North State Journal Vol. 9, Issue 17

inside

Bryson DeChambeau and Pinehurst No. 2 put on a show for the ages last week at the U.S. Open. DeChambeau’s bunker shot set up his winning putt on the 18th hole Sunday to beat a dejected Rory McIlroy and win his second U.S. Open. Stories, photos and more in Sports.

Biden’s immigration change could give citizenship to 500K

Washington, D.C.

President Joe Biden is taking an expansive election year step to o er relief to potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants without legal status in the U.S., aiming to balance his aggressive crackdown on the southern border earlier this month that enraged advocates and many Democratic lawmakers. The White House announced Tuesday that the Biden administration will, in the coming months, allow certain spouses of U.S. citizens without legal status to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship. The move could a ect upwards of half a million immigrants, according to senior administration o cials. To qualify, an immigrant must have lived in the United States for 10 years as of Monday and be married to a U.S. citizen. If a qualifying immigrant’s application is approved, he or she would have three years to apply for a green card and receive a temporary work permit and be shielded from deportation in the meantime. About 50,000 noncitizen children with a parent who is married to a U.S. citizen could also potentially qualify for the same process, according to senior administration o cials. There is no requirement on how long the couple must have been married, and no one becomes eligible after Monday.

CBO raises ’24

23 state AGs look to overturn gender-a rming surgery ruling the BRIEF this week

federal budget de cit projection by $400B Washington, D.C.

The Congressional Budget O ce said Tuesday that it projects this year’s federal budget de cit to be $400 billion higher, a 27% increase compared to its original estimate released in February. The major drivers of the change are higher costs from the supplemental spending package signed in April that provides military aid to Ukraine and Israel; higher than estimated costs of reducing student loan borrower balances; increased Medicaid spending; and higher spending on FDIC insurance after the agency has not yet recovered payments it made after recent banking crises of 2023 and 2024. The report also projects that the nation’s publicly held debt is set to increase from 99% of gross domestic product at the end of 2024 to 122% of GDP — the highest level ever recorded — by the end of 2034.

Charlotte’s $1.1B infrastructure boost among LGC approvals

Financial control was returned to the Town of Kingstown

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The city of Charlotte scored a majornancial win as the state’s Local Government Commission approved more than $1.1 billion in nancing to bolster the region’s water and sewer infrastructure at its June 4 meeting.

Charlotte Water provides roughly 116 million gallons of water and treats 85 million gallons of wastewater daily across Mecklenburg County and its 1 million customer accounts.

Charlotte received approval for a two-part, nine- gure nancing package. The larger portion is $610 million in

revenue bonds that will be issued to pay o previous debt incurred through a bond anticipation note (BAN) for water and sewer infrastructure improvements and additions.

A BAN is a type of short-term borrowing that municipalities use when they expect to issue long-term bonds for a project in the future.

The smaller portion was a separate request for $500 million in new BAN nancing for additional water and sewer infrastructure projects in the Charlotte metro area.

To cover the mounting costs, the utility is anticipating annual water and sewer rate increases of 5.75% from scal years 2025 through 2029. Water accounts are expected to rise by 1.9% in 2025, while sewer accounts will likely see a 1.8% increase.

See LGC, page A8

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein refused to defend the state in a similar case

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Nearly half of the nation’s attorneys general have joined an amicus brief led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall that seeks to overturn a ruling by the 11th Circuit that employer health insurance must cover gender-afrming care or face liability under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“This case calls out for correction by the full Eleventh Circuit. It is hard to overstate how radical the panel’s decision is,” said Marshall in a press release. “With its interpretation of a federal statute meant to require equal treatment in the workplace, the court fundamentally transformed Title VII to require favored treatment for employees who identify as

The 350,000 driver’s license backlog is expected to be cleared by the end of the month

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — In a recent House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing, the head of the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles faced tough questions from lawmakers regarding the agency’s compliance with state laws.

Testifying under oath before the committee were North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and

the representative of the agency’s vendor, Lisa Shoemaker, vice president of Global Corporate Relations for Idemia North America.

“Other than the recent credentials production and delivery delay, by every other general metric of which I’m aware DMV is better now than it was two years ago,” Goodwin said in his opening statement. He added that the state’s newly designed driver’s licenses “will have the most secure credential in our great state’s history,” and the “new licenses and IDs will be among the most secure identifying documents in the world.”

transgender by mandating coverage for any number of treatments or operations such an employee could want.

“The court’s rewrite of Title VII will produce wide-ranging consequences for employers, who now face both greater liability and diminished clari-

ty over how far the law extends. The Court must correct this decision.” In addition to Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South

Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia signed onto the amicus brief.

North Carolina did not join the brief, and Attorney General Josh Stein refused to defend the State Health Plan in a similar case settled earlier this year.

“Four years ago, the State Health Plan and the UNC Systems were sued for not covering sex-transition operations. I asked North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein to represent us in the litigation known as the Kadel case,” said N.C. State Treasurer Dale Folwell in a statement to North State Journal. “He refused us while, at the same time, representing the UNC Systems eventually coming to an undisclosed settlement with the plainti s.

“North Carolina is not joining 23 other states in ling an amicus brief in an appeal of a federal court decision taking away the right of employers

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY NCDMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, left, and Idemia North America Vice President for Global Corporate Relations Lisa Shoemaker take their oaths before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on June 6.

PATRICK SEMANSKY / AP PHOTO

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall was joined by 22 other states in an amicus brief looking to overturn a ruling that requires employer health insurance to cover gendera rming care.

See NCDMV, page A2

See OVERTURN, page A3

STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Bad temperament is such a dis gurement of character that no one should spare any pains or cost to have it cured. The ideal Christian life is one of unbroken kindliness but, most of us fall into the bad-tempered category. The dictionary has been well-near exhausted of adjectives of this order, in giving the di erent shades of badtemper: aggressive, angry, bickering, bitter, capricious, choleric, contentious, crotchety, despotic, domineering, easily o ended, gloomy, grumpy, hasty, hu y, irritable, morose, obstinate, quarrelsome, reproachful, peevish, sulky, surly, vindictive — these are some of the qualifying words. There are employed, in all, 46 terms which describe a bad temper.

We do not like to believe the case is quite so serious — that most of us are unpleasant to some o ensive degree. It is easier to confess our neighbor’s faults and in rmities, than our own.

Bad-tempered people ofttimes hurt others — including their best and truest friends. Some people are sulky—and one person’s sulkiness casts a chilling shadow over a whole household! Others are so sensitive, ever watching for slights and o ended by the merest tri es — that even their nearest friends have no freedom of fellowship with them. Others are despotic, and will brook no kindly suggestion, nor listen to any expression of opinion. Others are so quarrelsome that even the meekest and gentlest person cannot live peaceably with them. Whatever may be the special characteristic of the bad temper, it makes only pain and humiliation for the person’s friends.

A bad temper usually implies a sharp tongue which can speak out hateful feelings; and there is no limit to the pain and the harm which angry and ugly words can produce in gentle hearts.

It would be easy to extend this portrayal of the evils of bad temper — but it will be more pro table to inquire how a bad-

tempered person may become goodtempered. There is no temper so obdurately bad that it cannot be trained into kindness. The grace of God can take the most unlovely life and transform it into the image of Christ.

Christian living It is dominated by love — the love whose portrait is drawn for us in the immortal thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

We have but to turn to the gospel pages to nd the story of a life in which all this was realized. Jesus never lost his temper. He lived among people who tried him at every point — some by their dullness, others by their bitter enmity and persecution — but he never failed in sweetness of disposition, in patience, in self-denying love.

A fable relates that in the depth of a forest, there lived two foxes. One of them said to the other one day, in the politest of fox-language, “Let’s quarrel.”

“Very well,” said the other; “but how shall we go about it?”

They tried all sorts of ways — but in vain — for both would give way. At last, one fox brought two stones.

“There!” said he. “Now you say they are yours and I’ll say they are mine and we will quarrel and ght and scratch! Now I’ll begin.

“Those stones are mine!”

“All right!” answered the other fox, “you are welcome to them.”

“But we shall never quarrel at this rate,” replied the rst.

“No, indeed, you old simpleton. Don’t you know, that it takes two to make a quarrel?”

So, the foxes gave up trying to quarrel, and never played at that silly game again.

The fable has its lesson for other creatures, besides foxes. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,” Paul tells us, “We should live peaceably with all men.”

A wise man says, “Every man takes care that his neighbors shall not cheat him but a day comes when he begins to care that he does not cheat his neighbors. Then all goes well.” So long as a man sees only the quarrelsome temper of his neighbor, he is not far toward holiness. But when he has learned to watch and to try to control his own temper, and to weep over his own in rmities, he is on the way to Christlikeness, and will soon be conqueror over his own weakness.

Life is too short to spend even one day of it in bickering and strife. Surely we ought to learn to be loving and patient with others — since God shows every day an in nite patience toward us.

J. R. Miller (1840-1912) was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.

NC school settles antisemitism case of bullied non-Jewish student

on behalf of an eighth-grader who was bullied by classmates who assumed he was Jewish.

The hearing, held on June 6, centered on a software glitch that resulted in 2,136 customers improperly renewing their licenses between Feb.15-20, leading to a subsequent backlog of more than 350,000 licenses. The backlog caused some residents to have up to a two-month wait to get their licenses.

After opening statements, nger-pointing ensued between Goodwin and Shoemaker over who was responsible for the decision to retrieve the improperly issued licenses from some 33,000 already printed cards. That process halted production from Feb. 20 until March 4 and contributed to the massive backlog. According to Goodwin, Idemia was already seven days behind schedule before production was halted, and he claimed Idemia provided con icting information about the backlog timeframe and has not clearly explained why the delay grew to 6-8 weeks.

Shoemaker told lawmakers Idemia submitted various overtime scenarios and costs. She said

the NCDMV misled Idemia about a request for proposal process for a new contract, when in fact the agency was already negotiating with a new vendor.

Among the issues raised with the backlog was voting access for citizens needing photo IDs for voting in the March and May elections.

Despite their disagreements, Goodwin and Shoemaker agreed Idemia would clear the backlog by June 30. To achieve this, Shoemaker said Idemia has expanded production beyond its Sacramento, California, plant to include its Spring eld, Illinois, facility starting May 13.

However, this solution raised legal questions among committee members.

Committee Chair Harry Warren (R-Rowan) questioned the NCDMV’s interpretation of “central location,” citing a May 6 letter from Goodwin to the General Assembly which stated, “As you know, the Division of Motor Vehicles is required to have all credentials produced and issued from a central location.” Rep. George Cleveland (R-On-

The U.S. Department of Education’s O ce of Civil Rights ordered Community School of Davidson to take corrective steps

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Community School of Davidson, a public charter school, has agreed to settle a U.S. Department of Education O ce of Civil Rights investigation into a case of antisemitic bullying that was allowed to fester unchecked for two full academic years.

The federal complaint was led by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law on behalf of an eighthgrade boy who is not Jewish. In a press release, the Brandeis Center characterized the situation as “severe, persistent, and pervasive anti-Semitic bullying.”

“This case shows the various ways non-Jews can be vic-

slow) accused the NCDMV of selectively interpreting the law to solve a problem.

“When Idemia opened another facility, they broke our state law, and you, I understand, did nothing about this,” Cleveland said to Goodwin.

Goodwin argued that “central location” could mean “one company.”

Rep. Allen Chesser (R-Nash) pointed out the NCDMV signed a contract con icting a state law that requires a color photo on licenses, leading to a 13% price increase per card (from $2.55 to $2.91) and a $3 million equipment purchase to add a small color photo on the back of licenses.

Goodwin and Chesser exchanged comments regarding the interpretation of statutes, with Warren telling Goodwin, “The department seems to have a pattern of interpreting statute as it best ts your need.”

Rep. Cleveland (R-Onslow) was a bit more forceful, telling Goodwin, “The law is very clear. And if you want to circumvent the law, legal counsel is a good way to go.”

timized by anti-Semitism,” said Kenneth Marcus of the Brandeis Center in a press release. “Discrimination against those perceived as Jewish is illegal bigotry that can spread damagingly through a community.”

The complaint says that after wearing an Israeli Olympic team jersey of his favorite baseball player Ian Kinsler, the male student faced relentless harassment and physical abuse from classmates who perceived him as being Jewish.

The press release also cited remarks by the boy’s mother during a May congressional brie ng about rising antisemitism in K-12 schools: “It would be hard to overstate the impact this has had on my child,” she said. “As a parent this has been completely devastating.”

According to the settlement agreement, a group of nine students bullied the boy daily, subjecting him to antisemitic slurs and referencing concentration camps.

The abuse allegedly even oc-

“When Idemia opened another facility, they broke our state law, and you, I understand, did nothing about this.”

Rep. George Cleveland (R-Onslow)

The NCDMV’s challenges don’t end with the current backlog. Idemia has sued the agency over its contract award to Canadian Bank Note Secure Technology (CBN), which could impact the NCDMV’s use of its contracting exemption. The transition to CBN is expected to be complete by July 1, temporarily resolving the color photo and “central location” issues. Lawmakers suggested at the close of the hearing that the agency’s actions will be scrutinized and more hearings may occur.

The cost of a number of NCDMV services like driver’s licenses have also increased. A learn-

curred during a class about the Holocaust. The boy was also threatened and physically assaulted.

Despite being fully aware of the situation, the complaint asserted that school o cials failed to take any meaningful action to stop the bullying and assaults targeting the student based on his perceived Jewish ancestry and ethnicity in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in federally funded education programs.

As part of the settlement, the Department of Education criticized the school for its failure to stop the bullying and conrmed the antisemitic harassment the boy su ered created a hostile environment that was not properly addressed by school o cials.

The school must now take corrective steps including policy revisions, sta training, student programs, compliance audits and climate assessments. The Department of Education will monitor the North Carolina school’s compliance with federal antidiscrimination law going forward.

Per the press release, the Brandeis Center has led numerous other complaints over unaddressed antisemitism in K-12 schools and on college campuses across the country.

er’s permit will jump $4, going from $21.50 to $25.50. commercial driver’s license applications rose around $9, while for-hire passenger vehicles (up to 15 passengers) will go from $107.75 to $128.50 — an increase of $20.75.

Lawmakers are also already seeking to change the appointment process of Goodwin’s position as NCDMV commissioner.

The Senate Transportation Committee, which met on June 5, discussed a preferred committee substitute to a bill that would change the appointment NCDMV commissioner from the secretary of transportation to the governor. That change means an appointee to that role would be subject to con rmation by the Senate.

During the same June 5 meeting, additions were made to House Bill 199, including one that would authorize the study and creation of “digital” driver’s licenses that can be displayed on a mobile device. The amendments also included price increases on certain items from $1 to $5 and removing the requirement that license plates be replaced every seven years.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Foxes” by Franz Marc (1913) is a painting in the collection of The Kunstpalast in Dusseldorf, Germany.

SUSAN WALSH / AP PHOTO

Kenneth Marcus, pictured in 2017, of the Brandeis Center led a federal complaint

NCDMV from page A1

Bristow wants to ‘give back’ to 9th District

The longtime New York City police o cer is looking to unseat Rep. Richard Hudson

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH —Nigel Bristow, the Democratic candidate in the three-way race in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, said he wants to “give the people someone to vote for” in an interview with North State Journal.

“I see that a lot of voters and people feel that their voices aren’t being heard by their representatives, that their representatives don’t serve their best interest,” said Bristow, who is running against Republican incumbent Richard Hudson and independent Shelane Etchison in November’s general election.

Bristow was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and moved to North Carolina after retiring from a 20-year career in the New York City Police Department. He spent 14 of those years as a detective and in his spare time was a substitute teacher at his high school alma mater.

Bristow, 53, is married with two young children and resides in the Richmond County city of Hamlet. He moved to North Carolina in 2011 and has worked almost 14 years for the state of North Carolina as a probation

OVERTURN from page A1

to make responsible decisions about what health bene ts they cover, because AG Stein isn’t doing his job. If he had been, we would be joining the other states in this common sense amicus.”

In the North Carolina case against the State Health Plan

and parole o cer. He currently holds the title of chief of probation parole.

“After living and growing up in New York City, I wanted to be able to have a better quality of life and a lower cost of living,”

Bristow said of the move to the Tarheel State. “Because, as you know, as with any big city, it’s very expensive to live and once you retire, you know you have to make some adjustments. And I already had land here in North Carolina and I wanted to come back to where my family’s roots were from and pretty much wanted to be able to give back to the community that produced my family.”

Bristow chairs multiple organizations, including the Richmond County Local Reentry Council, the New Horizons Life and Family Services, Survivors in Richmond County, the Ashley Chapel Community Center organization and the Community Center Coalition of Richmond County.

Bristow described New Horizons Life and Family Services as a “domestic violence agency that services domestic violence survivors.”

“So, for example, if there’s a victim of a domestic violence crime or sexual assault, they have the agency that’s tasked with providing resources for the client,” said Briston. He added that the organization provides various resources to victims, in-

brought by transgender individuals and their parents, U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs ruled in spring 2022 that refusal to cover gender-a rming treatments violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act on the basis of sex.

Biggs ordered the State Health Plan to resume o ering “medi-

COURTESY NIGEL BRISTOW FOR CONGRESS

Nigel Bristow is the Democratic nominee in the 9th District race for U.S. Congress.

cluding child care assistance, legal help, shelter and appropriate medical treatment.

This is not Bristow’s rst campaign. In 2022, he ran for Richmond County sheri but did not make it past the primary.

“I don’t count it as a loss because it allowed me to connect with the community and to learn what the needs were,” said Bristow of the 2022 campaign.

“And that kind of strengthened my resolve and encouraged me to continue with my outreach and being involved in the community and further involved in the Democratic Party.”

Bristow said the economy and in ation are impacting the 9th District.

“A lot of it has to do with simply — I like the term that Mike

“Essentially my whole life has been spent in public service, basically caring for, defending, protecting, listening and addressing the needs of people, and that is the most important quality.”

Nigel Bristow, Democratic candidate for N.C.’s 9th Congressional District

Morgan uses — ‘pocketbook issues,’” said Bristow. “Just people su ering as far as not having enough money to be able to have a better life.”

He gave examples of not enough funding for child care and health care while alluding to abortion access.

“There’s women out there that have issues as far as they want to be able to have unrestricted and con dential health care,” he said

“Seniors have an issue, they wanna be able to have dignity and retirement,” he added, saying many senior citizens need transportation.

He also said senior citizens should be able to “take classes at a community college to further their education or to give them something to do,” and that older

adults are worried about Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid because “they hear every day that there’s a threat that they may lose some of that.”

