spirit of giving
The Salvation Army of Chatham County assembled more than 1,000 presents for 424 local families in need this year, with wish lists sent in from parents (by way of Santa!) with exactly what their kids wanted this Christmas. The gifts were picked up from the National Guard Armory in Siler City on Tuesday morning, just in time for Christmas delivery.
RFK Jr. visits Capitol Hill ahead of his confirmation hearing Washington, D.C.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has swept onto Capitol Hill. The nominee is reintroducing himself to senators as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the nation’s Health and Human Services Department. His arrival Monday was the start of a long process to win over senators. Health and Human Services, the world’s largest public health agency, has a broad reach overseeing food and medicines used every day.
“I’m open,” GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said of his support for Kennedy’s nomination.
“(But) if you come in and say I won’t consider myself successful unless I eliminate these vaccines, that could be problematic.”
More Cooper lieutenants staying on in Stein’s Cabinet
Raleigh
Several more top lieutenants of outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper have agreed to work for fellow Democrat and successor Josh Stein’s administration. They include Cooper’s transportation and public safety secretaries and the state budget director — all of whom will stay in their current posts. Each of them have had significant roles responding to Hurricane Helene. Stein already said this week that two other Cooper department secretaries will be on his team as well — albeit leading new departments. Stein was elected governor last month and will take his oath of office next month.
$2.00
The Chatham County Commission will provide up to $2 million for the addition air conditioning in six school gymnasiums
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
PITTSBORO — Chatham
County Schools looks to be moving ahead with the procurement
of air conditioning for six of its school gymnasiums.
At the Chatham County Schools Board of Education’s Dec. 9 regular business meeting, the board approved a contract with the Chatham County Board of Commissioners in order to appropriate an amount not to exceed $2 million of ARPA funding for the provision of HVAC in six gymnasiums.
“The county reached out to us a few months back and had
some money that they had borrowed that may possibly be needing to be spent,” said Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris Blice. “This would allow us to move forward with the CIP project that we had scheduled already, to add air conditioning to six of our gymnasium, if the legislature passes the funding that they are in the process of looking at.”
Currently, the deadline to obligate ARPA State and Lo -
Eighty-one percent of partisan seats up for grabs went to Republican candidates
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
RALEIGH — Election re -
sults this year continue a trend of Republicans gaining control of school boards and winning more school board races than Republicans.
In 2013, only 10 school boards out of the state’s 115 statewide districts held partisan elections, but as the number of partisan board races has grown, so have
Republican gains. During 2022’s elections, 41 of the 83 districts holding elections that year were partisan races and Republicans picked up 20 while Democrats took four. Of the 137 partisan seat races that year, Republicans won 103 (75%) and Democrats won 34 (25%).
600,000 people have enrolled in half the time as expected
The Associated Press
RALEIGH — More than 600,000 people have enrolled in North Carolina’s new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults about a year after the program’s expansion, reaching the state’s enrollment goal for the program in about half the time that was originally projected, the governor’s office announced on Monday.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, a vocal advocate for Medicaid expansion throughout his two terms in office, called the enrollment numbers a “monumental achievement.” “From day one, we set out to
get people covered and get them care. Now, more than 600,000 people have the peace of mind that they can go to the doctor, get needed medications and manage their chronic health conditions — that’s life-changing,” Cooper said in a statement. Cooper will leave office at the end of the year because of term limits.
Despite opposition in the GOP-controlled General Assembly for several years, Medicaid expansion in North Carolina passed with bipartisan support last year after Congress offered states more financial incentives to join the program. The federal government foots 90% of the expansion costs under the program. In just the first few weeks of
See MEDICAID, page A2
“More than 600,000 people have the peace of mind that they can go to the doctor, get needed medications and manage their chronic health conditions.”
Gov. Roy Cooper
“This will leave us with just three gyms that are not air conditioned. … We need to do anything we can do to speed the process up for those three schools.”
Board Chair Gary Leonard
cal Fiscal Recovery Funds is Dec. 31, and the deadline to spend those funds is by the end of 2026.
According to Blice, if approved, any extra funds needed
For the 2024 November election, of the 292 school board seats on ballots across North Carolina, 170 were partisan races, or roughly 52%. Not considering any possible recounts and based on the unofficial results, Republicans continued to dominate, winning 138 seats or 81%. Democrats won 26 or 15.2%.
There were 53 districts considered partisan in the lead up to the 2024 election. Four districts became partisan due to legislation passed during the
CRIME LOG
Dec. 10
• Oscar Ronald Martinez, 47, of Chapel Hill, was arrested for felony conspiracy and larceny from construction site.
• Hudy Santiago PascualJoj, 43, of Chapel Hill, was arrested for driving while impaired, driving left of center and no operator’s license.
Dec. 11
• Pruitt Roland Jones, 33, of Goldston, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture/ sell/deliver cocaine, and maintaining a vehicle/ dwelling for controlled substances.
• Kevin Jerome Wallace, 43, of Goldston, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture/ sell/deliver cocaine, and maintaining a vehicle/ dwelling for controlled substances.
• Lashaun Shamel White, 34, of Salisbury, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine.
Dec. 13
• Cory Terrell Wilkerson, 34, of Siler City, was arrested for driving while license revoked, resisting a public officer, and possession of marijuana up to ½ oz.
Dec. 14
• Michael Anthony Lunsford, Jr., 63, of Apex, was arrested for sexual battery.
Dec. 15
• Vicki Marie Blackwell, 49, of Hillsborough, was arrested for larceny.
SCHOOL from page A1
2023-24 long session: Catawba, Hickory City, Newton-Conover City, Pamlico and Polk. Of the partisan school boards holding an election this year, Republicans picked up control of seven more, going from 31 to 38. Democrats did not add to their tally, but did maintain control over the same six they held heading into the November election; Anson, Guilford, Lenoir, Mad-
MEDICAID from page A1
the program’s rollout, the state had 300,000 North Carolinians — half of its goal — enroll in Medicaid expansion. North
ison, Vance and Washington.
The number of partisan school board races will rise in 2026. Two districts passed referendums this November changing the method of their elections from nonpartisan to partisan; Alexander County Schools District with 52.78% in favor and Rowan-Salisbury Schools District with 55.4% in favor.
Race and referendum results for each county can be accessed using the Elections
Carolina is part of a handful of Southern states that now participate in the program.
More than a third of expansion enrollees come from rural communities, according to
Of the partisan school boards holding an election this year, Republicans picked up control of seven more, going from 31 to 38.
Results Dashboard on the NC State Board of Elections website at er.ncsbe.gov.
Cooper’s office. About 4.1 million prescriptions related to heart health, diabetes and other diseases have been filled so far because of the new coverage, the governor’s office said.
• 298 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.40 Acres, 3 Bedroom/2 Bath, $600,000
• 557 Olives Chapel Road, (Apex),12.802 Acres, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, $2,500,000
• 209 Democracy Place (Apex), 4.62 Acres, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, $1,750,000
• 873 Arrowhead Loop (Pittsboro), 11.06 Acres, 3 Bedrooms/3.5 Bathrooms, $725,000
• 4147 Siler City Snow Camp Road (Siler City), 57.43 Acres, 5 Separate Living Spaces, $2,750,000
LAND
• 188 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill),1.150 Acres, $100,000
• 170 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill),1.150 Acres, $100,000
• 9311 NC Highway 87 (Pittsboro), 4.602 Acres, $225,000
• 9231 NC Highway 87 (Pittsboro), 5.630 Acres, $250,000
• 48 Swimming Chicken Lane (Pittsboro), 5.060 Acres, $500,000
• 24 Swimming Chicken Lane (Pittsboro), 9.470 Acres, $750,000
• 8636/8710 Johnson Mill Road (Bahama),182.888 Acres, $3,240,000
LAND
RESIDENTIAL
• 389 Dewitt Smith Road (Pittsboro), 9.109 Acres, 3
Bedroom/2 Bathroom, $525,000
• 83 Karen Calhoun Road (Pittsboro), 4.36 Acres, 3 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms, $800,000
• 4662 Buckhorn Road (Sanford), 1.31 Acres, 2 Bedrooms/1 Bathroom, $200,000
• 00 Hamlets Chapel Road (Pittsboro),118.742 Acres, $4,250,000
• 00 Olives Chapel Road (Apex), 33.66 Acres, $3,500,000
• 0 JB Morgan Road (Apex), 21.00 Acres, $825,000
• 0 Panama Terrace (Durham), .420 Acres, $38,000
• 0 Mt. Gilead Church Road (Pittsboro), 1.643 Acres, $175,000
THIS WEEK’S VIDEO
5 Types of Real Estate Investing Partnerships
• 292 Choice Trail (Pittsboro), 4.100 Acres, $285,000
• 0 Chatham Church Road (Moncure),15.94 Acres, $750,000
• 323 Wagon Trace (Pittsboro), 10.255 Acres, $325,000
• 0 Pasture Branch Road (Rose Hill), 29.00 Acres, $1,250,000
• 0 US 64 W (Siler City), 9.670 Acres, $4,500,000
• 37 E Cotton Road (Pittsboro), 0.996 Acres, $100,000 COMMERCIAL IMPROVED
• 140 &148 East Street (Pittsboro), 1.49 Acres, $1,350,000
• 0 Moonrise Meadow Drive (Siler City), 20.66 Acres, $160,000
COMMERCIAL IMPROVED
• 1311 Old US 421 S (Siler City), 3.74 Acres, $260,000 COMMERCIAL UNIMPROVED
• 1700 Hillsboro Street (Pittsboro), 29.79 Acres, $4,500,000
• 10681 US Hwy 64 E (Apex), 3.97 Acres, $1,000,000
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:
December Delights at Pittsboro Gallery of Arts
5-8 p.m.
Come visit Pittsboro Gallery on its regular third Friday, Dec. 20, for this year’s holiday event. Unusual ornaments as well as holiday gift items will be available for purchase. While there, you’ll find work in various mediums: paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, fiber arts and a variety of wood works.
44-A Hillsboro St. Pittsboro
Relay Relay Concert at Havoc Brewing
6 p.m.
A musical performance by the feel-good indie pop husband-and-wife songwriting duo of Hannah and Jamie Rowen. Powerful vocal melodies, vibey guitar riffs, dreamy synths and rich harmonies woven together with a strong pop sensibility.
39 West Street Pittsboro
Pittsboro’s Bazaar Night Market-Last Minute Gift Market
4-8 p.m.
Reclamation and The Plant invite you to another magical night market! Come join us and the rest of your community for some local last-minute shopping! Lots of gift vendors, live music, adult beverages, fire pits, the moon and stars. Let every season be the reason to shop local!
220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro
Donald Davis Annual Storytelling
11 a.m. to noon
Fearrington Village is delighted to welcome back their beloved friend and storyteller, Donald Davis, for their Annual Storytelling. After a hiatus last year, their fundraiser for the Chatham food pantry, CORA, is back. Please bring canned goods and/or a monetary donation to support our Chatham food pantry. Purchase tickets at 919-542-4000. Fearrington Barn Market Street Pittsboro
Dec. 24
Starrlight Mead –Open Christmas Eve 1-5 p.m.
Just in case Santa needs a bit of last-minute help, we’ll be
from 1-5 pm wrapping up the bottles of mead for you!
130
By Melinda Burris Chatham News & Record
THE DELTA DENTAL
Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of North Carolina, is awarding grants of up to $5,000 to groups that provide oral care and hygiene education for children, particularly in communities with limited access to dental care. The Smiles for Kids
initiative is open to applicants from every county in North Carolina, and the organizers are especially keen to support first-time applicants.
DDF will accept grant applications through Jan. 5. The evaluation committee will focus on three key factors: how the grant money will be used to help children, make a positive difference in the community and provide tangible results.
“Tooth decay is the most common, chronic childhood disease,” said Curt Ladig, CEO of Delta Dental of North Carolina, in a press release. “We know that the dental services and oral health education Smiles for Kids grantees provide can help prevent it.”
To get an application, grant guidelines and additional information, visit deltadentalnc. com/smilesforkids.
Sales in NoVi are expected to begin next Spring
By Melinda Burris Chatham News & Record
CHATHAM PARK, the
8,500-acre master-planned community that first broke ground in 2014 and opened its first residential neighborhood in 2020, is expanding once again with the unveiling of NoVi. The newest development,
called NoVi (short for North Village), will comprise 600 residential spaces ranging from single-family homes to cottages, villas and townhomes. The existing Encore community for those 55 and older is located within NoVi.
“Chatham Park offers a variety of neighborhoods and something for every age, life stage and interest. NoVi will showcase its own unique character and style, featuring beautiful homes that embody the vision
Each year, Central Electric sponsors two rising high school juniors or seniors on the trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C. in connection with the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. While in D.C., you’ll join 1,800 other students from across the country to meet members of Congress and learn more about American history and electric cooperatives.
of Chatham Park,” said Vanessa Jenkins of Preston Development, the company building the community.
NoVi is located near several amenities, including parks and businesses within Chatham Park such as the new Chatham Park YMCA. The neighborhood is also adjacent to the proposed site of a future Chatham County school. Sales are expected to begin this spring. Learn more about NoVi at chathampark.com/novi.
Sandy Branch wishes everyone a very blessed Christmas and invites you to join us as we celebrate our Savior’s birth. On Dec. 22, our Sunday School will begin at 9:30 a.m., and a special worship service will follow at 10:30 a.m. A play by the Skit Guys entitled “The Christmas Dilemma” will be shown. When an infant Savior arrives, five ordinary people find their lives turned upside down and forever changed. The stories of Mary, Joseph, a Wise Man, a Shepherd and the Innkeeper all point to the miraculous birth of Jesus and the impacts His life will have on them (and the world). Our annual Christmas Eve service will be held on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. We will be sharing the Christmas Story through Scripture and songs. You are welcome to join us at 715 Sandy Branch Church Road in Bear Creek.
