.

Made in KC, a chain of four cafes and 11 shops that sells locally made sauces, Kansas Citythemed gifts and T-shirts for fans of the city’s professional sports teams, has gotten “really noticeable spikes of tra c” at all its locations during the tournament, co-owner Keith Bradley said. World Cup-related merchandise, including $40 hats featuring the team colors of this year’s competitors, have been a big hit, he said.

American tourists from other Midwestern cities — Des Moines and Omaha both are within a three-hour drive from Kansas City — seem to outnumber U.S. visitors from farther away, Bradley noted.

“We have a couple locations that are in tourist parts of Kansas City. ... But then we also have little shops that are just in suburban neighborhoods in Kansas City, and those have also seen World Cup tra c of people going to watch parties, people coming in town to go to the games, and then tourists just exploring Kansas City on their own.”

Mollie Lothman, co-owner of McLain’s Bakery, a family-owned cafe with ve locations, said she thinks the cost of food and lodging in Kansas City compared to bigger or better known host cities has helped.

“We’re one of the smaller markets who got the World Cup in Kansas City, but we’re also probably one of least expensive markets, in terms of family budgeting, to try to come and experience the World Cup,” Lothman said. “So I think that’s been a huge draw for people.”

Ola Jeannette Shaw

Nov. 22, 1942 – July 5, 2026

Ola Jeannette Shaw, known and loved by family and friends as Jeannette, of Asheboro, North Carolina, formerly of Southern Pines and Denver, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Born in Asheboro, North Carolina, Jeannette was the daughter of the late Cleon and Lucy Shaw. She was also preceded in death by her beloved brother, Charles Shaw, and husband Tony Harkey.

Jeannette will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Aretta Shaw Craven and her husband, Neal, and Reba Shaw Ferdman and her husband, Larry; her sister-in-love, Anne Shaw; her nieces, Jennifer Shaw Snotherly (Howie), Jessica Shaw Cashatt (Matt), Paige Craven Burleson (Chris), and Hillary Craven Stilwell (Dan); her nephews, Brian Ferdman (Christina) and Ross Ferdman (Alicia); and many cherished great-nieces and great-nephews who brought her tremendous joy.

A 1961 graduate of Asheboro High School, Jeannette continued her education at Appalachian State University, where she earned her master’s degree in education. She later earned her Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from East Carolina University.

Jeannette dedicated her professional life to serving students, families, and communities through education. She served in many areas of the educational eld throughout North Carolina and was known for her commitment, compassion, and positive in uence on the lives of those she served, including at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where she was an Education Consultant.

Jeannette believed in the power of education to open doors and create opportunities, and she

James Douglas “Doug” Greene

Feb.16, 1976 – June 30, 2026

James Douglas “Doug” Greene, 50, of Seagrove, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro.

Doug was born on February 16, 1976, in Moore County, NC, to Verbie “Sonny” Greene and Mary Jane Lockamy Greene, who preceded him in death.

He was a hardworking and dependable man who believed in the value of honest work and took great pride in being a dedicated provider for his family. His quiet strength, unwavering work ethic,

obituaries

took great pride in helping others learn, grow, and succeed. The countless students, educators, and colleagues whose lives she touched stand as part of her enduring legacy. Throughout her life, Jeannette embraced the world with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms. She found joy in the simple pleasures of a good book, the perfect round of golf, a breathtaking mountain view, or a sunset over the Carolina coast. She loved Carolina shag dancing, discovering new places through travel, and creating memorable experiences with family and friends.

Jeannette had a gift for nding beauty wherever she went, whether in nature, in the people she loved, or in the everyday moments that others might overlook. Her sense of adventure kept her eager to explore new destinations and embrace new opportunities, while her wit, kindness, and genuine interest in others made her a cherished companion. She lived with a spirit that was both graceful and vibrant, always ready for the next journey, the next story, or the next gathering of those she loved.

A lifelong Methodist, Jeannette was born and raised in First United Methodist Church of Asheboro and remained active in Methodist congregations throughout North Carolina as she made her home in various communities over the years. Her faith served as a steady foundation throughout her life.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 11, at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro, North Carolina. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The family has requested that in lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Asheboro or to Randolph Hospice House.

Jeannette’s family takes comfort in the countless memories she created and the love she shared so generously. Her adventurous spirit, infectious laughter, unwavering faith, and deep love for family will be deeply missed and forever remembered. While her earthly journey ended, the lessons she taught, the kindness she extended, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. From the mountains she loved to the Carolina shores where she found peace, Jeannette’s spirit will forever remain in the places and people she cherished most.

and sel ess nature were the foundation upon which his family relied. Whether o ering practical advice or simply listening with compassion, Doug had a way of helping others navigate life’s challenges. His wisdom, patience, and thoughtful perspective left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Doug also enjoyed anime, medieval fantasy and his dogs, who were always by his side.

Surviving are his wife, Jennifer Greene; children, Dakota Davis and wife Brittany Leiber-Davis, Taylor Davis, Emma Rae Greene; brother, Chris Greene; and canine companions, Maverick and Sandy.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends at the home, 7013 Meadowbranch Road, Seagrove.

Doug’s legacy is one of dedication, wisdom, integrity, and unconditional love. Though he will be deeply missed, his in uence will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all whose lives were made better by his presence.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Randolph Record at obits@randolphrecord.com

Carolyn Norman Steele

Nov. 4, 1940 – July 2, 2026

Carolyn Norman Steele, 85, of Asheboro, went to her eternal home on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2026. at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, 908 Albemarle Road, Asheboro, with Pastor Mark Wilburn o ciating. Burial will be at Randolph Memorial Park.

Born on November 4, 1940, in Surry County, NC, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Elmer and Thira Evelyn Glass Norman. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and niece. She retired from Energizer after many years of service. Carolyn was a member of Bailey’s Grove Baptist Church. She loved to laugh and tell jokes. Carolyn found good in everyone, and she especially loved helping those who needed an extra push.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, William Steele; son, Craig Slate; daughter, Cynthia Huskey; brother, Ricky Norman; and sister, Judy Pettus. Surviving are her daughter, Christina Steele of Asheboro; daughter-in-law, Susan Slate of Mt. Airy; grandsons, Gralyn Slate, Levi Slate (Courtney), Cody Slate (Hannah); granddaughter, Nicole Jarrell; great-grandchildren, Maverick, Crew, William and Liam. She also leaves behind her dear brothers, Frank Norman (Pamela) and David Norman (Kim), and her uncles, Carl Norman and Tom Glass.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. on Friday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the sta of Asheboro Rehabilitation and Healthcare, and Hospice of Randolph for their continuing care of Carolyn.

Phillip Norris Key

Jan. 9, 1959 – July 1, 2026

Phillip Norris Key, 67, of Randleman, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, 908 Albemarle Road, with Pastor Landon Flinchum o ciating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park. Phillip was born on January 9, 1959, in Randolph County, the son of the late Brady Martin Key and Margaret Briles Key. He was a faithful member at Friendship Baptist Church where he served as a sound technician. He was a witty person with a great sense of humor. Phillip was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, Phillip was preceded in death by his brother, James Key and sister, Debbie Cox.

Phillip is survived by the love of his life, wife of 20 years, Peggy Key; daughter, Kimberly Marie Jarrell (Taylor); several brothers and sisters; grandson, Mason Jarrell and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m., Monday at Ridge Funeral Home prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 2235 Spero Road, Randleman, NC 27317.

Wade Kenneth “Ken” Watson, Jr.

Oct. 4, 1940 – July 2, 2026

Wade Kenneth “Ken” Watson, Jr., 85, of Asheboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at his home.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel in Asheboro, with Rev. Mark Beane and Pastor Blake Hinson o ciating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Born in Guilford Co., NC on October 4, 1940, Ken was the son of the late Wade Kenneth Watson, Sr. and Catherine Elizabeth Cox Watson. He was a proud graduate of Jamestown High School, class of 1958. Ken honorably served in the US Army, serving most of his time in Europe, in Sinop, Turkey. He often stated that serving his country was the best thing he did besides marrying Martha. Ken spent 30 years in civil service, 26 of those were spent as a letter carrier. As a member of Asheboro First Wesleyan Church, Ken was the Sunday school secretary for many years. Ken was a world class xer, who could x anything. He was very frugal and found value in most things that people would probably throw away. In later years, he found great joy in learning new repair techniques from watching YouTube. Ken was a quiet man but could be meaningfully engaged in conversation with anyone. He loved animals and enjoyed bird watching. Ken also loved shing, gol ng and going to the beach. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Nelson. Surviving are his wife of over 60 years, Martha Trogdon Watson of the home; daughter, Karen Watson Crews (Scott) of Asheboro; son, Alan Watson (Bonnie) of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, whom he adored, Sam Watson of Jacksonville, FL, Laura Watson of Lincoln, NE, Will Crews (Samantha) of Trinity, Sarah Powell (Blaine) of Louisville, KY; cousin, Jean Mabe (Gary) of Star; special sister-inlaw, Nancy Allred of Asheboro and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 9:45 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Randolph County Honor Guard, PO Box 1672, Asheboro, NC 27204; or to Asheboro First Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 338, Asheboro, NC 27204.

Luke Owen Covarrubias

June 30, 2026

Luke Owen Covarrubias, of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. He is survived by his parents, Gustavo and Coleene Cox Covarrubias, of the home; maternal grandmother, Stephanie Cox, of Goldston and paternal grandparents, Jose Fredy Covarrubias and Alma Zamudio, of Sanford. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Rob Cox. No services are planned at this time.

Valeria Martin

Feb.17, 1964 – July 2, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Valeria Martin, who departed this life in 2026 at the age of 62.

While her family grieves the loss of an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, and friend, they also celebrate a life lled with love, devotion, and quiet strength.

Valeria was a woman who found beauty in the simple things. She had a special gift for nurturing life, whether tending to her beloved plants, preparing delicious meals that brought family together around the table, or creating a warm and welcoming home. Her kitchen was often the heart of the house, where love was expressed through home-cooked meals and cherished conversations.

Before dedicating herself fully to her family, Valeria proudly owned and operated a successful cosmetology business. She took great pride in helping others feel beautiful and con dent through her work. Later, she embraced the role she treasured most—that of a stayat-home mother. She considered raising her children and caring for her family to be life’s greatest privilege and purpose.

Above all else, Valeria was a devoted wife and loving mother. She shared 30 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, James Martin, whose life was forever enriched by her unwavering love, kindness, and companionship. Together they built a home lled with laughter, resilience, and unconditional love.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory: her husband of 30 years, James Martin; her son, Blake Shaw, age 33; her daughter, Victoria Scarborough, age 34; her brother, Timmy Kitner; and her sister, Rachelle Cruthis. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know her.

Valeria’s legacy is one of compassion, sel essness, and enduring love. She taught those around her the importance of family, generosity, and nding joy in life’s everyday moments. Though she is no longer with us, the seeds of love she planted in so many hearts will continue to grow for generations to come.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Martin will be held 3:00 pm Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Pugh Funeral Home “Mac Pugh Chapel”, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC. Visitation will be prior to the service from 2:002:50. In lieu of owers the family is requesting donations be made in her memory to Hospice of the Piedmont, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC, 27205

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held close in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they shared, the memories they created, and the love that remains forever in our hearts.”

May her memory be a blessing to all who loved her forever.

STATE & NATION

Democrats’ narrow path to Senate majority gets rockier as Platner faces allegations

The Maine allegation complicates races

Democrats considered their best chances to ip Senate seats

By Bill Barrow and Mike Catalini

The Associated Press

A NEW ACCUSATION that

Graham Platner once sexually assaulted a woman he was dating has rocked the U.S. Senate race in Maine and cast fresh doubt on Democrats’ path to a Senate majority.

Republicans currently have a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Maine is viewed as a necessary win for Democrats to gain the minimum of four new Senate seats.

But now there’s a question of whether Platner, who denied the allegation, will remain on the ballot and, if he does, whether he can defeat ve-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Here’s a closer look at the top races that Democrats are targeting.

Democrats see some pickup opportunities

ALASKA: Former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s candidacy against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan has buoyed her party.

Peltola, one of a handful of Democrats who’ve won in Republican dominated states, was the rst Alaska Native to serve in Congress, winning special and regular elections in 2022 for the state’s only House seat.

At center stage for the state’s Aug. 18 primary is drama involving a man running with the same name and party a liation as Sullivan. The state supreme court has said the challenger is qualied to be on the ballot.

Peltola’s campaign and state Democrats have denied Sullivan’s allegation that they’re working with the challenger to cause confusion.

MAINE: Platner catapulted to the Democratic nomination despite earlier controversies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer initially backed sitting Gov. Janet Mills but reluctantly aligned behind Platner -- until Monday’s latest bombshell accusation.

Now, Schumer and many Democrats are pushing for Platner to withdraw. If he does that by July 13, Maine Democrats can put a replacement on the ballot. If not, Platner could have to face Collins with little to no national party support.

If Platner drops out, his replacement could meet a similar challenge to what presidential candidate Kamala Harris faced in 2024, when she had a late start to appeal to a general election audience without having won the nomination in a competitive primary.

Meanwhile, Collins has won elections for 30 years despite no

Republican presidential nominee, including President Donald Trump, winning Maine since 1988.

NORTH CAROLINA: Democrats landed one of their prize recruits with former Gov. Roy Cooper, who has never lost a statewide election through four terms as attorney general and two terms as governor. Republicans answered with Trump’s handpicked candidate, Michael Whatley, who’d previously served as state GOP chairman and as the Republican National Committee chairman.

Whatley was viewed as a prodigious fundraiser and ideal Trump surrogate in a state the president carried three times, and he has history on his side -Democrats have won just two U.S. Senate races and one presidential contest in North Carolina in the last three decades.

Yet Cooper won governors races in two of Trump’s three presidential cycles and is leverag-

ing his centrist image at a time when independents have soured on Trump. That leaves Whatley with the di cult tasks of satisfying Trump’s core supporters without alienating other voters; introducing himself to voters who don’t know him; and convincing enough North Carolina voters that they’ve been wrong about Cooper for decades.

OHIO: Democrats are counting on former Sen. Sherrod Brown to unseat Republican incumbent Jon Husted in what’s shaping up to be another expensive contest in the state — its third in four years.

The Senate Leadership Fund, a GOP super PAC, has pledged $79 million to defend Husted’s seat.

Brown served three terms in the Senate before losing a tough reelection contest in 2024.

Ohio has steadily trended Republican. But Brown won previously as an advocate of unions

and the working class, and Democrats believe he can attract some of the voters who’ve helped Trump win the state three times.

Husted, a former lieutenant governor, was appointed to ll the vacancy created when JD Vance became vice president.

Underdogs could o er surprises

IOWA: The state, which Trump won three times gives Democrats an opportunity to ip a Senate seat with two-term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst’s retirement.

Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek faces Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has been endorsed by Trump.

Turek is a relative newcomer to elected o ce and has pointed to his experience winning in a red, Trump-won state House district as proof he could appeal to independent and moderate Republican voters in November.

Hinson is a three-term House incumbent representing northeastern Iowa, and claims Trump needs a ghter who would “always have his back.”

TEXAS: State Rep. James Talarico, a 37-year-old seminarian, has become a national fundraising phenomenon.

Talarico faces the scandal-ridden Republican nominee Ken Paxton. The Texas attorney general has weathered an impeachment attempt by his own party, a yearslong corruption investigation and public airing of his marital di culties. Through all that, Paxton has won multiple reelections.

Democrats were buoyed by their primary turnout of about 2.3 million eclipsing Republicans’ 2.2 million, something that hasn’t happened since the state ipped to Republicans in the 1990s. But

the challenge for Talarico is turning that momentum into a racially, ethnically and geographically diverse coalition in November.

The seats Democrats have to hold

GEORGIA: Sen. Jon Osso is the only Democratic senator running for reelection this year in a state Trump won in 2024.

He had no primary opposition, and he’s been a fundraising force with more than $30 million cash-on-hand as he entered the general election campaign. Osso has attracted national attention with his unapologetic broadsides against Trump.

Republican Rep. Mike Collins is playing catchup after winning a bruising GOP primary runo . He must navigate skeptical Republicans who believe he’s too conservative or controversial for this battleground state. Collins repeats Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was rigged, and he’s also facing a House ethics inquiry over allegations that he misused taxpayer money to pay the girlfriend of a former top aide. Collins’ strongest line of attack against Osso comes on immigration. Collins sponsored the Laken Riley Act, named for a Georgia nursing student killed by a Venezuelan man in the U.S. illegally. The law, among other provisions, requires immigrants accused of certain crimes to be held without bond. Osso voted against the measure before reversing his vote after Trump returned to the White House.

MICHIGAN: Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement opens up a seat the party must hold in a key presidential battleground that Trump won twice and former President Joe Biden carried in 2020.