“And minimum wage is another thing with some of the younger folks,” said Bristow. “That they want to be able to have a living wage pretty much.”

Bristow said immigration is a national issue that impacts North Carolina.

“You know, what used to work does not work today, and it’s certainly not going to work tomorrow, so that’s a big issue,” he said.

Bristow said abortion, voter suppression, clean air and water, and the “dependency on fossil fuels energy” are also key national issues.

“Essentially my whole life has been spent in public service, basically caring for, defending, protecting, listening and addressing the needs of people, and that is the most important quality,” Bristow told North State Journal.

He added that his experience with community organizations allows him to know what the community needed and “that’s what a representative should be nding out: What do you need? How can I make your life better? Let me get you those resources to do just that.”

Additional details about Briston can be accessed on his campaign website, nigelbristowforcongress.com.

cally necessary services for the treatment of gender dysphoria,” which had terminated after 2017.

The ruling by Biggs was appealed, and 21 state attorneys general led an amicus brief backing a reversal of the Biggs ruling.

This May, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled

8-6 upholding previous rulings against the cases involving North Carolina’s state employee health plan and West Virginia’s Medicaid coverage of gender-a rming surgery.

In a press release following the 4th Circuit ruling, Folwell said the court’s decision was in “direct con ict” with other decisions from federal appeals courts and hoped the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the issue. A recent June 11 ruling by a federal judge in Florida found that state’s ban on gender-afrming care for minors, as well as some for adults, to be unconstitutional and blocked enforcement of the law pending a jury trial.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Stubborn teacher pay facts in North Carolina

It costs $60 million to raise teacher pay statewide by 1%.

NOW THAT MEDICAID EXPANSION has happened, there may not be a more pressing public policy issue in North Carolina than improving educational outcomes and performance for every student in our public schools.

North Carolina public school students deserve to be taught by the best teachers possible. Each student needs to not only “feel” safe but always “be safe” from attack and bullying in the classroom and hallways. Every child in public K-12 schools should graduate each year at or beyond each grade level. The basic fundamental skills of reading, writing, arithmetic and science and living in our democratic republic based on capitalism and freedom have to be the main goal of any major public education reform e ort. And yes, teachers should be paid more. A lot more. However, paying every teacher $1 million will not automatically solve all the ills of public education given the complexity of the socioeconomic problems students bring to school each day. Paying teachers more than in other regional states will certainly attract smart, accomplished teachers who will teach our children if the state can guarantee their safety in the classroom as well.

But signi cantly increasing teacher pay that is not tied to substantial academic reforms is an exercise in futility. Public education exists to educate our populace to become productive American citizens ― otherwise, it will lose the support of the voting public.

Since so many people are not aware of the basic structure of how North Carolina funds public education, here are some, as John Adams called them, “stubborn facts.”

It costs $60 million to raise teacher pay statewide by 1%. Raising teacher pay to

compete with average salary levels in Virginia and Georgia would cost about $1.2 billion more per year ― in perpetuity.

This can be done ― but it means some combination of the following needs to be passed by the NCGA: spending cuts of $1.2 billion annually in Medicaid, transportation, public safety, higher education or state employee health plans; raise taxes by $1.2 billion; or take $1.2 billion more out of the proceeds of the North Carolina “Education” Lottery proceeds each year.

North Carolina has one of the highest state taxpayer-paid share of teacher pay in the nation. Southern states typically pay a higher percentage share of teacher salaries and bene ts ― 63% of the total. The rest of their pay and bene ts are paid by local sources (26%) and federal grants (11%).

It is the complete opposite situation up north. Northern legislatures typically pay less than 35% of the cost of the total teacher pay and bene t package from state budgets. Local governments up north bear the majority burden of the cost, which is one reason why Northern states have much higher local property taxes.

The state pays the same base salary for every teacher in North Carolina based on length of service. The di culty in North Carolina is the wide disparity of wealthy counties that generate massive amounts of tax revenue from real estate taxes (Mecklenburg, Wake) versus smaller, more rural counties such as Hyde and Tyrrell in the east.

However, despite being relatively poor counties, the Republican-led N.C. General Assembly has added state funds to help equalize the funding disparity. Average expenditures for Hyde County students, for

On standing against antisemitism in the face of outrage mobs

When you stand against antisemitism, there is zero need to explain yourself to people who can’t be reasoned with.

ONE WOULD THINK that taking a stand against antisemitism would be a no-brainer no matter on what side of the political aisle you reside.

But for some Democrats who have coddled the anti-Israel faction here in the United States, it turns out that taking such stands is a rather tall order.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is one such Democrat. The leader of the so-called “Squad” of radical leftist House members that includes Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has been hard-pressed since she took o ce in January 2019 to come down against clear instances of antisemitism, including when it has come directly from Tlaib and Omar.

New York City is home to the largest Jewish population in America. It is also a city where antisemitism is a near-daily occurrence on city streets.

It’s gotten even worse since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, with antiIsrael citizens here in the U.S., perhaps feeling emboldened, showing us who they really are.

Like she was before the attacks, OcasioCortez has been reluctant to condemn antisemitism, often siding with her far-left colleagues in their attacks on Israel, which usually revolve around being o ended that Israel would want to defend itself against future

terrorist attacks.

But last week, the politico otherwise known as “AOC” nally took a stand, calling out what could only be described as a pro-Hamas mob who deliberately disrupted a Nova Festival Victims exhibit in the Big Apple, where chants of “long live the intifada” and “Israel go to hell” could be heard. Members of the Jewish community were also harassed and bullied on the way into the somber exhibit.

In a tweet, AOC wrote that “The callousness, dehumanization, and targeting of Jews on display at last night’s protest outside the Nova Festival exhibit was atrocious antisemitism — plain and simple.”

“Antisemitism has no place in our city nor any broader movement that centers human dignity and liberation,” she also wrote.

In response, the online mob lashed out, with some calling her an “apologist” for the so-called “Israel death machine.” Others said she made false accusations of antisemitism and suggested she was being bought and paid for by pro-Israel groups.

In response, while she maintained that what she saw was antisemitism, she tried to placate the mobs by suggesting that “we can mobilize to end the atrocities in Gaza and combat the rise of antisemitism at the same time. Bigotry in organizing spaces imperils everyone’s work…”

In another tweet, she wrote “I am one of the

example, are roughly $16,000 per student. In Wake County, the per capita expenditure is $11,000.

Republicans passed the Excellent Public School Act in 2021 to train K-2 teachers in the science of reading. In 2023, there was an 18% improvement in reading skills and comprehension among this cohort of Tarheel children of all colors and races. Hispanic and black children improved scores by more than 20%.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction under the leadership of Superintendent Catherine Truitt has just completed training under the LTRS (“Letters”) program for 44,000 elementary school teachers statewide. Every K-6 student will be taught how to read by teachers trained in the science of reading now.

Former New York U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously used to say in Senate hearings: “You are entitled to your own opinion. You are not entitled to your own set of facts.”

Public education policy is confusing enough without overt politicization of every single thing nowadays. The only thing that matters is educating our youth to become independent thinkers and productive citizens in our country. Beginning with a full set of facts is a good way to start.

only members of Congress to cosponsor the cease re reso since Day 1. I consistently vote NO on military budgets, including further weapons to [the] Israeli gov. I think Netanyahu is a war criminal. AIPAC targets me.”

In other words, please leave me alone, I’m really on your side! Here’s the thing: When you stand against antisemitism, there is zero need to explain yourself to people who can’t be reasoned with. In fact, one shouldn’t feel obligated to explain why they’ve taken a stand against it. A mere history book or link to a website explaining antisemitism in its many forms should su ce for anyone who demands to know why.

When you’ve taken a stand on an issue of this magnitude, stay true to it. Don’t give in to the urge to appease critics or attempt to backtrack because it’s an argument you can’t win with people who are too dug in to be able to see the issue in any other way.

Regarding AOC, there’s a little reaping and sowing at play here, but assuming she remains consistent, it’s a welcome change from her considering her history of looking the other way when it comes from within her ranks.

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

Pullo or Vorenus — who’s the greatest?

IN THAT LEGION there were two very brave men, centurions, who were now approaching the rst ranks, T. Pullo, and L. Vorenus.

These used to have continual disputes between them which of them should be preferred, and every year used to contend for promotion with the utmost animosity.

When the ght was going on most vigorously before the forti cations, Pullo, one of them, says, “Why do you hesitate, Vorenus? What [better] opportunity of signalizing your valor do you seek? This very day shall decide our disputes.”

When he had uttered these words, Pullo proceeds beyond the forti cations, and rushes on that part of the enemy which appeared the thickest. Nor does Vorenus remain within the rampart, but respecting the high opinion of all, follows close after.

Then, when an inconsiderable space intervened, Pullo throws his javelin at the enemy, and pierces one of the multitude who was running up, and while the latter was wounded and slain, the enemy cover him with their shields, and all throw their weapons at the other and a ord him no opportunity of retreating.

The shield of Pullo is pierced and a javelin is fastened in his belt. This circumstance turns aside his scabbard and obstructs his right hand when attempting to draw his sword: the enemy crowd around him when [thus] embarrassed.

His rival (Vorenus) runs up to him and (assists) him in this emergency. Immediately the whole host turn from Pullo to him, supposing the other to be pierced through by the javelin. Vorenus rushes on briskly with his sword and carries on the combat hand-to-hand, and having slain one man, for a short time drove back the rest.

While he urges on too eagerly, (Vorenus fell) into a hollow. To him, in his turn, when surrounded, Pullo brings relief; and both having slain a great number, retreat into the forti cations amid the highest applause.

Fortune so dealt with both in this rivalry and con ict, that the one competitor was a (savior) and a safeguard to the other, nor could it be determined which of the two appeared worthy of being preferred to the other.”

Julius Caesar, “Commentaries on the Gallic War,” Book 5, Chapter 44, 54 B.C.

is hard — be prepared for it

I WOULD ENCOURAGE everyone to play football for the simple reason that it is hard. It’s hard when you’re young and to wake up in the o season to go train and work out, knowing that all your friends are sleeping in and eating pancakes.

It’s hard when you’re on your way to practice, weighed down with all your gear and it’s 90 degrees out and all of the other kids are at the pool or at the beach and your body is already completely exhausted from workouts and two-a-days.

It’s hard to throw, block, catch and tackle and hit kids when they’re way bigger and way more developed than you, only to go home that night bruised and battered but knowing that you have to show up the next day for just the chance to try again.

But understand this — life is hard. No matter who you are, there are bumps and bruises and hits along the way. And my advice is to prepare yourself. Because football lessons teach us that success and achievement come from overcoming adversity and that team accomplishment far exceeds anyone’s individual goals. To be successful at anything, the truth is, you don’t

COLUMN | DENNIS PRAGER

have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined and willing to work for it. No shortcuts. If you look at all my teammates here tonight, it would be impossible to nd better examples of men who embody that work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination and discipline that it takes to be a champion in life. We led by example. Nothing in life of signi cance is ever accomplished alone. That’s the Patriot way. Here in New England, we were the rst team ever to take the eld in the Super Bowl not as individuals but as a single unit. That’s us! We did that. And we were the best in the world. And history will never forget that.

It is the honor of my life to take my place among these other Patriot Hall of Famers and to be o cially enshrined into the winning legacy of this amazing organization. You humble me, you make me proud, and I am eternally grateful. I am Tom Brady, and I am a Patriot.”

Excerpted from Tom Brady’s induction speech into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame on June 12.

Why Americans mistrust election results more than the citizens of any other democracy

LAST WEEK, 27 European nations voted for their representatives in the European Parliament.

If you were aware of this, did you happen to notice that there were no allegations of cheating in any European country? If you are on the left, you might respond that there were no such allegations because the right did better than the left, and it’s the right that makes these allegations.

But that response has little merit. For one thing, there were no such allegations, let alone demonstrations, during all the years left-wing parties won European Parliamentary elections or national elections. For another, in America, it is not only the right that has charged election fraud: Hillary Clinton, for example, still claims the 2016 election was stolen from her.

The fact is, among democracies, America is essentially alone in having nearly half its population mistrust election results. So, either America is cursed with a paranoid population, or there are valid reasons for Americans to mistrust their election results.

There is no question it is the latter. America is unique among democracies in having half its people mistrust election results because America is unique among democracies in the way it conducts its elections.

America is almost alone among democracies in not demanding that voters provide any identi cation when they vote. For some reason, the American left vehemently opposes voter ID. It claims voter ID is racist and those who favor it are engaged in “voter suppression.” This is prima facie absurd: Are airports racist for demanding passenger identi cation? Does passenger ID result in “passenger suppression?” The most plausible reason the left opposes voter ID is to enable some degree of voter fraud. If that is not the reason, isn’t it enormously irresponsible to cultivate doubts about election integrity among half its country’s citizens — for no valid reason? Moreover, in no other country does its left oppose voter ID. America is almost alone among democratic countries in not requiring paper ballots. As of 2023, only Brazil counts all its ballots in national elections through

BE IN TOUCH

electronic voting. According to Pew Research Center, votes are cast by manually marking paper ballots in 209 of the 227 countries. In France, as reported by The Associated Press, voters “use the same system that’s been used for generations: paper ballots that are cast in person and counted by hand.” In 2009, Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled that voting machines could no longer be used. In 2017, the Dutch government announced that all ballots in the 2017 general election would be counted by hand.

Moreover, among those countries that use electronic voting, only in America are the source codes of the voting machines kept secret. Three companies — Dominion, Election Systems & Software, and Hart InterCivic — control about 90% of the U.S. voting technology market. Each is privately held, and each is committed to keeping its source code from becoming fully public. Wherever else in the world electronic voting is allowed, the source codes are available to all political parties.

America is almost alone among democratic countries in not con ning voting to one day. All through American history, Americans voted on Election Day (unless they had previously requested an absentee ballot). The left has obliterated Election Day; we now have Election Month.

Various American states are alone among democratic countries in mailing ballots to all their citizens — that is, even to those who never requested a ballot be sent to them.

America is almost alone among democratic countries in the length of time it takes to learn election results. In other countries, people continue to learn the results within hours. Throughout American history, Americans knew the outcome of virtually every election the night of Election Day. No longer.

All too often, tragically, there are valid reasons for Americans to mistrust election results. Add elections to the long list of institutions the left has ruined.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host and columnist.

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

Trump’s DC tour de force

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY to accompany President Donald Trump and his team for three meetings in Washington, D.C., last week.

First, President Trump met with House Republicans. Then he met with key chief executive o cers of many of America’s largest businesses at the Business Roundtable. Finally, President Trump met with nearly every Senate Republican. Each meeting was unique. The House Republicans were enthusiastic. Almost 200 of them showed up for a 9:30 a.m. session at the Capitol Hill Club. President Trump’s ability to relate individually with members was remarkable. He looked around the room and made speci c references to their campaigns, districts and issues. It was a powerful reminder that the businessman who came down the escalator in June 2015 is a serious national political leader. President Trump has ties and knowledge extending into virtually every congressional district in the country.

The most striking part of President Trump’s presentation was a story he told about a waitress in Nevada. She complained to him about all the paperwork she had to ll out under new regulations issued by the Biden administration. Trump talked to her about it and said, “Why don’t we just quit taxing tip money?” She was wildly enthusiastic. Since Trump has publicly talked about this plan, a lot of other tip workers have been thanking him. A bill like this would appeal to millions of workers who normally don’t think of themselves as Republicans. It is part of growing a Trump coalition that may be able to replace the Roosevelt coalition which has governed since 1932. After the House GOP, we went to the Business Roundtable. Larry Kudlow, whose Fox Business show is the highestrated business program on cable, interviewed the former president. Since Kudlow had been the chief domestic policy adviser in the Trump White House, they have a warm rapport. The CEOs listened carefully and asked di cult, high-level questions. They agreed that regulations were an even bigger job killer than higher taxes. They also agreed the world had become dramatically more dangerous — and that strong American leadership was a key to being able to operate multinational companies in a world economy. It was a sophisticated dialogue with people who make billiondollar decisions.

Finally, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming had invited President Trump to chat with the Senate Republicans. Almost all of them were there. Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky sat two seats over from the former president, and Trump recognized him several times. While the two have di ered deeply in the past, Leader McConnell is clearly committed to the Republican Party. At the same time, President Trump totally understands that as the presidential nominee and future president, he must unify his party. This has brought both men into an alliance that most reporters would have thought impossible 60 days ago.

In fact, unity was a key message in the House and Senate GOP meetings. There was a clear sense from Trump and the elected legislative members that they were now on a ve-month closing campaign. They know they need a uni ed and enthusiastic Republican Party to be victorious.

One topic that came up in all three meetings was President Joe Biden’s wandering around aimlessly at the G7 meeting in Italy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had to rescue him and walk him back into the group. In every meeting, there was a widespread general sense that Biden’s cognitive problems may be accelerating — and that as commander in chief that could be a real problem.

The other issue that came up was the Russian naval presence o Miami. When a nuclear submarine and six other Russian naval vessels docked in Havana, it brought back memories of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. No one believed that President Biden had the energy and cognitive ability to match President John F. Kennedy’s performance 62 years ago.

It was an impressive day. The Trump team may be as good as any presidential campaign team I have ever seen. They are a powerful underpinning to the candidate’s own charismatic appeal, speech-making ability and extraordinary knowledge of details.

It was an impressive visit to Washington. It was also a far cry from his rst Washington visit on March 21, 2016. He had come for a policy meeting that Callista and I attended. At that time, he was a businessman still seen as a distant underdog and a political novice. Most of these assumptions were wrong then. They are all wrong now.

Today, President Trump is a seasoned veteran with amazing knowledge about personalities and policies not only in America but around the world.

Murphy to Manteo Jones & Blount Cooper issues 96th veto on ‘Raise the Age’ modi cations bill

What’s all the Buzz about?

Earlier this month, Gov. Roy Cooper issued a proclamation declaring June 17-23, 2024, North Carolina Pollinator Week, celebrating the vital role pollinators — both birds and insects — play within our ecosystem. Of course, one pollinator in particular — the honey bee — is also responsible for a significant economic impact om the honey harvest that will peak in coming weeks. According to the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA), founded in 1917, our state is home to one of the oldest and largest beekeeping associations in the United States, with more than 4,000 members representing millions of bees. With more beekeepers here than in any other state, North Carolina has a history of cultivating varietal honey — that is, honey made om the nectar of just one plant. Some popular varieties include North Carolina wildflower, clover, apple blossom and sourwood honey. Due to our temperate climate, North Carolina’s bees produce honey year-round. However, the peak harvest occurs during the summer months — June, July and August. Honey farms are found all over the state, offering the specific varietals — along with other treats! — cultivated in each region.