Luke 2:11: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
The trip will be hosted in June 2025 and the deadline for all applications is Jan. 20. Scan the QR code or visit CEMCPower.com to apply or to find out more information.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J McEvoy of Siler City will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 20. They were married Dec. 20, 1964, at Finch Chapel on the campus of Greensboro College in Greensboro. They have two daughters, Elizabeth and Caroline.
Congratulations Jane and Joe!
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
I focused on the gorgeous harmonies filling the sanctuary, yet kept in mind the scary reality outside the walls.
THE CHURCH WAS FULL , but not for Christmas Eve services.
Last Saturday, Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church hosted an all‑women chorus known as the Sirens of Chatham. They sang a variety of Christmas hymns and secular tunes, spanning Latin texts from the 12th century to folk songs of the past 50 years, including the likes of Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Chapel Hill legend James Taylor. Dawn Landes, an internationally known singer and songwriter, directed and organized these volunteers. Landes had performed with a similar choir in Brooklyn, and she brought the same idea to our community.
This concert was not only about soul‑stirring music but also raising money for Second Bloom, a nonprofit “dedicated to providing person centered support and resources for survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence in Chatham County, North Carolina.”
| BOB WACHS
According to the CDC, more than half of all American women and almost one in three men experience sexual violence during their lifetimes. One in four women suffers completed or attempted rape.
Last Saturday, I sat on the front row next to my 7 year old daughter. I focused on the gorgeous harmonies filling the sanctuary, yet kept in mind the scary reality outside the walls. My girl snuggled next to me, and I reflected that I would not always be there to put my arm around her.
I’m grateful for Landes and the Sirens of Chatham for their musical performance as well as highlighting the work of Second Bloom. While education and awareness can save lives, I believe that inspiration moves us more than statistics. Something beautiful, such as choral music, can inspire us to make a positive difference.
I mentioned the Sirens treated their audience to a James Taylor song. “That Lonesome Road” is not his most famous
hit, and, honestly, it’s somewhat of a sad song: “Walk down that lonesome road, all by yourself.” Even so, I heard inspiration in the chorus: “Carry on, carry on, carry on.” I hope that individuals not only find the courage to continue, but they also find support as they journey ahead. Feminist author bell hooks wrote, “Rarely are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” An individual can read a lyric on a page; it takes a choir to sing in harmony. You or I might be appalled by statistics of violence; it takes a community to make our world a safer place. My daughter rested her head on my lap as these talented, dedicated voices reminded me once again that we draw strength from one another and carry on. 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, coffee drinker and student of joy.
Regardless of the who, what, when, where, how and why, they all add to the fabric of our lives and make them richer.
MR. WEBSTER , in his book of words, defines “tradition” as “an inherited, established or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior” and as “the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.”
He actually goes on to say a few more things, but that about seems to cover the big picture.
And nowhere, it seems, is tradition more alive and active than at Christmas. We all have traditions, and they cover the gamut from the sublime to the silly and everywhere in between. Some are years, even decades and generations, in the making, while others may be as fresh as the snow we can’t see to get any of lately. They revolve around family and friends and faith. Some are short and simple, while others take a bit longer to come to pass. But regardless of the who, what, when, where, how and why, they all add to the fabric of our lives and make them richer.
I remember that as a little guy, we got our Christmas tree from the woods. Dad would go out on the appointed day and, in time, come back with a cedar tree he’d found on land he knew he could explore. They always smelled so good when Mama would bring them into the house and set them in the living room in front of the corner windows. We had those big multicolored bulbs that, in time, would see the paint come off, turning them into two toned versions.
Today, the tradition at our place is small white bulbs, mostly at the request years ago of the two 40 somethings, although only one today fits that
description, who used to be teenagers who lived at my house. And while it’s always a work of art when their mama finishes the task, I wouldn’t mind seeing those big gaudy bulbs one more time ... especially if we could add the shiny metal strings of garland and the loose icicles I used to throw at the tree.
Mama would also tape all the Christmas cards she and Daddy got in the mail onto the doors in our dining room. It was always interesting to see how many of the same cards came from different folks. It was also always interesting to try to figure out who a few were from because there was either no name or nobody knew who Clem and Sally Jo were or how they knew us. Today, most of the cards that come in — and there aren’t as many as before — look strangely like photo albums, and many times, there’s no reference to Christmas. Not saying that’s a bad thing because it’s nice to see how the kids have grown, but sometimes it does make me wonder just what that has to do with the birth of Jesus.
Another tradition at my childhood home was that someone — Santa or Mama or Daddy or somebody — would leave some shoeboxes full of nuts and fruit and candy and such under the tree. Talk about smelling good; sometimes, I’d wait about 10 minutes before tearing into the Milky Way or Three Musketeers there. After a few days, the supply of the good stuff like that would be getting thin, and inevitably, my two older brothers would fulfill another family tradition and raid my box and take my candy and leave a Brazil nut or two or some shriveled raisins in its place.
We also had a tradition that allowed
us to open one present on Christmas Eve. Why, I don’t know. Just like Mr. Webster said, there weren’t any written instructions. Today my group still sort of practices that tradition. As time has moved on, others have been added. For several years, the folks in the congregation where I am have had a candlelight Christmas Eve Communion service. As we gather in the chill of the night outside the church doors and sing and hear “Silent Night” I get just a glimpse of what I think the night outside Bethlehem was like that night long ago.
For years, each Christmas, I would read and reread “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” when the Chatham News/ Record ran it on the editorial page. And for the longest time, local radio station WNCA had Mrs. Mattie Walden read the Christmas Story — the real one — from the Book where it first appeared. Miss Mattie now spends her Christmases in the Place where it originated, in the company of son Bill, but I wonder if Barry Hayes saved a taped copy of her reading, and it might be lying around in the studios somewhere. Maybe so, and I just haven’t caught it since she went on to her new home, and the station has new owners.
There are others, of course, and no doubt you have yours. They are important; savor them. Treasure them. Enjoy them. And, by all means, be sure to pass them on ...
Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
“OMG, this is how my brain works? I need to do something, quick!”
MY MOST RECENT unexpected learning curve began with a golden oldie. (The Beatles? The Stones?) No, no, with this well worn chestnut: “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”
A refrain that harks way, way back to my childhood and my defiance in response to name calling. Yelling back at an erstwhile bully usually left me standing straighter and feeling more upstanding. (Look at me! I’m wearing my Batman cape!)
Flipping that childhood chestnut on its head, what if, inadvertently, I’m the one casting a dark shadow of words in my own direction? Whoa! Why would I do that?! I’m a kind and peaceful presence (most of the time.)
Yes, to the your (mostly) kind and peaceful presence, but let’s face it, you’re oh so human, too. You may have noticed, that as humans, geez, we are kind of imperfect, certainly not all seeing or omniscient. (Although, admittedly, I do try to leave the impression of omniscience, at times. Another hallmark of being all‑too human — showing off.)
Casting verbal negativity in my own direction? First, you need to know I’m a brain science nerd. “OMG, this is how my brain works? I need to do something, quick!”
I tend to follow current brain neuroscience research as an outgrowth of my nerd inclinations,. (Are you yawning yet? Please hang in. The interesting part is on the way. Swearing to you on my coveted Girl Scout
COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH
This is how Mangione ends up being a folk hero.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN that an alleged murderer has become a folk hero, that literally millions of people in this country have taken his side — in social media, at least, if not as potential jurors — in a case of cold blooded murder? What does it mean that the McDonald’s employees who reported him have had to resort to police protection to deal with the threats against them? It would be shocking, if it weren’t so understandable.
Our health care system is broken. It causes unbelievable suffering. Of course it is wrong to take pleasure in the murder of anyone. But understandable? Yes.
Luigi Mangione is “hot.” That certainly adds to his appeal. But what is driving the reaction to his crime is not his good looks but the almost universal frustration with health insurance companies, and the trials and tribulations of dealing with them.
The question: Is Trump listening? Does he get it?
The Affordable Care Act allowed millions of Americans to buy into a system that previously excluded them if they had preexisting conditions. I remember the bad old days, when you just couldn’t get health insurance if you weren’t healthy. I remember trying to purchase a PPO plan for my nanny, similar to what I received from my employer, who had gastritis. She took a Nexium every day. That was enough for her to be turned down by all the PPO plans. The only plan I could buy for her was Kaiser Permanente’s HMO, which later saved her life, and then later failed to provide her with the preventive care that should have diagnosed her cancer before it was Stage 4. Trust me, I can hold my own in the HMO horror stories that I used to tell on my talk radio show.
By the time my kids aged out of my own health insurance plan, the ACA — Obamacare — had made it possible to buy into PPO plans for individuals, without regard to preexisting conditions. Thank God, and the government. Until you get sick. Then you discover all the things that even the most expensive plans you can buy don’t cover. Then you discover the nightmare that is supposed to be the best health care system in the world. For some, maybe. My daughter has long COVID. As anyone
chocolate thin mint cookies.)
Recently, I found an article explaining how words, my very own words, can degrade my self perception. Ouch! Maintaining a positive sense of self, in our conflicted world, is hard enough without shoveling verbal detritus in my own direction. You know?
“Catastrophizing language … can negatively affect mental health. Over time, our mind believes what we are saying to ourselves. Optimistic words prime us to see a brighter future. And negative words keep us stuck.”
My reaction to this light bulb activation? Thank heavens, Pollyanna, too gooey and overly optimistic, is not my model for how I want to present in the world. But wounding myself, over a period of time, with my own words? Wouldn’t that be unintended self flagellation? Not on my bucket list …
Am I able to turn around my, sometimes, foundering ship, floating on periodic, deeply, negative words? Slowly. That’s how we human seem to work. Very slowly. I’ve not been able to control many things on my human journey. Nonetheless, my heart and mind still belong to me as long as I continue to, consciously, nurture them. (Jan, keep remembering “conscious, conscious, conscious….”)
Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.
LAST WEEK, a deranged 26 year old anti capitalist allegedly shot to death the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, on the streets of New York.
The alleged shooter carried a manifesto with him, decrying the nature of America’s health care system:
“Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” The manifesto claimed that America spends more than any other country on health care, and yet “we rank roughly #42 in life expectancy,” and that this was due to insurance companies that “continue to abuse our country for immense profit because the American public has allowed them to get away with it. Obviously the problem is more complex, but I do not have space, and frankly I do not pretend to be the most qualified person to lay out the full argument.”
The more we make, the more we spend on health care.
who suffers from it knows, and there are millions of people who do, long COVID does not just mean that it takes you longer than most to recover from COVID. The virus triggers a host of horrible syndromes, including chronic fatigue syndrome and postexertion malaise.
It leaves many of its sufferers house bound if not bed bound. There is no known cure. So even the best doctors who specialize in it (and all seem to be “out of network”) are left trying to alleviate its symptoms with experimental treatments, using drugs off‑label to see if they work. Almost none of it is covered by insurance. What are people without money to pay for all of it out of pocket supposed to do?
I used to be good at fighting with insurance companies. My sister, who used to work for a major insurance company on health care claims, taught me all the tricks of getting supervisors, threatening to go to the state insurance commissioner, cutting through the bureaucracy.
I remember some years ago, I managed to help a secretary at my old firm reverse a decision denying her — on the eve of surgery — approval for desperately needed back surgery by intuiting the email address of the medical director and pretending to know him. But it takes more energy than people fighting serious illness can muster to also fight with insurance companies.
It’s gotten harder, and these days, I mostly give up and take out my credit card. This is how so many people end up bankrupt because of medical care costs. This is how Mangione ends up being a folk hero.
Asked what he would replace the Affordable Care Act with, Donald Trump said only that he had “concepts” of a plan. That just won’t do. Is he willing to reform the system — take on the private insurance lobby?
There is no sign that he is. And the industry, instead of hiring more private security for its leaders, needs to take on the frustration and anger that has come boiling to the surface in the reaction to the assassination of the CEO.
Greater transparency is essential. Better customer service is essential.
Something has to change.
Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.
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.
Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com
It is generally useless to argue with the criminally insane — and the alleged shooter in this case appears to have experienced a mental break some months ago due to both drug abuse and severe chronic back pain — but the problem is that the shooter’s view has become shockingly common.
Many Americans believe that American health care is uniquely deficient; far more disturbingly, a certain cadre of elite Americans now cheer murder because they’re upset with the health care system.
The first claim — that America’s health care system is uniquely terrible — is simply belied by the facts.
Health care, like any other service or good, is not free; it obeys the simple laws of economics, which suggest that scarcity is a basic condition of life.
Health care is not unlimited, nor can it be made so absent extraordinary spending levels.
The United States, as it turns out, follows the same pattern as nearly every other developed country: The more we make, the more we spend on health care. That is just as true for the U.K. or Norway as it is for the United States.
Furthermore, spending on health care is subject to the law of diminishing returns: additional moneys spent do not necessarily equate to additional life expectancy. That is true across countries as well. Finally, the United States’ population has a uniquely high proportion of overweight citizens, drug abusers and car accident victims. This affects overall life expectancy statistics negatively.
This doesn’t mean the American health care system is ideal. Far from it.