The Aug. 4 Democratic primary is a contest between moderate Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed. It was a three-way contest until Mallory McMorrow, who had backing from some progressive Democratic senators, suspended her campaign.

Stevens and El-Sayed have split support among Democratic senators. Stevens has the support of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, while El-Sayed has support from Sen. Bernie Sanders and other progressives.

Stevens has also bene ted from heavy outside spending, including nearly $8 million from a super PAC a liated with the American Israel Public A airs Committee.

El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, has run on issues like Medicare for All and halting all U.S. weapons transfers to Israel. He has campaigned with popular-yet-controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who has millions of followers online and has said things such as that “America deserved 9/11.”

The winner is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, who lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, in 2024.

RandolpH SPORTS

Area ref honored with Golden Whistle Award

The Randolph County man has o ciated high school competitions in numerous sports

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

SCOTT FAGLIER has held a role in area high school o ciating for more than four decades.

That has gone beyond blowing a whistle in several sports as he also has been an assignor, so he has lled supervisory roles as well.

Faglier was recognized for his work on and o the playing elds and courts with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s Golden Whistle Award for 2026.

“This award that I got, trying not to get emotional talking about it,” said Faglier, whose wife found him crying at his desk after he received an email

regarding the NCHSAA distinction. “It just knocked me for a loop, and all the support. It’s the people in the communities. It’s just such a big part of my life.”

He began o ciating games as an 18-year-old when he came out of high school in 1982 at Eastern Randolph. His stepfather, Charles Scott, had been a booking agent and got Faglier involved.

Faglier, 62, has called games in basketball, football, baseball, softball and volleyball.

“Pretty much anything with a ball,” Faglier said. “Basketball has always been my love. I enjoy the others, but that was always my go-to sport.”

The basketball highlights have included two NCHSAA state championship assignments and eight others in private schools. He was on the whistle for Stephen Curry’snal high school game for a clash

“This award, man, it has taken me away. When you see people come to support you, it’s the biggest thing there is.”

Scott Faglier, high school o cial

at Greensboro Day School.

Faglier said a few years ago there were eight players in the NBA All-Star Game who had been in high school games that he had o ciated.

He also has o ciated games involving grandchildren of players from his earlier years.

“High school-based athletics has been a huge part of my life,” Faglier said. “Probably the biggest part is the people that I’ve met. The coaches, the ADs, the players. It’s funny when you have someone come up to you:

Marsh collects college honors, awaits baseball amateur draft

The former Asheboro standout is coming o a stellar season for the Liberty Flames

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

THE NEXT step in Asheboro alum Tanner Marsh’s baseball career could unfold this weekend.

Marsh completed his junior collegiate season this spring for Liberty with record-setting marks and that has put the shortstop on the radar for baseball’s amateur draft.

Marsh was named Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in Conference USA this year.

Marsh, a lead-o batter, racked up a .336 batting average and scored a single-season school-record 70 runs this year. He also led the Flames with 18 doubles, ve triples, 23 stolen bases (in 30 attempts) and 24 multi-hit games, while ve of his 11 career collegiate home runs came this year. He drew 40 walks and struck out 51 times. In the eld, he was charged

‘You still calling games? You still o ciating?’ ” The answer to that is …

“Still o ciating basketball and volleyball, not at the highest level I was at,” he said. In 1999, he began assigning o cials as a regional supervisor for baseball and softball. About 10 years ago, he picked up volleyball, covering the largest association (Triad Volleyball Association) in the state that sends o cials to nearly 90 schools. He also assists with the Triad Basketball Association.

Faglier’s baseball and softball territory includes about 45-50 schools in six or seven counties.

“It’s a full-time job,” he said. “I started back when you wrote it down in a notebook and called them and left it on an answering machine. We didn’t have cell phones. Now it’s advanced where it’s on a computer system.” Faglier was formerly involved

with sports media coverage in Randolph County for radio station WKXR. More recently, he has been front and center in launching RandolphSportsCentral.com, which broadcasts events.

So Faglier has a di erent perspective when he attends high school competitions, though he remains an o cial at heart.

“I still enjoy doing it,” he said. “Now, with the teaching part, I’m able to give back. So many people gave to me through the years, took me under their wing.” These days, his satisfaction comes from seeing other ocials and umpires grow in the profession.

“I’ve had some great young umpires come on,” Faglier said. “It makes you feel good to go sit down and watch a baseball game knowing I’ve got two

See AWARD, page B2

ZooKeepers make mark on CPL All-Star roster

The Asheboro team has continued a steady pace of winning to remain in rst place

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro ZooKeepers were well-represented in selections made for the Coastal Plain League All-Star Game. The ZooKeepers had seven players picked for this week’s event, which was scheduled to take place in Florence, South Carolina. That matched the largest number from any West Division team in the summer collegiate league. The All-Star selections were out elder Cameron Austin, in elder / out elder Daniel Stephens, third baseman Brady McGuire, catcher Josh Martinez and pitchers Ben Shepherd, Carlos Gomez and Takuma Sato.

Following the All-Star break, the ZooKeepers’ home slate this week includes a doubleheader Thursday against the Florence Flamingos and a matchup Saturday night against the High Point-Thomasville HiToms.

Recent results

Stephens homered and tripled and McGuire drove in three runs as the ZooKeepers whipped the visiting Macon Bacon 12-2 in seven innings Sunday night at McCrary Park.

That allowed the ZooKeepers to maintain a slight West Division lead on High

7

Number of members of the Asheboro ZooKeepers that were tabbed for All-Star action before the team resumes its schedule with more home games this week

Matthew Bowman

Randleman, football / track and eld

Bowman quali ed for the state meet multiple times as a pole vaulter. He gained all-conference status in his nal two years.

As a senior, he had a seventh-place nish in Class 4A for the boys’ pole vault.

Bowman also was an impact player for Randleman’s football program. He made three touchdown catches as a senior. He also was a regular contributor on defense.

During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.

Beard makes late pass for holiday victory

The Rusty Harpe Memorial came with several slices of drama

Randolph Record sta

SOPHIA — Coy Beard moved to the front with seven laps to go and won the Rusty Harpe Memorial race Saturday night at Caraway Speedway.

Beard prevailed in the 99lap race for Limited Late Models, passing then-leader Chase Robertson to win the event for the rst time.

Defending champion Dylan Ward was the fast quali er for the Fourth of July race, edging Ronnie Bassett Jr. for the distinction.

Ward was in the third spot

with about a dozen laps remaining before an engine problem.

Bassett ended as the runner-up, with Austin Harris, Cassidy Keitt and Robertson rounding out the top ve. The next group in the order included Bryson Brinkley, Ward and Nathan Lyons.

• In the Revolutionary 99 for SMART Modi ed Tour, Carson Loftin cruised despite multiple restarts. The next four nishers were Danny Bohn, Burt Myers, Ryan Newman and Carter McMurray, with the second ve consisting of Kyle Scisco, Crum, McDaniel, Joey Braun and William Lambros.

• In the Carolina Crate Modi ed Series, Dale Ogburn

claimed the victory in a 52-lap race. The rest of the listed nishers were Toby Grynewizc, Annabeth Crum, Eric Zeh, Camden Truett, Rylan Lowder, Dean Lambrose, Brooklyn Newman, Mitchell Wright, Devin Steele, Jesse Hilgar, Brian Weber, Joe Federico and Cody Norman.

• For Legends, Gary Smith posted the 25-lap victory ahead of Jhett Johnson, Ben Buzze, David Hall, Eon Lyles and Brad Trinkle.

• The Bandoleros victory went to Thomas Mullins in the 15-lapper.

• The next racing at the track comes July 18 for Limited Late Models, Chargers, Mini Stocks, UCARs, Modi eds and Crown Vics.

99 on Saturday

AREA SPORTS BRIEFS

Bustamante plays for semi-pro soccer team

Burlington Diego Bustamante, a former high school boys’ soccer standout for Asheboro, played a limited schedule during the past couple of months for Burlington United FC, which is a semi-pro men’s soccer team in the National Premier Soccer League.

Bustamante played his freshman college season last year for Chowan.

Asheboro man has solid nish in super senior tourney

Je erson

Gary Pugh of Asheboro tied for 24th place in the Carolinas Super Senior Championship last month at Je erson Landing.

Pugh shot rounds of 79 and 73 for 8-overpar 152. There were 85 entrants, with Phil Bland of Sherrills Ford the winner at 3-under 141.

young umpires working hard to get there.”

When Faglier was presented the Golden Whistle Award last month during an awards ceremony in Greensboro, he was referred to as the true embodiment of the award. Recipients have demonstrated leadership, performance, service and training that bene t o ciating.

Numerous game o cials from the region were on hand to congratulate him.

“This award, man, it has taken me away,” he said. “When you see people come to support you, it’s the biggest thing there is.” AWARD from page B1

Burlington United, which is comprised mostly of college-level players, nished its season last week with a 3-0 road loss to Charlottetowne Hops FC in Pineville. The team ended with a 2-6-2 record, nishing last in the seven-team Southeast Division and missing out on the postseason.

The team’s home nale came June 27 with a 4-3 loss to divisional champion Bristol Rhythm AFC. Burlington United goals came from Sean Jacobs, Sean O’Laughlin and Sebastian Vargas Aleem.

from page B1

with seven errors in 259 chances for a .969 elding percentage.

Marsh, who was a Brooks Wallace Award semi nalist for an honor that goes to the best collegiate shortstop, has started in every game of his threeyear Liberty career. He has 215 career hits.

ZOOKEEPERS from page B1

Point-Thomasville and the Boone Bigfoots. Stephens joined McGuire with three runs scored. Bryce Smith pitched three innings of relief for the victory, though Caydon Laird starter Laird didn’t allow an earned run in three innings.

• The ZooKeepers won 1810 against the host Martinsville Mustangs last week behind Austin’s four runs batted

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@randolphrecord.com

Marsh has a Major League Baseball draft ID number, meaning at least one team has submitted his name as a potential draftee. The amateur draft takes place Saturday and Sunday in Philadelphia. Previously, Marsh also was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association’s Atlantic Region Division I second team, which is picked from among 41 Division schools in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Marsh and pitcher Ben Blair became Liberty’s rst selections for that team since 2021. Liberty tied the program record for victories with a 43-21 record, reaching the nal of the Athens Regional before losing to eventual College World Series participant and host Georgia.

in and three hits. McGuire added two doubles and drove in two runs and Martinez scored three runs.

• In an 8-0 victory against visiting Boone, Olmedo Quezada logged ve innings with four strikeouts. Robert Ahlgren, Caydon Laird and Braxton Walker completed the combined six-hitter. Blake Brookins smacked a three-run home run and Jackson Hood knocked in two runs.

• Asheboro fell 5-4 to the

host Holly Springs Salamanders on Saturday. Holly Springs tied the game with a run in the eighth inning and won it with another run in the ninth. Walker took the loss, while Wilmis Castro drove in two runs for the ZooKeepers.

• Asheboro also su ered an 18-8 loss at Florence despite four-run bursts in the second and seventh innings. Thomas Cano-Piszel had a two-run triple and nished with four runs batted in.

Post 45 gears up for postseason with divisional title

Randolph County had only one loss during the Area 3 regular season

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Randolph County Post 45 nished the regular season with a pair of victories and it had a bye in the rst round of the Area 3 playo s in American Legion baseball.

This came after the rst loss in the Area 3 regular season for Post 45.

Randolph County (16-3 overall, 11-1 North Division) is idle until the end of this week, awaiting the winner of the series between Chatham County Post 305 and Hamlet Post 49 in the divisional second round.

Chatham County temporarily delayed the North Division clincher for Post 45 by winning 3-0 on June 29 at McCrary Park. It was a make-up game from two days earlier, and Post 305 was the designated home team.

The outcome spoiled a solid start from Post 45 pitcher Keaton Hill, who went ve innings and allowed three runs (one earned). Hudson Deel had the only hit for Randolph County with a single.

Post 305 entered the game in last place (though it ended up tied for fourth).

“That was one of our better ones,” said Chatham County manager Bryce Marsh, a high school player at Southwestern Randolph. “That’s kind of how it works – you win the games you’re not supposed to.”

Later that night, Post 45 was back on track by defeating visiting Davidson County Post 8 by 14-6 as Tate Andrews pitched well in relief. He gave up one run in 4 2/3 innings before Deel and Kyle Dillow nished the pitching.

Brady Arm eld slugged a go-ahead, three-run home run for a 5-4 edge in the fth inning — Post 45’s rst lead of the day. Andrews nished with four runs batted in, boosted by a three-run double, and

Jackson Hill scored three runs to go with three hits.

Post 45 put the nishing touches on the regular season last Thursday night by overcoming a two-run de cit with ve third-inning runs. Dillow drove in two runs and Hill added two hits.

Sean Jennison, who didn’t complete the rst inning against Davidson County, logged 5 1/3 innings for the pitching victory before Dillow threw shutout relief.

Post 81 fades in regular season

Liberty Post 81 (4-13 overall) nished last in the seven-team North Division with a 2-10 record. That created a rst-round playo series against High Point-Thomasville Post 87.

In the nal week of the regular season, Chatham County notched two victories against Post 81 on the same day, rolling 12-2 in the completion of a suspended game and then holding on for a 14-12 triumph in the nightcap.

Tyler Westbrooks scored four runs and Chance Holdaway crossed the plate three times for Post 81.

Liberty fell 14-1 the next night to visiting Hamlet. Holdaway had two hits for Liberty.

Hamlet hammered visiting Liberty again a night later, winning 10-0. Mason Taylor had two hits for Post 81.

Post 45 newcomer provides plenty of power boosts

The player from Rockingham County has been an impact presence in the lineup

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Hudson

Deel has been a big deal for Randolph County Post 45’s baseball team this season.

He owns diplomas from two high schools and he has given some lessons in power hitting.

Deel, who played in high school for Rockingham County and has signed to compete in college for Queens, belted eight home runs in Post 45’s rst 16 games.

Deel is a third baseman and pitcher. He said in college he plans to be a two-way player as well.

He has shown he can handle versatility. He graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Math as well as from Rockingham County.

“I was dual enrolled, took some classes. We met on Zoom a couple of days a week,” Deel said of the NCSSM work. “It was something my older brothers did, so I kind of followed their footsteps. It was some challenging classes getting ready for college and get some good credits under my belt.”

Deel, 17, said he wanted to play American Legion baseball this summer. He’ll be eligible next year as well.

The connection with the Randolph County team developed because Deel had been on travel teams with Southwestern Randolph’s Matthew Blankenship.

“My connection with him is how I got here,” Deel said.

Post 45 manager Andrew Connor, who’s also an assistant coach at Southwestern Randolph, said it has been a good t.

“He loves being around the team,” Connor said. “He didn’t know anybody when he rst came out here.” Deel, who totaled 11 homers

“I’ve been handling o speed pitches well and able to send those over the left- eld wall, which is a good sign for me.”

Hudson Deel, Post 45 player

in four high school seasons, has put on shows at times for his new teammates. Some of that began with an introductory preseason gathering with a couple of Post 45 players in a batting cage.

“I hit with him before the season,” Randolph County slugger Brady Arm eld said. “You could tell he had something.”

Deel’s bat has garnered attention in recent years, but the American Legion power surge has been unusual.

“Not at this rate,” he said. “It has been pretty cool. I’ve never really done this before. It’s pretty fun to have a streak like this.”

Now he wants to keep it going.

“My swing has been feeling good,” Deel said. “I’ve been handling o speed pitches well and able to send those over the lefteld wall, which is a good sign for me.”

Canada will compete at glitzy Eurovision Song Contest in 2027

Canadian Celine Dion won in 1988 competing for Switzerland

By Jill Lawless

The Associated Press

LONDON — The Eurovision Song Contest is expanding across the Atlantic, with Canada set to compete at next year’s edition of the glitter-drenched pop music competition.

Contest organizer the European Broadcasting Union and Canadian public broadcaster CBC announced that Canada will send an act to the 2027 contest in Bulgaria in May. Canada is the rst new country to join Eurovision since Australia entered in 2015.

The announcement was made on the Canada Day national holiday. It comes shortly after Canada joined the EBU, an association of national public broadcasters that oversees Eurovision.

A campy, colorful contest that has been likened to the World Cup with songs instead of soccer, Eurovision has giv-

en the world the perfect pop of ABBA’s “Waterloo” – the winning song in 1974 – and a host of Euro-pop party anthems.

CBC President Marie-Philippe Bouchard said participation “will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world.”

Founded in 1956, Eurovision brings together musical acts from dozens of mostly European countries to compete for the votes of professional jurors and international viewers.

Eurovision Director Martin Green said Canada’s accession is “a further sign that, while born in Europe, the Contest continues to welcome the world.”

The CBC said it will announce details of how Canada’s entry will be selected later this year. Some Eurovision countries choose their competitors through televised national selections. In others, competitors are picked by the national broadcaster.