Local o cials arrest international fugitive Gaston County

The Gaston County Police Department arrested a man wanted by Interpol for felony child rape, according to local outlets. The department said they arrested Elvis Cabrera Martinez, of Honduras, after they were tipped o by a Fugitive Apprehension and Suspect Tracking (FAST) team member doing a tra c stop on West Franklin Boulevard. During the investigation, they found he was a wanted fugitive. Interpol is an international police organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and investigative support. WBTV

Car of missing man found on Blue Ridge Parkway Ashe County A Charlotte man is missing after his vehicle was found along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Ashe County. The Ashe County Sheri ’s O ce said in a news release that 54-year-old David Kuklentz was last seen around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Northwest Trading Post, near the Glendale Springs Fire Department. He was reported missing after he did not return to

by next summer the park is up and running. WBTV

A few top honey farms

Boom Supersonic facility to begin production of jets

Guilford County

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday morning to mark the opening of the new Boom Supersonic Overture Superfactory. Attendees at the longawaited facility opening included North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, other lawmakers and Piedmont Airport Authority leadership. The Overture Superfactory is the rst supersonic airliner factory in the U.S. The factory houses the production of a new generation of supersonic passenger jets and is poised to make a signi cant impact on the Triad economy in the coming years. NSJ

Flight instructor, student identi ed as victims of plane crash

Chatham County The two victims in a single-engine plane crash near Siler City Municipal Airport have been identi ed. State troopers say ight instructor McMillan Abernethy, of Beech Mountain, and student Justin Strauss, of Raleigh, were on board the plane. Investigators say the pair were traveling from Raleigh Executive Airport in Sanford to the Siler City Municipal Airport in Chatham County when the plane crashed in a wooded area near the Siler City Airport. WGHP

Stando ends with convicted felon in custody Alamance County A man is in custody after a lengthy stando according to deputies with the Alamance County Sheri ’s O ce. On Sunday, deputies responded to a home in Gibsonville to serve warrants on a resident identi ed as Allen Lewis. Lewis was wanted for two counts of communicating threats and an order for arrest for absconding from felony probation. Deputies made numerous attempts to contact Lewis, who was inside the home. Lewis repeatedly told the deputies he would shoot them if they did not get o the property. Deputies requested additional resources, including the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Response Team and a crisis negotiator. After the Special Response Team arrived, law enforcement went into the home, and Lewis was taken into custody. A search warrant for the home was executed, and investigators found ve guns as well as several types of ammunition. Lewis was subsequently charged with multiple felonies. WXII

Three ENC rivers test positive for fecal bacteria

Beaufort County Sound Rivers, which issues a weekly report called the Swim Guide, checks recreational sites for clean water throughout the summer in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds. Along the Neuse River, Slocum Creek southeast of New Bern has failed the test for a fourth week in a row, and o cials blame failing septic systems. Sound Rivers reported two sites further east failed on the Pamlico River area last week: the Washington waterfront and Blounts Creek at Cotton Patch Landing, east of Washington.

NSJ

Wild re burns 500-plus acres on state’s eastern tip

Carteret County

The wild re that forced evacuations in Atlantic, east of Beaufort, burned more than 500 acres according to the North Carolina Forest Service. Philip Jackson from the North Carolina Forest Service told local outlets Monday that crews were working to reinforce containment lines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had been using tractor plows, drones and marsh masters to assist the e ort. O cials say saving homes closest to the origin of the re was a priority and done successfully. WCTI

Woman shot while helping crash victim Cumberland County A woman was shot last week after attempting to render aid in a car crash, according to the Cumberland County Sheri ’s O ce. Deputies received a 911 call about a vehicle collision and a person being shot south of Fayetteville. Deputies said once on scene they found a woman who had a gunshot wound to her face. She was transported to a medical facility for treatment and was in stable condition. According to deputies, it was determined the victim saw the vehicle collision and slowed down to render aid at the scene when she was struck by gun re by a woman ring several shots into her vehicle. Visha Franklin, 41, of Fayetteville, was arrested and charged with attempted rst-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill in icting serious injury and four counts of discharging a weapon into occupied property. WNCN

By A.P Dillon North State Journal

on the juvenile justice system. I look forward to voting to override his veto.” An override attempt is likely to succeed given Republican supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly along with the bill having received bipartisan support for passage in both the House and Senate.

On May 15, the measure passed the Senate 41-4. The only members voting against passage were Democrats; Mary Wills Bode (Wake), Lisa Grafstein (Wake), Natalie Murdock (Durham) and Gladys Robinson (Guilford).

The bill passed the House on June 5 by a vote of 70-34, again with bipartisan support. Seven Democrats voted to pass the measure; Ashton Clemmons (Guilford), Brandon Lofton (Mecklenburg), Carolyn Logan (Mecklenburg), Nasif Majeed (Mecklenburg), Caleb Rudow (Buncombe), Charles Smith (Cumberland) and Shelly Willingham (Edgecombe).

As previously reported by North State Journal, the most recent crime statistics from 2022 issued by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation show that among violent crimes committed by juveniles, murder arrests went from 46 in 2021 to 60 in 2022, a 30% increase. Adults arrested for murder during the same two years dropped 21%.

appropriately deal with children who break the law. Therefore, I veto the bill.”

One of the bill’s primary sponsors, Rep. Neal Jackson (R-Randolph), reacted to the veto and signaled a veto override would be coming.

“I was disappointed to hear of Gov. Cooper’s veto, which sadly shows once again his disregard for the safety of the citizens of N.C.,” Jackson said in a statement to North State Journal. “This is good legislation that would have eased the strain

North Carolina Department of Public Safety numbers for 2023 showed juveniles between the ages of 16 and 17 had been charged with murder in 66 cases, and there were 28 murder case charges for those aged 13 to 15 years old. Additionally, there have been at least 14 juveniles being charged or sought for murder or attempted murder between January and May of this year. Most of those charged were either 16 or 17 years old, however, several 15-year-olds and one 14-yearold have been charged.

“This is good legislation that would have eased the strain on the juvenile justice system. I look forward to voting to override his veto.”

Rep. Neal Jackson

(R-Randolph)

NATION & WORLD

SCOTUS strikes down ban on bump stocks

The court’s conservative majority ruled the Trump administration overstepped its authority

By Lindsay Whitehurst

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

The Supreme Court on Friday struck down a Trump-era ban on bump stocks, the rapid- re gun accessories used in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, in a ruling that threw rearms back into the nation’s political spotlight.

The high court’s conservative majority found that the Trump administration overstepped when it changed course from predecessors and banned bump stocks, which allow a rate of re comparable to machine guns. The decision came after a gunman in Las Vegas attacked a country music festival with semiautomatic ri es equipped with the accessories.

The gunman red more than 1,000 rounds into the crowd in 11 minutes, sending thousands of people eeing in terror as hundreds were wounded and dozens killed.

The ruling thrust guns back into the center of the political conversation with an unusual twist as Democrats decried the reversal of a GOP administra-

LGC from page A1

Charlotte wasn’t the only local government getting a green light for large nancing requests:

• $28 million each will go to the Asheville Housing Authority and Durham Housing Authority for new multifamily housing developments targeting lower-income households.

• $23.5 million for the Orange Water and Sewer Authority to extend and improve sewer and water infrastructure, reimburse capital project funds and refund older bonds at a savings of $290,169.

• $17 million for Pitt County to construct a new welding building at Pitt Community College, allowing an expansion to nearly double student enrollment in that program.

• $16.5 million for the Town of Chapel Hill to continue construction of a downtown parking deck on Rosemary Street, acquire a ladder truck and furnish the town’s new police station.

• $13 million for Orange County for vehicles, school maintenance and stormwater projects.

• $12.5 million for the City of Concord to build, equip and furnish a new re station and police substation at the city’s airport.

• $10 million for Shelby to nance rehabilitation of the 100-unit Laurel Hill Apart-

The Supreme Court struck down a Trump-era ban on bump stocks last week.

tion’s action and many Republicans backed the ruling.

The 6-3 majority opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas found the Justice Department was wrong to declare that bump stocks transformed semiautomatic ri es into illegal machine guns because, he wrote, each trigger depression in rapid succession still only releases one shot.

The ruling reinforced the limits of executive reach and two justices — conservative Samuel Alito and liberal Sonia

ments multifamily housing development.

Additional approvals included a $7.3 million loan for sewer work in Winterville, $6 million for electric system upgrades in Clayton, $4.1 million for water/sewer funding in Jacksonville, and a $2.2 million purchase and renovation agreement in New Bern for a new electric operations building.

The LGC also signed o on smaller nancing packages, such as $598,650 for Asheville to inspect water lines and create an inventory for future lead service line replacements, a $574,614 State Revolving Fund loan for Wallace to inspect and repair aging sewer lines and rehabilitate 52 manholes, $465,000 to the town of Star to fund longterm supply water and sewer services plans, and $233,085 for the City of Brevard to nish demolition and replacement of a 1 million-gallon water tank.

Rocky Mount’s request to approve debt to construct a new re station received significant discussion, after which the commission voted to revisit the issue at its July meeting.

LGC members also approved a resolution to return nancial control of the Town of Kingstown e ective July 1. The LGC had assumed control of Kingstown’s nances back in December 2020 af-

Sotomayor — separately highlighted how action in Congress could potentially provide a more lasting policy, if there was political will to act in a bipartisan fashion. Originally, imposing a ban through regulation rather than legislation during Donald Trump’s presidency took pressure o Republicans to act following the massacre and another mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida. Prospects for passing gun restrictions in the current divid-

ter the Cleveland County town was found to have violated the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and had missed deadlines on mandatory audits.

Additionally, it was disclosed that around 98 local government units may be subject to LGC action for failing to submit required audits. Of the late audits, 18 units noti ed the LGC that they plan to submit by June 30.

Near the end of the meeting, North Carolina Treasurer’s O ce Financial Analyst Frank Bowen warned that the N.C. Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) trend of scal health may be ending.

“My fear is we’ve got two things moving in the opposite directions,” Bowen said in response to N.C. Treasurer Dale Folwell asking what his fears were related to the NCDOTnances.

Using a comparison of NCDOT’s combined cash balance and the agency’s open commitments, Bowen said the NCDOT’s cash balances are projected to decline in 2025 and 2026 while open commitments have increased since 2021 and stand at $8.2 billion. That gure does not include a May 2024 project commitment running upward of $1.145 billion.

“By their own projections, we’re getting into what historically could be a danger zone,

ed Congress are dim.

President Joe Biden, who supports gun restrictions, called on Congress to reinstate the ban imposed under his political foe. Trump’s campaign team, meanwhile, expressed respect for the ruling before quickly pivoting to his endorsement by the National Ri e Association.

As Trump courts gun owners while running to retake the presidency, he has appeared to play down his own administration’s actions on bump stocks, telling NRA members in February that “nothing happened” on guns during his presidency despite “great pressure.” He told the group that if he is elected again, “No one will lay a nger on your rearms.”

The 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas was carried out by a high-stakes gambler who killed himself, leaving his exact motive a mystery. A total of 60 people were killed in the shooting.

The opinion comes after the same Supreme Court conservative supermajority handed down a landmark decision expanding gun rights in 2022. The high court is also expected to rule in another gun case in the coming weeks, challenging a federal law intended to keep guns away from people under domestic violence restraining orders.

for lack of a better term,” Bowen said.

Bowen also said the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) has declined 25% since June 2023.

The NCDOT has struggled with its spending over the last six years.

In 2019, NCDOT overspent its budget by $1.8 billion, draining $1.1 billion from the HTF without proper approval and leading to the suspension of 900 projects.

NCDOT Secretary Jim Trogdon abruptly resigned on Feb. 4, 2020. Gov. Roy Cooper named Eric Boyette to ll the role. In September 2023, Cooper replaced the retiring Boyette with Joseph R. “Joey” Hopkins, who was the NCDOT chief operating o cer at that time.

Four months after Trogdon resigned, NCDOT o cials were called before lawmakers in a hearing over the agency’s nancial issues. That followed an earlier hearing in May over a state audit showing NCDOT overspending of $742 million.

Things came to a head in summer 2020, with Folwell calling for the replacement of the department’s chief operating and nancial o cers.

The NCDOT looked to be on the right track when it received praise from Folwell in January 2023 after the agency repaid an HTF loan early. Similarly, that May, a state audit showed the NCDOT’s nances were on the right track.

Biden says he won’t o er commutation to son Fasano, Italy

President Joe Biden said last week he will not use his presidential powers to lessen the eventual sentence that his son Hunter will receive for his federal felony conviction on gun crimes. Biden, following the conclusion of a news conference held at the Group of Seven summit of the world’s wealthiest democracies, responded he would not when asked whether he plans to commute the sentence for his son. Hunter Biden’s sentencing date has not been set, and the three counts carry up to 25 years in prison, though that’s unlikely as a rst-time o ender. Both the president and the White House have said for months that Biden would not pardon his son.

75M-plus in U.S. under heat alerts

Phoenix

More than 75 million people in the United States were under extreme heat alerts Monday as a heat wave moved eastward, and the mid-Atlantic and New England were likely to see highs in the 90s as the week progresses. Excessive humidity will make it feel even more oppressive. The U.S. last year saw the most heat waves, consisting of abnormally hot weather lasting more than two days, since 1936. O cials again warned residents to take precautions. Much of the Midwest and Northeast were under heat warnings or watches.

Putin vows to Kim to beat sanctions together Seoul, South Korea Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for supporting his actions in Ukraine and said their countries will cooperate closely to overcome U.S.-led sanctions as he headed to Pyongyang on Tuesday for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Putin’s comments appeared in an op-ed piece in North Korean state media hours before he was expected to arrive in the North for a twoday visit as the countries deepen their alignment in the face of separate, intensifying confrontations with Washington. Putin is making his rst visit to North Korea in 24 years.

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

catastrophe

questions about when normal

China lied about the origin of the tried to tell the world there were only worldwide panic, economic collapse and being thrown out of work.

shelter-in-place or stay-at-home majority of Americans normal.” end of this month.

taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in added Reserve backup liquidity to the the U.S. dollar were not the reserve fund any of these emergency of rampant in ation and currency

Cooper stated during know yet” if the asked as to the vague ones like “we of this state who undetermined thousands of cases asked and then questions about asked, there is people to treat those start getting back are people who sick.

WALTER E. WILLIAMS

It’s okay to ask questions about we begin to get back

to normal

The 3 big questions nobody

The comfort

How China will pay for this COVID-19 catastrophe

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”

ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after this COVID-19 virus dissipates around the globe and in the United States, China will pay for this catastrophe one way or another.

fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus and the need to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask questions about the data, and when things can start getting back to normal are treated in some circles with contempt.

They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept without question what the government tells us about when it’s safe to begin the process of returning back to normalcy.

n.c. FAST FACTS

Fixing college corruption

aberrant ways and decisions through Diplomacy has obviously not worked world of 21st century health, hygiene communist regimes never take the blame remorse, because that is not what take advantage of every weakness pushing until they win or the event happens such as the Chernobyl believe that event, not the Star Wars the dissolution of the Soviet Union Chernobyl. already talking about the possibility debt we owe them as one way to get they have caused the US. Don’t hold your “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected accountable in tangible nancial ways for expected to operate as responsible citizens of nation.

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those questions. And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about when they can get back to providing for their families, will demand answers.

AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with corruption. The nancial squeeze resulting from COVID-19 o ers opportunities for a bit of remediation. Let’s rst examine what might be the root of academic corruption, suggested by the title of a recent study, “Academic Grievance Studies and the Corruption of Scholarship.” The study was done by Areo, an opinion and analysis digital magazine. By the way, Areo is short for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by John Milton in defense of free speech.

In order to put the crisis caused by China in perspective, zero worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United States over our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian u,” 1968 “Hong Kong u,” 1977 “Russian u” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the massive 1918 “Spanish u” pandemic also had its origins in China.

Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer with details that give their statements believability.

High Point employer

levels become a bad society were supposed

Ralph Lauren goes basic blue for Team USA

course, is my family. I’m worried I will. After 2009 pandemic, of this brings up prefer not to repeat. most everyone has

business & economy

We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, ourselves, and our communities safe. But we should also still continue to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home measures are understandable, they should also have an expiration date.

Not one little bit.

NEW YORK — When Team USA walks with the world’s athletes at the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony, they’ll do so in snappy, tailored navy blazers from Ralph Lauren — and blue jeans.

Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say that something has gone drastically wrong in academia, especially within certain elds within the humanities. They call these elds “grievance studies,” where scholarship is not so much based upon nding truth but upon attending to social grievances. Grievance scholars bully students, administrators and other departments into adhering to their worldview. The worldview they promote is neither scienti c nor rigorous. Grievance studies consist of disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, gender studies, queer studies, sexuality and critical race studies.

Ralph Lauren Corp. is High Point’s largest employer, employing more than 2,600 full-time employees. The company on Tuesday unveiled its ninth turn creating Olympic parade looks for the Americans. Ralph Lauren is billing the pairing as “unexpected” yet classic.

David Lauren, the company’s chief branding and innovation o cer and its founder’s son, was unbothered by the casualness of blue denim.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal. Not in any way, shape, or form. So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new normal.”

seriousness of the virus and the need uneasy with how people who simply ask when things can start getting back to with contempt.

In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, Lindsay and Boghossian started submitting bogus academic papers to academic journals in cultural, queer, race, gender, fat and sexuality studies to determine if they would pass peer review and be accepted for publication. Acceptance of dubious research that journal editors found sympathetic to their intersectional or postmodern leftist vision of the world would prove the problem of low academic standards.

“We work very closely with Team USA to make the athletes feel at once dressed up, feel like a team, but at the same time comfortable and very distinctively American,” he told The Associated Press on Monday during a media preview at the company’s posh New York headquarters.

a society simply must accept without tells us about when it’s safe to begin the normalcy. us, and we have the right to ask those stay-at-home orders are in place all over the them get in states, such as Michigan, feeling isolated and/or anxious about providing for their families, will demand levels should be as forthcoming as they again, not vague answers, but answer statements believability. what we can to keep our families, safe. But we should also still continue because while reasonable stay-at-home they should also have an expiration date. and it is not normal. Not in any way, should remain vigilant and stay safe, at comfortable with this so-called “new

Several of the fake research papers were accepted for publication. The Fat Studies journal published a hoax paper that argued the term bodybuilding was exclusionary and should be replaced with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive politicized performance.” One reviewer said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and believe it has an important contribution to make to the eld and this journal.”

“Nothing says America like blue jeans, especially when we’re in Paris,” Lauren added. “And it gives the athletes a chance to feel a sense of a culture but also feel like themselves and what is natural.”