Employer based health insurance is a holdover from wage controls decades old; health insurers are not actually insurers at all — they are not in the business of assessing possible risk and then insuring against it; insurance regulations are abstruse and absurd, and the government’s subsidization schemes involve low reimbursement rates and shoddy coverage. The problems are myriad. Which is why it is so absurd to lay the problems with American health care at the door of the “profit driven CEOs.” It turns out that removing the profit margins on business does not make products, goods or services either more efficient or better. In fact, that precise ideology has crippled a variety of countries over the course of the last century. What’s worse is that ideology often excuses murder. Because, after all, if health insurance CEOs are so cruel that they purposefully murder patients in order to earn a buck, why shouldn’t they be shot? That’s the logic of comedian Bill Burr, who says, “I love that f ing CEOs are f ing afraid right now. You should be! By and large, you’re all a bunch of selfish greedy f ing pieces of shit.” Or Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who says, “Violence is never the answer, but people can be pushed only so far.”
This is the devil’s logic.
If murder of individuals is justified by dissatisfaction with the system, we no longer live in a republic. We live in an anarchic, Hobbesian world of violence of all against all. It turns out that life is filled with grievances and hardships. If the response to such grievances and hardships is murdering CEOs, what precisely is the limiting principle? Why not shoot bank CEOs for their decision making? Why not murder oil company executives or hedge fund CEOs? The answer to flawed policy is better policy. But if you wish to see the American system torn down from within, you’re better off advocating bloodlust and murder. And unfortunately, there are an awful lot of Americans who seem willing to tear down the American system itself rather than attempting to discuss rational solutions to intransigent problems.
Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.
June 7, 1938 –Dec.10, 2024
Joyce Ray Collins, age 86, of Pittsboro, NC, passed away December 10, 2024 at Cambridge Hills. She was born in Orange County on June 7, 1938, to the late Dwight Ray and Bonnie Starnes Ray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Jimmy Daryl Collins. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Norris Ray. Joyce was a Teacher for Chatham County Schools for over 40 years and taught many fourth-grade students. She volunteered with East Chatham Rescue Squad and she and her husband Jimmy ran one of the top egg producing companies in the 1960’s. When she retired from the school system, she continued to volunteer for many years with Chatham County Schools. Joyce attended Pittsboro Methodist Church and Hanks Chapel United Church of Christ. Her hobbies were crossword puzzles and word finds. She loved her many pet cats over the years and her beloved Molly, who was her Maltese companion for over 17 years. She is survived by her son David (Gail), her daughter Debbie, grandchildren Jason (Dani), Amanda (Michael), Katelyn, great-grandchildren, Gavin, Abby, Amelia, Jacob, Jordan, Laura and Anthony. She is also survived by sisters-in-law’s Lydia and Faye and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the staff at Twin Rivers and Cambridge Hills for all the care that was provided to Joyce and for becoming extended family members to her. The funeral service will be held Friday, December 13, 2024 at 2:00pm at Hanks Chapel Church with Reverend Bob Wachs officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the services in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Joyce’s memory or donate a book to a child as she dedicated her life to teaching children. Online condolences can be made at www. smithfuneralhomebroadway. com. Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.
DANIEL “DANNY” CASPILLIAN EVANGELISTA
MARCH 1, 1944 – DEC. 9, 2024
Daniel “Danny” Caspillian Evangelista, 80, of Bennett, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024 at Chatham Hospital. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 6:008:00 p.m. at Joyce-Brady Chapel. The graveside service, with full military honors, will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Beulah Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Wilson presiding. Danny was born in Manila, Philippines on March 1, 1944 to Emily Caspillian and Marcelino Evangelista. He was a submariner in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the Navy, he worked at the Dept. of Corrections as a dining manager. Danny enjoyed playing cards, auto racing and fishing. He loved traveling and cooking. He especially adored his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by one sister and one brother.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mae Garner Evangelista, of the home; daughter, Chasidty Mackison (Pete), of Barcelona, Spain; son, Shawn Evangelista, of Bennett; sister, Mila Gross Guevara, of Hamlet, NC; brother, Ely Evangelista, of California; grandchildren, Dawson, Madeline, Brayleigh and Jett; greatgrandchild, Baylynn and a host of family and friends.
MAY 23, 1933 – DEC. 12, 2024
Mae Hicks Stovall, 91, of Siler City, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, at home surrounded by family.
Mae was born on May 23rd, 1933, in Chatham County to the late Mirandy Hicks Jones and stepfather, Coy Jones. She is preceded in death by her stepfather and mother; her husband, James Dillard Stovall, Sr.; and her son Roger Dale Stovall; her brothers, Henry, Winfred, Pete, and Wren Jones, and Tim Hicks; her son-in-law, Reverend Tim McKenzie; and her grandson, David Brent McKenzie.
Mae retired from working in childcare from Paul Braxton Elementary School. She also worked at Hillbrook Wesleyan Church of God and owned her own daycare. She attended Hillbrook Wesleyan Church of God. She loved caring for children, growing flowers, and working in her yard.
Left to cherish Mae’s memory are her two sons, James Dillard Stovall, Jr. of Siler City, and Jay Brent Stovall and his wife, Jenell of Gatlinburg, TN; her three daughters, Klaire S. Cody, and her husband, Chris, of Murfreesboro, TN, Debi S. McKenzie of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Sandra S. Cook and her husband, Elton of Siler City; two sisters, Betty Campbell and her husband, Lloyd, and Kay Hinshaw and her husband, Noble, both of Siler City; her brother, Elmer Jones and his wife, Judy of Siler City; fourteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren; and her stepson, Jimmy Davis and his wife, Linda, of Asheboro.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 15th, 2024, at 11 am, at Oakwood Cemetery in Siler City. Visitation will be Sunday, December 15th, 2024, at 9-10 AM, at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. Services will be officiated by Wayne McMath, Thad, and Quint Stovall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mountain Mercy Academy, 5046 Old NC Hwy 13, Asheboro, NC 27205, or Community Baptist Church, 2575 Hamp Stone Rd., Siler City, NC 27344.
BILLY JOE THOMAS
DEC. 11, 2024
Billy Joe Thomas, age 77, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at his home. He was born in Lee County to the late Alva Joe Thomas and Myrtle Holt Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Thomas; siblings Beatrice Parker, Cherry Lumley, Alma Faulk and a brother Thaddeus Thomas. Billy retired from Honeywell. He served in the US Army and retired from the Army National Guard. He was a creature of habit, enjoying breakfast every day at Landmark and lunch at Ron’s Barn. Billy enjoyed time spent with his family and friends and the simple things in life. He is survived by siblings Marie Taylor of Orange Park, FL, Joan Godfrey of Moncure, Jean Brown of Broadway and Patricia Ulam and husband John of Foxfire, NC.
KENNETH RAY KING
DEC. 20, 1953 – DEC. 10, 2024
Kenneth Ray King, age 70 of Clayton, NC formerly of New Hill, NC passed away on Tuesday (12/10/2024) at the Sanford Health and Rehabilitation of Sanford, NC. Kenneth was born on December 20,1953 in Chatham County, NC; son of Wiley Rufus King and Edna Louise Sauls King. Kenneth played tennis when he was younger. Tennis was one of his favorite past times. He was preceded in death by his parent’s and one brother Larry Patrick King. No services will be held at this time. Kenneth is survived by his two sisters; Elaine Moreci of Clayton, NC and Peggy King of Pittsboro, NC. One brother Ricky W. King of Moncure, NC. He is survived by one niece and four nephews. Online condolences can be made to www.smithfuneralhomemoncure.com
We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set an appointment to come by and learn more.
AUG. 26, 2001 – DEC. 7, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chandler Neal Lamm of Sanford, NC, who left us December 7, 2024, at the age of 23. He was a devoted son, brother, cousin, and friend. He was born on August 26, 2001, in Pinehurst, North Carolina to Christopher Glynn Lamm, Sr. and Kimberly O’Quinn Lamm. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Odell Glynn Lamm, Jr., Jerry Duncan O’Quinn, and Robert Alex Griffin. Chandler leaves behind his parents Christopher Glynn Lamm, Sr. (Melinda), Kimberly O’Quinn Lamm (Murph) brothers Christopher G. Lamm Jr, Austin Barnes, and Eric Denkins, grandmothers; Sara F. Lamm and Nell Blakley, aunt, Amy Price (Kris), uncle Chip Blakley (Kelly), beloved cousins, Brittany Howard (Jeremy), Rainey Cockman (Bailey) and Hunter Cockman (Anna) and beloved friends that were more like brothers; Cooper McBride, Jackson McBride, Kyle Rodriguez, Moe Torres, Trenton Johnson, Trayton Johnson, and Austin Cole, beloved dogs, Krush and August (Auggie) as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Chandler had a profound passion for repairing and improving mechanical equipment and was a valued employee at Trans Source as a fleet diesel technician. He had a wonderful work ethic and a strong desire to learn as much as he could about being a mechanic and how things worked. He was well respected and highly regarded by his work family and he will be greatly missed. Chandler had a great love for the outdoors. He was a member of cub scout pack 941 and boy scout troop 941 at First Baptist Church in Sanford, where he experienced many adventures and outings throughout the years. He participated in Upward Basketball throughout his youth, and he also played basketball for San Lee Middle School. He enjoyed football, playing for both Harnett County and Lee County parks and rec as well as Middle and High School teams. Chandler enjoyed sports and he excelled in them. He attended San Lee Middle School and Southern Lee High School. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Chandler’s favorite car was a Ford Mustang, and his favorite color was red. You could always find him working on cars and helping whoever was in need, laughing and joking, and being a prankster. He had a nickname for everyone and seldom called people by their given names. Tragically, Chandler passed away December 7, 2023, in a single car motor vehicle accident while driving his friend home in his Ford Mustang. His family takes comfort in knowing that he was doing something he loved in his final moments. Chandler’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit of kindness, generosity, and love for life will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to call him family or friend.
PHYLLIS MCNEILL ELLIOTT
JUNE 17, 1958 – DEC. 15, 2024
Phyllis McNeill Elliott, age 66 of Sanford, passed away on Sunday (12/15/2024) at her home with her family by her side. She was born on June 17, 1958, daughter of Doris Gray Poole Brown and the late Charlie Thomas Poole. She was preceded in death by her father, her step-mother, Midge Poole and her husband, Donnie McNeill. Phyllis worked for over thirty years in the grocery industry, retiring as the manager of the Piggly Wiggly in Broadway. Surviving is her husband, John William “Bill” Elliott of the home; daughters, Marie Webster of Sanford, NC and Danielle Watson (David) of Broadway, NC; sons, Brandon McNeill of Broadway, NC and Daniel McNeill (Ruth) of Kernersville, NC; mother, Doris Brown of Asheboro, NC, sisters, Lisa Brown (Don) of Pittsboro, NC and Mary Burke (Robert) of Bear Creek, NC and several grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6- 8pm on Thursday (12/19/2024) at the Smith Funeral Home in Broadway. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
KIER LEON MARSH
AUG. 5, 1993 – DEC. 5, 2024
Kier Leon Marsh, age 31 of Broadway, passed away on Thursday (12/5/2024) in Newberry, SC. He was born on August 5, 1993, son of Cedric Kier Marsh and Made Jesus Solorzano Adame. Kier enjoyed playing soccer and working outdoors as a landscaper. He loved morning walks, enjoyed cooking, playing video games and was a sweet spirit, who had a kind, loving heart. He is survived by his father, Cedric Kier Marsh of Siler City, NC; mother, Made Adame and husband Fernando of Broadway, NC; sisters, Adilene Adame of Broadway, NC and Candice Marsh of Siler City, NC; grandparents, Javier Solorzano of Mexico, Aurelia Salgado of Sanford, NC and Delphine Harvey of Siler City, NC; aunts and uncles, Esmeralda Hamoudi, Guillermo Solorzano, Imelda Jones, Lucia Perez, Sergio Salgado, Bianca Harvey, Llesenia Solorzano, Celia Solorzano, Javier Solorzano, Ramiro Solorzano, Jose Solorzano and many special cousins and friends. The family will receive friends from 11am -1pm on Thursday (12/12/2024) at Smith Funeral Home in Broadway.
ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Chatham News & Record at obits@chathamrecord.com
The state Supreme Court ruled against a clothing chain
By Gary D. Robertson
The Associated Press
RALEIGH — North Carolina’s Supreme Court issued mixed rulings Friday for businesses seeking financial help from the COVID-19 pandemic, declaring one insurer’s policy must cover losses some restaurants and bars incurred but that another insurer’s policy for a nationwide clothing store chain doesn’t due to an exception.
The unanimous decisions by the seven-member court in the pair of cases addressed the requirements of “all-risk” commercial property insurance policies issued by Cincinnati and Zurich American insurance companies to the businesses.
The companies who paid premiums saw reduced business and income, furloughed or laid off employees or even closed from the coronavirus and resulting 2020 state and local government orders limiting commerce and public movement. North Carolina restaurants, for example, were forced for some time to limit sales to takeout or drive-in orders.
In one case, the 16 eating and drinking establishments who sued The Cincinnati Insurance Co., The Cincinnati Casualty Co. and others held largely similar policies that protected their
building and personal property as well as any business income from “direct physical loss” to property not excluded by their policies.
Worried that coverage would be denied for claimed losses, the restaurants and bars sued and sought a court to rule that “direct physical loss” also applied to government-mandated orders, a court opinion said. A trial judge sided with them, but a panel of the intermediate-level Court of Appeals disagreed, saying such claims did not have to be accepted because there was no actual physical harm to the property — only a loss of business.
But state Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls, writing for the court, noted the Cincinnati policies did not define “direct physical loss.” Earls also noted there were no specific policy exclusions that would deny coverage for viruses or contaminants. Earls said the court favored any ambiguity toward the policyholders because a reasonable person in their positions would understand the policies include coverage for business income lost from virus-related government orders.