Canadians have entered Eurovision before under di erent ags — most famously Quebe-

coise chanteuse Celine Dion, who won the 1988 contest competing for Switzerland.

The 70th Eurovision contest in May featured 35 countries and was won by Bulgarian singer Dara, so next year’s competition will take place in the southeast European country.

Eurovision has been roiled in recent years by protests over the participation of Israel, a competitor since 1973.

Five longtime participants — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — boycotted this year after organizers declined to kick Israel out over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The 2026 Eurovision nal was watched by 130 million viewers around the world, organizers say, down from 160 million in 2025.

Despite the blows to Eurovision’s nances and viewership from the boycott, the contest is eyeing expansion, with a spino Eurovision Song Contest Asia due to take place in Bangkok in November.

Motown Museum expansion aims to honor Detroit’s musical legacy

was founded by

Gordy in 1959

By Corey Williams

The Associated Press

DETROIT — The Motown Museum in Detroit has been resonating with a di erent signature sound — the rumble of trucks, the buzz of drills and the pounding of metal — as one of the most signi cant sites in American musical history undergoes a $75 million donor-driven face-lift ahead of its 2027 grand reopening.

The expansion of the Hitsville USA campus — a house where chart-toppers by Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross and The Supremes were written, rehearsed and recorded — aims not just to honor Detroit’s musical legacy, but also to increase the city’s footprint as an education and tourism destination.

The museum should enjoy the same level of promotion as other landmarks in the United States, said former Motown music arranger Paul Riser Sr., comparing the seminal label’s potential to a tourist mecca in New York City.

“The city can really benet by further marketing this whole concept here,” Riser said. “We need to see more pageantry of Motown. Every time I think Motown, I think Times Square.” Cities across the U.S. have for years promoted musical heritage as a selling point to attract business conventions, exhibitions and tourists. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame attracts 500,000 people each year to Cleveland, while Nashville’s music history and attractions tied to country, gospel and other genres bring in about 17 million people annually.

The Motown Museum says it logs more than 100,000 visitors each year and is expect-

Former Motown music arranger Paul Riser Sr. poses outside Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit in 2026.

ing at least 325,000 visitors per year after the expansion opens.

“Motown for many, many decades have been just a magical source of pride and inspiration,” said Robin Terry, Motown Museum chair and chief executive. “Visitors come to the little house that’s Hitsville USA — what used to be the headquarters of Motown — just to touch the magical space where so many of their musical icons … got their start.” Motown, uniquely Detroit

Motown was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy in one of the three homes on West Grand Boulevard just north of downtown Detroit, that currently house the Motown Museum.

Just a year later, The Marvelettes’ “Please Mr. Postman” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hits like “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” “Baby Love,” “My Girl” and “The Tracks of My Tears” soon sent the Motown sound around the globe. Gordy moved the label to

Los Angeles in 1972 and sold it to MCA Records in 1988. His late sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, founded the museum in 1985.

The 40,000-square-foot expansion is being constructed around the original Hitsville USA house and will feature a theater, a recording studio, retail space and a cafe, as well as immersive exhibits and a searchable back catalog of music and interviews.

“The expansion is so iconic and unique for Detroit,” said Riser.

Marketing music history

The Motown Museum is a must-see for international and domestic visitors, according to Jennifer Ollinger, senior director of tourism for Visit Detroit.

Motown is part of the pitch to businesses considering Detroit for conventions, conferences and other large gatherings, Ollinger said.

“We are the only place in the world that can claim Motown music as our own,” Ollinger said.

famous birthdays this week

Arlo Guthrie turns 79, Susan Seaforth Hayes is 83, ‘Jeopardy!’’s Johnny Gilbert is 98

The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week:

JULY 9

Artist David Hockney is 89. Author Dean Koontz is 81. Actor Chris Cooper is 75. Musician and TV personality John Tesh is 74. Singer Debbie Sledge (Sister Sledge) is 72. Actor Tom Hanks is 70. Musician/ producer Jack White is 51. Actor-director Fred Savage is 50.

JULY 10

Singer Mavis Staples is 87. Actor Robert Pine is 85. International Tennis Hall of Famer Virginia Wade is 81. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie is 79. Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson is 72. Rock singer Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) is 72. Banjo player Bela Fleck is 68.

JULY 11

Actor Susan Seaforth Hayes is 83. Actor Bruce McGill is 76. Actor Stephen Lang is 74. Actor Mindy Sterling is 73. Actor Sela Ward is 70. Singer Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) is 69. Singer Suzanne Vega is 67. Rock guitarist Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) is 67.

JULY 12

Writer-producer Brian Grazer is 75. Actor Cheryl Ladd is 75. Gospel singer Ricky McKinnie (The Blind Boys of Alabama) is 74. Olympic gold medal gure skater Kristi Yamaguchi is 55.

JULY 13

Game show announcer Johnny Gilbert (TV: “Jeopardy!”) is 98. Actor Patrick Stewart is 86. Actor Harrison Ford is 84. Singer-guitarist Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) is 84. Rubik’s Cube inventor Erno Rubik is 82. Actor-comedian Cheech Marin is 80. Actor-director Cameron Crowe is 69.

JULY 14

Former football player and actor Rosey

JULY

Actor Patrick Wayne is 87. R&B

Millie

the stream

Rolling Stones,

‘Little House on the Prairie,’ ‘Backrooms’

J.K. Simmons stars in ‘The Westies’

The Associated Press

THE LATEST Rolling Stones album and the streaming debut of the hit movie “Backrooms” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: a new version of “Little House on the Prairie,” new albums from Adam Lambert and Finn Wolfhard and “College Football 27” from EA Sports.

MOVIES TO STREAM

The box-o ce sensation “Backrooms” is making its premium video-on-demand debut on July 7, available to purchase on all the major streaming services. Kane Parsons, 20, directed the feature-length adaptation of his viral web series about the dread of liminal space, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as a furniture store salesman. In his review, Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it’s a “ tfully unsettling nightmare that never convincingly builds beyond its creepy, dated-decor premise.”

Maika Monroe plays a woman looking to rebuild her life after prison, heartbreak and tragedy, opposite Tyriq Withers in the Colleen Hoover adaptation

“Reminders of Him,” streaming on Peacock on Friday, July 10. In his review for the AP, Mark Kennedy called it “a well-crafted, well-acted sad-happy Hoover adaptation,” praising Monroe, who, he writes, “stretches out her dramatic muscles to play Kenna and nails the assignment, a woman with a hard shell who is looking for a little grace, a tricky role that’s both irty and maternal.”

And just in time for the Fourth of July comedown, “The Long Walk,” set in a dystopian, postwar America, arrives on HBO Max on July 10. Cooper Ho man and David Jonsson star in this adaptation of a Stephen King story in which 50 boys are selected by lottery for a

harrowing contest in which the walk only ends when one survivor remains. Fittingly, “Hunger Games” veteran Francis Lawrence directed.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Only the Rolling Stones have the ex to get Anya Taylor-Joy and Charles Melton to appear in one of their music videos.

The movie stars play a frustrated couple in the video for the new soulful R&B single “Jealous Lover.” That’s from the upcoming album “Foreign Tongues,” out Friday, July 10, which includes the Cure’s Robert Smith on guitar for the rollicking single “Divine Intervention.” The album also has contributions from Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith. “Foreign Tongues” will also include a special appearance from drummer Charlie Watts, lifted from one of his nal recording sessions before his death in 2021.

Finn Wolfhard isn’t resting on his music or TV successes.

The “Stranger Things” star has his sophomore solo album out Friday, July 10, a year after the intriguing multi-hyphenate artist dropped “Happy Birthday.”

And things are looking up — or is that Upside Down? — for Wolfhard: While his debut was a lo- , distortion-heavy sneer of garage-band strut, the singles from the 12-track “Fire From the Hip” so far reveal a more mature songwriter, with a more melodic bent and less dense, punky production. The lead single “I’ll Let You Finish” cheekily nods to the viral VMA moment when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift at the 2009 Video Music Awards.

Adam Lambert struts away from Queen for his sixth solo studio album, simply titled “Adam.” Lambert says he was inspired by ‘90s alternative rock and electronica, including Nine Inch Nails, Björk, Prince and Muse. Singles from the 12-track album include the vampire-dance of “Eat U Alive” and the infectious glam of “Under the Rhythm,” which samples ATC’s “Around the World (La La La La La).” Both tracks explore losing control with a lover: “I know I look a mess, but

“‘Backrooms’ is a tfully unsettling nightmare that never convincingly builds beyond its creepy, dateddecor premise.”

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

I’m gon’ sweat it o ,” he sings in the second. The Associated Press rst reviewed The War and Treaty in 2018, writing: “Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter, the pride of Albion, Michigan, are husband and wife and a powerhouse R&B duo who sound as though they were born to sing together.” The assessment holds true nearly a decade later, as they prepare to release

their latest album, “The Story of Michael and Tanya.” Lead single “Don’t Say Goodbye” is a smooth throwback, timeless with its harmonies and soulful production. If that’s not enough to sway you, maybe this is: The album also features Wynonna Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. You read that correctly.

TV TO STREAM

A reboot of “Little House on the Prairie” debuts on Netix Thursday, July 9. Like the original series starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, the show is based on the classic books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Set in the American West in the late 19th century, the tight-knit Ingalls family settles in Kansas, but their new home comes with a variety of challenges. Luke

Bracey plays the father, Charles. Crosby Fitzgerald is Caroline, the family matriarch. Skywalker Hughes plays eldest daughter, Mary, and Alice Halsey is the feisty younger daughter, Laura, also known as Half-Pint. J.K. Simmons stars in the new MGM+ crime drama “The Westies,” about the real Irish gang that ruled the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in Manhattan in the early 1980s. In the series, the Jacob Javits Convention Center is under construction in their backyard, promising an abundance of (illegal) ways to make money. The Westies’ turf is threatened by a clash of ideas between the young and oldschool members. The eight-episode series debuts on Sunday, July 12.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The World Cup may still be raging, but EA Sports would like to remind you that the other kind of football is right around the corner. “College Football 27” promises streamlined playcalling, a new “Dynasty Blueprint” mode for aspiring athletic directors and a revamped “Road to Glory” campaign that lets you rake in the sponsorship cash as you ght for the Heisman Trophy. Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore are the cover models, but the buzziest addition may be Mascot Mashup, which pits team mascots against each other in 11-on11 slugfests. Kicko is Thursday, July 9, on PlayStation 5,

or PC.

HOKE COUNTY

Independence Day

Cities and towns across the country and the county celebrated America’s 250th birthday over the weekend, including in Raeford which had a full spectrum of events across several days — including, above, the Raeford Freedom 250 parade on July 2. For more photos, turn to page B3.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

US launches new strikes on Iran, revokes oil sales permit after 3 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military has attacked Iran after it said Tehran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes Wednesday came as part of an American e ort that also revoked the Islamic Republic’s ability to openly sell crude oil in the world market. Iran immediately warned Washington it would “take whatever measures it deems necessary.” That raises the risks that an interim agreement in the war halting ghting could break down, putting the wider Middle East again at risk of a wider con ict.

NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its repower as Trump demands Greenland Ankara, Turkey President Donald Trump insists the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, renewing tensions in Europe at a NATO summit. Trump spoke during a meeting with the summit host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Trump also announced the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that were imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system. This decision could ease Turkey’s re-entry into the U.S. F-35 ghter jet program. NATO is showcasing military projects worth billions, aiming to satisfy Trump. Separately, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance.

Fuel point saving county money

The project has nearly paid for itself within just a year of operation

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — Hoke County is getting positive results from its recently constructed fuel point.

At the Hoke County Board of Commissioners July 6 meeting, the board was presented with the past year of data from the fuel point.

According to Emergency Management Deputy Director Andrew Jacobs, between July 2025 and July 2026, premium grade octane averaged about $4.35 throughout the area and highway diesel in the same time period averaged at around $4.70.

During that same span, the cost for Hoke County’s fuel point averaged around $3.15 for gasoline and $3.26 for highway diesel.

“Since July 1 of 2025, we’ve purchased about 240,000 gallons of gasoline and 23,000 gallons of diesel,” Jacobs said. “Our average cost savings aggregated down over the course of the last scal year was $1.20 and $1.44 per gallon. This equates to about $288,000 in savings over the last 12 months, which exceeded what we were anticipating by about $50,000.”

According to Jacobs, each county department and non-governmental partner (EMS, Fire Department) is also charged a 10% service/maintenance fee from the fuel point that is used to provide future funding to maintain and expand the current facility.

“This has generated about

“About $31,000 a month is what we’re kind of looking at that stays in the Hoke County co ers versus buying on a commercial system.”

Emergency Management Deputy Director Andrew Jacobs

$85,000 to the county to be able to maintain that fuel point throughout the year and to be able to pay for future upgrades and the maintenance of it,” Jacobs said. At the current rate, the county’s fuel point will have paid for itself in approximately four more months, or an 18-month return-on-investment.

Before the fuel point was

constructed, the county was spending approximately $750,000 annually on fuel and the estimate was that the project would pay for itself within four years, but things have been going even better than expected for the county.

According to Jacobs, Hoke County is seeing an average savings per month versus the commercial market of around $24,000, with around $7,000 in revenue being generated for the county per month.

“About $31,000 a month is what we’re kind of looking at that stays in the Hoke County co ers versus buying on a commercial system,” Jacobs said.

“That’s great savings,” said Chairman James Leach. “A very good move when it was made.”

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet July 20.

Democrats’ narrow path to Senate majority gets rockier as Platner faces allegations

The Maine allegation complicates races Democrats considered their best chances to ip Senate seats

By Bill Barrow and Mike Catalini

The Associated Press

A NEW ACCUSATION that Graham Platner once sexually assaulted a woman he was dating has rocked the U.S. Senate race in Maine and cast fresh doubt on Democrats’ path to a Senate majority. Republicans currently have a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Maine is viewed as a necessary win for Democrats to gain the minimum of four new Senate seats.

But now there’s a question of whether Platner, who denied the allegation, will remain

on the ballot and, if he does, whether he can defeat veterm Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Here’s a closer look at the top races that Democrats are targeting.

Democrats see some pickup opportunities

ALASKA: Former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s candidacy against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan has buoyed her party.

Peltola, one of a handful of Democrats who’ve won in Republican dominated states, was the rst Alaska Native to serve in Congress, winning special and regular elections in 2022 for the state’s only House seat.

At center stage for the state’s Aug. 18 primary is drama involving a man running with the

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Trip Ho end, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Ryan Henkel, Reporter

PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer

Australian o cials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothing

Juvenile experimentation explains Neil’s antics, but his viral fame poses a real threat to his well-being

By Charlotte Graham-McLay The Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 2,200 pound elephant seal.

In June, the bellowing and blubbery 5-year-old mammal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania state after months of feeding at sea. That’s posing problems now that he weighs as much as a small car and has a social media following more than double Tasmania’s human population.

His rampage through local infrastructure has claimed bent tra c bollards, a sign warning the public about seals and a fence that did not survive Neil’s attempt to vault it. The rest of the time he lies placidly any place he likes, which is sometimes the middle of the road, bringing towns he visits to a standstill.

But o cials say their biggest concern is that Neil’s popularity could lead to ill-advised human-seal encounters that are dangerous for both sides.

Neil is a bad boy with a long rap sheet

Neil, the only male elephant seal to visit Tasmania in years, has commanded an enthralled

SENATE from page A1

same name and party a liation as Sullivan. The state supreme court has said the challenger is quali ed to be on the ballot.

Peltola’s campaign and state Democrats have denied Sullivan’s allegation that they’re working with the challenger to cause confusion..

MAINE: Platner catapulted to the Democratic nomination despite earlier controversies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer initially backed sitting Gov. Janet Mills but reluctantly aligned behind Platner -- until Monday’s latest bombshell accusation.

Now, Schumer and many Democrats are pushing for Platner to withdraw. If he does that by July 13, Maine Democrats can put a replacement on the ballot. If not, Platner could have to face Collins with little to no national party support.

If Platner drops out, his replacement could meet a similar challenge to what presidential candidate Kamala Harris faced in 2024, when she had a late start to appeal to a general election audience without having won the nomination in a competitive primary.

Meanwhile, Collins has won elections for 30 years despite no Republican presidential nominee, including President Donald Trump, winning Maine since 1988.

NORTH CAROLINA: Democrats landed one of their prize recruits with former Gov. Roy Cooper, who has never lost a statewide election through four terms as attorney general and two terms as governor. Republicans answered with Trump’s handpicked candidate, Michael Whatley, who’d previously served as state GOP chairman and as the Republican National Committee chairman.

Whatley was viewed as a prodigious fundraiser and ideal Trump surrogate in a state the president carried three times, and he has history on his side -- Democrats have won just two U.S. Senate races and one presidential contest in North Carolina in the last three decades.