The single-breasted wool blazers have red-and-white tipping and are worn with a blue-and-white striped Oxford shirt and cream suede buck lace-up shoes. Oh, and there are blue neckties.

For the closing ceremony, the team will wear sharp white, moto-style denim jeans with matching jackets designed in, yes, patriotic red, white and blue.

under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah RedState and Legal Insurrection.

The company gathered a few Paris-bound athletes to show o the parade uniforms for the Summer Games that begin next month.

Daniela Moroz, 23, is competing in sailing at her rst Olympics. She loved the racing details of the closing look she modeled, down to the shoes. The zip jackets have “USA” splashed across the front in huge letters, with “Team USA” in blue high on the outside seam of one pant leg. Team caps are duck bill: The visor is in white, with red and blue details.

“I’m a racer on the water, so that speaks to me,” said Moroz, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, of the moto touches. “It’s super comfortable.”

The cavalier manner in virus, covered up its spread 3,341 related deaths has millions of Americans needlessly

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

THIS WEEK, according to members of and state and local governments, Americans the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak. muted — after all, trends can easily reverse have abided by recommendations and orders. to stay at home; they’ve practiced social distancing; they’ve donned masks.

There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 originated in Wuhan Province probably from the completely unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. Some believe it came out of a biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army.

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

Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during a recent coronavirus press brie ng that “we just don’t know yet” if state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May.

Until China adopts rigorous veri able policing and regulation of their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other choice than to build redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery reliability concerns.

“THIS IS in it” (Psalm I know that working from be glad” as the and dad, the have to be thankful pandemic.

The crisis has cost the debt plus trillions more in markets and nancial outlets. currency, we would not be measures without immediate depreciation.

Watson and Ozy Media have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud

“Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity Feminism as an Intersectional Reply to Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was accepted for publication by A lia, a feminist journal for social workers. The paper consisted in part of a rewritten passage from Mein Kampf. Two other hoax papers were published, including “Rape Culture and Queer Performativity at Urban Dog Parks.” This paper’s subject was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape paper eventually forced Boghossian, Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out themselves. A Wall Street Journal writer had gured out what they were doing.

By Jennifer Peltz The Associated Press

The company also designed Team USA gear, which will be available for sale starting Tuesday at RalphLauren. com, TeamUSAShop.com and company stores in the U.S. and France. Among the wares on o er are 100% recycled cotton polo shirts. David Lauren said it’s the rst time Ralph Lauren has achieved that level of sustainability in Olympic gear.

Some retail sales proceeds support U.S. athletes training for their Olympic moments.

The opening and closing ceremony uniforms, the same for the Olympics and subsequent Paralympics, were made in the U.S., and the gear on sale to the public was made in the U.S. and other countries.

GOOGLE CEO Sundar

Some papers accepted for publication in academic journals advocated training men like dogs and punishing white male college students for historical slavery by asking them to sit in silence on the oor in chains during class and to be expected to learn from the discomfort. Other papers celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life choice and advocated treating privately conducted masturbation as a form of sexual violence against women. Typically, academic journal editors send submitted papers out to referees for review. In recommending acceptance for publication, many reviewers gave these papers glowing praise.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

Pichai testi ed brie y last Friday at the federal nancial conspiracy trial surrounding buzz-to-bust startup Ozy Media, countering founder Carlos Watson’s alleged claims that the search giant once sought to buy Ozy.

Google did consider hiring Watson for a high-level news executive job in 2021 and putting $25 million into Ozy in something of a tradeo for luring him away, Pichai told jurors.

Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran certain grievance studies concepts through the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often they appeared in our press over the years. He found huge increases in the usages of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” All of this is being taught to college students, many of whom become primary and secondary school teachers who then indoctrinate our young people.

Jamal Hill, a Paralympic swimmer who earned a bronze medal in Tokyo, is returning to compete in Paris at age 29. He thinks the uniforms will resonate with millennials and Gen Z. “They have a nice unique modern air,” said Hill, who grew up in Los Angeles.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University.

The titanium came from a supplier in China starting around 2019

By David Koenig The Associated Press

FEDERAL

I doubt whether the coronaviruscaused nancial crunch will give college and university administrators, who are a crossbreed between a parrot and jelly sh, the guts and backbone to restore academic respectability. Far too often, they get much of their political support from campus grievance people who are members of the faculty and diversity and multicultural administrative o ces.

The best hope lies with boards of trustees, though many serve as yes-men for the university president. I think that a good start would be to nd 1950s or 1960s catalogs. Look at the course o erings at a time when college graduates knew how to read, write and compute, and make them today’s curricula. Another helpful tool would be to give careful consideration to eliminating all classes/majors/minors containing the word “studies,” such as women, Asian, black or queer studies. I’d bet that by restoring the traditional academic mission to colleges, they would put a serious dent into the COVID-19 budget shortfall.

REGULATORS

are investigating how parts made with titanium sold with falsi ed quality documentation ended up in Boeing and Airbus passenger jets.

Boeing and Airbus said Friday that planes containing the parts are safe to y, but Boeing said it was removing affected parts that haven’t been delivered to airline customers yet.

Regulators will decide whether any work must be done to planes already carrying passengers. The FAA said it is “investigating the impact of the issue.” Boeing reported the problem covering material from a distributor “who may have falsi ed or provided incorrect records.” The FAA did not name the distributor.

Spirit AeroSystems, which makes fuselages for Boeing planes and wings for Airbus

If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the justi cation for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we must do this out of an abundance of caution.”

We need transparency and honesty from our scienti c experts — we need to know what they know, what they don’t and when they hope to know what they don’t.

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization According to the University of Washington Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited Trump administration, the expected need peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000, ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number August by nearly 12,000.

The most direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is to o er U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their production back in the United States. There is approximately $120 billion worth of American direct investment in plants and equipment in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by comparison.

It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases are reliable.

To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about the data. State Republican leaders have, too.

Here’s the problem: We still don’t know questions that will allow the economy to reopen.

An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing investment to the U.S. would cost the U.S. Treasury $18 billion in tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the past.

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of hope that we will once again enjoy sporting events, concerts, family gatherings, church services and many more after our own temporary sacri ces are over.

China has to pay for their economic and nancial means. to bring China into the civilized and fair trade. Totalitarian or express sincere regret totalitarian governments they nd in adversaries and adversaries push back. That is, unless an exogenous meltdown in 1986. Some program of Reagan, led directly in 1989.

First, what is the true coronavirus fatality important because it determines whether be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue more liberalized society that presumes wide ought to lock down further.

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat those simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick.

For me, my making. As Corinthians a iction, so a iction, with God.” If you are re ect on this God’s example this di cult con dent we In this same neighbors helping In Concord, money to buy health care workers

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

My rst concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After su ering from the H1N1 virus (swine u) during the 2009 pandemic, I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings way too many memories of a painful experience I’d prefer not to repeat.

We’ve seen case fatality rates — the number the number of identi ed COVID-19 cases and the denominator are likely wrong. We people have actually died of coronavirus. number has been overestimated, given that of death, particularly among elderly patients, sources suggest the number is dramatically many people are dying at home.

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Senators in Washington of China forgiving $1.2 trillion China to “pay” for the damage breath waiting for a Chinese representatives to hold China this disaster. It is about time they are the world like any other modern

But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has

China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi.

Even more importantly, we have no clue actually have coronavirus. Some scientists of identi ed cases could be an order of magnitude number of people who have had coronavirus

The

It’s okay to ask questions about when we begin to get back to normal

comfort and hope

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”

Google head Pichai testi es at Ozy conspiracy trial

“THIS IS THE DAY the lord has made, in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during a recent coronavirus press brie ng that “we just don’t know yet” if the state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May.

fallen into place. I understand to take precautions, but I’m questions about the data, normal are treated in some

I know that during this challenging time working from home or losing a job, it may be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. However, and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded have to be thankful and hopeful for, even pandemic.

If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the justi cation for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we must do this out of an abundance of caution.”

“Mr. Watson was a critical part of Ozy Media, and we were considering making an investment in the company to make the transition easier,” he explained.

It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases are reliable.

But “did you ever o er to purchase Ozy Media for $600 million?” prosecutor Dylan Stern asked.

“He never had such a conversation with Google and never told anyone he did.”

Shannon Frison, Ozy Media lawyer

“No,” replied Pichai, who heads Google and parent Alphabet Inc.

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of hope that we will once again enjoy sporting events, concerts, family gatherings, church services and many more after our own temporary sacri ces are over.

They’re treated as though question what the government process of returning back No. The government works questions. And the longer country, and the stricter the more people, sitting at when they can get back to answers.

For me, my faith is an important part of making. As I celebrated Easter with my family, Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our Lord a iction, so that we may be able to comfort a iction, with the comfort which we ourselves God.”

To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about the data. State Republican leaders have, too.

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat those simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick.

He said he had been introduced to Watson at a conference and then in a video interview for a possible Google job interacting with news outlets. Neither the hire nor the $25 million investment ultimately happened.

Leaders at the local and can be with those answers with details that give their

If you are celebrating the Easter season, re ect on this message and be comforted, God’s example and comfort all those in need this di cult time. Through faith and by helping con dent we will emerge out of this pandemic

We should all continue ourselves, and our communities to ask questions about the measures are understandable,

In this same spirit, I continue to be inspired neighbors helping neighbors. In Concord, a high school senior named money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to health care workers out of his own home.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

Attorney’s O ce of the Eastern District of New York added, “Watson and his co-conspirators continued to attempt to induce the bank to lend Ozy several million dollars based on misrepresentations and omissions, including regarding the expected revenue from the second season of the Ozy television show. During these discussions, the bank requested to speak to a representative of the cable network. To conceal the lies about Ozy’s relationship with the cable network and the status and terms of their agreement, Rao, with Watson’s approval, created a fake email address in the name of an actual executive of the cable network, which Rao used to impersonate the executive and communicate with the bank about the potential loan.”

My rst concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After su ering from the H1N1 virus (swine u) during the 2009 pandemic, I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up way too many memories of a painful experience I’d prefer not to repeat.

According to prosecutors, Watson later told another prospective investor that Pichai had extended a nine- gure offer to buy Ozy. The Mountain View, California-based company produced TV programs, podcasts and a music-andideas festival before falling apart in fall 2021 amid questions about whether it had agrantly misrepresented its audience reach, deals andnances. In a press release, the U.S.

This is all new to Americans, shape, or form. So while the same time we shouldn’t normal.”

Not one little bit.

Ozy Media lawyer Shannon Frison said in an emailed statement Friday that it’s “unequivocally untrue” that Watson told anyone that Google had made a $600 million o er.

But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has

FAA investigates titanium parts, falsi ed docs in Boeing

Airbus planes

An Airbus A220 lands at Toulouse-Blagnac airport. Federal regulators have investigated Boeing and Airbus passenger jets with counterfeit titanium.

jets, reported the falsi ed documents.

“This is about titanium that has entered the supply system via documents that have been counterfeited,” Spirit spokesperson Joe Buccino said. “When this was identi ed, all suspect parts were quarantined and removed from Spirit production. Buccino said more than 1,000 tests have been conducted on the material “to en-

sure continued airworthiness.”

The New York Times reported that an Italian company, Titanium International Group, noticed that the material looked di erent from previous supplies and determined that the paperwork accompanying the titanium seemed inauthentic.

The paperwork, called a statement of conformity, describes the part or material,

Stacey Matthews has also and is a regular contributor

See PICHAI, page A10

how it was made and where it originated. Its design ensures that parts comply with FAA standards for quality.

Titanium alloys have been used for decades in aircraft production because of their light weight, strength, corrosion resistance and high temperatures. They are used in airframes, landing gear and other parts.

Boeing said tests indicate the parts were made from the correct titanium alloy, which raised questions about why the documentation was falsied. Based in Arlington, Virginia, the company said it buys most of the titanium it uses directly from other sources, and that supply is not a ected by the documentation issue.

Boeing said it removed affected parts on planes before delivering them to airlines. “Our analysis shows the in-service eet can continue to y safely,” the company said. It did not say which of its aircraft models were a ected.

“Numerous tests have been performed on parts coming from the same source of supply,” said Airbus, its main ofces and assembly plant in France. “They show that the A220’s airworthiness remains intact.”

O cials said the a ected parts could be replaced when planes undergo scheduled maintenance checks.

FREDERIC SCHEIBER / AP PHOTO

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior

ADAM GRAY / AP PHOTO CEO and co-founder of Ozy Media Carlos Watson, center, arrives at Brooklyn Federal Court on June 7 in New York.

Surgeon general wants social media warning labels

The impact on young people should be more concerning, Dr. Vivek Murthy said

By Michelle Chapman The Associated Press

THE U.S. SURGEON general has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms similar to those now mandatory on cigarette boxes.

In a Monday opinion piece in The New York Times, Dr. Vivek Murthy said social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people.

“It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with signi cant mental health harms for adolescents. A surgeon general’s warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proven safe,” Murthy said.

“Evidence from tobacco studies

Milei

show that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior.”

Murthy said just a warning label wouldn’t make social media safe for young people, but it would be one of the needed steps.

Social media use is prevalent among young people, with up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 saying that they use a social media platform and more than a third saying that they use social media “almost constantly,” according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center.

“Social media today is like tobacco decades ago: It’s a product whose business model depends on addicting kids. And as with cigarettes, a surgeon general’s warning label is a critical step toward mitigating the threat to children,” Josh Golin, executive director at Fairplay, an organization that is dedicated to ending marketing to children, said in a statement.

Last year, Murthy warned there wasn’t enough evidence to show social media is safe for children and teens. He said policy-

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has asked Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms like cigarette boxes.

makers needed to address the harms of social media the same way they regulate car seats, baby formula, medication and other products.

To comply with federal regulations, social media companies have banned kids under 13 from signing up for their platforms. However, children have been shown to easily get around the bans with and without their parents’ consent.

Other measures social platforms have taken to address concerns about children’s mental health can also be easily cir-

legislation ‘triumphs,’

Argentina’s Senate passed sweeping proposals to slash state spending

By Isabel Debre The Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina

— Wall Street rallied last Thursday as Argentina’s President Javier Milei traveled to Italy for the Group of Seven summit, buoyed by his rst legislative victory after his country’s Senate passed sweeping proposals to slash state spending.

Having hitched his political fortunes to cutting down Argentina’s bloated state, Milei hailed the vote as a “triumph.” Still, opposition senators scrapped an income tax package and watered down other parts of the bill after a debate marked by clashes between police and protesters. The legislation overhauling Argentina’s long-troubled economy during its worst nancial crisis in 20 years will return to the lower house of Congress for nal approval.

Markets appeared reassured. Argentine sovereign bond yields

from page A9

“He never had such a conversation with Google and never told any person that he did,” Frison said.

Watson and Ozy Media have pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit fraud. He has said that he built a robust and real company, didn’t con anyone and is being singled out for prosecution when he made, at most, entrepreneurial “mistakes.” Defense lawyers have blamed any misrepresentations on Ozy

jumped 3.5%, and Argentina’s country-risk index dropped more than 6% when markets opened. The peso dipped to $1,220 on the black market, narrowing the gap between the o cial and informal exchange rates.

At the start of his daily press conference, presidency spokesperson Manuel Adorni paused to smile. “It’s a beautiful morning, no?” he said.

Early Thursday morning, Senate president Victoria Villarruel, Argentina’s vice president, broke a 36-36 tie in the upper house to approve Milei’s plans to trim the scal de cit, incentivize foreign investment and privatize some state-owned companies.

Milei delayed his ight to Italy until the Senate approved it and then jetted o .

The right-wing economist is the only leader since Argentina’s return to democracy in 1983 not to pass a law within his rst six months as president. “Milei has avoided falling o the cli ,” said Lucas Romero, director of the consulting rm Synopsis.

A populist outsider who rose to power attacking the estab -

co-founder Samir Rao, saying he is falsely implicating Watson in hopes of avoiding prison himself. Rao pleaded guilty to identity theft and conspiring to commit fraud, and he is awaiting sentencing. He testi ed earlier in the trial that his “moral compass” got scrambled by ambition, desperation to keep the company going and “Carlos’ deep belief that failure was not an option and we had to do whatever it took.”

Among other deceit, Rao infamously posed as a YouTube executive — even using a phone

cumvented. For instance, TikTok introduced a default 60-minute time limit for users under 18. However, minors can enter a passcode to keep watching once the limit is reached.

Murthy believes the impact of social media on young people should be of much greater concern.

“Why have we failed to respond to the harms of social media when they are no less urgent or widespread than those posed by unsafe cars, planes or food? These harms are not a failure of willpower and parenting; they are the consequence of unleashing powerful technology without adequate safety measures, transparency or accountability,” he wrote.

In January, the CEOs of Meta, TikTok, X and other social media companies testi ed before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Parents worry they are not doing enough to protect young people. The executives touted existing safety tools on their platforms and their work with nonpro ts and law enforcement to protect minors.

Murthy said Monday that Congress needs to implement legislation to protect young people from online harassment, abuse exploitation and exposure to extreme violence and sexual content.

“The measures should prevent platforms from collecting sensitive data from children and restrict the use of features like push

Wall Street rallies

lishment, Milei has found it impossible to enact his promised reforms without compromising. His political party, Liberty Advances, holds 15% of seats in the lower house and 10% in the Senate.

Liberty Advances made key concessions, agreeing not to auction Argentina’s agship airline, Aerolíneas Argentinas, post o ce or radio and TV company. That left a handful of state-owned rms, such as an Argentine natural gas provider, on the block for possible privatization — falling short of Milei’s ambitions.

The most signi cant measures now subject to lower house approval include a divisive article declaring a state of emergency in Argentina for one year and granting the president new powers in energy, pensions, security, taxation and other sectors until the end of his term.

Another article allows the privatization of several companies, including Buenos Aires water and waste management company AySA, national road safety agency Corredores Viales, power provider Energía Argentina and airport service pro -

app to disguise his voice — in order to champion Ozy to Goldman Sachs investment bankers on a February 2021 call.

“It was one of the most disturbing calls that I have ever been on in my career,” Goldman executive Hillel Moerman testied Friday, calling the episode “a surreal experience.”

Rao testi ed that he did the phone trick to back up a false claim that YouTube was paying for Watson’s eponymous talk show. Rao said Watson was with him during the call, texting him about what to say: “I am a big

vider Intercargo. An incentive scheme, central to Milei’s ambitions to lure foreign capital, would give lucrative tax breaks and other perks to foreign companies investing $200 million or more. The scheme would include exemptions from import tari s and export duties for three years and preferable tax treatment for 30 years. Critics warn the measures will hurt local industry. A tax amnesty would allow Argentines to register their undeclared assets at home and abroad without paying heavy taxes.