“It is the insurance company’s responsibility to define essential policy terms and the North Carolina courts’ responsibility to enforce those terms consistent with the parties’ reasonable expectations,” Earls wrote.
In the other ruling, the Su-
preme Court said Cato Corp., which operates more than 1,300 U.S. clothing stores and is headquartered in Charlotte, was properly denied coverage through its “all-risk” policy. Zurich American Insurance Co. had refused to cover Cato’s alleged losses, and Cato sued.
But while Cato sufficiently alleged a “direct physical loss of or damage” to property, Earls wrote in another opinion, the policy contained a viral contamination exclusion that Zurich American proved applied in this case.
The two cases were among eight related to COVID-19 claims on which the Supreme Court heard oral arguments over two days in October. The justices have yet to rule on most of those matters.
The court did announce Friday that justices were equally divided about a lawsuit filed by then-University of North Carolina students seeking tuition, housing and fee refunds when in-person instruction was canceled during the 2020 spring semester. The Court of Appeals had agreed it was correct to dismiss the suit — the General Assembly had passed a law that gave colleges immunity from such pandemic-related legal claims for that semester. Only six of the justices decided the case — Associate Justice Tamara Barringer did not participate — so the 3-3 deadlock means the Court of Appeals decision stands.
Monday, December 23
Pittsboro Center for Active Living
8:15 a.m. - Total Body Conditioning
10 a.m. - Strong & Fit
11 a.m. - Movie - “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Noon - Reading Out Loud with Gaines
1 p.m. - Mahjong; Chess Club; Table Tennis
6 p.m. - Caregiver Virtual Support Group
Siler City Center for Active Living
9 a.m. - Strong & Fit
10 a.m. - Christmas Pajama & Movie Morning
2 p.m. - Strength & Tone
Tuesday, December 24
Aging Services Centers Closed (Christmas Holiday)
Wednesday, December 25
Aging Services Centers Closed (Christmas Holiday)
Thursday, December 26
Aging Services Centers Closed (Christmas Holiday)
Friday, December 27
Pittsboro Center for Active Living
8:15 a.m. - Cardio & Upper Body Exercise
10 a.m. - Strong & Fit
11 a.m. - Dominos
11:30 a.m. - French Conversation Lunch
1 p.m. - Euchre
Siler City Center for Active Living
9 a.m. - Zumba Gold
10 a.m. - Quilting and Sewing Time; Music with Robbie
7 p.m. - Friday Night Dance
The suspects are expected in court in early January
Chatham News & Record staff LAST WEDNESDAY, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence of Pruitt Roland Jones and Kevin Jerome Wallace on St. Luke Church Road in Goldston. Deputies seized an estimated 19 grams of cocaine, a small amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.
from page A1
to complete the project will be provided by the county.
The plan is to remove the existing radiant and electric heaters at George Moses Horton Middle, J.S. Waters and Moncure and to remove the existing hot water unit heaters at Chatham Middle, Perry Harrison Elementary and North Chatham Elementary, and replace them with high efficiency packaged HVAC units with gas heat and electric cooling for the gyms.
“This will leave us with just three gyms that are not air conditioned,” said board chair Gary Leonard. “We’re going to do this now, which is fantastic, but those three gyms — Bennett, Bonlee and Silk Hope — are going to sit there until 2028, 2029. So we need to do anything we can do to speed the process up for those three schools.”
“Our surrounding counties tend to get bond referendums fairly frequently, so if that would speed the process up, then maybe we should consider looking at that,” said board member David Hamm.
The board then approved an MOU with the Siler City Parks and Recreation Department.
“This item will formalize a very long standing rela-
Two other individuals were apprehended, including Lashaun Shamel White of Salisbury. She faces a single charge of felony possession of cocaine. Another woman, Ashley Christina Powers, was charged with two misdemeanor counts: possession of marijuana up to half an ounce and misdemeanor possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
All four suspects are expected in court on Jan. 6 in Pittsboro.
Jones was charged with four felonies, including felony possession of cocaine, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, and felony maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances. He was also charged with three misdemeanors for the possession of marijuana up to half an ounce and two other misdemeanors for drug paraphernalia. Wallace faces similar charges.
tionship between Jordan-Matthews High School and the Siler City Parks and Rec,” Blice said. “They use our fields, but we, in turn, Jordan-Matthews High School, use the soccer fields located over at the Paul Braxton campus. So it’s definitely in our best interest to get this formalized and get this in place.”
The board also approved the first reading of updates to its board policy manual.
“The vast majority of the policies this month are small changes,” said Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services and Instructional Support Amanda Moran. “Things like legal footnotes, slight shifts in wording.”
Superintendent Anthony Jackson added, “We made the commitment nearly a year ago to literally walk through every single policy and bring all of them up to date, and we’re about halfway through now. This has been a major undertaking.”
In addition, the board swore in reelected board member David Hamm and reelected both Gary Leonard as board chair and Del Turner as vice chair.
“Thank you all for having faith in me,” Leonard said. “I appreciate it and hope I live up to that. Thank you so much.”
The Chatham County Board of Education will next meet Jan. 13.
LEARN
Chatham
6999.
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Mobile Home For Rent – 2 Bedrooms – 1 ½ Baths – 3056 W. 3rd St. – Siler City, NC Contact Diane – 919-663-2979.
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JUNK CARS PICKED UP Free of charge. Due to many months of low steel prices and unstable steel markets, we cannot pay for cars at this time. Cars, trucks, and machinery will be transported and environmentally correctly recycled at no charge. 919-542-2803.
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Now accepting applications for 2BR, 1.5BA Range, refrigerator, dishwasher are included in the rent. Rent starts at $630 and up. 400 Honeysuckle Dr., Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-5410 TDD 1-800-735-2962
Email: pittsborovillage@ECCMGT.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Chatham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on December 31, 2024 at 11:00am, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Chatham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0086597
ADDRESS: 2511 MT VERNON SPRINGS RD SILER CITY, NC 27344 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): CHESTER S. PALMER AND JUDY PALMER THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CHATHAM, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 1407, PAGE 642 AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 11, CONTAINING 4.666 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AS SHOWN ON A PLAT ENTITLED “FINAL PLAT FOR OWNERS LEE EDWARD PALMER AND WIFE, VONNELL W. PALMER”, DATED JUNE 4, 2003, PREPARED BY RUFUS L. JOHNSON, PLS, AND REVISED ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007, AND RECORDED IN PLAT SLIDE 2007495, CHATHAM COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH PLAT REFERENCES HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE ACCURATE DESCRIPTION.
INCLUDED IN THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND PEREMANENTLY AFFIXED IS A 2008 GILES MANUFACTURED HOME WITH SERIAL NUMBER GM-8243A/B Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of Linda G. Ricketts, Deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to present the same to the Personal Representative listed below on or before March 12, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All debtors of the said Estate are asked to make immediate payment. This 12th day of December, 2024. Amy R. Seaton Executor
c/o ELDRIDGE D. DODSON Ward and Smith, P.A.
Attorneys at Law Post Office Box 7068 Wilmington, NC 28406-7068
CREDITOR’S NOTICE
Having qualified on the 25th day of November 2024, as Executor of the Estate of, Veonia Cassie Mae Alston deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of March 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 26th day of November 2024. Pamela Denise Alston, Executor of the Estate of Veonia Cassie Mae Alston PO Box 808 Siler City, NC 27344
Attorneys: Law Offices of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: December 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ALICIA ASHE All persons, firms and corporations having claims against ALICIA ASHE, late of CHATHAM County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Annette Wilson as Executor of the decedent’s estate on or before March 19, 2025, c/o Brittany N. Porter, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor. This the 19th day of December, 2024. Annette Wilson c/o Brittany N. Porter, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517
NOTICE
24-SP-53, CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA GLADYS C. BURNETTE, Petitioner VS. Helen Suitt Edwards Clark, William Gattis, Wilma Gattis Brittain, Howard Lee Clark Jr., Phyllis A. Clark, Lena K. Clark Brown, Wanda Clark Fearrington, Norman V. Clark, Julius Allen Clark, Unknown Heirs of Janice M. Clark, Sandi Abbo, Rossa V. ClarkeWhite, Wanda K. Williams, Zipporah W. Clark Baldwin, Macon David Clark Jr., Amy M. Clark, Wallace Earl Perry, Lillie Perry Atwater, Clyde Douglas Perry, Delaine Perry Norwood, Susan Gayle Perry, LeAnn Golden, Michael J. Sulick as Trustee of the Sulick Family Revocable Trust, Joy Young, Mildred G. Perry, Thomas Perry, Phyllis Cameron, Gloria Perry, Julia Perry, Rhonda Perry, Andrea Nicky Clark, Dorothy Chapman, George Randy Brown, John Dorsey Caldwell, Jr., Johnette Jones, Joy Young, Julina Waden, Lillian Cabrera, Linda Clark, Robert Lee Clark, Jr., Thomas Suitt, Sr., and all unknown or missing heirs of Will Perry a/k/a William E. Perry, Respondents. NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
TO: GLORIA PERRY, JULIA PERRY, RHONDA PERRY, THOMAS PERRY, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JANICE M. CLARK, ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN OR MISSING HEIRS OF WILL PERRY A/K/ WILLIAM E. PERRY, AND ANY AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHO BELIEVE THEY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY LISTED BELOW TAKE NOTICE that a Civil Action seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action on April 23, 2024. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Partition by Sale on the property of Chatham Co parcel ID 0001902, approximately 10 acres located on Manns Chapel Rd. You are required to make defense to such action no later than January 20, 2025. Upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. Kim K. Steffan Attorney for Petitioner Steffan & Associates, P.C. 2411 Old NC 86 Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 732-7300 For publication 12/12/24, 12/19/24, 12/26/24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Ann Burridge Alderks, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina are notified to exhibit the same to undersigned on or before the 6th day of March, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 5th day of December. Claire A. Miller, Executor, Manning, Fulton & Skinner, P.A., c/o Stephen T. Byrd, P. O. Box 20389, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619-0389.
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against Diane G. Lawton, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before March 19th, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 19th day of December, 2024. Brian E. Lawton, Executor Estate of Diane G. Lawton c/o Roberson Law Firm 1829 E. Franklin St., Ste. 800C Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Run Dates: 12/19, 12/26, 1/02, 1/9
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations holding claims against Margaret A. Masterson, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are notified to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before March 22, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 19th day of December 2024. Mark O. Costley., c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations holding claims against Gregory E. Masterson, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are notified to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before March 3, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 28th day of November 2024. Mark O. Costley, Exec., c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against James Ross Macdonald, III, deceased, of Chapel Hill, Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before February 28, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 28th day of November, 2024. James Ross Macdonald, IV, Executor, c/o Elizabeth K. Arias, Esq., Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, 555 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1100, Raleigh, NC 27601.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against MILTON B. MCCOLLOUGH, deceased, of Chatham County, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before, February 28, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment. This 28th day of November, 2024. KAREN KAY MCCOLLOUGH, EXECUTRIX ESTATE OF MILTON B. MCCOLLOUGH c/o Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
NOTICE
Pursuant to the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. Chapter 38A and the Secretary’s Foreclosure Commissioner designation, a COMMISSIONER’S SALE of 228 Elverson Place, Cary, NC 27519 (Short Legal Description: LOT 887) will occur at public auction outside the main entrance to the building of the Superior Court of Chatham County, NC located at 40 E Chatham Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312 on December 27, 2024 at 12:30 P.M., pursuant to a default of a note secured by a deed of trust executed by Geraldine P. Fort and Jesse L. Fort recorded 3/11/2013, in the Register of Deeds for Chatham County, NC, as Instrument No. 02915, in Book 1673, Page 0218, and the Assignment in favor of the Secretary of HUD recorded 1/17/2020, in the Register of Deeds for Chatham County, NC as Instrument No. 00542, in Book 02089, Page 0600. TERMS OF SALE can be reviewed by the recorded notice of default on file with the Register of Deeds for Chatham County, NC, for which all terms are incorporated herein into this notice. A 10% deposit payable to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is immediately required for winning bidder in certified funds. Third party certified checks will not be accepted. Full Terms of Sale and opening bids are listed at http://www.virginialawoffice.com/ hud. Anderson Law, 2492 N. Landing Rd, #104, Va Beach, VA 23456.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Betsy Ann Culler Cockman, a/k/a Betsy B. Culler Cockman, late of 217 Hillsborough St, Pittsboro, Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at: c/o H. Denton Worrell, Esq., Worrell Sides LLP, 128 E. Hargett Street, Ste 305, Raleigh, NC 27601, on or before the 7th day of March, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 5th day of December, 2024. Stephen R. Cockman Estate of Betsy Ann Culler Cockman c/o H. Denton Worrell, Esq. 128 E Hargett Street, Suite 305 Raleigh, NC 27601 For Publication: December 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2024 Chatham News & Record Re: Estate of Betsy Ann Culler Cockman
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Robert Hunter Warren, Deceased, of Chatham County, NC, 24E001628-180, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Reznik Law, on or before March 13, 2025 or this Notice will be in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment. Jennifer Barnett Warren, Estate of Robert Hunter Warren, Deceased. Orly Reznik, Esquire, Reznik Law, PLLC, 200 Cascade Pointe Lane, Suite 104, Cary, NC, 27513. 12/12, 12/19, 12/26 and 1/2
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Mary Jane Farmer, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of February, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 20th day of November, 2024. Patricia F. Andrews, Executor of the Estate of Mary Jane Farmer 418 Pine Lake Drive Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001623-180 The undersigned, CHRIS A. CARTER, having qualified on the 15TH Day of NOVEMBER, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of MATILDA P. CARTER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of MARCH 2025, 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 5TH Day of DECEMBER 2024. CHRIS A. CARTER, ADMINISTRATOR 2448 SILK HOPE-LIBERTY RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: D5,12,19,26p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator CTA of the Estate of David L. Boothe, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the offices of Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 19th day of March, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 19th day of December, 2024. SARAH ELIZABETH TILLMAN, ADMINISTRATOR CTA ESTATE OF DAVID L. BOOTHE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
COUNTY OF CHATHAM 24E001655-180 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against DOROTHY JANE CROWDER, deceased, are notified to exhibit them to Deborah Anne Crowder, Administrator of the decedent’s estate on or before March 21, 2025, c/o James C. Stanford Attorney for the Estate, at P. O. Drawer 1529, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, or be forever barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above named Administrator. This the 19th day of December, 2024. Deborah Anne Crowder, Administrator of the Estate of Dorothy Jane Crowder By: __________________________ Coleman, Merritt, Murphy & Rainsford, P.C. James C. Stanford, Attorney for Estate P.O. Drawer 1529, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 732-2196 TO: Chatham News + Record Please publish on December 19th, 26th, January 2nd and 8th, 2025.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of KAREN SUBERMAN, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the offices of Munson Law Firm PLLC, P.O. Box 1811 Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 12th day of March, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 12th day of December, 2024.