Yet Cooper won governors races in two of Trump’s three presidential cycles and is leveraging his centrist image at a time when independents have soured on Trump. That leaves Whatley with the di cult tasks

TikTok following of 1.4 million in part because he acts like kind of a jerk. During this visit to shore, his 12th, his crimes have included picking ghts with parked cars and smashing through barriers erected to keep him o roads.

Those antics have prompted some online to hail Neil as a kind of anti-authoritarian hero. But experts say it’s normal experimentation for a growing seal.

Juvenile male elephant seals need to practice for dominance battles in which adults rear up and crash their chests together as they compete for breeding opportunities, said Sophia Volzke, an elephant seal scientist based at the University of Tasmania in Hobart.

With no other juveniles to practice with, Neil can only rehearse on Toyotas.

O cials plead for fans to leave Neil alone

Local o cials fear that Neil is the latest wild animal whose social media stardom has outgrown what’s good for him.

“Neil’s fame is a bit of a double-edged sword,” said Kris Carlyon from Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, at a news conference in Hobart on Thursday in which he asked the seal’s fans to give him privacy.

“We have had some pretty silly behavior, instances with people carrying their small babies up close to him and simply trying to get that shot for Instagram,” he said.

O cials have urged the public to refrain from identifying the town Neil is currently delighting or terrorizing, depend-

SAM VOLKER PHOTOGRAPHY VIA AP

Neil the Seal, a 2,200 pound elephant seal, nuzzles up to bollards he has damaged in Tasmania, Australia, last month.

ing on who you speak to. They fear a disastrous encounter between the seal and an admirer could force rangers into a risky operation to move him elsewhere.

Carlyon also warned of worse. In a 2023 episode, a walrus known as Freya who drew huge crowds in Norway was euthanized after o cials cited a growing risk to human safety.

“There is a risk here of essentially loving Neil to death,” Carlyon said.

Neil’s problems will get bigger as he does

It’s usual for seals to return biannually to the place they were born to rest, fast and shed fur. Many species roam inland during visits to shore, sometimes leading them into beachside towns.

What’s unusual about Neil is that he’s the only male elephant seal hauling ashore in Tasmania.

Sub-Antarctic islands south of Tasmania are home to breed-

ing populations of elephant seals and Neil’s mother would have arrived from one of them to give birth, Volzke said. Females have been spotted ashore in Tasmania before, but topping out at the size Neil reached when he was a year or two old, they don’t cause the same kind of chaos, she added.

“Humans got rid of those animals and now maybe they are coming back and repopulating areas that they were previously seen in,” she said. “We do need to nd a way to coexist.”

That could prove tricky for Neil, and for the rangers, police o cers and security guards who follow in his wake. If he survives to adulthood, Neil could measure up to 5 meters (16 feet) in length and weigh triple what he does now.

However, about 90% of male elephant seals die before they reach a breeding age of around 10, Volzke said.

For now, Neil the seal is occupying a stretch of sidewalk, unmoving and unbothered. Sometimes he canoodles with an orange tra c cone, to the delight of his online followers. It isn’t clear why he prefers that location, which he has returned to even after being ushered away by rangers.

“He’s obviously decided this puddle surrounded by bollards, which are horizontal at the moment, is his spot,” said Carlyon on Thursday.

His fans can relate. The locals have mixed feelings.

“He’s one of our biggest exports at the moment,” said Dale Creamer, a resident of the town that the seal is currently trashing, who has not been personally inconvenienced. “It’s Neil’s world and we’re just living in it.”

of satisfying Trump’s core supporters without alienating other voters; introducing himself to voters who don’t know him; and convincing enough North Carolina voters that they’ve been wrong about Cooper for decades.

OHIO: Democrats are counting on former Sen. Sherrod Brown to unseat Republican incumbent Jon Husted in what’s shaping up to be another expensive contest in the state — its third in four years.

The Senate Leadership Fund, a GOP super PAC, has pledged $79 million to defend Husted’s seat.

Brown served three terms in the Senate before losing a tough reelection contest in 2024.

Ohio has steadily trended Republican. But Brown won previously as an advocate of unions and the working class, and Democrats believe he can attract some of the voters who’ve helped Trump win the state three times.

Underdogs could o er surprises

IOWA: The state, which Trump won three times gives Democrats an opportunity to ip a Senate seat with two-term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst’s retirement.

Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek faces Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has been endorsed by Trump.

Turek is a relative newcomer to elected o ce and has pointed to his experience winning in a red, Trump-won state House district as proof he could appeal to independent and moderate Republican voters in November.

Hinson is a three-term House incumbent representing northeastern Iowa, and claims Trump needs a ghter who would “always have his back.”

TEXAS: State Rep. James Talarico, a 37-year-old seminarian, has become a national fundraising phenomenon.

Talarico faces the scandal-ridden Republican nominee Ken Paxton. The Texas attorney general has weathered an impeachment attempt by his own party, a yearslong corruption investigation and public airing of his martial di culties. Through all that, Paxton has won multiple reelections.

Democrats were buoyed by their primary turnout of about

2.3 million eclipsing Republicans’ 2.2 million, something that hasn’t happened since the state ipped to Republicans in the 1990s. But the challenge for Talarico is turning that momentum into a racially, ethnically and geographically diverse coalition in November.

The seats Democrats have to hold

GEORGIA: Sen. Jon Osso is the only Democratic senator running for reelection this year in a state Trump won in 2024. He had no primary opposition, and he’s been a fundraising force with more than $30 million cash-on-hand as he entered the general election campaign. Ossof has attracted national attention with his unapologetic broadsides against Trump.

Republican Rep. Mike Collins is playing catchup after winning a bruising GOP pri-

mary runo . He must navigate skeptical Republicans who believe he’s too conservative or controversial for this battleground state. Collins repeats Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was rigged, and he’s also facing a House ethics inquiry over allegations that he misused taxpayer money to pay the girlfriend of a former top aide.

Collins’ strongest line of attack against Osso comes on immigration. Collins sponsored the Laken Riley Act, named for a Georgia nursing student killed by a Venezuelan man in the U.S. illegally. The law, among other provisions, requires immigrants accused of certain crimes to be held without bond. Osso voted against the measure before reversing his vote after Trump returned to the White House.

MICHIGAN: Democrat-

ic Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement opens up a seat the party must

hold in a key presidential battleground that Trump won twice and former President Joe Biden carried in 2020.

The Aug. 4 Democratic primary is a contest between moderate Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed.

Stevens has also bene ted from heavy outside spending, including nearly $8 million from a super PAC a liated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, has run on issues like Medicare for All and halting all U.S. weapons transfers to Israel. He has campaigned with popular-yet-controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who has millions of followers online and has said things such as that “America deserved 9/11.”

The winner is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, who lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, in 2024.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The fall of Vicksburg

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

WHEN I WAS 19, I knew a much older man who’d grown up in 1930s Alabama.

“We didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July,” he told me. “For us, it was the day Vicksburg fell.”

Vicksburg, Mississippi, fell to Union troops on July 4, 1863. The Confederates surrendered, as was their habit. Long memories still mourn the Lost Cause of Black backs whipped bloody.

So how am I, a resident of Rhode Island, supposed to celebrate the Fourth of July this year?

When I was maybe 8 years old, reworks were illegal in Massachusetts, but my father, a bartender who invariably “knew a guy,” brought home a box of sparklers for me.

The sparkler is the lowest form of rework. It doesn’t blow up, it doesn’t make a loud noise and it doesn’t go up in the air. It’s a long wire, the top half of which is coated with some sort of chemical mix that throws o showers of silver sparks when it’s lit. You hold the sparkler by the uncoated bottom half. Those kids who hold the sparkler by the burning top half don’t do it for long.

I would use the sparklers on the top step of the three steps that went down from the kitchen door of our rented house in Taunton, Massachusetts, under the supervision of my father.

I remember the metallic brightness of the sparks against the dark sky, and my father’s deep voice.

“Be careful,” he’d say. “Don’t hold it too

close to you.”

I’ve always held things too close, and that’s true of both my memories and America.

I don’t hate America. I love America. What I hate is our gradual weakening, our string of lost or inconclusive wars, our blustering, Jesus-pimping leadership. We crow endlessly about this being “the greatest country in the world,” but the highway bridges are rotting, we don’t have enough technical skill to reline a pool and we’re pushing hard to regain the use of every vile term we’ve ever used to describe nonwhites and women.

“If you don’t like it here, why don’t you move to Iran?” I’m asked.

I can’t. I can’t go anywhere else. My ethnic heritage is so jumbled that I can only call this country my own because America is where they made a new people from French and Irish and Scottish and English, which is what I am “by blood” if you think blood sings in di erent languages.

Maybe 2 miles from our house, my uncle Kendall’s name is engraved on the town honor roll. He served in World War II and the Korean War. The honor roll is granite, and it’s dead. Kendall is dead. When he came back from his wars, he pumped gas for the rest of his working life.

I’ve touched his name where it’s cut into the stone.

It’s not as though there are no Fourth of July celebrations taking place near me, either. The worse the country gets, the bigger and

tackier the patriotic celebrations get. If we ght a draw with Iran, next Fourth of July, there will be a pro wrestling show at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The ags keep getting bigger, too. In my neighborhood, there are people ying ags bigger than the one they y outside the post o ce.

Rhode Island opted out of the Great American State Fair, as did most of the American population. Not even a speech from our rapidly failing president could save that disaster.

My wife Deborah was in charge of our yard decorations for the Fourth of July. She put out a owered ag with a peace sign in the middle. It’s a small ag, close to the ground, and it utters from a small iron stake driven into the lawn. It probably stands 2 feet high, and on either side, there are small American ags on skinny sticks.

It’s a modest display, is what it is, a little splash of peace and patriotism next to the rhododendron bush.

I’m already starting to feel protective of the little display. I don’t want it to feel bullied by the big ags that have their own tall poles. That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”

(Copyright 2026 creators.com)

The United States has always been at war

Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy.

ONE OF THE MOST popular complaints of the younger Americans is that the United States has been bogged down in endless war and interventionism virtually their entire lifetimes.

Welcome to history. As much as we may not like it, the United States has engaged in con ict and meddling more or less since its inception. The U.S. was born in war. It expanded through war. It freed its slaves through war. It grew into a superpower through war. And until utopia exists, it’s exceedingly likely we will need to clash with those who threaten our prestige and power.

Indeed, you can look at the parallels between today’s war against the Iranian terrorist regime and our very rst foreign con ict to understand why.

From the founding, the Islamic states in Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis in North Africa were capturing American ships, demanding tolls and taking hostages. Without the protection of the British Royal Navy, President George Washington felt compelled to pay o the emirs. President John Adams was even more susceptible to blackmail, appeasing the Islamic rulers with ships, weaponry, ammunition and annual sums — let’s call them “pallets” — of gold and silver.

The Barbary States took the bounty, strung the U.S. along in negotiations, ultimately ignored the treaties they did sign and continued to take captives, murder Americans and disrupt trade.

After winning the White House in 1801, Thomas Je erson halted the payo s. His justi cations for ghting the Barbary “pirates” — a historical mischaracterization that understates the importance of the Islamic sultans who had been raiding coastal towns and ships in the Mediterranean and Atlantic for two centuries, grabbing over a million

European slaves — were more than just narrow trading interests.

When serving as ambassador in Britain in 1785, Je erson had met with Tripoli’s representative Abdul Rahman Adja and asked him why the Barbary States were targeting Americans who had shown them no hostility. Je erson, in a letter co-written by Adams, described Adja’s response in a letter to John Jay.

“The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Mussulman (Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise,” Je erson wrote.

Sounds familiar. Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy. Paying tributes to these “barbarians,” Je erson later argued, not only rewarded aggression and subverted America’s standing but was in direct con ict with the ideals of the new nation.

When Je erson congratulated the Marines on their victory against the Algerians, it wasn’t merely for valiantly ghting the enemy but defeating those who “trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature.”

President James Madison also sent another naval force to Algiers in 1815 to subdue the Islamic corsairs.

Yet, in the imagination of contemporary isolationists, early American foreign entanglements were only taken on for immediate national interests, stripped of any idealism. This simply isn’t so.

And every subsequent generation saw war, as well. Initially, these were con icts of Western expansion. Soon we were involved in con icts around the world.

The Left and isolationist Right are perturbed by our interference with Venezuelan and Cuban sovereignty. But American history is littered with instances of us meddling in places including Haiti, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Cuba, again, to name a few.

“Gunboat diplomacy” was not predominantly deployed to uphold the Monroe Doctrine and eject European powers from the Western Hemisphere, but rather to intimidate and quash domestic movements that threatened American in uence.

By 1852, President Millard Fillmore famously dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan to end that nation’s isolationist policies and open trade by force, if needed. President Ulysses Grant sent another military expedition to Korea in 1871 to do the same. President Grover Cleveland sent the Navy to Samoa to protect American commercial interests from the Germans and British. None of those nations threatened American sovereignty.

Some of these con icts were more moral than others. Some back red. Some were unnecessary tragedies. Some made the world safer. The U.S. has kept Europe free of allencompassing war since 1945. Neither war nor intervention should ever be taken on lightly. The notion, however, that Americans are living through some uniquely bellicose or interventionist era is debunked by even a cursory reading of history.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 creators.com)

Small businesses having good summer as Americans travel closer to home

The shift could help reduce the nation’s travel and tourism trade de cit

By Mae Anderson

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Small business owners in U.S. tourist destinations say they’re seeing more Americans sticking closer to home this summer, trading overseas travel for road trips, choosing daylong sojourns over extended beach stays, and cooking instead of eating out while on vacation to save money.

The reported boost to domestic tourism, though anecdotal, comes as higher airfares and gasoline prices have made vacations more expensive. The FIFA World Cup soccer tournament and celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday have given some U.S. residents additional incentives to create summer memories without going far.

Motor club federation AAA estimated that 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and this Sunday. That’s 0.5% more than the number who got away during last year’s July Fourth travel period, but the forecasted increase is almost all due to people taking cruises, buses and trains; AAA expects no change in the number driving or ying to their destinations.

A meaningful reduction in summer globetrotting might have an upside for businesses that depend on tourists, said Tarik Dogru, an associate professor at Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality. Fewer U.S. residents heading abroad or ying across the country means more of their vacation budgets are staying local too, Dogru said.

“The current economic and tourism dynamics are likely to redirect spending toward small businesses, such as regional restaurants, local attractions, Airbnb hosts, and roadside businesses along drive routes that serve budget-conscious and close-to-home travel,” he said.

If the trend holds through the summer and the rest of the year, it could reduce a travel and tourism trade de cit the United States has run since the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year since 2020, Americans spent more on foreign travel than international visitors spent on travel-related goods and services in the U.S., according to the National Travel and Tourism O ce.

Morgan Kain, a teacher in Baltimore, said her family is among the ones keeping their travel bugs in check for nancial reasons. Kain, her husband and three children usually take multiple trips each summer, including a weeklong stay at a Virginia lake house. Last year, they spent six weeks traveling around Italy.

“This summer, we’re still doing a couple overnights and the

lake house, but nothing else,” Kain said. “Things are crazy expensive, from travel costs to food costs to gas.”

Vacationers are taking trips within driving distance

Despite gasoline costing more than it did a year ago, 85% of Independence Day week travelers were expected to drive to their destinations, AAA said, noting that car trips still are cheaper than ights for the most part.

Around Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, several businesses reported spotting more visitors driving in from cities along the West Coast.

Ron Williams, who owns Tahoe Sports, said he worried at the beginning of the season that customers might not show up to rent boats and Jet Skis due to economic concerns. Like the gasoline that powers cars, the price of boat fuel went up during

compassionate and hardworking PCA who puts the residents’ needs before her own. She provides professional care. Integrity Open Arms wants to thank you!

the Iran war.

But Williams so far is “pleasantly surprised with how well the business is doing across the board.” His future bookings are 10% higher compared to the same time last year, he said.

“I think people are probably sticking close to home, and being in Lake Tahoe, we have such a huge drive-up market,” Williams said.

Increased demand for the three Lake Tahoe area rental properties that Jerry Bindel manages for Pyramid Global Hospitality also came as a relief. Ski season bookings petered out along with the snow during an unusually warm winter, but “we just saw that ip” with the arrival of hiking and boating weather, he said.

Bindel, an area general director for the property management company, said he spotted a possible sign of Tahoe visitors watching their spending: more of them skipping restaurants

and using the kitchens in their rental units or outdoor barbecue grills to prepare their own food.

“We’re seeing a lot of additional use on those items this summer,” he said. Locals still want to have memorable summer experiences

In Asheville, North Carolina, small business owners have hoped tourism would rebound since Hurricane Helene and ooding from days of torrential rain caused widespread destruction to the city’s landscape, buildings and infrastructure in September 2024.