The Senate’s rejection of a few other measures — including lowering an income tax threshold and pension cuts for civil servants with fewer than 30 years on the job — further complicates Milei’s scal consolidation plan.

Pressures are mounting over Argentina’s rapidly depleting foreign exchange reserves as the government struggles to repay its massive foreign debt, including $44 billion owed to the International Monetary Fund and $18 billion in a currency swap line with China.

fan of Carlos, Samir and the show,” read one text that was shown to jurors.

Defense lawyer Ronald Sullivan Jr. has said Watson came into the room during the call, realized “a live train wreck” was unfolding and tried to get Rao to end the conversation.

On the other end, Moerman thought the putative YouTube exec’s voice seemed obviously “o ,” among other clues that made the Goldman bankers suspicious, he recalled Friday.

One of his colleagues soon called the actual executive at

noti cations, autoplay and innite scroll, which prey on developing brains and contribute to excessive use,” Murthy wrote.

The surgeon general is also recommending that companies be required to share all their data on health e ects with independent scientists and the public, which they currently don’t do, and allow independent safety audits.

Murthy said schools and parents also need to participate in providing phone-free times and that doctors, nurses and other clinicians should help guide families toward safer practices.

While Murthy pushes for more to be done about social media in the United States, the European Union enacted groundbreaking new digital rules last year. The Digital Services Act is part of a suite of tech-focused regulations crafted by the 27-nation bloc, which has long been a global leader in cracking down on tech giants.

The DSA is designed to keep users safe online and make it much harder to spread content that’s either illegal, like hate speech or child sexual abuse, or violates a platform’s terms of service. It also protects citizens’ fundamental rights, including privacy and free speech. O cials have warned tech companies that violations could result in nes worth up to 6% of their global revenue — which could amount to billions — or even a ban from the EU.

Annual in ation in Argentina is nearing 300%, and Milei’s austerity is hitting the population hard — more than half of all Argentines now live in poverty. The left-leaning Peronist movement, aligned with former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, decried the bill’s passage as the latest political catastrophe for Argentina, a country shaped by its brutal military dictatorship in the late 1970s.

“We were able to overcome the dictatorship, and surely this is going to be a new, di erent challenge,” said Agustín Rossi, the former chief of sta . “We must think about a post-Milei Argentina.”

“The Milei government showed it’s on a political learning curve, which is positive for investors and markets whose main concern is how much of his reform promises will materialize,” said Marcelo J. García, Americas director at geopolitical risk rm Horizon Engage. But the razor-thin vote means that Milei’s victory comes “at an extremely high cost,” said Mariano Machado, an analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. He stated that roadblocks couldn’t be ruled out as the bill was returned to the lower house.

YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet. The ruse unraveled. So did the potential for a Goldman investment.

“We had been lied to,” Moerman explained to the Brooklyn federal court jury.

Goldman Sachs did keep advertising with Ozy after the episode, according to Rao’s testimony.

Watson told Goldman and Ozy’s board that Rao had suffered a mental health crisis. Rao told jurors he was taking antidepressants at the time but wasn’t having a psychiatric break.

SUSAN WALSH / AP PHOTO

PICHAI

Construction on track at Hayes Barton Place

The luxury Life Plan Community will feature upscale amenities and concierge services on par with grand resorts

By Dan Reeves North State Journal

RALEIGH — Viewing the development of Hayes Barton Place senior living community from above is no longer just for birds. Contractor Bras eld & Gorrie is tracking the progress made at the new luxury Life Plan Community in Raleigh. Located on seven of the most sought-after acres in the state capital, Hayes Barton Place is slated to open in 2024.

The luxury Life Plan Community will feature upscale amenities and concierge services on par with grand resorts, with the reassurance of care should it be needed in the future. Hayes Barton Place is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management division.

As the construction of Hayes Barton Place continues, residents are eagerly anticipating the community’s amenities, which include casual and ne dining venues, a pub and library, beautiful outdoor spaces with paved walking paths, a billiards room, a card room, an art stu-

dio, media room, salon and spa, and a state-of-the-art tness center complete with an indoor saltwater pool and hot tub. The community’s design and material choices have considered the physical needs of aging adults, featuring wide and smooth pathways that improve mobility.

The residences at Hayes Barton Place are designed to provide a luxurious living experience. The Club House Condos range from 800 to more than 3,100 square feet, each featuring a covered balcony or patio overlooking outdoor living space. The Flats on Bicton o er elegant condo-style residences with two bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, and a den. Each unit includes two-car private garages and is decorated with large front porches, high ceilings, crown molding and trim. The Terraces at Hayes Barton Place are single-family attached three-story townhomes with a private elevator. Each terrace has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and access to a covered patio with a wet bar o the third oor.

“We’ve been sharing drone footage during in-person updates that are held quarterly with Charter Club residents, the rst people who have deposited and will be moving to the community,” says Thad Moore, director of development at Hayes Barton Place. “We show construction footage, tell them

Toyota chairman faces testing scandal, shareholders react

The past year has brought a urry of scandals

By Yuri Kageyama The Associated Press

TOKYO —Toyota’s chairman Akio Toyoda will face some disgruntled shareholders this week as two major proxy groups demand a vote against keeping the founder’s grandson on the company’s board.

The vote expected at Tuesday’s annual shareholders meeting comes after Toyota recently apologized for fraudulent vehicle certi cation tests, a major embarrassment for a company that prides itself on its reputation for excellent quality. The raft of problems at Japanese automakers, including Toyota, are said not to involve any safety problems, and no recalls were announced. However, Toyota suspended the production of three models produced by group companies in Japan.

Toyota’s stock prices have tripled over the last ve years to nearly 3,800 yen ($24) before cascading downward amid its latest troubles. Its shares are now trading above 3,000 yen ($20), a market value loss of about 3 trillion Japanese yen ($18 billion).

Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), majority-owned by the German capital market company Deutsche Borse

Group, which advises investors, said in its proxy report that Toyoda “should be considered ultimately accountable.”

While Toyota said it plans to communicate better with workers on the ground, ISS said that likely wasn’t enough to prevent a recurrence of problems with cheating on testing.

“The company’s propensity to preserve its corporate culture is suspected, and Toyoda should be held accountable for that,” it said.

ISS does not oppose the appointments of other board members, including Toyota Chief Executive Koji Sato, who took up his post in 2023. The past year has brought a

where development stands and answer their questions.” Most of all, the drone footage helps to create and maintain excitement for the highly anticipated project.

The Hayes Barton Place community will feature 169 independent residences, 24 ats and nine townhomes. The community is adjacent to Raleigh’s Hayes Barton Historic District, with leafy, mature trees and colorful gardens. Many neighboring homes were constructed in the mid-tolate 1920s, including various period-revival architectural styles: Tudor, Dutch, Colonial, Craftsman Foursquare and Georgian. Nearby, residents will nd Raleigh’s Five Points district, which boasts some of Raleigh’s most treasured restaurants, stores and the newly restored Rialto Theater.

The independent living building at Hayes Barton Place combines Colonial and Georgian Revival architectural styles to complement the historic neighborhood. According to Moore, the ve-story concrete and steel red brick Clubhouse showcases luxury and comfort. Emphasizing the seamless integration of Hayes Barton Place with its surroundings, the building draws architectural inspiration from timeless regional structures.

Landscaping also plays a signi cant role in creating a welcoming atmosphere at Hayes Barton Place. The transition from three health care stories along Oberlin Road to ve stories of independent living is well-coordinated. Wide pathways improve mobility for residents, some as wide as 8 feet across, to allow walkers to pass

urry of scandals involving improper checks on vehicles, including collision tests, at group companies Daihatsu Motor Co., which makes small models, truckmaker Hino Motors and Toyota Industries Corp., a manufacturer of forklifts and other machinery.

Another major shareholder, proxy advisory company, Glass Lewis & Co., recommended voting against the reappointment of Toyoda and Shigeru Hayakawa, another top executive.

“We believe that Mr. Toyoda holds responsibility for failing to ensure that the Group maintained appropriate internal controls and for the failure to ensure appropriate governance measures were implemented at Group companies,” it said in its proxy report.

“Moreover, given the widespread occurrence of issues throughout the Toyota Group, this further raises questions concerning the corporate culture under the leadership of Mr. Toyoda.”

According to Glass Lewis, based in San Francisco, Hayakawa oversaw the appointments of board members, and more independent board members should be added.

Toyoda is unlikely to be ousted at the general shareholders’ meeting, which will be held at the company’s headquarters in the central Japanese city named after the maker of the Prius hybrid, Lexus luxury models, and Camry sedan.

The biggest of Toyota’s nearly 1 million shareholders are Japanese companies, such as Japanese banks and nancial institutions, which are unlikely to challenge the automaker. Toyota Industries, a group company, is the No. 2 shareholder.

Tightly held cross-shareholdings among a liates, long the

each other without turning aside or stepping onto a less stable surface. Landscaping also helps to provide a bu er between Hayes Barton Place and a busy public street. Because memory care units house individuals who may experience impaired memory or judgment, they have more restricted access to outdoor spaces to prevent residents from harm.

As construction continues at Hayes Barton Place, residents are getting excited about their future home. Moore noted that everything is moving along smoothly.

“Residents are getting excited,” he says. We are in the early stages of planning move-ins,” he said.

To learn more about Hayes Barton Place, its amenities and services, visit HayesBartonPlace.com.

The community’s unique location o ers easy access to downtown Raleigh’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Residents can stroll through the historic neighborhood’s picturesque streets or explore the nearby Five Points district for shopping and dining options. With its stunning architecture and luxurious amenities, Hayes Barton Place is poised to become one of Raleigh’s premier senior living communities.

Residents can stay informed about the progress of their new home through quarterly construction updates and drone footage provided by Bras eld & Gorrie. With its commitment to excellence in design and service, quality life at Hayes Barton Place promises to be nothing short of exceptional for its future residents.

rule in Japan, are gradually unraveling, but longstanding loyalties are likely strong enough to keep Toyoda in his post. Last year, he won reelection with nearly 85% of the vote, down from 96% in 2022.

In a recent report on Toyota, Kazunori Maki, an auto analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities, noted that the shipments Toyota suspended a ected just 1% or 2% of its global sales.

He also hinted that factory workers might have skirted rules seen as meticulous but not vital for safety.

Even though Toyota has lagged in shifting to EVs, the company is the world’s leading automaker, with sales of 9.4 million vehicles in the scal year that ended in March.

Aaron Ho, an equity analyst at CFRA Research, said the company is doing well. The recent scandal would make only “a small dent,” he said. So, there are no fundamental issues. We merely think that since production is being halted — for likely a few months, we estimate — deliveries will be a ected.

Toyoda was questioned by Congress and apologized. This time, he reassured the public Toyota had gone through worse and survived.

“We are not a perfect company. But if we see anything wrong, we will take a step back and keep trying to correct it,” he said.

In 2021, Toyota, in partnership with Toyota Tsusho, announced its new Liberty, North Carolina, location. The new facility will have an initial investment of $1.29 billion for battery production and will lead to the creation of 1,750 new jobs across the Triad and the state. The campus will cover nearly 7 million square feet, the equivalent of 121 football elds of battery production.

High in ation curbs retail spending, 0.1% rise May from April New York Consumers barely increased spending in May from April as still high in ation and high interest rates curbed spending. Retail sales rose 0.1% in May, below the pace that economists projected, according to the Commerce Department. And April sales were revised downward — a 0.2% decline from unchanged. Sales rose 0.6% in March and 0.9% in February. That comes after sales fell 1.1% in January, dragged down in part by inclement weather. The retail sales data o ers only a partial look at consumer spending because it excludes things like travel and lodging. However, at restaurants, the lone service category tracked in the monthly retail sales report, sales fell 0.4% in May.

1.2M vehicles recalled amid Stellantis glitch

Detroit

Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to x a software glitch that disables the rearview cameras. The recall covers Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years. Also included are Ram ProMaster vans from 2022 and 2023, as well as the Ram 3500 chassis cabs and Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups from 2022. Also covered are 2021 through 2023 Chrysler Paci ca minivans and Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs, and 2021 and 2022 Dodge Durango SUVs. A company investigation found that the vehicles have radio software that can inadvertently shut down the cameras. Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, will x the problem with an online software update that some vehicles have already received. Owners should see a request to accept the update on their media screens. The company says it has no reports of injuries or crashes, but it still is urging owners to follow recall instructions

Judge approves Express sale to WHP Global

New York

A U.S. bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of most of Express Inc.’s operations to a consortium led by brand acquisition and management rm WHP Global — providing a lifeline to the struggling retailer and its hundreds of remaining stores. The o er includes $136 million in cash consideration and $38 million of liabilities set to be assumed by the buyers, court records show, or $174 million combined. The sale was approved last week, with closing due by Friday. Express Inc. owns the Express, Bonobos and UpWest brands. It led for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April. Express Inc. said its bankruptcy ling would “facilitate the sale process” and prevent it from liquidation. Beginning Cash $2,490,345,255

NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 14

Receipts (income)

$75,063,056 Disbursements

$142,207,138 Cash Balance

$2,423,224,948

KAZUSHI KURIHARA / KYODO NEWS VIA AP Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda speaks during a news conference in Tokyo on June 3.

Club House Condo Residences at Hayes Barton Place.

COURTESY HAYES BARTON PLACE

Scandi-heaven

Is this Volvo the best luxury SUV ever?

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

CHICAGO — It’s not awless. Nothing ever is. But the 2024 Volvo XC60 T8, with 35 miles of electric range, a clever, Google-powered infotainment system, and a mid-century modern design aesthetic that would make Frank Lloyd Wright proud, comes awfully close.

Volvo buyers want understated luxury, so this compact luxury SUV is not ashy. It’s the IYKYK of car brands — if you know, you know.

If I told you that a car sold in 2024 had seats made from wool, you might think I was messing with you. If I told you that they were some of the softest, most comfortable car seats you can buy this side of a Rolls-Royce, you might think I’d lost my mind.

And yet.

Volvo is, perhaps unsurprisingly, focused on sustainability and is one of a number of companies looking to remove animal products from its lineup.

Unlike some rms — I’m looking at you, Apple, which replaced its leather phone cases with awful ones made from cloth — Volvo seems to have created an even better seating material than the leather ones it replaced. The company calls it a “tailored wool blend” on the window sticker, but that doesn’t capture how delightful these seats are.

They’re far cooler in the summer, which is key, and they deliver a surprise and delight moment when people climb in and invariably say, “What are these seats?” Ah, you see, these seats come from sheep. I doubt they’re Swedish sheep, but you never know.

Under the hood, a turbocharged two-liter engine drives the front wheels, and out back is an electric motor for the rear axle. Between the two, you get all-wheel drive and an impressive all-electric range of 35 miles.

Prior versions of Volvo’s plugin hybrid couldn’t manage 20 miles and turned the engine on if you so much as considered accel-

erating briskly — but a new 18.8 kWh battery packs higher voltages and, when combined with a bee er electric motor, the XC60 accelerates to highway speeds with aplomb without so much as a sip of gasoline. It might not be an EV, but you wouldn’t know any di erent

while running errands or even taking a modest commute, and 35 miles is more than enough to cover most everyday driving.

But the real bene ts of the electric motor are, much to the chagrin of the writers at The Atlantic, peace and quiet. It’s not until you don’t use your car’s en-

gine that you realize how noisy it is. And this is a Volvo, which is quieter than most cars. If you’re anything like me, seeing how far you can push the XC60 without the engine ring up almost becomes a game.

The second and, perhaps, more immediately practical bene t of the electric motor is the sleeper levels of oomph that the combined system delivers should you put your foot down.

Between motor and engine, you get 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, approaching Mustang GT-levels of performance from this unassuming, woolen-lined Swedish SUV. Motor Trend clocks the 0-60 time at less than 4.5 seconds, which will elicit a “whoa” from almost any normal person — and is sure to get you to the front of the school pickup line with ease.

But let’s get back to the luxury for a moment. My test unit, which priced out to $76,270 (base price

is $69,045 for the Ultimate trim) after adding a $750 climate package, $1,800 air suspension and $1,475 22-inch wheels, also included Volvo’s sensational $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which is the highlight of the car. Only the upgraded Burmester stereo in top-end Mercedes cars costing twice this can best it, and even then, it’s a matter of personal preference. Put on your favorite tracks and your day improves, no matter how much tra c you nd yourself in. Whether you’re into CCR or YeeDM, the B&W system delivers.

And, perversely, the worst part of the car makes the music even better.

The most annoying thing about the XC60 is that it somehow doesn’t have wireless Apple CarPlay. You need to plug in your iPhone, which seems small, except basically every other car on the market (and certainly in this segment) supports wireless connections.

The music-related bonus is that you’ll get higher-quality audio by physically connecting your phone to the car than by using Bluetooth. I use Apple Music, which has a lossless audio option for music — and you can absolutely tell the di erence between a physical cable and wireless when connected to a high-quality automotive audio system.

Unlike Mercedes, where you can spend ve stacks or more just upgrading your stereo only to use inferior wireless tech to rock out, I like to pretend that Volvo intentionally makes you plug your phone in so you can get the most out of Bowers & Wilkins’ hard work.

Okay, I’m lying: It’s incredibly annoying to keep plugging my iPhone in (especially after getting used to wireless CarPlay in basically every other luxury car on the market), but having better tunes is a nice consolation prize. And if a USB cable is the biggest complaint I can come up with for this car, I think the Swedes have done a pretty good job.

Big Rock results, B4

Bryson DeChambeau watches through the

make

short

for

DeChambeau comes up big when trouble strikes at US Open

NHL Hurricanes remove interim tag, name Tulsky as new GM

Raleigh

The Hurricanes have their next general manager, promoting interim GM Eric Tulsky to succeed Don Waddell. Tulsky, 48, has been with the Hurricanes for the past decade and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2020. His work in the public sphere in analytics led to his initial hiring, but Tulsky has quickly climbed the organizational ladder, particularly since Tom Dundon bought the Hurricanes in 2018. On top of running the team’s analytics/hockey information department, Tulsky has headed its pro scouting department. Carolina still needs to hire a replacement to handle the business duties Waddell oversaw as president.

GAMBLING

North Carolina sports betting revenue dwarfs other states to legalize

Raleigh

North Carolina received $234 million in revenue generated by sports gamblers in the rst three months it has been legal. After seeing $66 million raised in March, when gambling was legal for 21 days, the state saw $105.3 million in April and $63 million in May. By comparison, New Jersey raised $16.5 million in revenue in the rst three months after legalization, while Pennsylvania and New York each saw $3 million.