LAUREN NOWELL, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF KAREN SUBERMAN
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001642-180 The undersigned, ELIZABETH J. APPLEY, having qualified on the 25TH Day of NOVEMBER, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARLENE B. APPLEY, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 12TH Day of MARCH 2025, 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 12TH Day of DECEMBER 2024.
ELIZABETH J. APPLEY, EXECUTOR 1599 GRANT DRIVE NE ATLANTA, GA 30319
Run dates: D12,19,26,J2p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001662-180
The undersigned, BROOK HEATH, having qualified on the 11TH Day of DECEMBER, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JEAN W. FISH, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 19TH Day of MARCH 2025, 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 19TH Day of DECEMBER 2024. BROOK HEATH, EXECUTOR 112 JACK BENNETT RD. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 Run dates: D19,26,J2,9p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001643-180 The undersigned, AMY REED PULLIAM, having qualified on the 22ND Day of NOVEMBER, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HERBERT HUTTSON REED, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of MARCH 2025, 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 5TH Day of DECEMBER 2024. AMY REED PULLIAM, EXECUTOR 180 WINDFLOWER PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: D5,12,19,26p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001627-180 The undersigned, CHARITY ALSTON, having qualified on the 19TH Day of NOVEMBER, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HAZEL MAE ALSTON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 26TH Day of FEBRUARY 2025, 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 28TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024. CHARITY ALSTON, EXECUTOR PO BOX 1312 PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: N28,D5,12,19p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001606-180 The undersigned, DEWAN BADER, having qualified on the 15TH Day of NOVEMBER, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ARTRICE VALENTINE BADER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of MARCH 2025, 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 5TH Day of DECEMBER 2024. DEWAN BADER, ADMINISTRATOR 2817 BLADEN LAKES COVE APEX, NC 27502 Run dates: D5,12,19,26p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001638-180 The undersigned, DERRY JACKSON SMITH, JR., having qualified on the 21ST Day of NOVEMBER, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of NORA SMITH, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of MARCH 2025, 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 5TH Day of DECEMBER 2024. DERRY JACKSON SMITH, JR., EXECUTOR 375 MONCURE LOOP MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: D5,12,19,26p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001389-180 The undersigned, GARY L. HART, having qualified on the 22ND Day of NOVEMBER, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SHIRLEY BRAFFORD HART, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 12TH Day of MARCH 2025, 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 12TH Day of DECEMBER 2024. GARY L. HART, EXECUTOR 1939 GOLDSTON-CARBONTON RD. GOLDSTON, NC 27252 Run dates: D12,19,26,J2p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001629-180 The undersigned, PAMI LYNN JESSE, having qualified on the 19TH Day of NOVEMBER, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SUSAN RENEE BERLIN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 26TH Day of FEBRUARY 2025, 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 28TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024. PAMI LYNN JESSE, EXECUTOR 104 GATESTONE COURT CARY, NC 27518 Run dates: N28,D5,12,19p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF GERT JOERG SCHUELLER All persons, firms and corporations having claims against GERT JOERG SCHULLER, late of CHATHAM County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Ruta Schuller as Executor of the decedent’s
you has been filed in the above-entitled special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petitioner is the duly appointed Guardian of your father’s estate; see Chatham County Estate file # 18 E 481. The purpose of this action is to recoup property wrongfully removed from the estate by you. You are required to make a defense to such pleading no later than January 21, 2025 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 4th day of December, 2024. Shelby L. Lennon, Attorney for Administrator
CREDITOR’S NOTICE
Law Offices of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330
Publish On: December 19th, 26th 2024, January 2nd and 9th 2025.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001670-180
The undersigned, HARLEY EDWARD JOHNSON, having qualified on the 13TH Day of DECEMBER, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of, RICHARD SCOTT JOHNSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 19TH Day of MARCH 2025, 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 19TH Day of DECEMBER 2024.
HARLEY EDWARD JOHNSON, ADMINISTRATOR 2001 OLD GREENSBORO RD. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516
Run dates: D19,26,J2,9p
The NCSBE chair denied a request for recusal of member Siobhan Millen
By Gary D. Robertson
The Associated Press
RALEIGH — North Carolina’s elections board dismissed formal protests Wednesday by several Republican candidates who trailed narrowly in their races last month and had questioned well over 60,000 ballots cast in November.
The State Board of Elections’ decisions sided with the Democratic candidates, including those for a state Supreme Court seat and a key General Assembly seat. These matters are now expected to be resolved in the courts.
The board voted in favor of denying the protests of GOP Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin, who after a recent statewide machine recount trailed Associate Justice Allison Riggs by 734 votes from over 5.5 million ballots cast. No additional recounts had been ordered after a partial hand recount completed Tuesday failed to suggest that Griffin could catch up to Riggs.
Riggs is one of only two Democrats on the seven-member court, which has been a partisan flash point in the state over the past two years involving redistricting, photo voter identification and other voting rights.
The board on Wednesday considered protests filed by Griffin, a current Court of Appeals judge, and three candidates for the General Assembly covering three categories of voting.
They included votes cast by people with voter registration
records lacking driver’s licenses or containing partial Social Security numbers; overseas voters who have never lived in the U.S. but whose parents were deemed North Carolina residents; and military or overseas voters who did not provide copies of photo identification with their ballots.
The board is composed of three Democrats and two Republicans. In three of four dismissal motions Wednesday, the votes were 3-2 along party lines. The vote on the other motions was unanimous.
Griffin did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the decisions.
Riggs’ campaign has said that she is the winner and Griffin should concede immediately.
Speaking after the hearing, Riggs mentioned that her parents were among the 60,000 voters whose registrations were being challenged, and “I can personally attest they are, in fact, lawful votes.”
One of the protesters is GOP Rep. Frank Sossamon, who trailed Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn. A Cohn victory would mean Republicans fall one seat short of retaining their current veto-proof majority for the two-year General Assembly starting next month.
The board could have ultimately ordered corrected ballot tallies, more recounts or new elections if it determined the evidence showed election law violations or irregularities called into question the results of the protested elections.
Scores of protests filed by Griffin and the legislative candidates are still being considered by county boards.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Riggs’ attorneys urged the state board to throw out the
protests. They called them an illegal attempt to change the election rules after votes have been cast and counted, and out of line with protest rules.
“The voters that protesters are challenging here today unquestionably are eligible voters,” said Will Robertson, an attorney representing the three Democratic legislative candidates and the state Democratic Party. “These protests are not only facially invalid, but they’re an affront to democracy and to the rule of law in North Carolina.”
Citing the state constitution, attorneys for Griffin said that elections boards cannot count the ballots of people who have never lived in North Carolina. And they said the state board erred by generating voter registration forms that did not make clear that state law requires an applicant to provide the identifying numbers.
“We filed these protests because we believe the winners of these elections should be determined by eligible voters and only be eligible voters,” Craig Schauer, an attorney for Griffin
and GOP legislative candidates, told the board.
In addition to the substance of the protests, Democratic board members also threw out the protests because they determined that voters did not receive appropriate legal notice that their votes were being challenged.
Griffin sent postcards to a voter or the “current resident” stating that “your vote may be affected” by a protest, according to legal briefs and evidence. It included a QR code that mobile phone users could visit to obtain information. Democrats said people may have thrown the postcard away or considered it a scam.
The decisions came days after the state Democratic Party sued in federal court to block the State Board of Elections from ruling in any way to throw out the disputed ballots.
Griffin led Riggs by about 10,000 votes on election night, but that lead dwindled and flipped to Riggs as qualifying provisional and absentee ballots were added to the totals.
“Unsurprisingly, the most
partisan State Board of Elections in history has once again failed the people of North Carolina,” said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons said in a statement of the board tossing Griffin’s protest challenges. The board’s continued efforts to engineer political outcomes for Democrats is shameful. We will review the board’s decision and reserve the right to any future actions to protect the integrity of our elections.”
During the board meeting, the request for Member Siobhan Millen to recuse herself on the protest matters was dismissed by Chair Alan Hirsch. Millen is married to Pressley Millen, one of the attorneys representing Riggs.
“Given these circumstances, it would be inappropriate for Member Millen to be removed from consideration of this matter, and Member Millen will be permitted to fully participate,” Hirsch wrote in his decision memo.
North State Journal’s A.P. Dillon contributed to this report.
Chatham Central led by Albright, Oldham, defense to 52-31 win against
The Bears won the first meeting over their rival at home
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
BEAR CREEK — Double-doubles from Chatham Central seniors Reid Albright and Brennen Oldham and a solid team defensive showing pushed the Bears over their rival Jordan-Matthews 52-31 on Dec. 10.
Albright scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Oldham poured in 16 points and a team-high 12 rebounds.
“Biggest thing is they started running inside, outside,” Chatham Central coach Robert Burke said. “We had some cutting through the middle, some dishes, and it got us going.”
Going against his former teammates, Oldham said his mindset was to just “play ball.” He got off to a hot start, scoring
seven points in the first quarter from immediately establishing his position in the paint and knocking down a 3. The versatile forward has shown more of his ability to score from outside the paint this season which adding another element to the Bears’ offense.
“They were sagging off my jump shot,” Oldham said. “I’m going pull it. I’m wide open.” Defensively, Oldham came away with two blocks and two steals.
Chatham Central boosted by Dodson’s triple-double in topping Jordan-Matthews
Dodson recorded a team-high 30 points in the victory
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
BEAR CREEK — Cha-
tham Central’s senior forward Karaleigh Dodson recorded a 30-point triple-double to lift the Bears over their rival Jordan-Matthews 68-38 on Dec. 10. Dodson grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds and recorded 14 of the Bears’ season-high 27 steals to go along with her huge night in the points column.
“I couldn’t have got that without my teammates being there,” Dodson said. “They would see me open and see that I was working hard to post up. And, just them helping out. I couldn’t have got that at all without them.”
Dodson said “hustling” to box out and to get to open spots on the court also contributed to her big night. And for the whole team, hustling to passing lanes on defense was the key to the win. After a slow start on both sides of the ball in the first quarter, Chatham Central utilized a full-court press which generated easy baskets off a plethora
of forced turnovers. The Bears swiped more than 20 steals for the second time this season.
“I’m a huge full-court kind of coach,” Chatham Central coach Aedrin Albright said. “I like to push the ball, and I like to press when we can because I think it gives you momentum, especially when we’ve been struggling shooting. It’s very obvious when you look at our shooting percentages that we struggle shooting. So the press is going to give us that ability to maybe steal the ball, get some layups and get our confidence up.” Jordan-Matthews only trailed
As a team, Central used defensive stops and forced turnovers to hold Jordan-Matthews to its lowest scoring output through four games. The Jets entered the game averaging 57 points per night, but after the Bears took away 15 steals, they went home with much less than that.
“The last game we played (loss to Southeast Alamance on Dec. 6) was a little bit a lack of defense,” Burke said. “I was a little worried to start with, but the boys started playing good defense. We played
man about the whole night.” Albright tied with senior Luke Gaines for a team-high four steals, but it was a bit of a slow start offensively for the high-scoring guard. Albright shot 3 for 9 in the first half while going 0 for 3 from beyond the arc. He, like the rest of the team, uncharacteristically missed some opportunities at the rim, which contributed to a close 22-15 halftime lead despite the
Belichick’s bid to reshape football at UNC another sign of rising pro influence on college level
By Aaron Beard The Associated Press
CHAPEL HILL — Bill Belichick spent time after his NFL exit talking with college coaches wanting his thoughts on managing new wrinkles at their level that looked a lot like the pros. The two-minute timeout. The transfer portal as de facto free agency. Collectives generating name, image and likeness (NIL) money for athletes becoming like a payroll. The impending arrival of revenue sharing. It didn’t take long for Belichick to envision how a college program should look based on his own NFL experience.
“I do think there are a lot of parallels,” Belichick said. And that’s at least partly why the sixtime Super Bowl-winning head coach is now taking over at UNC. Years of rapid change at the have only increased the professionalization of college football across the country, with schools adjusting
staffing to handle growing duties once seemingly more fitting for a pro team.