Aubrey Anderson, who owns a river tubing out tter in Asheville, reduced her summer sta from 100 people to 25 after Helene. After reservations picked up earlier this year and she noticed “a lot new people coming into town,” Anderson felt encouraged enough to hire 50

workers for Zen Tubing’s current season. The unfamiliar faces include day-trippers driving in from South Carolina, Tennessee and other parts of North Carolina to spend several hours oating down the French Broad River for around $30 per person, Anderson said. After tubing, customers from around the region often grab a meal, stop at a brewery, shop or visit other local attractions before heading home, which is “a win for Asheville as a whole,” she said.

“We’re de nitely seeing a lot of locals, so to speak,” Anderson said. “People are maybe skipping the long drive to the beach this year, and they’re kind of doing just something close by so that they can save a little money and still enjoy a family outing.”

Factory tours o ered by French Broad Chocolate have surged this summer, according to Jael Ske ngton, the Asheville chocolate maker’s CEO and co-founder. Tour-takers often stop in the on-site cafe for ice cream or co ee and buy a box of chocolate bars or bonbons before they leave, she said.

“So it’s good for business, but it also seems to be what people are looking for is something to do, not just something to eat — something to experience.” Skeington said.

Cities are getting a World Cup boost

Soccer enthusiasts have poured into Kansas City, Missouri, just like other North American cities hosting World Cup matches.

Made in KC, a chain of four cafes and 11 shops that sells locally made sauces, Kansas Citythemed gifts and T-shirts for fans of the city’s professional sports teams, has gotten “really noticeable spikes of tra c” at all its locations during the tournament, co-owner Keith Bradley said. World Cup-related merchandise, including $40 hats featuring the team colors of this year’s competitors, have been a big hit, he said.

American tourists from other Midwestern cities — Des Moines and Omaha both are within a three-hour drive from Kansas City — seem to outnumber U.S. visitors from farther away, Bradley noted.

“We have a couple locations that are in tourist parts of Kansas City. ... But then we also have little shops that are just in suburban neighborhoods in Kansas City, and those have also seen World Cup tra c of people going to watch parties, people coming in town to go to the games, and then tourists just exploring Kansas City on their own.”

Mollie Lothman, co-owner of McLain’s Bakery, a family-owned cafe with ve locations, said she thinks the cost of food and lodging in Kansas City compared to bigger or better known host cities has helped.

“We’re one of the smaller markets who got the World Cup in Kansas City, but we’re also probably one of least expensive markets, in terms of family budgeting, to try to come and experience the World Cup,” Lothman said. “So I think that’s been a huge draw for people.”

Besides being the mother of two, she worked for many years at Burlington Mills. Betty enjoys church, watching

HOKE SPORTS

Sandhills Bogeys dominate the Old North State League

The summer collegiate team is on the verge of setting a singleseason wins record

North State Journal sta

BREAK UP the Bogeys.

The Sandhills Bogeys are running away with the Old North State League. The summer collegiate league team is in rst place with an eye-popping 28-3 record, 18-3 in their division and is currently riding a six-game winning streak.

The Bogeys have won backto-back divisional titles and reached the championship game in 2024. Their next win this sea-

son will set a new single-season high for victories, topping last year’s 28-10 mark.

Sandhills has won 15 of its 16 home games this season, and, when the league took a break to hold All-Star festivities, the Bogeys were all over the roster.

Coach Andy Fox was named the head coach of the East team.

The Taylorsville native is in his third season at the helm. He also coaches St. Andrews University during the school year. Fox was joined on the ONSL All-Star team by a half-dozen Bogeys players.

Pitcher Nick Duncan. The Blue eld University alum leads the league with 5 wins.

Pitcher Hunter Dakan. The

Garrett College sophomore leads the league with 40 strikeouts.

Second baseman Robbie Murphy. The USC Union sophomore is hitting .380 with .916 OPS.

Third baseman Peyton Starkey. The Mars Hill senior is tied for second in the league with 32 runs scored.

DH Finley Spicer. The Aberdeen native and junior at College of St. Scholastica leads the league with 8 home runs and 37 RBIs. He participated in the AllStar home run derby before the game.

Out elder Chris Johnson. The junior at Blue eld University is third in the league in RBIs with 29.

Guardians rookie Ingle loses track of outs, tosses ball into stands, giving away a run

Asheville native has an embarrassing moment early in his MLB career

By Tom Withers

The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Rookies are prone to mistakes. Cooper Ingle made a big one he may never forget. Cleveland’s left elder lost track of the number of outs in the seventh inning and threw the ball into the stands, allowing the Texas Rangers to score the go-ahead run in a 4-2 victory over the Guardians on Tuesday night.

“Obviously, I feel terrible,” Ingle said, his face ushed red on a warm, humid night. “It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling.”

With a runner at second base and one out in the seventh, the 24-year-old Ingle, making just his second major league start as an out elder, caught a routine y ball hit by Rangers left elder Alejandro Osuna o Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee for the second out.

Thinking it was out No. 3, Ingle brie y glanced at the ball in his glove before throwing it over the protective netting to fans as a souvenir.

The umpires immediately ruled the ball was dead and Osuna was awarded home plate.

It wasn’t until then that Ingle realized his mistake and he walked back to his position in shocked disbelief. He was charged with an error.

“Yeah, honestly when I threw the ball out, I heard a bunch of yelling,” Ingle said. “Happens sometimes, but just got to learn from it and not make the same mistake.”

“It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling.”

Tanner Ingle

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who has had to plug rookies into his starting lineup all season, o ered his unwavering support to Ingle.

“These things happen,” Vogt said. “Rookie. Nonrookie. It’s happened to Hall of Famers. They’ve done it. We’re going to keep learning. We’re going to keep getting better.”

Vogt was proud of the way Ingle’s teammates quickly rallied around him following the bone-headed play.

“It’s a mistake. Lost track of the outs. Pretty big spot,” he said. “We’ll learn from it and can’t control it once it happens. That’s why I was like, ush it. And I just want to give a credit to the dugout. Every one of his teammates, when he came back in, same messaging.”

One of the rst to talk to Ingle was Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, who told him to keep his chin up.

“I’ve made so many mistakes,” Hedges said. “I can’t even remember half of them. I’ve embarrassed myself a billion times on the eld. I mean, just check my o ensive numbers for my career. It’s not super easy to go through that, but that’s the big leagues.”

After his mistake, Ingle said he immediately apologized to Bibee (2-9), who went toe to toe with Jacob deGrom for seven innings. Bibee’s response to his teammates was to try and make things right.

“I just told him to go tie the game right back up,” Bibee said. “Obviously, we all make mistakes. Everyone in this locker room has made multiple mistakes in the big leagues, whether you’re (rookie) Khalil (Watson) or me or Hedgie. It’s tough.”

Ingle was brought up from Triple-A Columbus last week. He made his big league debut on June 26 and got his rst major league hit the next day, a two-run single against Seattle.

After his elding foible, Ingle came up in the bottom of the seventh and grounded out. He got another chance in the ninth to avenge his ga e but struck out looking for the game’s nal out.

What’s most important now is that he move forward.

“Obviously learn from it and think about it,” he said. “It’s not something that makes you feel great, but things like that happen for a reason and learning from those things and moving on and getting better from them, it’s pretty much the only thing you can do.”

Vogt said the mistake doesn’t a ect his belief in Ingle.

“We’re going to help him through it. That’s what we’re here for,” he said. “You’re playing in your second game in the out eld in the big leagues and a mistake like that. Let’s learn. So what? It’s over. Flush it. We’re not going to be mad at him.

“We’re not going to hold it against him. He’s going to be right back out there the next time it’s his turn to play out eld. This was a mistake. This isn’t a judgment or anything like that, but we know how good of a player Coop is and we’re going to stick with him and we’re going to keep helping him.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

William Leak

William Leak is a recent graduate of Hoke County High School, where he rewrote the school record book in the long jump and triple jump on his way to multiple NCHSAA state titles and a host of conference titles and other awards.

Many of those awards were on display last week, when Leak had a signing ceremony to o cially commit to North Carolina Central, where he will continue his track & eld career at the collegiate level.

SIDELINE REPORT

WNBA

More than half of WNBA players miss All-Star starter vote

More than half of the WNBA’s 180 players didn’t submit their ballots for All-Star starters ahead of this month’s game in Chicago, a person familiar with the balloting told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the voting. It’s unclear why so many players didn’t cast their votes. Fan vote accounts for 50% of the overall vote while players and a media panel each are 25%. It’s been that way since 2017.

NBA Former NBA star

Beasley pleads not guilty to gambling charges

New York Malik Beasley’s lawyer said the indicted former NBA star “wants to move on with his life” after pleading not guilty to charges that he altered his play in certain games to enrich sports bettors and ease his own debts. Beasley, the latest big name caught up in a sweeping federal gambling investigation, attentively followed along but said little at his arraignment on Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court. He answered a judge’s questions with “yes, your honor” but let his lawyer, Jason Goldman, enter his plea on his behalf.

NFL NFL player Campbell’s brother is charged with murder after mother found dead

Atlanta

A brother of NFL player Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother in Atlanta. Police o cers found her body during a welfare check. An arrest warrant says Ciarre Campbell was found with a knife. His family told police he struggled with mental illness. He’s being held in Fulton County Jail and waived his initial court appearance Wednesday. Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, is entering his 19th NFL season. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selection with 117 career sacks.

NBA Leonard going back to Toronto after Raptors make deal with Clippers

A person with knowledge of the trade says Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Toronto Raptors, after they struck a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to reunite with the player who led their run to the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two rst-round picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap to the Clippers for Leonard.

Briscoe holds o Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway

His sixth career win comes in NASCAR’s rst race there since 2019

By Jay Cohen The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. — Chase Briscoe was on an o season bonding trip to the United Kingdom with crew chief James Small when the NASCAR driver discovered chocolate buttons, a popular British treat. He bought some online after he returned to the U.S., but he said it wasn’t the same.

Small purchased some on a return trip to the U.K., and he promised to share if Briscoe won on the crew chief’s birthday. That made Sunday night’s victory pretty sweet.

Briscoe held o Christopher Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway, racing to his rst Cup Series win of the season. And Small delivered the chocolates to Briscoe moments after it was over.

“They were pretty dang good,” Briscoe said.

Briscoe was followed closely by Bell in the nal laps on the 1.5-mile oval about 50 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. But Bell was unable to run down his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.

The 31-year-old Briscoe, an Indiana native, celebrated his sixth career win with a burnout before standing on his car and waving to the sellout crowd.

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to, and I’ve missed it,” Briscoe said. “It’s always been one of my top- ve tracks.”

It was Bell’s fourth runner-up nish this season. He was wearing a splint on his arm as he continues his recovery after breaking his left wrist in a crash at Michigan on June 7.

“I think he’s handled that as well as you can handle it,” team owner Joe Gibbs said. “He’s got

a burning desire to stay in there and win. I think he had, you know — he had a real good car tonight, too.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole, was third. William Byron, who won two stages while leading a race-high 94 laps, and Alex Bowman rounded out the top ve.

“I thought I was in control early on, even though I wasn’t leading,” Hamlin said. “I felt in control and probably got a little lazy on some restarts and things like that. Just taking for granted that I’ll just go up there and get it.”

NASCAR ran 19 Cup races in Joliet before pulling out after the 2019 season. It tried to build interest in the event in a crowded sports market, but the race struggled with attendance.

After racing on a street course in downtown Chicago each of the previous three years, NASCAR decided to go back to Chicagoland — eager to see how the Next Gen cars would do on the rough and bumpy asphalt at the facility. Rain on Friday and

“This

has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to.”

Chase Briscoe

Saturday caused some parking issues, but the racing was compelling.

Led by Briscoe, Bell and Hamlin, Toyota accounted for seven of the top 10 cars for the rst time in a Cup Series race — continuing a strong season for the manufacturer.

“Yeah, Toyotas are fast,” Bell said.

Driving a “Space Jam”themed car in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Looney Tunes movie, Bubba Wallace was sixth in his No. 23 Toyota Camry. Wallace is part of the 23XI Racing team that is coowned by Michael Jordan, one of the stars of the 1996 movie.

Ryan Blaney was seventh in

his seventh consecutive top-10 nish. Ty Gibbs, Corey Heim and Riley Herbst completed the top 10.

Tyler Reddick’s championship hopes were damaged by an oil leak with about 32 laps left in Stage 2. There was a long caution while Reddick’s 23XI Racing crew worked on his No. 45 Toyota in the garage, replacing the radiator because of a hole.

Reddick, who won the rst three races of the season, nished 36th. He trails Hamlin by 44 points at the top of Cup standings after he was down by one going into the weekend. Kyle Larson also had a rough day after qualifying second behind Hamlin. He was in third place when he spun out of Turn 4 on Lap 93. He drove his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet into the wet in eld grass and had to be pulled out of the mud. Larson nished 34th, extending his winless drought to 43 races. He nished second in each of the previous two Cup races at Chicagoland.

Too pushy? Gau brought to tears by interaction with anti-doping tester

The players at Wimbledon want changes to the drug testing system

By Ken Maguire The Associated Press

LONDON — Coco Gau said she was brought to tears by a “pushy” anti-doping tester. Serena Williams called the system “grueling.”

Protocols designed to protect tennis from doping are in the spotlight as players open up about their experiences navigating the system in the aftermath of a four-year ban handed to 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova — not for testing positive but for refusing to take a test.

Players are required to provide a 60-minute time slot each day to be available for testing, plus the International Tennis Integrity Agency says that if a doping control o cer “locates and noti es a player outside of that hour, they must complete the test.” Naturally, there’s a need for communication between players and testers.

“I’m not going to lie, some of them can be pushy, make you feel like you’re doing something wrong,” Gau , the No. 7 seed, said after her rst-round victory at Wimbledon.

“One time she came outside my time slot. But the way she was speaking to me on the phone, it literally made me cry afterwards,” the 22-year-old American said. “I found out I was in the right, and I didn’t have to do anything.”

Ahead of her rst-round match, Ajla Tomljanovic described her close calls.

“I’m very scared of the system because it feels broken,”

she said. “I’ve had a few experiences of my own where it was about technicalities and when I speak to people in charge they’re not helpful — I don’t want to say they don’t care — but they weren’t very helpful at all to explain things or just show some sort of compassion when I was nowhere near missing a test or testing positive.”

The Australian player said she was seeking help about how the app works.

“I was new to the whole system. And I was at two fails for a month and I knew if I get a third one accidentally I would be out for at least two, three years,” she said. “It’s in a way, I won’t say no fault of my own but it’s not to the degree of being banned and smearing your name. In that sense, I think there’s so much to improve on.” Williams, who makes her Wimbledon return on Tuesday, said the testing system was “a big reason why I didn’t want to come back either, because it’s

“I’m very scared of the system because it

Ajla

Tomljanovic

just so hard.”

The Vondrousova case

The 27-year-old Czech player, who became Wimbledon’s rst unseeded female champion when she beat Ons Jabeur in the 2023 nal, refused to take a test in early December 2025 after a doping control ofcer rang her apartment’s intercom at 8 p.m.

This month, following a hearing by an independent tribunal, Vondrousova received the maximum four-year ban for a rst o ense.

The ITIA published a video explainer of the case, saying Vondrousova on the night in question challenged the tim-

ing of the test because it was outside her designated time slot.

The agency noted: “If a Doping Control O cer, or DCO, locates and noti es a player outside of that hour, they must complete the test.”

Vondrousova had described the tester as “aggressive” and said the frequent ringing of the intercom “triggered a state of distress,” the ITIA video says.

The tribunal’s June 22 decision con rmed that Vondrousova refused the test and that the evidence “provided no compelling justi cation for doing so.”

The ITIA added that under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, “test refusals can be sanctioned as severely as positive tests.” One rationale is an athlete who is doping could simply refuse a test and seek a lighter punishment.

Last year, the ITIA said it conducted over 8,000 tests both in and out of competition “and received a handful of complaints. We take all feedback on board and encourage players to share their views with us.” Other organizations, such as the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also conduct player testing.

On possible changes to the system, the ITIA noted that tennis follows WADA rules and processes, which “will be refreshed in 2027. As part of this process, WADA consults with athletes from across global sport.”

“We understand the system can seem challenging,” the ITIA said, “but it is there to protect players, not to trip them up. If players are ever unsure about a test, have questions, or would like to provide feedback on their experience, we want to hear about it.”

America 250

STATE & NATION

Dedicated volunteers in Nashville relay calm, straight-talk info during storms

Volunteers livestream hyperlocal coverage that modern audiences trust more than traditional TV

By Travis Loller The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Anyone who has watched an episode of “9-1-1: Nashville” could be forgiven for thinking the city is constantly beset by tornadoes that turn outdoor concerts into scenes of carnage and blow scooter-riding tourists onto the tops of water towers.

That may be a TV exaggeration, but tornadoes and other dangerous storms do hit the city regularly. When they do, many people here turn to Nashville Severe Weather.