NBA

Tatum leads Celtics to NBA title

Boston Former Duke Blue Devil Jayson Tatum had 31 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds as the Celtics topped the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 to claim the franchise’s 18th championship, the most in league history.

Boston also featured another former Duke player on the coaching sta in 2015 national champion Amile Je erson.

His miraculous bunker shot helped clinch his second Open title

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

PINEHURST — Entering the week, Bryson DeChambeau was hoping to avoid drama at a Pinehurst No. 2 course that was capable of causing plenty of it.

“If I get my irons in a place where I’m hitting it in the middle of the greens and just playing boring golf, that’s the goal for me this week is try to play as boring a golf as possible,” he said.

On the 18th hole, however, things got exciting, and that was bad news for his quest to win a second U.S. Open.

The 2020 U.S. Open champion opened the day with a threestroke lead, but Rory McIlroy made a run, putting the pressure on by trimming that lead to one.

DeChambeau actually could have been in a position of chasing McIlroy on 18, but some bad luck of his own — a missed putt on 16 — kept McIlroy from pulling ahead. When DeChambeau teed o on 18, he was tied with McIlroy, who was on the green at the same hole. That’s when the excitement began.

His tee shot hooked far left, deep into the rough, forcing course workers to pick up their bags and move out of the way. The ball landed in a nest of TV cables and roots. The cables were moved out of the way, leaving just one obstacle.

“I was actually concerned I might hurt myself getting out of that,” DeChambeau said. “I was trying to get TIO relief (Temporary Immovable Obstructions, allowing him to move his ball) but didn’t have anything in my way, unfortunately.”

By that point, McIlroy had

missed another short putt, meaning DeChambeau now knew that par would win him the tournament. Of course, he’d already used one of his four shots, and his position looked bleak.

DeChambeau came up with a plan.

“I was trying to run it left of that bunker,” he said. “Run it up the green, give myself a 2-putt. I had no backswing. At a certain point in time, I’m just like, ‘OK, I have to hack it; hopefully it will go down the line.’”

It didn’t.

“It cut, and it went into the bunker,” he said.

Two shots down. Two to go, and DeChambeau was in the sand trap, more than 56 yards from the hole.

“One of the worst places I could have been,” he said. It wasn’t the rst time during the week at Pinehurst that DeChambeau had encountered adversity. He lost his yardage book prior to Thursday’s rst round.

“Everything,” he said of the book’s contents. “All the secrets.”

“Must have fallen out when I got out (of the car),” he said. He relied on the notes taken by his caddy, Greg Bodine, until course o cials were able to nd and return his book.

Then, on Saturday morning, he woke up with pain in his hip, DeChambeau tried to play though it, but after 10 holes, he had to call in reinforcements, getting a brief midround therapy treatment session in a wooded See US OPEN, page B4

McIlroy’s su ers heartbreaking loss at Open

Two missed putts in the last three holes left him one stroke shy of victory

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

PINEHURST — Against all odds, Rory McIlroy managed to tame Pinehurst. It wasn’t enough.

All week long, golfers had talked about the native grass areas on either side of the fairways and the domed greens that sent shots that landed near the pin on long, rolling journeys into the sand.

For 69 holes, McIlroy had managed to avoid disaster and entered the 16th hole on Sunday with a one-stroke lead. He spelled out his game plan early in the week.

“I would say embracing the di cult conditions,” he said.

“Embracing the style of golf needed to contend at a U.S. Open. Embracing patience.

… Explosiveness isn’t going to win a U.S. Open. It’s more methodically building your score over the course of four days

and being OK with that.”

McIlroy had done just that. He led after Thursday’s play, shooting a 65 to open the tournament. On day two, he was two strokes back, and he lurked three strokes o the lead heading into the nal day.

He made his move on Sunday, passing Bryson DeChambeau into the lead and closing

in on his rst U.S. Open title since 2011.

“When I turned the corner and saw I was a couple back, I said, ‘Nope, I’m not going to let that happen,’” said DeChambeau. “I have to focus on guring out how to make this happen.” In the end, however, it wasn’t any adjustment DeChambeau

made to stop the bleeding, nor was it Pinehurst rising up to claim a victim. McIlroy continued as he had all along. His rst shot on 16 landed in the middle of the fairway, causing the television announcing crew to declare his week “just a driving clinic.”

Two shots later, he had a 4-foot putt for par, which would have taken another hole o the board and another big step toward the trophy.

As hard as the greens were to reach, he was there. For the week up until that point, he’d had 49 putts of 5 feet or less and made them all.

“Just a very well-played hole,” said the announcers on the TV broadcast as McIlroy lined up his shot. The putt was on target, rolled around the rim of the hole, and kept going, o to the right. The ensuing bogey put him in a tie with DeChambeau. On 17, he landed in the bunker, but McIlroy managed to survive it to salvage par. On 18, he took a detour through the

STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

sand as his bunker shot ies 55 yards to within 4 feet of the hole on the 18th hole. The incredible shot allowed him to

the

putt

par, clinching him the U.S. Open championship at Pinehurst No. 2 on Sunday.

STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Rory McIlroy reacts to a missed putt late in the U.S. Open’s nal round at Pinehurst No. 2 on Sunday.

“That bunker shot was the shot of my life.” Bryson DeChambeau

TRENDING

Kerwin Vargas:

The Charlotte FC forward scored during rst-half stoppage time and goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made it stand up for Charlotte FC in a 1-0 victory Saturday over D.C. United. Charlotte (8-6-4) waited until the seventh minute of stoppage time to take a halftime lead, when Vargas scored for the third time this season. Kahlina earned his league-leading eighth clean sheet.

Trevor Lawrence:

The former Clemson quarterback and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a ve-year, $275 million contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. Lawrence’s deal averages $55 million and ties him with Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow for the biggest deal ever. Lawrence’s extension includes $142 million fully guaranteed.

Tony Bennett: The Virginia basketball coach signed an extension that will keep him with the Cavaliers through at least 2030. Bennett led the Cavaliers to a national title in 2019. The 55-year-old is 364-136 in 15 seasons at UVA. Bennett is the winningest coach in Virginia history and has led the Cavaliers to six ACC regular-season championships and two conference tournament titles.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“Look out, Minneapolis. Here come the Blue Devils.”

The call of Christian Laettner’s famous shot sending Duke to the 1992 Final Four in Minneapolis by longtime voice of the Blue Devils Bob Harris. Harris died this week at 81.

“Everyone in my family, who’s ever gotten married, I’ve missed their wedding. You’re married to racing.”

Driver Martin Truex Jr. announcing his retirement after the 2023 Cup season.

NASCAR

Ryan Blaney dominated the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway on Sunday night for his rst victory of the season and a spot in the playo s. Blaney led four times for a career-high 201 laps, nishing 0.716 seconds ahead of William Byron for his 11th Cup victory. Blaney regained the lead on Lap 263 after a caution- ag pit stop. He led the rest of the way.

Charles Barkley says that next season will be his last on TV, no matter what happens with the NBA’s media deals. Barkley has spent the last 24 years working as a studio analyst on “Inside the NBA” for TNT, which could lose the rights to broadcast the NBA after the 2024-25 season.

The Philadelphia Phillies got back star shortstop Trea Turner this week. Manager Rob Thomson said over the weekend that Turner would be activated then “unless something weird happens.” The former NC State player hasn’t played since May 3 because of a left hamstring strain.

The selling price of Yankees legend Derek Jeter’s castle home, less than half of the original asking price of $14 million. Jeter went into contract with a buyer for Tiedemann Castle in upstate New York. It features six bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, extensive gardens, a lagoon and an in nity pool.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Jalen Chat eld to a three-year, $9 million extension. The move means Carolina retains a valuable part of what has been a deep position group. The 28-year-old had career highs of eight goals and 14 assists for Carolina last season. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

RICHARD SHOTWELL /

JOHN RAOUX / AP PHOTO

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP PHOTO

Drama at Pinehurst

Pinehurst No. 2 hosted the U.S. Open last week, and the course didn’t disappoint, driving golfers to the brink of madness with its challenging play while providing a picturesque backdrop for a dramatic nish.

STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Top left, Bryson DeChambeau poses with the U.S. Open trophy — the second he’s won in his career. Bottom left, DeChambeau hits out of the rough on the 18th hole at Pinehurst on Sunday. The shot landed in the sand, setting up an even tougher one. Right, DeChambeau celebrates after sinking the putt that won him the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Left, Wake Forest resident Akshay Bhatia nished in a tie for 16th, the best the 22-yearold has nished in a major. Right, Tom Kim hits out of a bunker next to the 18th green.

STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Top left, Rory McIlroy hits a shot on Sunday. The 2011 U.S. Open champion made a run at his fth major championship, but two missed putts late in the round led to a one-stroke loss. Center left, Tony Finau celebrates a successful shot on Sunday. He shot a nal-round 67 to tie for third place.

Bottom left, Patrick Cantlay’s reaction was a common expression seen on golfers contending with Pinehurst’s challenging greens at the U.S. Open. Cantlay tied for third. Right, Golfers make their way through the native grasses toward the green, while fans cross the fairway behind them.

NC State eliminated, UNC 1-1 to start College World Series

The Wolfpack ended their season with a 38-23 record

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

FOR THE SECOND time ever, North Carolina and NC State both took the eld in the College World Series, each vying for their rst national title. With both teams on opposite sides of the bracket, fans of the rival schools would’ve hoped to see an I-40 showdown for all the marbles, but after the rst weekend of CWS action, one of them is already be heading toward home to get ready for next season.

After dropping its rst two CWS games, NC State got eliminated, and UNC is on the ropes after going 1-1 in its rst two contests. Here’s a look at what happened and where the two teams stand after the start of the CWS.

Painful ending for the Pack

Same score, di erent circumstances, same heartbreak.

If just a few things had gone di erently for the Wolfpack, they could very well still be on the wild ride they’ve enjoyed the last few weeks. However, at

together some solid at-bats to get runners on base throughout both contests.

Against Kentucky, NC State left 12 runners on base and went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position, but in its nal at-bat in the top of the 10th inning, it went three up and three down for just the second time all game.

Almost the same thing happened against Florida: The Wolfpack left eight runners on base while going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. In the bottom of the ninth when NC State just needed one run to stay alive, two straight strikeouts and a line out to left eld closed the door.

For the Wolfpack, they’ll end their season with a 38-23 overall record, which included a 16-7 run to end the year starting with the Ball State series in late April.

home and clinch the 3-2 win in the CWS opener. That was Honeycutt’s second walk-o hit of the NCAA Tournament as he hit a walk-o home run to beat West Virginia in the super regional opener. Honeycutt still did Honeycutt things in the following game against top-seeded Tennessee Sunday. But unfortunately for UNC, his solo home run in the top of the sixth inning was its only score.

A combination of UNC hitting woes and Tennessee’s pitching attack led by Drew Beam shut down the Tar Heels’ o ensive production. Tennessee’s defense as a whole came up big to nix any momentum UNC built on the bases.

In just over ve innings, Beam struck out seven batters, and pitchers Kirby Connell and Nate Snead nished it o with just one hit allowed in the nal four innings. The Tar Heels only managed ve hits the whole game. In games this season in which UNC has been limited to ve or fewer hits, the Tar Heels are 1-4.

the fault of Kentucky’s Mitchell Daly hitting a walk-o home run for the Wildcats’ rst-ever CWS win and missed opportunities for the Wolfpack against Florida, NC State’s season is over.

NC State lost both games by a score of 5-4. This is the rst time the Wolfpack have lost its opening two games in the CWS, and in its last three CWS appearances, the Wolfpack are 3-5.

At least NC State got a chance to ght for its survival this year. In its last CWS appearance in 2021, NC State’s run got cut short as a COVID-19 outbreak on the team caused NCAA ocials to disqualify the Wolfpack just before its elimination game against Vanderbilt.

Looking back, NC State’snal at-bats in both games really hurt its chances at winning, considering the Wolfpack put

Trouble for UNC?

Fortunately for UNC, the Vance Honeycutt postseason magic is still alive. With UNC and Virginia tied at two runs apiece in the bottom of the ninth inning, Honeycutt, going to the plate 0-for-4 in the game and facing two outs, just needed a single to left eld to send Jackson Van De Brake

For UNC, it’s been a while since it’s been held to one run. The last time was April 9 when the Tar Heels fell to South Carolina, 2-1, in a game in which they only recorded six hits.

For a team averaging around 10 hits a game, the Tar Heels are going to have to see an uptick in production at the plate if they want to keep their chances at a national title alive. In its last three games, UNC has batted .156, .273 and .167, respectively, which is not going to get it done at this point of the season.

Big Rock Tournament awards record-setting prize pool

The top three marlins all won their boats more than $1.8 million each

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

ANOTHER BIG ROCK Blue Marlin Tournament came to a close Saturday, and there was quite a bit of excitement surrounding the 66th iteration.

The record-setting tournament featured 302 boats and a prize pool of $7,562,700.

This year’s winner ended up being just the second marlin caught in the tournament.

“Game Time” was the winning vessel this year, with angler Clay Nalley and captain Ben Brownlee boating a 516-pound blue marlin Monday afternoon

“Hit the right short and hopped in the chair,” Nalley said after weigh-in on The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament livestream. “Took us about 45 minutes and everything, thank goodness, kind of went to plan. Went down with the backing twice and we just got lucky. Today was our day.”

As the winner, the boat won $1,816,375 and will have its name engraved on the Big Rock fountain.

“Shocked,” Nalley said when asked about his reaction to the weigh-in. “I didn’t even think it was 500 on the deck.”

“Release,” which boated the rst marlin of the tournament, nished in second with their 504-pound marlin caught by Kirk Pugh and captain Rom Whitaker.

The crew collected $485,575 for the second biggest marlin, but their biggest payout ended up being the Fabulous Fisherman’s prize payout of $1,729,750, which they won for having caught the rst blue marlin weighing at least 500 pounds.

“I love the Big Rock,” Whitaker said. “Y’all just don’t know how many years I’ve been working, it’s probably over 40, to get here and do this. I’ve won some money in some shing tournaments, but I never, ever experienced anything like I did Monday when I backed into here. I was a rockstar for at least an hour.”

“Builder’s Choice” nished in third with a 431.8-pound marlin caught by Harris Huddle and captain Brent Gaskill, and they ended up taking home $323,050 for the third-place nish as well an additional $1,479,000 for winning the Level VI Super 20 WTA.

“Builder’s Choice” was also one of the vessels that hosted a military veteran on board, taking on Gunnery Sgt. Clinton Pierce from the United States Marine Corps as part of the Big Rock Big Hero program.

“I’d rather do this everyday

than go deploy,” Pierce joked. “But this is something I’ve always wanted to do, something I’ve dreamed of doing. It was on my bucket list, and so to everybody that put this together — the Big Rock Big Hero Foundation, Salt Life and Harris Huddle and his crew — thank you. I appreciate it and it’s awesome.”

“It just means so much,” Huddle said. “The military commits so much throughout the year and everything, and so just to have the opportunity for them to go out and sh is just great. What we’re able to do every day, for them just one day, is outstanding.”

The drama really picked up as the tournament came to a close.

Despite a slow week — only three marlins were boated heading into the nal day — four marlins were pulled up and brought to the weighing station as Saturday came to a close. While the rst three didn’t qualify due to being undersized, the nal marlin, caught by “Pipe Down” and brought to the awaiting crowd well past 7 p.m., made the cut.

However, the sh weighed in at 425.1 pounds, just 6 pounds short of the $1.8 million payout.

While only four marlins were boated over the entire six-day

tournament, in total 268 bill sh — 196 blue marlins, 37 sail sh and 35 white marlins — were caught and released.

The other biggest winners from the week included “Ava D,” which won $603,500 for their 46.2-pound dolphinsh; “Sandbob,” which won a combined $201,167 for catching and releasing ve blue marlins and two white marlins over the week; “Honky Tonk,” which won $114,750 in the nonsonar division for catching and releasing three blue marlins; and “Top Shot,” which won $50,575 in the outboard division for catching and releasing four blue marlins. On top of the prize money handed out, the tournament also contributes a signi cant portion of money to local charities as well through the Big Rock Foundation.

“This tournament has given away $3.6 million to local charities here in the last three years alone. A lot of that credit goes to you guys.” said Board of Directors member Tommy Bennett at the awards banquet on Sunday. “We’re very grateful for the contributions to the Big Rock Foundation. You put us all in the hope business, and we work every day to make those dreams come alive for many, many worthwhile charities.”

Next year’s tournament will take place from June 6 to June 15, 2025.

native grass to retrieve an errant tee shot, but he recovered to get the ball on the green, once again 4 feet from the hole with a short putt for par.

He was now 50 for 51 on the week, after knocking in a short putt to nish 17. And for the second time in the nal three holes, his putt was on target, then spun mockingly around the rim of the hole. This time, it went o to the left.

If just one of the two putts had

US OPEN from page B1

fallen in, McIlroy would have been up a stroke, meaning DeChambeau’s bunker shot would have been for survival, not victory. Instead, the door was left open for a hero to step through, and DeChambeau waltzed through his opportunity.

With every miracle shot to win, there’s the poor soul who had victory snatched away. For every GOAT performance, a goat is also named.

Just like that, Rory McIlroy went from being four-time major winner to someone who

MCILROY from page B1 area. He responded with a birdie on 11 and nished the round as the man to beat going into thenal day. Losing his notes and ghting through tightness in his hip were nothing compared to the trouble he’d created for himself on 18, however. A bogey would send the Open to a playo . Once again, when trouble began, Bodine was there to step up to give DeChambeau an assist. “G-Bo just said, ‘Bryson, just get it up-and-down,’” DeChambeau recalled. “‘You can do it.’ Greg telling me, ‘You got this shot. I’ve seen way harder shots pulled o from you.’ … I said, ‘You’re right. I need a 55-degree (wedge). Let’s do it.’” Then came the shot that will

hasn’t won the big one in a decade.

“At the end of the day we are all human,” said Mattieu Pavon, who opened the day tied with McIlroy and nished in fth, two strokes behind him. “It shows you how tough it is. The more you want it, the tougher it gets, and the highest expectation you have for yourself, the tougher it gets, the more pressure you got into. Maybe this is a little bit of pressure that got him today for sure.”

McIlroy, the man who said

take its place in golf lore. From out of a spray of sand in the bunker, onto the green, to within four yards of the hole. A 55-yard shot that left him with a short putt to save par and take home the trophy. It turns out that, as much as he preaches the need to play boring, down-the-middle golf, when things go wrong, Bryson DeChambeau nds himself in

his approach to the tournament was “just super conservative with my strategy and my game. I think with my demeanor, just trying to be super stoic. Just trying to be as even-keeled as I possibly can be,” now faces whispers about his mental makeup. His decision to leave without doing any interviews didn’t help.

his own personal briar patch — where he was born and raised.