UNC just happens to be making the most audacious of those bets, bringing in a 72-year-old who has never coached in college and asking him to build what amounts to a mini-NFL front office. But plenty could follow.
A changing college course
“We’re investing more in football with the hope and ambition that the return is going to significantly outweigh the investment.”
UNC AD Bubba Cunningham
The rapid changes in college athletics have fueled that, notably with players able to transfer and play right away without sitting out a year and be paid through NIL endorsement opportunities in the past five years. Recruiting is now just as much about bringing in veteran talent through the portal as signing recruits out of high school, mirroring the NFL with free agency and the draft, respectively. And a bigger change looms with revenue sharing, the result of a $2.78 billion legal settlement to antitrust lawsuits. Specifically, that model will allow the biggest schools to establish a pool of about $21.5 million for athletes in the first year, with a final hearing in that case
Northwood’s girls lost its first game of the year to Southeast Alamance
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record BOYS’ BASKETBALL
WOODS CHARTER knocked off Chatham Charter for the first time ever 37-35 on Dec. 10. With the game tied at 35 with nine seconds remaining, sophomore guard Alden Phelps hit a contested go-ahead layup with 1.5 seconds left on the clock. Phelps scored a team-high 14 points while also recording four rebounds and two assists. Chatham Charter, without guard and second-leading scorer Gabe McKoy, shot just 39% from the field and was outrebounded 28-14.
Northwood survived a close 69-65 battle at Southeast Alamance on Dec. 10, extending its regular season conference win streak (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A and Central 3A) to 48 games. Junior guard Cam Fowler and junior forward Chad Graves led the way with 22 and 16 points, respectively. Fowler averaged 21 points in Northwood’s first four games. Seaforth won its second game in a row with a 75-28 victory over Graham on Dec. 10. Week of Dec. 9 Power Rankings: 1. Northwood; 2. Chatham Central; 3. Seaforth; 4. Woods Charter; 5. Chatham Charter; 6. Jordan-Matthews Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Dec. 11) (overall, conference): 1. Northwood (3-1, 2-0); 2. Cummings (2-1, 2-0); 3. Seaforth (2-1, 1-0);
INFLUENCE from page B1
set for April 2025. It will be up to schools to determine how to distribute that money and in which sports, though football’s role as the revenue driver in college sports likely means a prominent cut everywhere as a direct parallel to a professional team’s salary cap.
Throw all that together, and it’s why coaches are adjusting their staffs like Florida’s Billy Napier interviewing candidates to be the Gators’ general manager.
“We’re built to do it now,” Napier said. “The big thing here is that we’re getting ready to be in a business model. We have a cap. We have contracts. We have negotiation. We have strategy about how we distribute those funds, and it’s a major math puzzle.
“We’re going to build out a front office here in the next couple of months, and it’s primarily to help us manage that huge math problem,” Napier added. “There’ll be a ton of strategy around that. I’m looking forward to it.”
Still, that also explains why Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, the former head coach of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, said: “This job as a head coach is a juggernaut. There’s way more to do here than I had to do in the NFL.”
The value of a hire
“College kind of came to me this year,” Belichick said. “I didn’t necessarily go and seek it out.” And his mere presence in Chapel Hill makes a difference, with athletic director Bubba Cunningham saying his “visibility” would likely allow the team to raise prices for advertising such as sponsorships and signage. Belichick is also hiring Michael Lombardi, a former NFL general manager and executive, as the Tar Heels’ general manager. Cunningham also said the plan is for Belichick to continue his appearances on former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning’s “Manningcast” broadcasts during Monday Night Football as well as ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” — all giving the coach
4. Bartlett Yancey (2-2, 1-1); 5. Chatham Central (4-1, 1-1); 6. Southeast Alamance (1-1, 1-1); 7. North Moore (1-2, 0-1); 8. Jordan-Matthews (1-3, 0-2); 9. Graham (4-2, 0-2) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Dec. 11): 1. Woods Charter (2-2, 1-0); 2. Chatham Charter (7-3, 0-1); 3. Ascend Leadership (2-1, 0-0); 4. Clover Garden School (0-4, 0-0); 5. River Mill (0-11, 0-0); 6. Southern Wake Academy (7-1, 0-0); 7. Triangle Math and Science (1-8, 0-0)
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Northwood lost its first game of the season to Southeast Alamance 58-49 on Dec. 10. The Chargers couldn’t overcome a 15-5 first quarter deficit, and they had a tough time with Southeast Alamance junior Clara LaChapelle who recorded 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Chatham Charter picked up a big 50-31 win over Woods Charter on Dec. 10. The game was tied at 11 after the first quarter, but the Knights held the Wolves to single digits in each of the final three quarters to build their lead. Freshman Peyton York led Chatham Charter with 13 points. Prior to that win, the Knights beat North Moore 45-38 on Dec. 9. Senior Skylar Lynn had the best game for Chatham Charter with a team-high 16 points. Seaforth won in dominant fashion over Graham 53-10 on Dec. 10, winning its fifth game in a row. Senior guard Gabby White led the way with 16 points, and eight other Hawks joined her in the scoring column. Week of Dec. 9 Power Rank-
the chance to promote himself and the program.
Investing in football
Yet these steps to reshape football at Carolina comes with a rising price.
Belichick will make $10 million per year in base and supplemental pay, with the first three years of the five-year deal guaranteed, according to a term sheet released by UNC on Thursday. That’s roughly double of former coach Mack Brown, whose contract outlined about $4.2 million in base and supplemental salary before bonuses and other add- ons.
Additionally, Belichick’s deal includes $10 million for a salary pool for assistant coaches and $5.3 million for support staff.
That’s up from roughly $8.1 million for assistants and $4.8 million for support staff for the 2022 season. And those figures from 2022 under Brown were already up significantly from Larry Fedora’s tenure with the 2017 season ($4 million for assistant coaches, $2.3 million for support staff).
Now it’s up to Belichick to rethink the approach to football here for the changing times.
“We’re taking a risk,” Cunningham said. “We’re investing more in football with the hope and ambition that the return is going to significantly outweigh the investment.”
Tom
ings: 1. Seaforth; 2. Northwood; 3. Chatham Central; 4. Jordan-Matthews; 5. Chatham Charter; 6. Woods Charter Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Dec. 11): 1. Southeast Alamance (2-0, 2-0); 2. Seaforth (5-1, 1-0); 3. Cummings (1-2, 1-1); 4. Northwood (4-1, 1-1); 5. Graham (3-3, 1-1); 6. Jordan-Matthews (1-3, 1-1); 7. Chatham Central (4-1, 1-1); 8. North Moore (0-3, 0-1); 9. Bartlett Yancey (0-5, 0-2) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Dec. 11): 1. Chatham Charter (4-6, 1-0); 2. Woods Charter (1-3, 0-1); 3. Ascend Leadership (0-3, 0-0); 4. Clover Garden School (4-1, 0-0); 5. River Mill (0-10, 0-0); 6. Southern Wake Academy (1-3, 0-0); 7. Triangle Math and Science (3-6, 0-0)
WRESTLING
Boys
Jordan-Matthews hosted Central Carolina Academy and West Davidson in a tri-meet on Dec. 11. The Jets picked up a 48-30 win over Central Carolina Academy but lost toe West Davidson 65-18. Jordan Seaforth dominated North Moore 64-12 on Dec. 11.
Chatham Central won big over Cummings 59-18 on Dec. 11 Dual records as of Dec. 11: Seaforth (9-1); Chatham Central (6-2); Jordan-Matthews (4 -7); Northwood (2-10)
Girls
Jordan-Matthews fell to West Davidson 72-0 on Dec. 11. Multiple forfeits gave West Davidson a large lead, and Jordan-Matthews’ Alexandria Zumano (126 pounds), Edith Vargas (152) and Ruth Interiano (165) were all pinned their respective matches.
INDOOR TRACK
Chatham County’s first place finishers in the Eastern/Southeast Alamance meet on Dec. 10:
Boys: Will Lippers (Seaforth, 1000-meter run, 3 minutes, 3.75 seconds); London Crowling (Seaforth, 1600 run, 5:17.48); Will Cuicchi (Seaforth, 3200 run, 11:21.95); Asher Aldridge (Seaforth, 55 hurdles, 8.36); Seaforth (4x400 relay, 3:46.09); Woods Charter (4x800 relay, 9:22.99); Sebastian Calderon (Seaforth, high jump, 5 feet, 8 inches) Girls: Sasha Helmer (Seaforth, 500 dash, 1:27.70); Claire Morgan (Seaforth, 1000 run, 3:35.50); Juana Jimenez (Seaforth, 1600 run, 5:41.50); Anna Peeler (Woods Charter, 3200 run, 13:08.08); Seaforth (4x400 relay, 4:42); Seaforth (4x800 relay, 10:57.67)
SWIMMING
Chatham County’s first-place finishers from the Southeast Alamance, Northwood and Seaforth meet on Dec. 11: Boys: Jackson Vaughn, Aden
George, Benjamin Lajoie, Ken Gatimu (Seaforth, 200-yard medley relay (1:56.92) and 200 free relay (1:42.58)); Gatimu (Seaforth, 200 free, 2:18.70); Jesse Sikes (Northwood, 200 IM (2:20.92) and 500 free (5:45.91)); Lajoie (Seaforth, 100 fly (56.34) and 100 backstroke (57.72)); Vaughn (Seaforth, 100 free, 57.21); Isaac Lindgren (Seaforth, 100 breaststroke, 1:17.53) Girls: Gillian Eriksen, Jade Brown, Piper Bailey, Eva Waheib (Seaforth, 200 medley relay, 2:13.76); Holly Thesing (Northwood, 200 free (2:10.80) and 100 backstroke (1:09.47)); Eriksen (Seaforth, 200 IM (2:41.87) and 100 fly (1:15.12)); Waheib (Seaforth, 50 free (27.34) and 100 breaststroke (1:25.40)); Alyssa Sarbaugh, Alexandra Smith, Waheib, Bailey (Seaforth, 200 free relay, 2:06.48); Luna Morgan, Brown, Eriksen, Smith (Seaforth, 400 free relay, 4:53.32)
The voting was the closest since 2009
By Mike Fitzpatrick The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Travis
Hunter turned every play into prime time — on both sides of the ball — and ultimately took home the Heisman Trophy.
Now he’s got a leg up on his celebrity coach at Colorado.
The two-way star won college football’s most prestigious award Saturday night, punctuating a tireless performance all season by a dynamic player with a unique combination of skills.
“Never thought I would be in this position,” a tearful Hunter said as he thanked everyone from his fiancée to family members and former and current coaches. “It’s crazy. Belief takes you a long way.”
While posing for countless photos with the iconic statue over the past two days, Hunter made a point not to put his hands on the Heisman. He said he didn’t want to touch it unless it was his.
Once it finally was, he grabbed the trophy hard with two hands and let loose a happy scream: “Let’s go!”
Next stop, a local spot he reserved to celebrate with teammates.
“I don’t like to be out late, but I’m going to be out late tonight,” Hunter said, smiling.
A big-play wide receiver and lockdown cornerback, Hunter dominated on offense and defense for coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes.
Hunter received 552 firstplace votes and 2,231 points. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty was the runner-up with 309 first-place votes and 2,017 points, the closest margin since 2009.
Hunter helped spark an impressive turnaround at Colorado, from 4-8 in 2023 when he missed 3 1/2 games because of injuries to 9-3 this year in Sanders’ second season. The 20th-ranked Buffaloes got their first bowl bid in four years and will face No. 17 BYU (10-2) in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28.
Hunter has pledged to play, rather than skip the game to prepare for the NFL draft and prevent any possible injury as many top prospects do.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior from Suwanee, Georgia, plans to pass up his senior season in Boulder and is expected to be a top-five pick by the pros — perhaps even No. 1 overall.
“He wants to be great at everything,” Sanders said. “He wants to have a commitment to excellence in everything he does — including fishing.”
Showcasing his blazing speed and explosive playmaking, Hunter rarely came off the field this year — making him an every-down throwback to generations gone by and the first full-time, true two-way star in decades.
On offense, he had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, plus a rushing score. On defense, he made four interceptions, 32 tackles, broke up 11 passes and forced a critical fumble that secured an overtime victory against Baylor.
All the while, striking the Heisman pose with teammates to celebrate big plays as it became more and more clear Hunter was the man to beat.
“I definitely can kick, (too). I’ve just got to practice,” he said.
“I can’t stop moving when I’m not on the field.”
Hunter played nearly 700 snaps each on offense and defense — the only Power Four conference player with 30-plus snaps on both sides of the ball.
It would seem an overly exhausting workload for any player these days, both mentally and physically, but not Hunter.
“I think I laid the ground for more people to come in and go
two ways,” he said Friday. “It starts with your mindset. If you believe you can do it, then you’ll be able to do it. And also, I do a lot of treatment. I keep up with my body. I get a lot of recovery.”
Rated the country’s top recruit in the 2022 class, Hunter stunned many observers when he committed to play for Sanders at Jackson State, an HBCU that competes in the lower-level FCS, with the promise of playing both offense and defense.
After one season, Hunter followed Sanders to Colorado and was a consensus All-America selection as an all-purpose player last year despite sitting out three games with a lacerated liver caused by a late hit.
Following his recovery, a healthy Hunter finished strong in 2023 and then really took off this season, catching passes from Shedeur Sanders, the coach’s son, and becoming Colorado’s first Heisman Trophy finalist in 30 years.
“Look where I’m at. It paid off,” Hunter said. “I wanted to be different,” he added later. “Me being different makes me feel more comfortable than doing the norm.”