This group of dedicated volunteers can be found on social media, calmly explaining the storm movement, advising when to take cover and giving the “all clear.” The coverage by Will Minko , Andrew Leeper and Tom Johnstone draws tens of thousands of viewers who interact with them in real time. It’s a service that evokes the early promise of the internet, before the rise of the in uencer.

This is happening at a time when many people no longer watch local news and weather reports. Yet Kevin Trowbridge, who teaches strategic communication at Belmont University in Nashville, says an informal survey of his students found many are tuning in to Nashville Severe Weather.

“The millennials and Gen Z — and teaching college students, I know this all too well — their source of information is that handheld device,” he says. “It’s not turning on a TV. And it’s not even looking at a traditional media outlet’s online presence. It’s nding sources that provide them quick information when they need it.”

They are ‘prepared, not scared’

The rise of Nashville Severe Weather is a modern case study in multiple areas — a shifting tornado alley, a changing climate, the prevalence of social media and the value of instantaneous, hyperlocal information that can save the day or save lives.

The initiative has evolved over more than a decade from its origins as a Twitter feed and blog. Today, volunteers livestream on their YouTube channel whenever Nashville or surrounding counties face severe weather. Because Leeper, Minko and Johnstone all live here, they are facing the same threats as their audience.

“There’s something about Nash Severe Weather that’s different from the hobbyist enthusiast,” Trowbridge says. “I think that’s why people are following them. That’s why they are trust-

ing them. That’s why they’re tuning in and turning to them. ... It is authentic and real.”

Leeper, a church pastor, has a soothing voice and a sign on a shelf behind him that reads “prepared not scared.” He has had to leave the stream to wake up his family and hunker down in their safe space. He did so calmly, modeling the behavior of his motto. After the threat passed, he rejoined the stream.

Katherine Mo at, who works as the executive director of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants, says local TV weather can be “a little over-thetop” when storms are threatening. Nashville Severe Weather, she says, is di erent.

“They’re a little more calm and telling it to you straight,” she says. “They don’t get people overly excited.”

Tornado Alley has shifted

The need for their service has never been greater. “Tornado Alley” has been shifting from the Midwest plains to states further east, says Johnstone, a meteorologist who joined the group last year after 33 years with the National Weather Service.

“The mid-South, especially down through Alabama, Mississippi, and into Tennessee and western Kentucky, has been where tornadoes have been most frequent ... and people have been dying in the highest numbers,” he says.

Michelle Stewart gets all her weather information via push noti cations from Nashville Se-

“They’re a little more calm and telling it to you straight. They don’t get people overly excited.”

Katherine Mo at, Executive Director, Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants

vere Weather on her phone. It’s a service she found invaluable during an ice storm that left much of the city without power or internet service for days.

“They are very informative about, not just what to expect, but how to be prepared, and just giving everybody the lay of the land without it being too science-y. You know, it kind of feels like you’re talking to your neighbor,” says Stewart, a project manager at a healthcare research company. “They are so calming to me during those live events.”

Brett Withers, a former Nashville city councilman who saw two people die in his district during a 2020 tornado that killed 24 people in Tennessee, calls Nashville Severe Weather a “godsend.”

“We have so many people moving to Nashville, and they might move from places where tornadoes are rare, if they ever happen,” he says.

Low production value with a ‘volunteer heart’

The popularity of Nashville Severe Weather de es much of

the received logic about how to build an audience on social media. There’s nothing fancy or highly produced about their livestreams. They don’t try to play up danger or excitement. They certainly don’t try to chase down tornadoes or run around outside in hurricane-force winds. Their streams are visually dominated by weather radar. Minko , Leeper and Johnstone, sometimes joined by other volunteers, each stream from their own homes and appear in little boxes at the bottom or side of the screen. Graphics, when they have them at all, look like they could have been drawn by a 5-year-old. Take the beloved “Dry Air Monster,” a stick gure with an huge head and chomping Godzilla jaws.

Nashville Severe Weather co-founder David Drobny drew this to explain how dry air could “eat” snow that was headed toward Nashville. In a Southern town that usually sees snow on the ground only a few days each year, many people look forward to it as a mini-vacation. The monster’s motto is “No Snow for You.”

Its hyperlocal focus stays grounded

Their hyperlocal focus allows Nashville Severe Weather to ll a niche left open by the local TV meteorologists who have to report on dozens of counties.

“One of the things that Nash Severe can do that even the TV stations have trouble doing is

really bring it down to intersection level, school level, church level to let people know where the danger and the threat is,” Johnstone says. Their coverage is a two-way street. Audience members provide photos and video showing on-the-ground conditions and comment in the chat. Nashville Severe Weather shares that information with the National Weather Service and TV meteorologists. They also try to answer people’s questions as they stream.

Leeper remembers a day when schoolchildren were sent home because of a tornado threat. When one child commented in the chat about being home alone, his heart sank.

“We just stopped what we were saying on the stream, and I said, ‘Hey. It dawns on me that we’ve got a bunch of kiddos at home that are maybe by themselves. Hey. Here’s what you do’,” Leeper recalls. “I love those moments where we can just sort of put everything else aside to talk to the people who are listening, in whatever situation they’re in.”

It’s moments like that that help them stay grounded.

In 2023, a tornado killed a mother and young child here who lived in a trailer. Leeper didn’t know them, but he attended the visitation.

“It just creates a whole other emotion when you walk into a funeral visitation for hurting families when it’s a weather event that you covered,” he says. “It’s not all action and adventure. It really a ects people’s lives forever.”

Independence Day

Fireworks shows occurred across the nation and the state on Saturday, as the country celebrated its 250th birthday, including these from the Pinehurst Harness Track. For more photos from July 4 weekend, turn to page B3.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

US launches new strikes on Iran, revokes oil sales permit after 3 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military has attacked Iran after it said Tehran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes Wednesday came as part of an American e ort that also revoked the Islamic Republic’s ability to openly sell crude oil in the world market. Iran immediately warned Washington it would “take whatever measures it deems necessary.” That raises the risks that an interim agreement in the war halting ghting could break down, putting the wider Middle East again at risk of a wider con ict.

NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its repower as Trump demands Greenland Ankara, Turkey President Donald Trump insists the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, renewing tensions in Europe at a NATO summit. Trump spoke during a meeting with the summit host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Trump also announced the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that were imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system. This decision could ease Turkey’s re-entry into the U.S. F-35 ghter jet program. NATO is showcasing military projects worth billions, aiming to satisfy Trump. Separately, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance.

$2.00

Democrats’ narrow path to Senate majority gets rockier as Platner faces allegations

The Maine allegation complicates races Democrats considered their best chances to ip Senate seats

By Bill Barrow and Mike Catalini The Associated Press

A NEW ACCUSATION that Graham Platner once sexually assaulted a woman he was dating has rocked the U.S. Senate race in Maine and cast fresh doubt on Democrats’ path to a Senate majority.

Republicans currently have a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Maine is viewed as a necessary win for Democrats to gain the minimum of four new Senate seats. But now there’s a question of whether Platner, who de -

nied the allegation, will remain on the ballot and, if he does, whether he can defeat ve-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Here’s a closer look at the top races that Democrats are targeting.

Democrats see some pickup opportunities

ALASKA: Former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s candidacy against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan has buoyed her party.

Peltola, one of a handful of Democrats who’ve won in Republican dominated states, was the rst Alaska Native to serve in Congress, winning special and regular elections in 2022 for the state’s only House seat.

See SENATE, page A2

Small businesses having good summer as Americans travel closer to home

The shift could help reduce the nation’s travel and tourism trade de cit

By Mae Anderson The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Small business owners in U.S. tourist destinations say they’re seeing more Americans sticking closer to home this summer, trading overseas travel for road trips, choosing daylong sojourns over extended beach stays, and cooking instead of eating out while on vacation to save money. The reported boost to domestic tourism, though anecdotal, comes as higher airfares and gasoline prices have made vacations more expensive. The FIFA World Cup soccer tour -

nament and celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday have given some U.S. residents additional incentives to create summer memories without going far.

Motor club federation AAA estimated that 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and this Sunday. That’s 0.5% more than the number who got away during last year’s July Fourth travel period, but the forecasted increase is almost all due to people taking cruises, buses and trains; AAA expects no change in the number driving or ying to their destinations.

A meaningful reduction in summer globetrotting might have an upside for businesses that depend on tourists, said Tarik Dogru, an associ-

ate professor at Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality. Fewer U.S. residents heading abroad or ying across the country means more of their vacation budgets are staying local too, Dogru said.

“The current economic and tourism dynamics are likely to redirect spending toward small businesses, such as regional restaurants, local attractions, Airbnb hosts, and roadside businesses along drive routes that serve budget-conscious and close-tohome travel,” he said.

If the trend holds through the summer and the rest of the year, it could reduce a travel and tourism trade decit the United States has run since the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year since 2020,

Americans spent more on foreign travel than international visitors spent on travel-related goods and services in the U.S., according to the National Travel and Tourism O ce. Morgan Kain, a teacher in Baltimore, said her family is among the ones keeping their travel bugs in check for nancial reasons. Kain, her husband and three children usually take multiple trips each summer, including a weeklong stay at a Virginia lake house. Last year, they spent six weeks traveling around Italy.

“This summer, we’re still doing a couple overnights and the lake house, but nothing else,” Kain said. “Things are crazy expensive, from travel costs to food costs to gas.”

THURSDAY

7.9.26

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal

(USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Trip Ho end, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Ryan Henkel, Reporter PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS

David Guy, Advertising Manager Published

1201

NATO chief demands allies present credible plans to reach defense spending targets

As the U.S. draws down its security role, NATO allies face new spending expectations

By Lorne Cook and Suzan Fraser The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey — NATO Secretary-General

Mark Rutte on Monday demanded that the allies put forward “clear, concrete and credible plans” to reach the organization’s spending targets at its annual summit in Ankara.

Rutte made the remarks in the Turkish capital ahead of a two-day summit starting on Tuesday that comes at a crucial time for the alliance with the United States scaling down its security role in Europe. Washington has been pressing allies to shoulder more of the spending burden.

The 32 nations agreed last year to invest 5% of their gross domestic product on defense — 3.5% on their defense budgets and 1.5% on roads, bridges and ports so troops and

SENATE from page A1

CRIME LOG

June 29

• Erica Guzman Castro, 50, of Robbins, was arrested by Carthage PD for driving on a revoked license.

• Raydon Kayn Martinez, 24, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for assault on a female.

June 30

• Jordon Tyrell Bruton, 31, of Mint Hill, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon, carrying a concealed gun and possession of marijuana, and other charges.

• Anayeli Mejia-Flores, 34, of Robbins, was arrested by Robbins PD for driving on a revoked license.

• Katherine Cecelia Tyler, 50, of Dunn, was arrested by MCSO for no liability insurance, no operator’s license and expired registration, and other charges.

July 1

• Robert Micheal Doss, 58, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for felony stalking.

• Fredy Lisandro Guzman, 38, of Winston-Salem, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for rst-degree burglary, larceny after breaking and entering and assault on a female.

• Heather Lee Locklear, 65, of Eagle Springs, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.

July 2

• Scott Nathaniel Baylor, 34, of Robbins, was arrested by MCSO for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Michael Louis Davis, 67, of Robbins, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a stolen rearm, and other charges.

• Chrisalasis Marnee Marsh, 54, of West End, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for habitual larceny and carrying a concealed weapon.

• Timothy Ramon Robinson, 39, of Taylortown, was arrested by Taylortown PD for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Joseph Lee Smith, 61, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for communicating threats and resisting a public o cer.

July 3

• Trent Allen Stimmerman, 33, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for second-degree trespass and possession of marijuana.

July 4

• Derrick Wayne Locklear, 48, of Red Springs, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.

July 5

• Samuel Marquell Brower, 33, of Raleigh, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired, hit and run leaving the scene of an accident and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.

“President Trump fully expects that all allies will step up immediately and get on the path to 5% and do it with urgency.”

Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to NATO

equipment can move faster in con ict.

Spain endorsed the goal but said that it could ful ll NATO’s security requirements without spending so much. Some countries are still struggling to meet the alliance’s old target of 2% of GDP.

Asked what would happen to allies that don’t have a clear plan, Rutte said: “If one or two still have to be convinced, we have ways to do that.” He did not elaborate. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker suggested last week that the United States does have something in store for those who do not step up, but he declined to say what that

At center stage for the state’s Aug. 18 primary is drama involving a man running with the same name and party a liation as Sullivan. The state supreme court has said the challenger is quali ed to be on the ballot.

Peltola’s campaign and state Democrats have denied Sullivan’s allegation that they’re working with the challenger to cause confusion..

MAINE: Platner catapulted to the Democratic nomination despite earlier controversies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer initially backed sitting Gov. Janet Mills but reluctantly aligned behind Platner -- until Monday’s latest bombshell accusation.

Now, Schumer and many Democrats are pushing for Platner to withdraw. If he does that by July 13, Maine Democrats can put a replacement on the ballot. If not, Platner could have to face Collins with little to no national party support. If Platner drops out, his replacement could meet a similar challenge to what presidential candidate Kamala Harris faced in 2024, when she had a late start to appeal to a general election audience without having won the nomination in a competitive primary.

Meanwhile, Collins has won elections for 30 years despite no Republican presidential nominee, including President Donald Trump, winning Maine since 1988.

NORTH CAROLINA: Democrats landed one of their prize recruits with former Gov. Roy Cooper, who has never lost a statewide election through four terms as attorney general and two terms as governor. Republicans answered with Trump’s handpicked candidate, Michael Whatley, who’d previously served as state GOP chairman and as the Republican National Committee chairman.

Whatley was viewed as a prodigious fundraiser and ideal Trump surrogate in a state the president carried three times, and he has history on his side -- Democrats have won just two U.S. Senate races and one presidential contest in North Carolina in the last three decades.

Yet Cooper won governors races in two of Trump’s three presidential cycles and is leveraging his centrist image at a time when independents have soured on Trump. That leaves Whatley with the di cult tasks of satisfying Trump’s core supporters without alienating other vot-

might be.

“President Trump fully expects that all allies will step up immediately and get on the path to 5% and do it with urgency,” he said.

On spending among European allies and Canada, Rutte said that “the evidence we see so far is impressive.” He said that NATO estimates that they will invest a combined $258 billion more in defense in 2025 and this year than they have in previous years.

But the numbers might not be enough to satisfy the Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly lashed U.S. allies over defense spending, and in the past threatened not to come to the defense of any member not doing enough.

Trump has called for “loyalty” from NATO allies, after some of them declined to allow the use of their bases in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

“We need our allies in NATO to step up and assume leadership roles, and I mean that not only in sort of loud cheerleading but also the moral authority and the moral compass of the alliance,” Whitaker said last week.

tion in November.

ers; introducing himself to voters who don’t know him; and convincing enough North Carolina voters that they’ve been wrong about Cooper for decades.

OHIO: Democrats are counting on former Sen. Sherrod Brown to unseat Republican incumbent Jon Husted in what’s shaping up to be another expensive contest in the state — its third in four years.

The Senate Leadership Fund, a GOP super PAC, has pledged $79 million to defend Husted’s seat.

Brown served three terms in the Senate before losing a tough reelection contest in 2024.

Ohio has steadily trended Republican. But Brown won previously as an advocate of unions and the working class, and Democrats believe he can attract some of the voters who’ve helped Trump win the state three times.

Underdogs could o er surprises

IOWA: The state, which Trump won three times gives Democrats an opportunity to ip a Senate seat with twoterm Republican Sen. Joni Ernst’s retirement.

Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek faces Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has been endorsed by Trump.

Turek is a relative newcomer to elected o ce and has pointed to his experience winning in a red, Trump-won state House district as proof he could appeal to independent and moderate Republican voters in November.

Hinson is a three-term House incumbent representing northeastern Iowa, and claims Trump needs a ghter who would “always have his back.”

TEXAS: State Rep. James Talarico, a 37-year-old seminarian, has become a national fundraising phenomenon.

Talarico faces the scandal-ridden Republican nominee Ken Paxton. The Texas attorney general has weathered an impeachment attempt by his own party, a yearslong corruption investigation and public airing of his martial di culties. Through all that, Paxton has won multiple reelections.

Democrats were buoyed by their primary turnout of about 2.3 million eclipsing Republicans’ 2.2 million, something that hasn’t happened since the state ipped to Republicans in the 1990s. But the challenge for Talarico is turning that momentum into a racially, ethnically and geographically diverse coali-

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

July 9

American Legion Post 72 Veterans Car Wash Fundraiser 8 a.m.

Aberdeen American Legion Post 72 is raising funds for local veterans programs through a charity car wash running multiple dates in July. Tickets are $10 and include a Graph-X4 wash package. Additional dates within the week include July 11, 12 and 14, with the fundraiser continuing through mid-month.