“I go back to being a kid,” he said. “When I was a kid, I used to throw golf balls in the worst lies outside of the fairway and just learned to hit out of the worst situations to see what I could do. That sparked a lot of my creativity. But then I’d go back and work on the mechanics really hard. I had this unique childhood expe-

He’ll likely think about that last shot for a long time.

“Luckily, things went my way today,” said the winner.

“For him to miss that putt, I’d never wish it on anybody,” said DeChambeau. “It just happened to play out that way. He’ll win multiple more major championships. There’s no doubt. I think that re in him is going to continue to grow. I have nothing but respect for how he plays the game of golf because, to be honest, when he was climbing up the leaderboard, he was two ahead, I was like, ‘Uh-oh, uhoh.’” McIlroy had a good strategy and executed it well, right up until the last shot.

rience in golf of working on really quirky, weird things, then also working super hard on the mechanics, trying to be as machinelike as possible. I feel like that combination allows — it just pretty much shows what I did today.”

And all he did on that Sunday in Pinehurst was make history.

“That bunker shot was the shot of my life,” he said.

MIKE BUSCHER / AP PHOTO

North Carolina State in elder Matt Heavner (6) consoles in elder Luke Nixon (0) after the Wolfpack were eliminated from the College World Series with a 5-4 loss to Florida.

COURTESY BIG ROCK

The crew of “Game Time” poses after landing the top blue marlin of the Big Rock tournament.

‘Inside Out 2’ scores big for theaters, Hollywood

Pixar’s latest lm played on 400 IMAX screens, more than 900 “premium large format” screens and 2,500 3D screens

By Lindsey Bahr

The Associated Press

HOLLYWOOD’S SUMMER movie anxieties gave way to joy this weekend with the massive debut of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.” According to studio estimates Sunday, the animated sequel earned $155 million in ticket sales from 4,440 theaters in the U.S. and Canada.

Not only is it the second-highest opening weekend in Pixar’s 29 years of making lms and the second-biggest animated opening ever (behind only the $182.7 million launch of “Incredibles 2” in 2018), but it’s also the biggest of 2024 and since “Barbie.” With an estimated $140 million from international showings, “Inside Out 2” had a staggering and record-breaking $295 million global start.

Tony Chambers, who heads

The courtroom scenes allowed various actors to shine, a ording each one a chance at a big speech

By Alicia Rancilio

The Associated Press

WHILE FILMING an intense courtroom scene for his new series, Jake Gyllenhaal occasionally caught his “Presumed Innocent” co-star Peter Sarsgaard glaring at him across the room.

“It was just funny,” recalled Gyllenhaal in an interview alongside Sarsgaard, doing a quick impression of Sarsgaard’s stare.

“It’s like, ‘OK, OK,’” joked Gyllenhaal as if to say “tone it down” as Sarsgaard cackled at the commentary. They rib each other just like family because they are family. Sarsgaard is married to Gyllenhaal’s sister, actor and director Maggie Gyllenhaal.

It’s not Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard’s rst time acting together, either. They also co-starred in 2005’s “Jarhead” and 2007’s “Rendition.” But “Presumed Innocent” is their rst series together (and Gyllenhaal’s rst TV show ever) and marks the rst time they’re playing adversaries.

“Presumed Innocent,” which premiered on Apple TV+ last Wednesday, is based on Scott

Disney’s theatrical distribution, was con dent that the lm would do “extremely well.” But he was surprised at how much it had already exceeded high expectations.

“People go to the theaters for great movies,” Chambers said. “The reviews, word of mouth just helped build this momentum. … It’s becoming a bit of a phenomenon.”

Notably, “Inside Out 2” audiences spanned ages and all demographics. Post-COVID, he said, breakout successes depend on attracting multicultural audiences.

Disney was already having a good summer with “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” which this weekend was in third place in its sixth weekend with $5.2 million (bringing its global total to $374.5 million).

Kelsey Mann directed “Inside Out 2,” which picks up with Riley at 13. That means the arrival of new emotions like Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and Envy (Ayo Edebiri) at Joy’s (Amy Poehler) party. It got glowing reviews from critics (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and polled audiences

who gave it an A CinemaScore, suggesting that this won’t be a rst-weekend wonder. With kids out of school and an open market until “Despicable Me 4” hits screens over the Fourth of July, “Inside Out 2” is just getting started.

“This is a monumental weekend for movie theaters,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore.

“Inside Out 2” is estimated to have cost around $200 million to produce, which doesn’t account for the millions spent on marketing. Going into the weekend, it was tracking for a debut in the $90 million range, which would have aligned with “Inside Out’s” rst weekend in June 2019. Even that would have been considered a terri c achievement and enough to claim the year’s biggest opening — unseating March releases like “Dune: Part Two” and “Godzilla x Kong.”

“For the entire industry that works for theatrical, this is a huge turning point for 2024,” said Daniel Loria of Boxo ce Pro. “This is the sort of weekend we’ve been waiting for.”

As the only major release of

Turow’s legal thriller novel, adapted into a 1990 lm starring Harrison Ford. Here, Gyllenhaal plays Chicago prosecutor Rusty Sabich, charged with murdering his colleague — an accusation that has fractured the district attorney’s o ce. Sarsgaard is attorney Tommy Molto, another co-worker intent on proving Sabich’s guilt. Meanwhile, Sabich’s marriage to Barbara (Ruth Negga) falls apart under the weight of accusations and the potential for him to be found guilty. Early scripts didn’t pit Sabich and Molto against each other quite as antagonistically, but

creator and showrunner David E. Kelley took note of Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard’s chemistry and pivoted.

“It’s a little bit like a football quarterback coming up to the line at some point and looking at what you’ve got in front of you ... and seeing where the opportunities lay,” Kelley said.

O-T Fagbenle, who plays attorney Nico Della Guardia, also enjoyed watching the two spar.

“I’m an ignoramus. I only found out on set that they were related,” Fagbenle said. “They got on great, obviously, but they have brotherly kind of, you know, roughhousing. Not physical, but verbal. And so when I

the weekend, its theatrical footprint was equally impressive: It played on 400 IMAX screens, more than 900 “premium large format” screens and 2,500 3D screens. This recommitment to theatrical comes after Disney sent several Pixar lms straight to its streaming service, Disney+ over the pandemic, including “Soul,” “Luca” and “Turning Red.” Last month, The New York Times reported that Pixar had decided to return its focus to feature lms (not producing shows for Disney+) and laid o 14% of its workforce (about 175 employees).

“As important as this weekend is for the industry at large, for Pixar, this is huge. They’ve been trying to regain their groove since the pandemic,” Dergarabedian said. “They’ve come back big.” Last weekend’s success of “Bad Boys” started a higher-earning turnaround for the lagging summer movie season. For Hollywood, the summer season, which runs from the rst weekend in May through Labor Day, usually represents about 40% of the yearly box o ce. The decit is still signi cant, with tick-

et sales down 28% for the summer and 24% for the year (before “Barbenheimer”), but its progress is in a more promising direction.

“We’re not going to get there overnight,” Dergarabedian said.

“But it’s good news for theaters. And we have some big movies on the way.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore.

1. “Inside Out 2,” $155 million

2. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” $33 million

3. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” $5.2 million

4. “The Gar eld Movie,” $5 million

5. “The Watchers,” $3.7 million

6. “IF,” $3.5 million

7. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” $2.4 million

8. “The Fall Guy,” $1.5 million

9. “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” $760,000

10. “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” $632,910

saw them, I was just like, ‘Oh, wow, there is such a history between you two.’” Gyllenhaal agrees that shared history allows them to push each other’s buttons as needed.

“I love him so deeply, which comes with all the complications, too,” Gyllenhaal said. “We’ve been through so much together, so we can bring those things out in the ctional world.”

The brothers-in-law recognized their emotionally charged scenes could be a spectacle, like when Sarsgaard’s character grills Gyllenhaal’s in a cross-examination.

“Everyone is excited for it,” Gyllenhaal said. “Like, ‘What’s Peter going to do today?’” They also have the comfort and trust to tell each other what to play up, dial back or interpret di erently.

“You go from scene to scene to scene, and it’s kind of nice once you get into the rhythm,” added Sarsgaard. “I have more trouble with big movies where you have hours between setups to do a closeup, and in a couple more hours, we’re going to do the wide shot; I’ve forgotten everything. I have no idea what’s going on.”

The cast didn’t know whether Gyllenhaal’s character was guilty throughout lming.

“I wanted to know, but it was being written as it went on,” said Gyllenhaal, likening it to how the public waits for a trial verdict.

The courtroom scenes allowed various actors to shine, a ording each one a chance at a big speech.

“Everyone had a day where they did it, or a couple of days, where it was your time,” said Sarsgaard. “There’s something as a performer that comes alive when it’s your time, and that’s a nice feeling. It’s kind of a recharge while lming many other things.”

“It’s fun giving each character a moment,” added Kelley, who attended law school “in the early ’80s.” He has put the tuition money to good use over the years, writing several hit legal-centric shows, including “Ally McBeal,” “Boston Legal,” “The Practice” and “The Lincoln Lawyer.”

“Jake will be like, ‘I see what you meant, but I don’t think that’s reading the way you think,’” said Sarsgaard. “That’s someone who’s listening to you. Even if you have a great director, it doesn’t read like someone who knows you and sees you as an artist. This family has a very special connection that way. We’re very good at witnessing each other.” Gyllenhaal said that lming a series for the rst time “was a fascinating process, one I’ve never had and one you don’t have on a lm,” he said. Having new scripts to memorize meant his “acting muscles and tools were being used constantly.”

Jake Gyllenhaal, center, and Bill Camp, right, star in the series “Presumed Innocent.”

DISNEY/PIXAR VIA AP

“Inside Out 2” features, from left, Sadness, voiced by Phyllis Smith; Joy, voiced by Amy Poehler; Disgust, voiced by Liza Lapira; Fear, voiced by Tony Hale; and Anger, voiced by Lewis Black.

Jay-Z, Hillary Clinton light up Tony Awards

The HBO hit “Succession’’ keeps on giving

By Jocelyn Noveck

The Associated Press

NEW YORK

—Starting with a bang in the concrete, the audience at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, a new venue for the Tony Awards, came to its feet with the rst musical excerpt of the night, from “Hell’s Kitchen” — a jolt of joyous high energy. A medley of songs introduced the show’s stars — including Kecia Lewis, singing with young sensation Moon — before a piano rolled onstage with Keys herself, singing her and Jay-Z’s 2009 smash hit “Empire State of Mind” and trading lines with Moon. The crowd went absolutely nuts when Keys descended the stage, left the auditorium and joined Jay-Z, rapping on the steps in the

theater’s grand lobby. “Had to do something crazy,” Keys explained mid-song. “It’s my hometown!”

“Succession” still succeeding: The HBO hit “Succession’’ just keeps giving. No fewer than three of its stars have recently gone on to give starry performances. On Sunday, it was Jeremy Strong’s turn for Tony glory. The actor, who played troubled media scion Kendall Roy on TV, took home his rst Tony as best actor in a play for the revival of Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 political play “An Enemy of the People.”

The boy wizard is now a Tony winner: Daniel Radcli e may have made his name — and fame — as Harry Potter onscreen, but he’s now an established stage actor. On Sunday, he won his rst Tony in ve Broadway shows for best-featured actor in the revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” the Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical that progresses

backward in time. “This is one of the best experiences of my life,” Radcli e said. Speaking of his obvious kinship with fellow castmates Jonathan Gro and Lindsay Mendez, with whom he performed “Old Friends” on the telecast, he noted: “I don’t have to act in this show, I just have to look at you and feel everything I want to feel. I will never have it this good again.” Gro cried in the audience.

And so’s his “Old Friend”: Then it was Radcli e’s turn to cry when Gro was named best actor in a musical (“Merrily” also won best musical revival). Gro — beloved on Broadway and previously nominated for “Spring Awakening” and “Hamilton” — told the crowd that he used to watch the Tonys in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as a kid.

Thinking of family, Moon’s win was a heartfelt dedication to her loving parents. Like Gro ,

Moon was thinking of family when she won Best Actor in a musical for “Hell’s Kitchen” in a tight race with veteran Kelli O’Hara. The 21-year-old, who plays a role loosely based on Keys, dedicated her award “to my parents … Dad, you’ve been working all your life. Mom, you came to America at 17 and have survived ever since. ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ is about a 17-yearold on the cusp of a dream. I can’t imagine how many dreams deferred and sacri ces you made to give me the life I have today. So tonight, I hope you just get to celebrate.”

She knows of what she speaks:

Hillary Clinton may have been a U.S. senator, secretary of state and rst lady, but she’s also a conrmed theater geek, one of the reasons she was greeted with one of the warmest standing ovations of the night. But she was appearing now as a Broadway producer, introducing “Su s,” Shaina

Taub’s historical musical about the early-20th century su ragists. “I know a little bit about how hard it is to make a change,” Clinton told the crowd with a wink. She added: “Now it is an election year, and we need to be reminded how important it is to vote.” Earlier in the evening, Taub, the second woman in Broadway history to write, compose and star in a musical, won both best score and best book and issued a similar call. “If you are inspired by the story of ‘Su s,’ please make sure you and everyone you know have registered to vote,” she urged. Lobster, and life lessons: The audience streamed out of the Koch Theater and across Lincoln Center Plaza, where a glittering disco ball had been installed above the famous fountain. At David Ge en Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic, guests dined on risotto with lobster, corn and asparagus; foraged mushrooms with pancetta, grilled shrimp, and steak. Most of all, they mingled, and Lewis, carrying her Tony, was a key draw.

This 20th day of June, 2024.

Darrin A. Perez 1818 Ashton Rd. Fayetteville, NC, 28304 Administrator of the Estate of Sadrudin J. Visram, Deceased

EXECUTOR NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 24-E-512 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of Raquel H. Dubreuil, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons,

persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 30th day of May, 2024. Dameta Singletary, Personal Representative 1209 N 26th Street Wilmington, NC 28405

910-200-7075 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20/2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Rigel Joseph Kishton, having quali ed on the 7th day of May 2024, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Margaret C. Kishton (2024-E-718), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 23rd day of September, 2024, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the

KISHTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, KATHERINE ARNOTT-MAHEU., having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of SHIRLEY C. KRUSE, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said KATHERINE ARNOTT-MAHEU., at the address set out below, on or before September 5, 2024, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below. This the 28th days of May, 2024.

KATHERINE ARNOTT-MAHEU.

EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY C. KRUSE

c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR.

219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Justin Alan Thomas Donoghue, having quali ed on the 3rd day of May 2024, as Executor of the Estate of Sandra M. Sidwell (2024-E-701), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 23rd day of September, 2024, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address.

This 20th day of June 2024. Justin Alan Thomas Donoghue Executor ESTATE OF SANDRA M. SIDWELL David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: June 20, 2024 June 27, 2024 July 4, 2024 July 11, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Kevin Lawrence Newcomb

Date of Birth May 16, 1968 To All Creditors: Capital One, P.O. Box 71087, Charlotte, North Carolina 28272 Pen Fed Credit Union, Box 1432, Alexandria, Virginia 22313 Notice To Creditors: The decedent, Kevin Lawrence Newcomb, who lived at 3015 Hayden Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina 28411 died November 14, 2023.

Creditors of the decedent are noti ed that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Matthew Christian Newcomb, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, at 17358 CR -70, Andalusia, Alabama 36412, 4435547762 or to both the probate court and the named/proposed personal representative within 90 days after the date of publication of this notice.

Matthew Christian Newcomb, Personal Representative for the Estate 17358 CR -70 Andalusia, Alabama 36412 4435547762

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE UNDERSIGNED, Justin Todd Anderson, having quali ed on the 3rd day of May 2024, as Administrator of the Estate of William Thomas Anderson, Jr. (2024-E706), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 16th day of September, 2024, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in

NOTIFICATION OF DATA INCIDENT

On April 15, 2024, Walmart Inc. became aware of an error that occurred on February 14, 2024 and affected a subset of digital pharmacy patient profiles, which caused information about one patient to be visible to another patient. Walmart immediately began investigating to determine the extent of the personal information impacted.

The investigation revealed that the first and last name, date of birth, and gender of some patient’s digital pharmacy profiles may have been visible to another patient. The issue was due to an error. The security of Walmart’s systems was not impacted. If you logged into your online pharmacy account between February 14, 2024 and April 18, 2024, it is possible you were affected by this error. Walmart takes this matter very seriously and the company is fully committed to protecting the privacy and security of protected health information. We have addressed the error, and we are also continuing to evaluate additional safeguards to help prevent this type of incident from occurring in the future.

Walmart is sending individual notices to affected patients. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact our dedicated call center at 1-866-898-4544, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm CST, excluding major US holidays. As a reminder, please be vigilant when reviewing information pertaining to you and always be cautious about requests to provide any personal or financial information over the phone, by text or by email. Be sure to always verify the source of any request for such information.

COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 24sp229 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LORI ANN NEGRON AND MICHAEL C. NEGRON DATED MAY 4, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5947 AT PAGE 157 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 24sp118

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JOHNNY A. JOHNSON, JR. AND KELLY M.