Deion Sanders, nicknamed Prime Time during his playing days — seemingly by himself — was a two-time All-America defensive back at Florida State and finished eighth in 1988 Heisman voting. Nothing quite like Hunter, who now has Heisman bragging rights on Coach Prime forever.
PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Chatham Central’s Karaleigh Dodson earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Dec. 9.
In the Bears’ 68-38 win over Jordan-Matthews on Dec. 10, Dodson recorded a 30-point triple-double with 10 rebounds and 14 steals. Many of her takeaways led to easy points in transition, and she shot 52% from the floor.
Through Chatham Central’s first five games, Dodson recorded double-digit points and rebounds on three instances. She was also a force defensively in that stretch with 35 steals and nine blocks. As a dual-sport athlete, Dodson recently earned Mid-Carolina 1A/2A first team All-Conference honors for volleyball.
victim of a bad shooting night.
Bears’ defensive dominance. Burke even felt his team was “lucky” in the win considering their shots in the paint weren’t falling like they should’ve.
In the second half, Albright quickly caught fire and was a huge part in the Bears putting the game away. He scored eight points in the third quarter to help put the Bears ahead 38-26 heading into the fourth, including two close buckets and a 3. He scored seven more points in the exact same way in the fourth quarter, matching his scoring output from the entire first half.
“Attacking the basket more,” Albright pointed to as the difference in the second half. “Getting to the rim and drawing fouls. And then, getting it inside and getting it back out to find the open shot.”
As for Jordan-Matthews, the Jets showed fight in the first half with their ability to disrupt some of the Bears’ shot attempts at the rim and get out in transition. However, they were more of the
Only five Jets recorded a point in their tight rotation. The team shot 31% from the floor and 22% from 3. Junior Sean Price led the way with 10 points, including Jordan-Matthews’ only two 3-pointers of the game.
With the loss to Chatham Central, Jordan-Matthews has lost three of its first four games. The Bears are trending in the opposite direction with four wins in their first five games and hope to turn their first Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference win into some positive momentum.
“This is a very tough conference for us,” Burke said. “If we play this the way, I think we can, then it sets the stage of postseason. That’s what I’m really looking forward to. To see how we can attack this hard conference we’re in, including us, and see how we do in the postseason.”
Said Burke, “I think we can make a run this year provided we do what we need in the stepping stones.”
Michael Jordan is
By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE — Front Row
Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series last Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped.
Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case.
“Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them,” Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina.
Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds.
The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the
JM GIRLS from page B1
15-13 by the end of the first quarter as the Jets were able to find opportunities in the paint, and Chatham Central found little luck in hitting shots. But with the Bears’ press in full force by the second quarter, the Jets found a hard time getting the ball past half court.
Chatham Central outscored Jordan-Matthews 23-7 in the second quarter to take a 38-20 lead at halftime. Dodson already had 17 points by the break.
“She got triple-teamed Friday night (against Southeast Alamance on Dec. 6),” Albright said. “I mean she could bare-
teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as “open” teams that don’t have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter.
Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR
ly get movement, which I would do, too, as a coach. For her to come off that kind of play on Friday night to come to this speaks volumes of her confidence level.”
Chatham Central’s full-court defensive pressure continued into the third quarter as it only allowed six points to the Jets and built a 50-26 lead going into the fourth quarter. As it was a bleak 29% shooting night for the Jets, it’s been as much as a struggle all season for the young squad. Jordan-Matthews shot below 30% from the floor for the fourth straight time, leading to its third loss in its first four games. It’s also been a
President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved.
But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was “primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR,” Freeze said.
“NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not ap-
struggle in the rivalry as a whole as the Jets haven’t beaten Chatham Central since 2014.
For Chatham Central, the rivalrybgame victory is a step in the right direction following the brutal loss to Southeast Alamance on Dec. 6.
The Bears hope to build on their first Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference win of the year with some better consistency from quarter to quarter. Albright didn’t like how her team played defensively in the first quarter against the Jets, and she’d like to see a complete game of how her team played in the second quarter.
prove it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit,” Freeze said.
“NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved.”
A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR ac-
“Just keep up the confidence,” Dodson said as a key to building off the win over Jordan-Matthews. “If you have a bad game, just let it go. I feel like everybody keeps bringing each other up. Like if somebody is having a bad game, and you’re having a good game, go up to that person like, ‘Hey, it’s OK. You got it.’ And just keep that intensity like (Albright) said. How we played this second quarter, hopefully, getting to where we can play like that each quarter I think will be really helpful.”
Dodson keeping up her recent play will also provide a huge boost for the Bears through-
cused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing “new circumstances” in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a “coordinated effort behind the scenes.”
“This is completely false,” Lauletta said.
Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, threetime Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk.
The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses.
“23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing,” Lauletta said. “Our efforts to expand — purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track — are integral to achieving this goal.
“It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships,” he continued. “It is a necessity because NASCAR’s monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level.”
out the season. The all-conference forward has recorded two double-doubles this season, scoring in double-digits for all but one game as of Dec. 10. She’s also been a defensive force with 35 steals and nine blocks in the Bears’ first five games.
“I definitely think that I’ve gotten more confident over the years,” Dodson said. “I really want to win this year. No matter how I do it, if somebody else scores 30 points, I just want to win. So, I will try my best to do whatever it takes to keep up the intensity and build up my confidence.”
Former Miami booster among those with sentences commuted by Biden
Washington Nevin Shapiro, the former Miami booster whose rogue involvement with the school led to a massive NCAA investigation and significant sanctions against the Hurricanes, had his sentence for masterminding a $930 million Ponzi scheme commuted by President Joe Biden. Shapiro was among the 1,499 recipients of commutations announced by the White House. Shapiro, who was initially sentenced in 2011 to serve 20 years in prison and repay his jilted investors nearly $83 million, will be officially listed as released on Dec. 22. Court records show Shapiro has been on home confinement since 2020.
NBA Point guard Schroder traded by Brooklyn to Golden State
Las Vegas Golden State has acquired point guard Dennis Schroder in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for injured guard De’Anthony Melton and guard Reece Beekman. The trade was agreed to on Saturday and finalized on Sunday when league rules allowed, with the Nets also receiving a package of second-round draft picks. Schroder averaged 18.4 points and 6.6 assists this season for the Nets, who are 10th in the Eastern Conference.
Shiffrin recovering after abdominal surgery to clean out deep puncture wound suffered in race crash Beaver Creek, Colo.
Mikaela Shiffrin is recovering after undergoing abdominal surgery to clean out a puncture wound she received in a giant slalom crash two weeks ago. Shiffrin posted an update on Instagram. There’s no timetable for Shiffrin’s return to racing after suffering bruises and the deep puncture to her hip area during a crash on Nov. 30 in Killington, Vermont, while charging after her 100th career World Cup win. She has more wins than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport.
MLB
Freeman’s walk-off grand slam ball sells for $1.56M at auction Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Freddie Freeman’s historic walk-off grand slam ball from Game 1 of the World Series sold for $1.56 million at auction. The bidding at SCP Auctions went into the late hours of Saturday night, according to a statement from the auction house. It didn’t say who bought the ball. Freeman, the Dodgers first baseman, came to the plate on a sprained right ankle with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Yankees. He hit the first pitch 413 feet for the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history for the 6-3 win.
More than two dozen players look to leave as the former Wolfpack defensive coordinator takes over
By John Raby The Associated Press
TONY GIBSON jumped right into recruiting at Marshall in his first college head coaching job after nearly three decades as an assistant. It involved his own players. The roster took an immediate hit after Charles Huff was named coach at Southern Miss on Sunday while Gibson, the defensive coordinator at NC State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later.
The transfer portal opened the next day. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players were in it.
Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He’s followed that up with phone calls, text
messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday.
“Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.”
Many who entered the portal and can still come back were veterans, including all three quarterbacks who played this season: Braylon Braxton, Stone Earle and Cole Pennington. So did leading rusher A.J. Turner and three of the team’s top seven wide receivers. On defense, four of the seven leading tacklers are in the portal, including leading tackler Jaden Yates at linebacker.
Gibson signed a memorandum of understanding to coach at Marshall on Dec. 3. Huff, whose contract expired after this season and had never signed an extension, left one day after Marshall beat Louisiana-Lafayette in the Sun Belt championship game. The Herd
“Trust me when I tell you this, I am home. And I am staying home. And it’s going to be our last house. This I promise.”
Marshall coach Tony Gibson, a West Virginia native
was supposed to play No. 19 Army in the Independence Bowl but was forced to pull out of the game because of a lack of players. Under his five-year agreement, Gibson will be paid an annual salary of $1 million, compared with $750,000 for Huff. Gibson’s buyout is $4 million if he accepts a job at another Division I school or with a professional league or team before February 2026. It will be reduced by $1 million each year after that.
Gibson, 52, has his doubts the buyout will come into play.
He grew up in the small coal mining community of Van, West Virginia, and it has been his wish to move back to his native state. He has been an assistant at Power 4 schools for the past 24 seasons and said he’s moved his family 15 times in the past.
“Trust me when I tell you this, I am home. And I am staying home,” Gibson said. “And it’s going to be our last house. This I promise.” During Gibson’s first of two stints on West Virginia’s staff, the Mountaineers regularly played Marshall in the Friends of Coal Bowl two decades ago. Despite Marshall going 0-7 in the series from 2006 to 2012, he’d like to see it return.
As for the games already penciled in, it will be a daunting task right away, and Gibson turned to athletic director Christian Spears for a mild scolding.
“Thank you for scheduling Georgia as my first game as a football coach,” Gibson said to the crowd’s laughter.
The bowl-bound teams set a record for the most combined wins entering the game
By Noah Trister The Associated Press
LANDOVER, Md. — This was an Army-Navy game unlike any before it. The teams had combined for 19 victories this season before their annual clash, a record for the rivalry.
Of course, only one of them would be responsible for No. 20 — the biggest win of them all.
“I think they’re like us. We want to be significant,” Navy coach Brian Newberry said. “I think we both were this year, and I think because of that maybe there was a little more significance, a little more interest maybe in this game.”
Blake Horvath outplayed Bryson Daily at quarterback, accounting for 311 yards and four touchdowns to help Navy beat No. 19 Army 31-13 on Saturday. Horvath threw for 107 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 204 yards and two touchdowns.
Navy (9-3) snapped a two -game losing streak in the series.
Daily, who finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy vote this year, threw a touchdown pass of his own, but he was intercepted three times. Army (11-2) fell behind 14-0 in the second quarter and never completely recovered. The Black Knights were coming off a victory over Tulane in the American Athletic Conference title game — the first league championship in program history.
Navy, which won its first six games this season and also spent time in the Top 25, completed a sweep of Air Force and
Midshipmen celebrate during the first half of the Army-Navy game, in Landover, Md.
Army to win the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 2019.
“As excited and proud we were eight days ago, we’re as disappointed as we’ve ever been,” Army coach Jeff Monken said. “It’s hard to lose that game. That one hurts a lot, especially when the trophy’s on the line and we’ve got a chance to keep that trophy at West Point. We didn’t do it.”
In front of a crowd that included President-elect Donald Trump at the Washington Commanders’ home stadium in Landover, Navy took the opening kickoff and drove 65 yards, reaching the end zone on a 1-yard run by Horvath.
Daily, who had been intercepted only once all season,
had a pass picked off in the second quarter by Dashaun Peele. The Midshipmen took advantage of a short field, going ahead 14-0 on an 18-yard pass from Horvath to Brandon Chatman. Daily answered with a touchdown pass of his own — 23 yards to Hayden Reed. Both teams were run heavy as expected, but they did combine for 25 pass attempts — including what was probably the biggest play of the game in the third quarter. After a field goal made the score 14-10, Horvath connected with Eli Heidenreich, who broke free up the left sideline for a 52-yard touchdown.
Daily missed an open Casey Reynolds in the end zone early in the fourth, and Army settled for a field goal.
Navy then faced fourth down near midfield, but Landon Robinson — normally a nose guard — ran 29 yards on a fake punt. Although Robinson fumbled at the end of the play, the Midshipmen were able to recover. Horvath’s 1-yard scoring run made it 28-13, and Daily was intercepted twice more before the end of the game. This was the first of two straight Army-Navy games in Navy’s home state of Maryland. Next year’s edition is in Baltimore.
That was Horvath’s 13th touchdown pass of the season and Heidenreich’s sixth touchdown reception — both tying school records.
singer-actor has been public about her mental health struggles
By Jonathan Landrum Jr. The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — While
surveying a room packed with Hollywood’s most influential figures, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez took center stage to spotlight a critical issue: Prioritizing mental health and supporting underserved communities often left behind in the conversation.
“It’s about taking action to ensure that underserved communities have access to mental health resources,” Gomez said at the Academy Women’s Luncheon. The singer-actor has been public about her mental health struggles, revealing she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
In 2020, Gomez started the Rare Impact Fund and her Rare Beauty line of cosmetics, pledging to donate 1% of all sales to the fund to help expand mental health services and educa-
tion for young people.
“It’s about showing them that when we come together, we can make a real difference,” said Gomez, a Grammy- and Emmy-nominated performer who became a Golden Globes double nominee last Monday for her roles on “Emilia Pérez” and “Only Murders in the Building.”
“I know firsthand how isolation can make you feel at times,” she said.
“But moments like this and talking to all these amazing women, it just reminds me that I’m not alone. We share. And when we stand together, we create a ripple effect that stretches far beyond our own lives.”
Gomez was the keynote speaker at the event held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures with attendees including Ariana Grande, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Sarah Paulson, Regina King, Rita Wilson, Ava DuVernay and Awkwafina.