Tidal Wave Auto Spa 1403 N. Sandhills Blvd. Aberdeen

Personal Enrichment Art Exhibition

7:30 a.m.

The seats Democrats have to hold

GEORGIA: Sen. Jon Osso is the only Democratic senator running for reelection this year in a state Trump won in 2024. He had no primary opposition, and he’s been a fundraising force with more than $30 million cash-on-hand as he entered the general election campaign. Ossof has attracted national attention with his unapologetic broadsides against Trump. Republican Rep. Mike Collins is playing catchup after winning a bruising GOP primary runo . He must navigate skeptical Republicans who believe he’s too conservative or controversial for this battleground state. Collins repeats Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was rigged, and he’s also facing a House ethics inquiry over allegations that he misused taxpayer money to pay the girlfriend of a former top aide.

Collins’ strongest line of attack against Osso comes on immigration. Collins sponsored the Laken Riley Act, named for a Georgia nursing student killed by a Venezuelan man in the U.S. illegally. The law, among other provisions, requires immigrants accused of certain crimes to be held without bond. Osso voted against the measure before reversing his vote after Trump returned to the White House.

MICHIGAN: Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement opens up a seat the party must hold in a key presidential battleground that Trump won twice and former President Joe Biden carried in 2020.

The Aug. 4 Democratic primary is a contest between moderate Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed. Stevens has also bene ted from heavy outside spending, including nearly $8 million from a super PAC a liated with the American Israel Public A airs Committee.

El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, has run on issues like Medicare for All and halting all U.S. weapons transfers to Israel. He has campaigned with popular-yet-controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who has millions of followers online and has said things such as that “America deserved 9/11.”

The winner is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, who lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, in 2024.

Students and instructors from Sandhills Community College’s personal enrichment art programs display original works in painting, ceramics, sculpture and photography. The exhibition runs through July 15; gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Jean Hastings Art Gallery, Katharine L. Boyd Library, Sandhills Community College 3395 Airport Road Pinehurst

July 13

SCC Jazz Band: Swingin’ in Summer 6:30 p.m.

The Sandhills Community College Jazz Band, billed as the “Sound of Swing in the Sandhills” for more than 58 years and led by Dr. Larry Arnold, performs the second concert of the summer series at BPAC’s Owens Auditorium. Admission is free; tickets are required and available through TicketMeSandhills or by calling 910-693-2516.

Owens Auditorium, Bradshaw Performing Arts Center 3395 Airport Road Pinehurst

July 15

Coen Brothers Festival: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” 7 p.m.

Sunrise Theater continues its monthlong Coen Brothers Film Festival with a screening of the 2000 comedy “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (PG-13), a Depression-era odyssey loosely based on Homer’s Odyssey. Previous festival screenings have included “The Hudsucker Proxy” and later dates feature “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski.”

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

July 17

“The Princess Bride” Outdoor Screening

8 p.m.

Sunrise Theater hosts an outdoor, pet-friendly screening of the 1987 classic “The Princess Bride” (PG). Pets must be on a leash.

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The fall of Vicksburg

That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

WHEN I WAS 19, I knew a much older man who’d grown up in 1930s Alabama.

“We didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July,” he told me. “For us, it was the day Vicksburg fell.”

Vicksburg, Mississippi, fell to Union troops on July 4, 1863. The Confederates surrendered, as was their habit. Long memories still mourn the Lost Cause of Black backs whipped bloody.

So how am I, a resident of Rhode Island, supposed to celebrate the Fourth of July this year?

When I was maybe 8 years old, reworks were illegal in Massachusetts, but my father, a bartender who invariably “knew a guy,” brought home a box of sparklers for me.

The sparkler is the lowest form of rework. It doesn’t blow up, it doesn’t make a loud noise and it doesn’t go up in the air. It’s a long wire, the top half of which is coated with some sort of chemical mix that throws o showers of silver sparks when it’s lit. You hold the sparkler by the uncoated bottom half. Those kids who hold the sparkler by the burning top half don’t do it for long.

I would use the sparklers on the top step of the three steps that went down from the kitchen door of our rented house in Taunton, Massachusetts, under the supervision of my father.

I remember the metallic brightness of the sparks against the dark sky, and my father’s deep voice.

“Be careful,” he’d say. “Don’t hold it too

close to you.”

I’ve always held things too close, and that’s true of both my memories and America.

I don’t hate America. I love America. What I hate is our gradual weakening, our string of lost or inconclusive wars, our blustering, Jesus-pimping leadership. We crow endlessly about this being “the greatest country in the world,” but the highway bridges are rotting, we don’t have enough technical skill to reline a pool and we’re pushing hard to regain the use of every vile term we’ve ever used to describe nonwhites and women.

“If you don’t like it here, why don’t you move to Iran?” I’m asked.

I can’t. I can’t go anywhere else. My ethnic heritage is so jumbled that I can only call this country my own because America is where they made a new people from French and Irish and Scottish and English, which is what I am “by blood” if you think blood sings in di erent languages.

Maybe 2 miles from our house, my uncle Kendall’s name is engraved on the town honor roll. He served in World War II and the Korean War. The honor roll is granite, and it’s dead. Kendall is dead. When he came back from his wars, he pumped gas for the rest of his working life.

I’ve touched his name where it’s cut into the stone.

It’s not as though there are no Fourth of July celebrations taking place near me, either. The worse the country gets, the bigger and

tackier the patriotic celebrations get. If we ght a draw with Iran, next Fourth of July, there will be a pro wrestling show at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The ags keep getting bigger, too. In my neighborhood, there are people ying ags bigger than the one they y outside the post o ce.

Rhode Island opted out of the Great American State Fair, as did most of the American population. Not even a speech from our rapidly failing president could save that disaster.

My wife Deborah was in charge of our yard decorations for the Fourth of July. She put out a owered ag with a peace sign in the middle. It’s a small ag, close to the ground, and it utters from a small iron stake driven into the lawn. It probably stands 2 feet high, and on either side, there are small American ags on skinny sticks.

It’s a modest display, is what it is, a little splash of peace and patriotism next to the rhododendron bush.

I’m already starting to feel protective of the little display. I don’t want it to feel bullied by the big ags that have their own tall poles. That’s all the celebrating and decorating we’ll do because America is too sad this year, and the future is too frightening.

Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”

(Copyright 2026 creators.com)

The United States has always been at war

Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy.

ONE OF THE MOST popular complaints of the younger Americans is that the United States has been bogged down in endless war and interventionism virtually their entire lifetimes.

Welcome to history. As much as we may not like it, the United States has engaged in con ict and meddling more or less since its inception. The U.S. was born in war. It expanded through war. It freed its slaves through war. It grew into a superpower through war. And until utopia exists, it’s exceedingly likely we will need to clash with those who threaten our prestige and power.

Indeed, you can look at the parallels between today’s war against the Iranian terrorist regime and our very rst foreign con ict to understand why.

From the founding, the Islamic states in Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis in North Africa were capturing American ships, demanding tolls and taking hostages. Without the protection of the British Royal Navy, President George Washington felt compelled to pay o the emirs. President John Adams was even more susceptible to blackmail, appeasing the Islamic rulers with ships, weaponry, ammunition and annual sums — let’s call them “pallets” — of gold and silver.

The Barbary States took the bounty, strung the U.S. along in negotiations, ultimately ignored the treaties they did sign and continued to take captives, murder Americans and disrupt trade.

After winning the White House in 1801, Thomas Je erson halted the payo s. His justi cations for ghting the Barbary “pirates” — a historical mischaracterization that understates the importance of the Islamic sultans who had been raiding coastal towns and ships in the Mediterranean and Atlantic for two centuries, grabbing over a million

European slaves — were more than just narrow trading interests.

When serving as ambassador in Britain in 1785, Je erson had met with Tripoli’s representative Abdul Rahman Adja and asked him why the Barbary States were targeting Americans who had shown them no hostility. Je erson, in a letter co-written by Adams, described Adja’s response in a letter to John Jay.

“The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Mussulman (Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise,” Je erson wrote.

Sounds familiar. Centuries before the modern state of Israel existed or any American military interventions in the Middle East, Je erson was confronted with Islamic supremacy. Paying tributes to these “barbarians,” Je erson later argued, not only rewarded aggression and subverted America’s standing but was in direct con ict with the ideals of the new nation.

When Je erson congratulated the Marines on their victory against the Algerians, it wasn’t merely for valiantly ghting the enemy but defeating those who “trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature.”

President James Madison also sent another naval force to Algiers in 1815 to subdue the Islamic corsairs.

Yet, in the imagination of contemporary isolationists, early American foreign entanglements were only taken on for immediate national interests, stripped of any idealism. This simply isn’t so.

And every subsequent generation saw war, as well. Initially, these were con icts of Western expansion. Soon we were involved in con icts around the world.

The Left and isolationist Right are perturbed by our interference with Venezuelan and Cuban sovereignty. But American history is littered with instances of us meddling in places including Haiti, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Cuba, again, to name a few.

“Gunboat diplomacy” was not predominantly deployed to uphold the Monroe Doctrine and eject European powers from the Western Hemisphere, but rather to intimidate and quash domestic movements that threatened American in uence.

By 1852, President Millard Fillmore famously dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan to end that nation’s isolationist policies and open trade by force, if needed. President Ulysses Grant sent another military expedition to Korea in 1871 to do the same. President Grover Cleveland sent the Navy to Samoa to protect American commercial interests from the Germans and British. None of those nations threatened American sovereignty.

Some of these con icts were more moral than others. Some back red. Some were unnecessary tragedies. Some made the world safer. The U.S. has kept Europe free of allencompassing war since 1945. Neither war nor intervention should ever be taken on lightly. The notion, however, that Americans are living through some uniquely bellicose or interventionist era is debunked by even a cursory reading of history.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 creators.com)

Vacationers are taking trips within driving distance

Despite gasoline costing more than it did a year ago, 85% of Independence Day week travelers were expected to drive to their destinations, AAA said, noting that car trips still are cheaper than ights for the most part.

Around Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, several businesses reported spotting more visitors driving in from cities along the West Coast.

Ron Williams, who owns Tahoe Sports, said he worried at the beginning of the season that customers might not show up to rent boats and Jet Skis due to economic concerns. Like the gasoline that powers cars, the price of boat fuel went up during the Iran war.

But Williams so far is “pleasantly surprised with how well the business is doing across the board.” His future bookings are 10% higher compared to the same time last year, he said.

“I think people are probably sticking close to home, and being in Lake Tahoe, we have such a huge drive-up market,” Williams said.

Increased demand for the three Lake Tahoe area rental properties that Jerry Bindel manages for Pyramid Global Hospitality also came as a relief. Ski season bookings petered out along with the snow during an unusually warm winter, but “we just saw that ip” with the arrival of hiking and boating weather, he said.

Bindel, an area general director for the property management company, said he spotted a possible sign of Tahoe visitors watching their spending: more of them skip

ping restaurants and using the kitchens in their rental units or outdoor barbecue grills to prepare their own food.

“We’re seeing a lot of additional use on those items this summer,” he said.

Locals still want to have memorable summer experiences

In Asheville, North Carolina, small business owners have hoped tourism would rebound since Hurricane Helene and ooding from days of torrential rain caused widespread destruction to the city’s landscape, buildings and infrastructure in September 2024.

Aubrey Anderson, who owns a river tubing out tter in Asheville, reduced her summer sta from 100 people to 25 after Helene. After reservations picked up earlier this year and she noticed “a lot new people coming into town,” Anderson felt encouraged enough to hire 50 workers for Zen Tubing’s current season.

The unfamiliar faces include day-trippers driving in from South Carolina, Tennessee and

other parts of North Carolina to spend several hours oating down the French Broad River for around $30 per person, Anderson said. After tubing, customers from around the region often grab a meal, stop at a brewery, shop or visit other local attractions before heading home, which is “a win for Asheville as a whole,” she said.

“We’re de nitely seeing a lot of locals, so to speak,” Anderson said. “People are maybe skipping the long drive to the beach this year, and they’re kind of doing just something close by so that they can save a little money and still enjoy a family outing.”

Factory tours o ered by French Broad Chocolate have surged this summer, according to Jael Ske ngton, the Ashe -

ville chocolate maker’s CEO and co-founder. Tour-takers often stop in the on-site cafe for ice cream or co ee and buy a box of chocolate bars or bonbons before they leave, she said. “So it’s good for business, but it also seems to be what people are looking for is something to do, not just something to eat — something to experience.”

Ske ngton said.

Cities are getting a World Cup boost

Soccer enthusiasts have poured into Kansas City, Missouri, just like other North American cities hosting World Cup matches.

Made in KC, a chain of four cafes and 11 shops that sells locally made sauces, Kansas

City-themed gifts and T-shirts for fans of the city’s professional sports teams, has gotten “really noticeable spikes of tra c” at all its locations during the tournament, co-owner Keith Bradley said. World Cup-related merchandise, including $40 hats featuring the team colors of this year’s competitors, have been a big hit, he said.

American tourists from other Midwestern cities — Des Moines and Omaha both are within a three-hour drive from Kansas City — seem to outnumber U.S. visitors from farther away, Bradley noted.

“We have a couple locations that are in tourist parts of Kansas City. ... But then we also have little shops that are just in suburban neighborhoods in Kansas City, and those have

also seen World Cup tra c of people going to watch parties, people coming in town to go to the games, and then tourists just exploring Kansas City on their own.”

Mollie Lothman, co-owner of McLain’s Bakery, a family-owned cafe with ve locations, said she thinks the cost of food and lodging in Kansas City compared to bigger or better known host cities has helped.

“We’re one of the smaller markets who got the World Cup in Kansas City, but we’re also probably one of least expensive markets, in terms of family budgeting, to try to come and experience the World Cup,” Lothman said. “So I think that’s been a huge draw for people.”

MOORE SPORTS

Sandhills Bogeys dominate the Old North State League

The summer collegiate team is on the verge of setting a singleseason wins record

North State Journal sta

BREAK UP the Bogeys.

The Sandhills Bogeys are running away with the Old North State League. The summer collegiate league team is in rst place with an eye-popping 28-3 record, 18-3 in their division and is currently riding a six-game winning streak.

The Bogeys have won backto-back divisional titles and reached the championship game in 2024. Their next win this season will set a new single-season high for victories, topping last year’s 28-10 mark.

Sandhills has won 15 of its 16 home games this season, and, when the league took a break to hold All-Star festivities, the Bogeys were all over the roster.

Coach Andy Fox was named the head coach of the East team.

The Taylorsville native is in his third season at the helm. He also coaches St. Andrews University during the school year. Fox was joined on the ONSL All-Star team by a half-dozen Bogeys players.

Pitcher Nick Duncan. The Blue eld University alum leads the league with 5 wins.

Pitcher Hunter Dakan. The Garrett College sophomore leads the league with 40 strikeouts.

Second baseman Robbie

Murphy. The USC Union sophomore is hitting .380 with .916 OPS. Third baseman Peyton Starkey. The Mars Hill senior is tied for second in the league with 32 runs scored.

DH Finley Spicer. The Aberdeen native and junior at Col-

lege of St. Scholastica leads the league with 8 home runs and 37 RBIs. He participated in the AllStar home run derby before the game.

Out elder Chris Johnson. The junior at Blue eld University is third in the league in RBIs with 29.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Moore Lucky Strikes

Special Olympics Summer Games

The Moore Lucky Strikes are Benjamin Tossas, left, and Christopher Powierski, right. The duo teamed up to represent the county at last month’s Special Olympics Summer Games in Raleigh.

Tossas and Powierski earned the trip to Raleigh with a 68 average in qualifying, then racked up 256 points in the opening round and rolled to a silver medal in the bowling doubles category.

A red card means trouble and controversy at the World Cup: Here’s what to know

The U.S. red card is not the rst, or last, the process has raised a fuss

By Jim Vertuno

The Associated Press

THE AMERICANS are seeing red over the most controversial and consequential red card so far in the World Cup.

While the United States celebrated a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, fans and players were angry and frustrated by a second-half red card that sent o star striker Folarin Balogun.

The penalty, called after the referee watched a video replay, ignited debate over whether it was too harsh and whether other players, most notably Argentina’s Lionel Messi, have unfairly avoided similar punishment.

Red cards are the most serious form of punishment in a referee’s pocket. A red card does more than just send a player out of the game. It also means the team can’t replace them and must play shorthanded. The ejected player is also suspended for the next match — and sometimes longer depending on the o ense.

The red and yellow card system of discipline was invented after the 1966 World Cup by former referee Ken Aston, who came up with the color-coded level of discipline while stopped at a tra c light.

“I thought, ‘Yellow, take it easy; red, stop, you’re o ’,” said Aston, who died in 2001.

Much is left to the referee’s discretion in the heat of play. A player who receives a second yellow card during a game is automatically ejected with a red card. Direct red cards usually result from more serious o enses, such as dangerous tackles and violent play.

