North Carolina
‘It was dire’: NC State professor returns from Qatar after being trapped during Iran war
An North Carolina State University professor is back home Monday night after he was trapped in the Middle East as war with Iran broke out.
Rich Spontak was stuck in Qatar while traveling from Bangkok to Spain and was forced to stay in the country for about a week. Several travelers were trapped for days in the Middle East after Iran’s
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several defense leaders were
killed in joint strikes by the United States and Israel.
Spontak, like many travelers, found himself stranded in the Middle East after the initial attacks, which quickly entangled more surrounding countries, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, where seven U.S. service members were killed in retaliatory attacks from Iran.
Spontak said there were times he thought he wouldn’t make it out.
“I would just keep looking out and looking for the missiles,” Spontak said. “Some people that I met along the way were hit by shrapnel from the missles. It was dire.”
Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait and Syria remained closed, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24. Azerbaijan also shut the southern sector of its airspace on Thursday after accusing Iran of a drone attack that injured four civilians and damaged an airport building.
Lilia Austin, a Chapel Hill woman who was part of a group of 100 women who went to Israel for a trip the day before Khamenei was killed, also returned home on Sunday after she left Israel through Egypt.
UNC is still high on Denis as backcourt depth piece despite coaching change and lack of playing time last season.
While North Carolina continues to rebuild its backcourt, one of its key guards is officially returning.
Guard Isaiah Denis re-signed with the Tar Heels on Sunday afternoon, the university announced on social media. The move comes after Denis withdrew his name from the transfer portal on April 18.
Denis was among the first UNC players to enter the transfer portal when it opened April 7. But after a meeting with head coach Michael Malone and the coaching staff, he reconsidered and decided to return for another season.
A former four-star prospect, Denis was part of North Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class that also included Caleb Wilson and Derek Dixon. Denis appeared in 10 games last season, averaging 1.9 points and 0.6 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field.
UNC remains high on Denis and his ability to provide depth in the backcourt.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
No. 8 Virginia (10-6, 2-2 ACC) defeats No. 5 North Carolina (12-3, 2-2 ACC) to claim its first ACC Tournament title since 2019. Updates are in reverse chronological order with the most recent events at the top.
Virginia 16, North Carolina 6 | FINAL
Virginia 16 North Carolina 6 | Q4 FINAL
Hudson Hausmann scores in transition before UNC scores on the man up. Kyle Morris is now in net. Minutes later, Burke McFarlane scores as the Hoos pile it on.
Virginia 14 North Carolina 5 | Q4 7:40
James Matan scores to open the fourth quarter for the Heels before Ryan Duenkel fires back with a behind the back goal on the other end.
Virginia 13 North Carolina 4 | Q3 0:00
Duffy scores to break UNC’s deadlock before McCabe Millon pierces a corner to restore Virginia’s advantage. Short;y after Ryan Colsey scores a twister as Virginia continues to pile on the goals. Later on Pietramala scored his first goal of the day.
Virginia 11 North Carolina 2 | Q2 1:38
McCabe Millon scores again as he has three goals and two assists. Truitt Sunderland scores his fourth of the day shortly after.
Virginia 9 North Carolina 2 | Q2 4:51
Hudson Hausmann scores in transition to make it eight straight for the Cavaliers. Jake Marek makes another unbelievable save. Truitt Sunderland scores again as the Hoos have scored nine straight goals.
MAKE IT 8 GOALS IN A ROW💥#GoHoos🔸⚔️🔹 pic.twitter.com/4S65OEKjso
— Virginia Men’s Lacrosse (@UVAMensLax) May 3, 2026
Virginia 7 North Carolina 2 | Q2 10:48
Will Inderlied stretches Virginia’s lead to six. After the goal Marek makes another massive save on the other end. He’s got seven saves so far. B. Millon finds Duenkel to make it 7-2 Hoos. Timeout UNC.
Virginia 5 North Carolina 2 | Q1 2:20
McCabe Millon scores in transition off of a feed from Sunderland. On the other end Marek makes another save before M. Millon returns the favor with a feed to Sunderland.
Virginia 3 North Carolina 2 | Q1 5:38
Virginia goes man up with Brendan Millon finding Truitt Sunderland to take the lead. UNC received the penalty for an illegal stick.
Virginia 2 North Carolina 2 | Q1 6:26
In need of an answer McCabe Millon scores the first of the day for the Hoos. Chase Band recorded the assist. Minutes later, Joey Terenzi splits his man and scores from the top of the key.
Virginia 0 North Carolina 2 | Q1 10:04
The Hoos fail to score on their opening two possessions. James Matan on the Tar Heels first possession finds nylon with an on the run shot. Pietramala feeds Brevin Wilson to give UNC an early advantage.
Virginia vs North Carolina Pregame Notes
For a preview: Virginia Lacrosse vs. North Carolina ACC Championship Preview
- Virginia fell to North Carolina 16-15 in overtime in Charlottesville, Virginia in April
- Virginia is seeking its first ACC Tournament title since 2019
- North Carolina defeated Syracuse 12-10 in the second semifinal to advance to Sunday’s championship
Follow
For the first time in a long time, you can now enjoy a fire, outside, across most of North Carolina The North Carolina Forest Service says 81 counties, including Durham and Wake, have now dropped the open burn ban.
Posted
-
News22 minutes agoHere’s how medication abortion works with just one drug that’s still fully available
-
New York2 hours agoHow a Hairdresser and Painter Lives on $70,000 a Year in Chelsea
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoGas prices up 84 cents in Michigan from last week, up 76 cents in metro Detroit
-
San Francisco, CA3 hours agoSan Francisco woman gets photographer’s old number. It changes both their lives
-
Dallas, TX3 hours agoPolice say a crash led to an attempted carjacking and a fatal shooting in Garland
-
Miami, FL3 hours agoWinners and losers of F1 Miami grand prix
-
Boston, MA3 hours ago‘Distressing’ Number of Boston’s Gen Z Residents Eye the Exit as Housing Costs Soar
-
Denver, CO3 hours agoLegacy score twice in waning minutes, beat fellow expansion side Denver for first win in franchise history