Gomez talked about the importance of amplifying women’s voices and being proud while working on “Emilia Pérez,” which she says featured
“extraordinary” women from in front and behind the camera. She said the film’s director, Jacques Audiard, fostered the idea that “every single voice is heard and valued.”
“It reminded me of the power of community, supporting and lifting up each other — whether in film, music or life itself,” she said.
Many actors in attendance dressed in Chanel clothing, jewelry, shoes, makeup and accessories. The luxury fashion brand, which sponsored the event, has had a long association with film and women creatives since founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel saw an opportunity to put her designs in the movies and empower women in film.
Gomez paid homage to the event for highlighting women filmmakers and the efforts behind creating resources for those in the fellowship.
“It is honestly such an honor to be in this room with so many women that I love and have inspired me throughout the years,” she said.
The upside and downside of education, marriage and family are explored
By Ann Levin
The Associated Press
Weike Wang’s ‘Rental House’ finds beauty, humor in marriage of opposites RIVERHEAD
VACATION RENTAL with the in-laws — for many, it’s a setup for disaster. In Weike Wang’s “Rental House,” it’s certainly that. It’s also an opportunity for Wang, a wildly gifted writer, to explore the upside and downside of education, marriage and family. Add to the mix an interracial couple where one partner hails from an Appalachian background like that of JD Vance and the other’s life was shaped by the policies of Chairman Mao, and you have all you need for a laughout-loud satire of American dysfunction.
The heroes are Nate and Keru, who meet sort-of-cute at a Halloween party their senior year at Yale. She’s in a leopard-print turtleneck, plaid jacket and shiny gold pants to represent “a bad dress day.” He’s got a fin strapped to his back to stand for “great white,” as in shark, not, Keru later realizes, his status as another well-to-do Caucasian male at an Ivy League school. Nate is anything but that. His background is hillbilly, minus the elegy, the first generation in his family to go to college. Keru is first gen, too, having emigrat-
“Rental House” is Weike Wang’s third novel.
ed to this country as a child with her Chinese parents.
Both are whip smart. He studies fruit flies; she’s in consulting. Five years into their marriage, they invite each set of parents to spend a week at their Cape Cod beach house. By then, they’ve become doting parents of a giant sheepdog, Mantou, whose name means “steamed bun” in Chinese.
As their parents arrive in staggered shifts, Wang gleefully pokes fun at each family’s prejudices and quirks. “To use a dishwasher is to admit defeat,” Keru’s demanding father tells Nate
Wang’s novel is a poignant, profound meditation on this divided country enlivened by her dry wit and deadpan style.
sternly. But the light-hearted tone darkens when Keru, stressed out by her in-laws’ visit, has a meltdown. In the second half of the book, the stakes are higher. It’s five years later, and Keru is making gobs more money than her tenured professor husband though it requires 80-hour weeks. Easygoing Nate has been diagnosed with anxiety and even Mantou is depressed.
This time, they rent a house in a luxury development in the Catskills, where Keru must harness her considerable problem-solving skills to steer their little ship of a family through unexpected visits from nosy, obnoxious neighbors and Nate’s ne’erdo-well brother.
Though ostensibly a comedy of manners built around an opposites-attract couple, Wang’s novel, her third after “Chemistry” and “Joan Is Okay,” is a poignant, profound meditation on this divided country enlivened by her dry wit and deadpan style.
DEC. 19
1777: Gen. George Washington led his army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
1998: President Bill Clinton was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice.
2008: President George W. Bush ordered a $17.4 billion emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry.
DEC. 20
1803: The Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.
1946: The classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered.
1989: The U.S. launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.
DEC. 21
1620: Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower went ashore at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts, for the first time.
1864: During the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman concluded
their “March to the Sea” when they captured Savannah, Georgia.
1891: The first basketball game, devised by James Naismith, is believed to have been played at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts.
1944: During the World War II Battle of the Bulge, U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe rejected a German demand for surrender, writing “Nuts!” in his official reply.
DEC. 22
1858: Opera composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca, Italy.
1989: Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu the last of Eastern Europe’s hardline Communist rulers, was toppled from power.
The classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, premiered on Dec. 20, 1946.
AP PHOTO
DEC. 23
1823: The poem “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas” was published in the Troy (New York) Sentinel; the verse, more popularly known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” was later attributed to Clement C. Moore.
1913: The Federal Reserve System was created as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act.
1948: Former Japanese premier Hideki Tojo and six other Japanese war leaders were executed in Tokyo.
1954: The first successful human kidney transplant took place at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston.
DEC. 24
1814: The United States and Britain signed the Treaty of
Ghent, which ended the War of 1812.
1865: Several veterans of the Confederate Army formed a private social club in Pulaski, Tennessee, that was the original version of the Ku Klux Klan.
1914: During World War I, impromptu Christmas truces began to take hold along parts of the Western Front between British and German soldiers.
1943: President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe as part of Operation Overlord.
1968: The Apollo 8 astronauts, orbiting the moon, read passages from the Old Testament Book of Genesis during a Christmas Eve telecast.
A.D. 336: The first known commemoration of Christmas on Dec. 25 took place in Rome.
1066: William the Conqueror was crowned King of England.
1818: “Silent Night (Stille Nacht)” was publicly performed for the first time during the Christmas Midnight Mass at the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria.
1977: Comedian and filmmaker Sir Charles Chaplin died in Switzerland at age 88.
The film is a moment-by-moment retelling of how a group of sports broadcasters brought this story to the world in real time
By Lindsey Bahr
The Associated Press
NEWS JUNKIES will find much to love in “September 5,” a fictionalized account of ABC’s live coverage of the hostage crisis during the 1972 Munich Olympics. There are spirited debates about reporting with only one source, use of words like “terrorism” and what to do if violence breaks out during a live shot.
The film is a moment-by-moment retelling of how a group of sports broadcasters brought this story to the world in real time, despite the technical limitations and their own inexperience across a confusing 22 hours.
Everyone came to the studio that night ready for breaking sports news, scores and prepackaged interviews. Even that was going to be a test for the man running the control room for the first
time. Geoffrey Mason, portrayed by John Magaro, was a 28-yearold coordinating producer. Someone wonders about his experience and is assured that he’s covered minor league baseball games. But in the early hours of Sept. 5, 1972, eight members of a Palestinian group called Black September broke into the Olympic village where athletes were housed and attacked the Israeli delegation, killing wrestling
coach Moshe Weinberg and weightlifter Yossi Romano.
While the tragedy of the Munich Olympics has certainly been told many times, writer and director Tim Fehlbaum saw an opportunity in the team behind the live broadcast. And he commits fully to staying in the newsroom, with all of its glorious old technologies, from the walkie-talkies they used to stay in touch to taking time to show how
“September 5” is a dramatized account of the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis from an ABC news team’s perspective.
they had to manually add text to the screens.
The players are many in this large ensemble. Peter Sarsgaard, who’s looked right in a newsroom since “Shattered Glass,” gives gravitas to Roone Arledge, then-president of ABC Sports, and Ben Chaplin is operations engineer Marvin Bader. Leonie Benesch is Marianne Gebhardt, a German-speaking interpreter who is the only person there able
to understand the language of the country. Benjamin Walker plays broadcaster Peter Jennings, and real archival footage of anchor Jim McKay from that day is used in the film.
And while they all rise to the occasion, mistakes are made — including a rather big one at the end, following imperfect secondhand information from the Fuerstenfeldbruck airfield.
The film looks of its time, but it also feels fairly modern in its sensibilities, which makes it always seem more like a retelling than an in-the-moment experience. This may be to its detriment, yet it’s still an undeniably riveting and compelling watch. The word thrilling doesn’t seem appropriate, however. This is not “Apollo 13” after all. The end is not a happy one.
But at time when trust in the media is in crisis, this film is a great humanizer, reminding audiences that the media is far from a monolith, but a group of individuals under immense pressure to get the story right, get the story out and go back and do it again the next day.
“September 5” is in theaters now.
Samuel L. Jackson is 76, Jane Fonda turns 87, Annie Lennox is 70, Eddie Vedder hits 60
THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.
DEC. 19
Actor Tim Reid is 80. Singer Janie Fricke is 77. Actor Jennifer Beals is 61. Basketball Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis is 60.
DEC. 20
Rock drummer Peter Criss (Kiss) is 79. Producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order”) is 78. Musician Alan Parsons is 76. Author Sandra Cisneros is 70. Rock singer Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) is 58. Filmmaker Todd Phillips is 54. Actor Jonah Hill is 41.
DEC. 21
Actor Jane Fonda is 87. Singer Carla Thomas is 82. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is 80. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is 76. Actor Jane Kaczmarek is 69. Country musician Lee Roy Parnell is 68. Actor-comedian Ray Romano is 67. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is 58.
DEC. 22
Actor Hector Elizondo is 88. Country singer and actor Red Steagall is 86. TV anchor Diane Sawyer is 79. Actor Ralph Fiennes is 62.
DEC. 23
Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) is 84. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer (“The Simpsons”) is 81. Singer Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is 60.
DEC. 24
Dr. Anthony Fauci is 84. Recording company executive Mike Curb is 80. Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is 78. Singer Ricky Martin is 53. TV personality Ryan Seacrest (TV: “Live with Kelly & Ryan”) is 50.
DEC. 25
Singer John Edwards of The Spinners is 80. Actor Gary Sandy (“WKRP In Cincinnati”) is 79. Country singer Barbara Mandrell is 75. Actor Sissy Spacek is 75. Blues musician Joe Louis Walker is 75.
Clint Eastwood’s latest, “Juror #2,” lands on Max
The Associated Press
THE GRIPING Vatican-based thriller “Conclave” about picking a new pope and Stephanie Hsu starring in the dark comedy “Laid” as a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: Dwayne Johnson stars as Santa’s bodyguard in the movie “Red One,” internet star MrBeast hosts his own reality competition show on Prime Video called “Beast Games,” and Little Big Town hosts a Christmas special on NBC.
MOVIES TO STREAM
What goes on inside the Vatican before white smoke flows out of the Sistine Chapel? “Conclave” (streaming now on Peacock), about the election of a new pope, is a gripping thriller that imagines how the gathering of cardinals could go. The film, directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, stars Ralph Fiennes as the cardinal tasked with running the conclave. Nominated for six Golden Globes, “Conclave” is a major Oscar contender and one of the rare recent adult-oriented dramas to succeed at the box office. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called it “a deliriously fun watch in the way that tense, smart thrillers with an ensemble of great actors can be.”
It was easy to miss Clint Eastwood’s “Juror #2” in cinemas, but the 94-year-old’s latest arrives Friday on Max. And “Juror #2,” despite its small theatrical footprint, has been much praised by critics. In it, Nicholas Hoult plays a juror in a murder trial who’s struggling with a moral dilemma.
A sled-full of new Christmas movies arrive every year, with hopes of establishing themselves as a new holiday classic. Of them, “Red One” (now streaming on Prime Video) is distinguished by being the biggest, most garishly wrapped one yet. In the $250 million movie, Dwayne Johnson stars as the bodyguard for a more militaristic Kris Kringle (J.K. Simmons), who teams up with a deadbeat hacker (Chris Evans) to rescue Santa after he’s kidnapped. In my review, I wrote that “there is ample time during ‘Red One’ to ponder who, exactly, put a
Marvel-ized Santa on their wish list.”
Mati Diop’s “Dahomey,” one of the year’s nonfiction highlights, is not to be missed. Diop, the French Senegalese director of “Atlantics,” documents the return of 26 art works seized by French troops during the 1890s from the African kingdom (now southern Benin). In the film, currently streaming on Mubi, Diop casts a wide and fantastic net in chronicling their voyage home, with a wide array of voices debating the ethics and meaning of reparations — including even those of the Dahomey treasures, themselves.
MUSIC TO STREAM
’Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. That is, until you see “Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry” on NBC, available to stream on Peacock. What says “happy holidays” more than some of country music’s modern greats bringing their twang from the famous Nashville stage to the family living room?
A group of great guests, proba-
bly — and those include Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Kirk Franklin, Josh Groban, Kate Hudson and Orville Peck.
SHOWS TO STREAM
A new docuseries on Apple TV+ reveals the habits and behaviors of animals in the wild. Filmmakers spent three years tracking 77 unique species in 24 countries and capturing everything from jumping spider courtship dances to a killifish in Trinidad breathing through its tail when out of the water. Hugh Bonneville narrates “The Secret Lives of Animals, “ is streaming on Apple TV+. Stephanie Hsu stars in a new dark comedy for Peacock as Ruby, a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying in mysterious, outrageous ways. Ruby and her best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet, doing her wry observational bit) dig into the past to make sense of what’s happening and save lives. The process prompts Ruby to learn hard truths about herself. “Laid” is based on an Australian series. There are also a number of fun
guest stars including
Internet star MrBeast, (real name: Jimmy Donaldson) — whose YouTube channel has more subscribers than any other — is now the host of his own reality competition show on Prime Video called “Beast Games.” Contestants wear tracksuits and compete in wild games for a $5 million prize. It’s like “Squid Game,” without the dying. “Beast Games” premieres Thursday on Prime Video.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY Season 2 of “Squid Game” drops on Netflix the day after Christmas, but you and your family can get an early start if you’re already itching for a fight to the death. The streamer is inviting subscribers to download Squid Game: Unleashed, an online battle royale for up to 32 players. It includes familiar season 1 competitions like Glass Bridge and Red Light Green Light, as well as deadly new devices like buzzsaws, wrecking balls and lava pits. Last one to survive ... well, you don’t get any money but at least you don’t get squished.
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