Under FIFA rules, “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”

Balogun’s red card sparked a debate over whether the foul

should have been deemed intentional or just a hard tackle that would have justi ed a warning with a yellow card.

“It never was intentional,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “If the intention is to damage the opponent, OK, I understand. But that never was. It was a normal action in football that you are ghting for the ball and your feet land.”

The referee has the challenge of watching all the action all the time. In a tangle of bodies, something could be missed. FIFA introduced the use of Video Assisted Review, or VAR, in the World Cup in 2018.

In Balogun’s case, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus didn’t initially signal a card. But an order from the VAR o cials to review the replay in slow motion resulted in the red card.

That sparked another debate of whether the play looked worse and more intentional in slow motion.

Former France striker Thierry Henry, now a studio analyst for the World Cup with Fox Sports, criticized the red card.

“You need to have some common sense,” Henry said. “Where is the player supposed to put his foot there in that situation?”

Critics have been raising this question since the start of tournament as some of the top players have been entangled in questionable plays, most notably Messi.

In Argentina’s rst match, Messi’s studs-up challenge from behind caught Algeria defender Aissa Mandi on the calf and Achilles tendon. It left Mandi rolling on the ground and clutching his leg.

Messi immediately put his arms up like he didn’t mean to hack Mandi’s leg. Algeria was awarded a free kick, but the tournament’s biggest star wasn’t booked, stayed in the game nished with a hat trick.

Video clips of the Messi foul began ying around social media by the next day, and caught re again after the Balogun red card.

American defender Weston McKennie called the red card against Balogun “disappointing.” Balogun is the top scorer for the U.S. with three goals.

“I think there’s been many other plays like that throughout the tournament on other players that a card wasn’t given at all,” McKennie said.

The American’s aren’t the rst to howl over a red card and won’t be the last. The complaints come after send-o s

and no-calls alike. In 1998, England’s David Beckham was dismissed in the second half of a round of 16 match against Argentina for tripping Diego Simeone in retaliation. In 2006, England’s Wayne Rooney was sent o of a quarter nal loss to Portugal after he stomped prone Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho in the groin.

The most famous World Cup red card sent France legend Zinedine Zidane out of the 2006 nal after he headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Italy would win on penalty kicks. The most famous non-call came in the 2010 nal when the Netherlands’ Nigel de Jong wasn’t sent o for his studs-up kick into the chest of Spain’s Xabi Alonso in the rst half. Spain would win in extra time.

SIDELINE REPORT

WNBA

More than half of WNBA players miss All-Star starter vote

More than half of the WNBA’s 180 players didn’t submit their ballots for All-Star starters ahead of this month’s game in Chicago, a person familiar with the balloting told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the voting. It’s unclear why so many players didn’t cast their votes. Fan vote accounts for 50% of the overall vote while players and a media panel each are 25%. It’s been that way since 2017.

NBA

Former NBA star

Beasley pleads not guilty to gambling charges

New York Malik Beasley’s lawyer said the indicted former NBA star “wants to move on with his life” after pleading not guilty to charges that he altered his play in certain games to enrich sports bettors and ease his own debts. Beasley, the latest big name caught up in a sweeping federal gambling investigation, attentively followed along but said little at his arraignment on Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court. He answered a judge’s questions with “yes, your honor” but let his lawyer, Jason Goldman, enter his plea on his behalf.

NFL

NFL player Campbell’s brother is charged with murder after mother found dead

Atlanta

A brother of NFL player Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother in Atlanta. Police o cers found her body during a welfare check. An arrest warrant says Ciarre Campbell was found with a knife. His family told police he struggled with mental illness. He’s being held in Fulton County Jail and waived his initial court appearance Wednesday. Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, is entering his 19th NFL season. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selection with 117 career sacks.

NBA Leonard going back to Toronto after Raptors make deal with Clippers

A person with knowledge of the trade says Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Toronto Raptors, after they struck a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to reunite with the player who led their run to the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two rst-round picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap to the Clippers for Leonard.

Briscoe holds o Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway

His sixth career win comes in NASCAR’s rst race there since 2019

By Jay Cohen The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. — Chase Briscoe was on an o season bonding trip to the United Kingdom with crew chief James Small when the NASCAR driver discovered chocolate buttons, a popular British treat. He bought some online after he returned to the U.S., but he said it wasn’t the same.

Small purchased some on a return trip to the U.K., and he promised to share if Briscoe won on the crew chief’s birthday. That made Sunday night’s victory pretty sweet.

Briscoe held o Christopher Bell in NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway, racing to his rst Cup Series win of the season. And Small delivered the chocolates to Briscoe moments after it was over.

“They were pretty dang good,” Briscoe said.

Briscoe was followed closely by Bell in the nal laps on the 1.5-mile oval about 50 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. But Bell was unable to run down his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.

The 31-year-old Briscoe, an Indiana native, celebrated his sixth career win with a burnout before standing on his car and waving to the sellout crowd.

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to, and I’ve missed it,” Briscoe said. “It’s always been one of my top- ve tracks.”

It was Bell’s fourth runner-up nish this season. He was wearing a splint on his arm as he continues his recovery after breaking his left wrist in a crash at Michigan on June 7.

“I think he’s handled that as well as you can handle it,” team owner Joe Gibbs said. “He’s got

a burning desire to stay in there and win. I think he had, you know — he had a real good car tonight, too.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole, was third. William Byron, who won two stages while leading a race-high 94 laps, and Alex Bowman rounded out the top ve.

“I thought I was in control early on, even though I wasn’t leading,” Hamlin said. “I felt in control and probably got a little lazy on some restarts and things like that. Just taking for granted that I’ll just go up there and get it.”

NASCAR ran 19 Cup races in Joliet before pulling out after the 2019 season. It tried to build interest in the event in a crowded sports market, but the race struggled with attendance.

After racing on a street course in downtown Chicago each of the previous three years, NASCAR decided to go back to Chicagoland — eager to see how the Next Gen cars would do on the rough and bumpy asphalt at the facility. Rain on Friday and

“This has been a place that I’ve always loved coming to, back when we used to.”

Chase Briscoe

Saturday caused some parking issues, but the racing was compelling.

Led by Briscoe, Bell and Hamlin, Toyota accounted for seven of the top 10 cars for the rst time in a Cup Series race — continuing a strong season for the manufacturer.

“Yeah, Toyotas are fast,” Bell said.

Driving a “Space Jam”themed car in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Looney Tunes movie, Bubba Wallace was sixth in his No. 23 Toyota Camry. Wallace is part of the 23XI Racing team that is coowned by Michael Jordan, one of the stars of the 1996 movie. Ryan Blaney was seventh in

his seventh consecutive top-10 nish. Ty Gibbs, Corey Heim and Riley Herbst completed the top 10.

Tyler Reddick’s championship hopes were damaged by an oil leak with about 32 laps left in Stage 2. There was a long caution while Reddick’s 23XI Racing crew worked on his No. 45 Toyota in the garage, replacing the radiator because of a hole.

Reddick, who won the rst three races of the season, nished 36th. He trails Hamlin by 44 points at the top of Cup standings after he was down by one going into the weekend. Kyle Larson also had a rough day after qualifying second behind Hamlin. He was in third place when he spun out of Turn 4 on Lap 93. He drove his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet into the wet in eld grass and had to be pulled out of the mud. Larson nished 34th, extending his winless drought to 43 races. He nished second in each of the previous two Cup races at Chicagoland.

Guardians rookie Ingle loses track of outs, tosses ball into stands, giving away a run

Asheville native has an embarrassing moment early in his MLB career

By Tom Withers The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Rookies are prone to mistakes. Cooper Ingle made a big one he may never forget.

Cleveland’s left elder lost track of the number of outs in the seventh inning and threw the ball into the stands, allowing the Texas Rangers to score the go-ahead run in a 4-2 victory over the Guardians on Tuesday night.

“Obviously, I feel terrible,” Ingle said, his face ushed red on a warm, humid night. “It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling.”

With a runner at second base and one out in the seventh, the 24-year-old Ingle, making just his second major league start as an out elder, caught a routine y ball hit by Rangers left elder Alejandro Osuna o Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee for the second out.

Thinking it was out No. 3, Ingle brie y glanced at the ball in his glove before throwing it over the protective netting to fans as a souvenir.

The umpires immediately ruled the ball was dead and Osuna was awarded home plate. It wasn’t until then that Ingle realized his mistake and he walked back to his position in shocked disbelief. He was charged with an error.

“Yeah, honestly when I threw the ball out, I heard a bunch of yelling,” Ingle said. “Happens sometimes, but just got to learn from it and not make the same mistake.”

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who has had to plug rookies into his starting lineup all

“It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling.” Tanner Ingle

season, o ered his unwavering support to Ingle.

“These things happen,” Vogt said. “Rookie. Nonrookie. It’s happened to Hall of Famers. They’ve done it. We’re going to keep learning. We’re going to keep getting better.”

Vogt was proud of the way Ingle’s teammates quickly rallied around him following the bone-headed play.

“It’s a mistake. Lost track of the outs. Pretty big spot,” he said. “We’ll learn from it and can’t control it once it happens. That’s why I was like, ush it. And I just want to give a credit to the dugout. Every one of his teammates, when he came back in, same messaging.”

One of the rst to talk to Ingle was Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, who told him to keep his chin up.

“I’ve made so many mistakes,”

Hedges said. “I can’t even remember half of them. I’ve embarrassed myself a billion times on the eld. I mean, just check my o ensive numbers for my career. It’s not super easy to go through that, but that’s the big leagues.”

After his mistake, Ingle said he immediately apologized to Bibee (2-9), who went toe to toe with Jacob deGrom for seven innings. Bibee’s response to his teammates was to try and make things right.

“I just told him to go tie the game right back up,” Bibee said. “Obviously, we all make mistakes. Everyone in this locker room has made multiple mistakes in the big leagues, whether you’re (rookie) Khalil (Watson) or me or Hedgie. It’s tough.” Ingle was brought up from Triple-A Columbus last week. He made his big league debut on June 26 and got his rst major league hit the next day, a two-run single against Seattle.

After his elding foible, Ingle came up in the bottom of the seventh and grounded out. He got another chance in the ninth to avenge his ga e

but struck out looking for the game’s nal out.

What’s most important now is that he move forward.

“Obviously learn from it and think about it,” he said. “It’s not something that makes you feel great, but things like that happen for a reason and learning from those things and moving on and getting better from them, it’s pretty much the only thing you can do.”

Vogt said the mistake doesn’t a ect his belief in Ingle.

“We’re going to help him through it. That’s what we’re here for,” he said. “You’re playing in your second game in the out eld in the big leagues and a mistake like that. Let’s learn. So what? It’s over. Flush it. We’re not going to be mad at him.

“We’re not going to hold it against him. He’s going to be right back out there the next time it’s his turn to play outeld. This was a mistake. This isn’t a judgment or anything like that, but we know how good of a player Coop is and we’re going to stick with him and we’re going to keep helping him.”

America 250

STATE & NATION

Dedicated volunteers in Nashville relay calm, straight-talk info during storms

Volunteers livestream hyperlocal coverage that modern audiences trust more than traditional TV

By Travis Loller The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Anyone who has watched an episode of “9-1-1: Nashville” could be forgiven for thinking the city is constantly beset by tornadoes that turn outdoor concerts into scenes of carnage and blow scooter-riding tourists onto the tops of water towers.

That may be a TV exaggeration, but tornadoes and other dangerous storms do hit the city regularly. When they do, many people here turn to Nashville Severe Weather.

This group of dedicated volunteers can be found on social media, calmly explaining the storm movement, advising when to take cover and giving the “all clear.” The coverage by Will Minko , Andrew Leeper and Tom Johnstone draws tens of thousands of viewers who interact with them in real time.

It’s a service that evokes the early promise of the internet, before the rise of the in uencer.

This is happening at a time when many people no longer watch local news and weather reports. Yet Kevin Trowbridge, who teaches strategic communication at Belmont University in Nashville, says an informal survey of his students found many are tuning in to Nashville Severe Weather.

“The millennials and Gen Z — and teaching college students, I know this all too well — their source of information is that handheld device,” he says. “It’s not turning on a TV. And it’s not even looking at a traditional media outlet’s online presence. It’s nding sources that provide them quick information when they need it.”

They are ‘prepared, not scared’

The rise of Nashville Severe Weather is a modern case study in multiple areas — a shifting tornado alley, a changing climate, the prevalence of social media and the value of instantaneous, hyperlocal information that can save the day or save lives.

The initiative has evolved over more than a decade from its origins as a Twitter feed and blog. Today, volunteers livestream on their YouTube channel whenever Nashville or surrounding counties face severe weather. Because Leeper, Minko and Johnstone all live here, they are facing the same threats as their audience.

“There’s something about Nash Severe Weather that’s different from the hobbyist enthusiast,” Trowbridge says. “I think that’s why people are following them. That’s why they are trust-

ing them. That’s why they’re tuning in and turning to them. ... It is authentic and real.”

Leeper, a church pastor, has a soothing voice and a sign on a shelf behind him that reads “prepared not scared.” He has had to leave the stream to wake up his family and hunker down in their safe space. He did so calmly, modeling the behavior of his motto. After the threat passed, he rejoined the stream.

Katherine Mo at, who works as the executive director of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants, says local TV weather can be “a little over-thetop” when storms are threatening. Nashville Severe Weather, she says, is di erent.

“They’re a little more calm and telling it to you straight,” she says. “They don’t get people overly excited.”

Tornado Alley has shifted

The need for their service has never been greater. “Tornado Alley” has been shifting from the Midwest plains to states further east, says Johnstone, a meteorologist who joined the group last year after 33 years with the National Weather Service.

“The mid-South, especially down through Alabama, Mississippi, and into Tennessee and western Kentucky, has been where tornadoes have been most frequent ... and people have been dying in the highest numbers,” he says.

Michelle Stewart gets all her weather information via push noti cations from Nashville Se-

“They’re a little more calm and telling it to you straight. They don’t get people overly excited.”

Katherine Mo at, Executive Director, Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants

vere Weather on her phone. It’s a service she found invaluable during an ice storm that left much of the city without power or internet service for days.

“They are very informative about, not just what to expect, but how to be prepared, and just giving everybody the lay of the land without it being too science-y. You know, it kind of feels like you’re talking to your neighbor,” says Stewart, a project manager at a healthcare research company. “They are so calming to me during those live events.”

Brett Withers, a former Nashville city councilman who saw two people die in his district during a 2020 tornado that killed 24 people in Tennessee, calls Nashville Severe Weather a “godsend.”

“We have so many people moving to Nashville, and they might move from places where tornadoes are rare, if they ever happen,” he says.

Low production value with a ‘volunteer heart’

The popularity of Nashville Severe Weather de es much of

the received logic about how to build an audience on social media. There’s nothing fancy or highly produced about their livestreams. They don’t try to play up danger or excitement. They certainly don’t try to chase down tornadoes or run around outside in hurricane-force winds. Their streams are visually dominated by weather radar. Minko , Leeper and Johnstone, sometimes joined by other volunteers, each stream from their own homes and appear in little boxes at the bottom or side of the screen. Graphics, when they have them at all, look like they could have been drawn by a 5-year-old. Take the beloved “Dry Air Monster,” a stick gure with an huge head and chomping Godzilla jaws.

Nashville Severe Weather co-founder David Drobny drew this to explain how dry air could “eat” snow that was headed toward Nashville. In a Southern town that usually sees snow on the ground only a few days each year, many people look forward to it as a mini-vacation. The monster’s motto is “No Snow for You.”

Its hyperlocal focus stays grounded

Their hyperlocal focus allows Nashville Severe Weather to ll a niche left open by the local TV meteorologists who have to report on dozens of counties.

“One of the things that Nash Severe can do that even the TV stations have trouble doing is

really bring it down to intersection level, school level, church level to let people know where the danger and the threat is,” Johnstone says. Their coverage is a two-way street. Audience members provide photos and video showing on-the-ground conditions and comment in the chat. Nashville Severe Weather shares that information with the National Weather Service and TV meteorologists. They also try to answer people’s questions as they stream.

Leeper remembers a day when schoolchildren were sent home because of a tornado threat. When one child commented in the chat about being home alone, his heart sank.

“We just stopped what we were saying on the stream, and I said, ‘Hey. It dawns on me that we’ve got a bunch of kiddos at home that are maybe by themselves. Hey. Here’s what you do’,” Leeper recalls. “I love those moments where we can just sort of put everything else aside to talk to the people who are listening, in whatever situation they’re in.”

It’s moments like that that help them stay grounded.

In 2023, a tornado killed a mother and young child here who lived in a trailer. Leeper didn’t know them, but he attended the visitation.

“It just creates a whole other emotion when you walk into a funeral visitation for hurting families when it’s a weather event that you covered,” he says. “It’s not all action and adventure. It really a ects people’s lives forever.”