JOHNSON DATED JANUARY 8, 2013 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9143 AT PAGE 793 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 1231 Under and by virtue of the power

contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cabarrus County courthouse at 11:00AM on July 3, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Lori Ann Negron and Michael C. Negron, dated May 4, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $131,036.00, and recorded in Book 5947 at Page 157 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 9615 Bellamy Pl NW, Concord, NC 28027 Tax Parcel ID:

contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 10:00AM on June 24, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Johnny A. Johnson, Jr. and Kelly M. Johnson, dated January 8, 2013 to secure the original principal amount of $85,807.00, and recorded in Book 9143 at Page 793 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 5179 Back St, Fayetteville, NC 28306

46811754100000; real ID 03-016A-

0492.00 Present Record Owners: Lori Ann Negron The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Lori Ann Negron. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and

Tax Parcel ID: 0405-75-8261

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

assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside

FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be

assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY

advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the

Being that parcel of land conveyed to Samuel L. McKinney and wife, Marian L. McKinney from Broadell Homes, Inc. by that deed dated 8/24/1965 and recorded 8/27/1965 in deed book 1134, at page 474 of the Cumberland County, NC public registry.

been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on June 25, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Cross Creek Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 4, Block J, as shown on a plat entitled “Holly Springs, Part 8,” dated April 1962, prepared by Sol C. Rose, Registered Surveyor, and recorded in Book of Plats 26, Page 24, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1891 Cascade Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Tax ID# 0438-26-3296

Note: Samuel Lee McKinney, deceased; Date of death: 5/9/2002, Estate le 02E-826 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health

GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 19 CVS 2319

AMENDED NOTICE OF JUDICIAL

FORECLOSURE SALE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF DAVIDSON

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee, f/k/a Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee for SACO I Inc. Mortgage Pass-Through Certi cates, Series 1999-2, Plainti , vs. Jerry L. Lindsay a/k/a Jerry L. Lindsey ; Any Spouse of Jerry L. Lindsay a/k/a Jerry L. Lindsey ; Beatrice L. Lindsay a/k/a Beatrice H. Lindsay; Homeplus Finance Corp.; TRUSTEE SERVICES OF CAROLINA, LLC, Defendant(s).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jeremy B. Wilkins, Commissioner, pursuant to the Order/Judgment entered in the abovecaptioned case on January 10, 2022 (“Order”), and by virtue of the appointment,

to an iron pipe set; thence North 33° 35’ 05” West 250.00 feet to an iron pipe set on the southern right of way of Riverwood Road; thence with the southern right of way of Riverwood Road North 56° 25’ 01” East 144.70 feet to the point and place of beginning and containing 0.741 acres, more or less, and being designated as Lot 1 in that certain survey dated December 9, 1999 entitled “Survey for Roger Milan, Riverwood Road”, by W. Lee Comer RLS #L-3598. Tax Id# 06034E0000004A

Save and except any releases, deeds of

power and authority contained in that Order, has been authorized and ordered to sell the property commonly known as 165 Rockaway Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 (“Property”). Said Property is secured by the Deed of Trust executed by Jerry L. Lindsay and Beatrice L. Lindsay, dated February 21, 1992 and recorded on February 26, 1992 in Book 800 at Page 978 and rerecorded/modi ed/corrected on January 10, 2022 in Book DE 2525, Page 348 of the Davidson County, North Carolina Registry. The Property shall be sold together with improvements located thereon, towards satisfaction of the debt due by Jerry L. Lindsay and Beatrice L. Lindsay, and secured by the lien against such property in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee, f/k/a Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee for SACO I Inc. Mortgage PassThrough Certi cates, Series 1999-2.

The Commissioner will o er for sale to the highest bidder at a public auction at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on June 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM the following described real property (including all improvements thereon) located in Davidson County, North Carolina and described as follows:

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 24sp000352-310 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CAROLYN D. MASKELL DATED DECEMBER 13, 2001 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3294 AT PAGE 535 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 10:00AM on June 26, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Carolyn D. Maskell, dated December 13, 2001 to secure the original principal amount of $104,405.00, and recorded in Book 3294 at Page 535 of the Durham County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 7 Crystal Oaks Ct, Durham, NC 27707 Tax Parcel ID:

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY 24 SP 208 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Marie A Messick, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $44,400.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Green Tree Servicing LLC, Mortgagee, dated May 20th, 2015 and recorded on May 27th, 2015 in Book 7709, Page 512, as instrument number 2015016032, Durham County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Durham County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Durham County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on July 2, 2024, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Real property in the City of Durham, County of Durham, State of North Carolina, described as follows: Being all of Lot 19, Block A. Phase Site NC 13-18, as shown in Plat Book 80, Page 16, Durham County Registry. Being all of that certain property conveyed to Marie A Messick a single person from Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of Washington DC, by deed dated 01/31/2006 and recorded Book 5106, Page 527 of o cial records. Commonly known as: 3041 Wedgeable Drive, Durham, NC 27703 APN #: 131762 Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 3041 Wedgedale Drive, Durham, NC 27703 Tax ID: 131762 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars

courthouse for conducting the sale on June 27, 2024 at 11:30 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Durham County, North Carolina, to wit:

release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1177 Riverwood Rd, Lexington, NC 27292. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer

BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot Nos. 34, 35, 36 and 37 as shown in Block “I” on the Map of EASTWOOD KNOLLS, as recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 37, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

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

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29

0709178258 / 141055

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

($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner of the

amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are ROBERT T. ALLEN.

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

(c) in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the judge or clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained

of Trust executed by James E. Dixon to Lance A Wootton, Attorney at Law, Trustee(s), which was dated November 23, 2004 and recorded on November 23, 2004 in Book 4620 at Page 733, Durham County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county

Being all of Lot 5 in Block A of Popeville, as per plat and survey thereof on le in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Durham County in Plat Book 24 at Page 37, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3216 Hursey Street, Durham, NC 27703.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of James E. Dixon.

tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS

property is Marie Massick. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee David Neill, NCSB #23396 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) dneill@mtglaw.com

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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 91 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Cecil Leftwich and Caroline C. Leftwich (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Carlton F. Leftwich) to Donald W. Courtney, Trustee(s), dated March 16, 2012, and recorded in Book No. RE 3050, at Page 587 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on July 3,

23SP001667-500

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Elena Burgos to Louis E. Wooten, III., Trustee(s), which was dated May 20, 2022 and recorded on May 20, 2022 in Book 6262 at Page 513, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000135-500 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF JOHNSTON

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SANDRA K. HARDEE AND DRUCILLA A. HARDEE DATED NOVEMBER 2, 2009 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 3775, AT PAGE 251 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and

OF

OF NORTH CAROLINA

DIVISION RANDOLPH

24sp70 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MARK A. DEWITT DATED JULY 2, 2021 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2760 AT PAGE 3060 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE

at public auction at the usual

21 SP 138 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Patricia Ingram, Dana Williams and Chris Williams a/k/a Christopher B. Williams to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), which was dated May 20, 2008 and recorded on May 21, 2008 in Book RE 2078 at Page 975, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 2, 2024 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being known and designated as Lot Number 28 as set out upon the Map of Shattalon Lake Estates, Section 1, as recorded in Plat Book 21, Page 23, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4130 Sewanee Drive, Winston Salem, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers,

courthouse for conducting the sale on July 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING all of Parcel 1, containing 0.669 acres, more or less, as depicted on that plat entitled “Recombination Survey for William David Wood” prepared by Jerry Ball Land Surveying, P.C., dated March 23, 2022, ad recorded in Plat Book 96 page 7, Johnston County Register of Deeds.

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

Said property is commonly known as 604 N Johnson St, Benson, NC 27504.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY

auction at the usual place of sale at the Johnston County courthouse at 12:00 PM on June 25, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sandra K. Hardee; Drucilla A. Hardee, dated November 2, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $141,400.00, and recorded in Book No. 3775, at Page 251 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 326 Log Cabin Court, Selma, NC 27576 Tax Parcel ID: 12M12021F

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Drucilla A. Hardee.

place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 10:00AM on June 26, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Mark A. Dewitt, dated July 2, 2021 to secure the original principal amount of $76,000.00, and recorded in Book 2760 at Page 3060 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 151 Buie Lane Ext, Franklinville, NC 27248 Tax Parcel ID: 7792272070 Present Record Owners: Mark A. Dewitt The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Mark A. Dewitt. The property to be o ered pursuant to

described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING ALL OF LOT NOS. 21 AND 22 OF THE TALLWOOD ESTATES SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 16, PAGE 65, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR RANDOLPH COUNTY. FOR FURTHER REFERENCE DULY RECORDED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS IN BOOK 1114, PAGE 871. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 5424 Tallwood Estates Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360.

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

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

THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Elena Burgos.

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

The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids

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

COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Patricia A. Ingram and Christopher B. Williams and wife, Dana M. Williams.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who

which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement

as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is 4th day of June, 2024.

all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY

DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007,

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717

Ingle Case Number: 23376-36657

K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503

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

If the trustee is

of

of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina,

and

without the

and by

contained in that

of

Deed of

of

executed by J. C. Bivens a/k/a J. C. Bivens, Jr. to Laura Rosecrans, Trustee(s), which was dated September 21, 2012 and recorded on September 24, 2012 in Book 05830 at Page 0563, Union County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 2, 2024 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to

the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEGINNING at an iron stake on the western line of Hickory Lane and being located South 9 degrees 17 minutes West 185.0 feet from the point at which the western line of Hickory Lane intersects with the southern line of Springview Drive and forming the southwest intersection thereof, said beginning point also being a common corner with the southeast corner of Lot #6, Section One of Springview Estates as shown in Plat Book 7, Page 30, Union County Registry, and running thence with the western line of Hickory Lane, South 9 degrees 17 minutes West 140.0 feet to an iron stake; thence South 54 degrees 16 minutes West 245.46 feet to an iron stake, located on Lawrence McCue’s property line; thence with the two lines of McCue as follows: 1st, North 12 degrees 46 minutes West 75.0 feet to an iron stake, and 2nd, North 9 degrees 17 mintes East 190.0 feet to an iron stake, also a common corner with the Southwest corner of Lot #6, Plat Book 7, Page 30, Union County Registry; thence with the southern line of Lot #6, North 84 degrees 16 minutes East 208.80 feet to the point of BEGINNING and being the eastern portion of Lot #8 and a portion of the unnumbered

county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 40, Block 37, according to plat entitled “North Ridge, Additions to Haymarket Village, Section Four, Part E, North Ridge, Inc., Developer, Raleigh, N.C.” dated January 11, 1973, prepared by John A. Edwards & Company, Engineers and recorded in Book of Maps 1973, Page 5, Volume 1, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 7905 Harps Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.

A certi ed check only (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price,

property to the south of Lot #8, Section One, Springview Estates, as shown on a plat recorded in Plat Book 7, Page 30, Union County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3610 Hickory Ln, Monroe, NC 28112.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot

or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and

grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are JC BIVENS, JR.

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

belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Mary B. Jordan. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement

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

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

tax, as well as the court costs of

Five Cents ($0.45) per One

Dollars ($100.00) required by

§7A-308(a)(1). The

to

for

plat. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4004 Willow Oak Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. A.P.N. # : 0013287

and

nor

of

by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or

If the trustee is unable to convey title

A good walk spoiled

Pinehurst No. 2 was a formidable challenge for U.S. Open competitors last week, with everyone spending time in a bunker or the course’s countless native areas at some point. Above, 2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose considers his lie during the second round on Friday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Unloaded rearms don’t violate N.C. safe gun storage law, court rules

A North Carolina appeals court ruled that a gun must be loaded for someone to be convicted of failing to properly store the weapon at home to protect minors living there.

A panel of the intermediate -level Court of Appeals ruled unanimously Tuesday to overturn the safe -storage and manslaughter convictions of Kimberly Cable in McDowell County.

A teenager fatally shot himself in her home in 2018 using a gun that she possessed.

The youth was a friend of her son who had entered Cable’s bedroom at night to retrieve the unloaded revolver and separate ammunition.

NCDOT seeks feedback on EV charging stations

The Department of Transportation will host a webinar to gather public feedback on where to deploy the second round of public electric vehicle charging stations.

Members of the public will be able to give feedback to NCDOT on the federally funded NEVI charging station program, and to learn more about the program and how it works.

NEVI, or National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, is a federal program that set aside $5 billion to build a network of publicly funded electric car chargers around the country — though the rollout has been slow, with only a handful of chargers built in the two years since the program was approved. North Carolina received $109 million to build its portion of the network.

The webinar will be from 3-4:30 p.m. on June 26.

Interested parties can register for the program on NCDOT.gov, and a recording will be posted to the NCDOT YouTube page.

The rst NEVI stations in North Carolina should open sometime in 2025.

Albemarle City Council gets on board

The city still has eight vacancies to ll

Jesse Deal

By

Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday night, the Albemarle City Council made a series of unanimous appointments to various city boards and commissions.

Each leadership group is designed to give opportunities for the general public to provide oversight and support for city business.

Councilmembers Chris Bram lett, Dexter Townsend, Chris Whitley, Benton Dry, David Hunt and Bill Aldridge joined Mayor Pro-Tem Martha

Sue Hall in a united approval of updated membership rosters for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Tree Commission, and Historic Resources Commission.

Each vote was in approval of the recommended candidates, with no “nay” votes signaled by the council.

Starting with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the council reappointed Martha Hughes and appointed Lindsey Almond — the city’s economic development director — to each oversee the local welcome center.

Moving on to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, councilmembers voted to reappoint Bryan Sharp, Shawn

“I know who you all want, but I think we’ve got to go back to folks that want to be there.”

Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall

Baldwin, Jerry Barrier and Ron Lo in to the board that provides guidance to city sta and local leaders in the development of parks and recreation programs, events, activities and facilities. That board still has a vacant position that is being monitored through volunteer applications; potential members must be Albemarle residents and demonstrate an interest

Albemarle to unveil Courthouse Plaza

A ribbon-cutting event is set for Saturday at 11 a.m.

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — This weekend, a revamped alleyway in downtown Albemarle will be ofcially rebranded into Courthouse Plaza, the city’s newest public gathering space.

The City of Albemarle announced last week that it is hosting a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the pedestrian plaza this Saturday at 11 a.m. The unveiling event will be done in conjunction with an art walk and free live music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the city and the Stanly Arts Guild, the upcoming Courthouse Plaza Art Walk event will feature a free concert by acoustic country musician AJ Bennett. “Courthouse Plaza will add even more vibrancy to our downtown,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said in a city press release. “This project follows sev-

eral other positive downtown developments such as Pfei er University’s Center for Health Sciences, the renovation of the Historic Albemarle Hotel, and new businesses and restaurants.”

Stretching from West Main Street to King Avenue, Courthouse Plaza has been designed to become a local hub for live mu-

sic, festivals and special events in the near future, featuring overhead string lighting, decorations, outdoor seating and the potential for other future amenities available for usage.

The project is funded from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act, ElectriCities of North Carolina, and Albe-

and involvement in parks programs or facilities, according to the city’s criteria.

The council then voted to appoint Tanner Denton and Robert McIntyre to a regular membership status — each previous alternates — for the Planning and Zoning Board, replacing Kent Harkey and Michelle Cumming, respectively.

Albemarle is still seeking volunteer applications for two open alternate spots for the planning board, which holds the task of considering requests to amend the city’s zoning ordinance with recommendations to the council.

Although the council had not yet reviewed the application entry by Leslie Snuggs

marle Downtown Development Corporation; the New London-based NJR Group construction company received the bid to complete the construction of the project.

The alleyway, which still features a portion of an original hitching post for horses, contains historical signi cance as an area that once surrounded the original Stanly County Courthouse.

In 2019, Albemarle acquired the alleyway from the county, setting up a Downtown Vitality Project Team to develop the proposed design and artistic direction of the project.

“Courthouse Plaza also aligns with the city’s strategic plan, which includes downtown revitalization and beauti cation, something residents told us they wanted to see,” Michael

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE

The alleyway project now known as Courthouse Plaza goes through its construction process.

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins, Publisher

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline. com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

CRIME LOG

June 9

• Alvin Mark Medlin, 59, was arrested for simple assault.

June 10

• Dylan Brent Auman, 28, was arrested for felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

• Wesley Shawn Carriker, 50, was arrested for contempt of court.

• Jesse James Woodard, 33, was arrested for misdemeanor child abuse.

June 11

• Christopher Jeremiah Davis, 32, was arrested for second-degree trespassing.

June 12

• James Calvin Coley, 32, was arrested for assault by strangulation.

• Charles Andrew Phillips, 37, was arrested for simple assault.

June 15

• Crystal Richardson Heath, 43, was arrested for driving while impaired.

June 17

• Christopher Ray Buiwe, 36, was arrested for felony breaking and entering.

• Devaunte Daiquon Collins, 31, was arrested for assault on a female.

• Austin Travis Efird, 22, was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender (felony).

• Jacob David Shaw, 25, was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender (felony).

• Jeffrey Daniel Stewart, 32, was arrested for felony larceny of a motor vehicle.

• Reggie Dale Taylor, 43, was arrested on a detainer.

The in ation-indexed increase will see prices rise by almost 20%

Stanly County Journal sta

THE COST of North Carolina hunting and shing permits are going up this year, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced this week.

The license fees, which make up about a quarter of the agency’s revenue, are rising around 20%, with the costs indexed to the rise in in ation since the last

fee increase in January 2020. The revenue will go toward the NCWRC’s own rising costs, which have also been a ected by in ation.

The price adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) changes, with all licenses, permits, stamps and certi cations rising by 18.75% rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.

The agency says its costs of employee salaries and bene ts alone have risen by around $5.6 million per year (or 6.28%) since 2020.

Many voters in swing-state NC are disengaged; both parties want to change that

Turnout and enthusiasm could swing the purple state

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

OXFORD — She opens the door wearing a gray tank top, Hello Kitty pajama pants and pink fuzzy slippers. With her 6-year-old son standing quietly beside her, she listens patiently as Liz Purvis begins discussing what’s at stake in the election this November.

The woman, Cynthia, tells Purvis she doesn’t watch the news or even know who the president is. When Purvis, the 31-year-old chair of the Democratic Party in Granville County, tells her that a White House rematch looms between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Cynthia lets out a laugh, then an expletive.

Such is the state of the 2024 election, as seen at the ground level. In this rural county in one of the states expected to help decide the presidency, the nuts-and-bolts e orts of party activists to generate election enthusiasm are sometimes met with indi erence and even disgust from people who could be positioned to play an outsize role in determining the nation’s course.

For now, Cynthia and many others aren’t paying much attention to elections at all.

‘More hopeful in general’

About 4 in 10 Americans in a Pew Research Center poll conducted in April said they are not following news about candi-

COURTHOUSE from page 1

continued. “We’re excited for Courthouse Plaza to come to life and to share this moment with everyone.”

Once oated in city discussions under the “Alleyway Project” moniker, the new event space is part of a “broader downtown streetscape master plan,” according to Albemarle’s

COUNCIL from page 1

dates in the presidential election, closely or at all. And many in the United States already nd the election exhausting, even if they are not tuned in. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults in the poll said they are worn out by so much campaign and candidate coverage.

Purvis, accompanied by an Associated Press reporter on a recent canvassing trip, was near downtown Oxford, the seat of a county of about 62,000 people wedged between Raleigh and the Virginia border. By the time she got to Cynthia, who declined to give her last name to maintain her privacy, she had knocked on ve doors without an answer.

By the end of a sweltering, breezeless Saturday, Granville County Democrats had knocked on 320 doors in their Memorial Day weekend canvassing campaign, the highest number by any Democratic county party in the state that day.

ribbon-cutting announcement. Additional accomplishments under the banner of the plan include updated navigational signage, banners on light poles, outdoor furnishings and other various beauti cations throughout the downtown area.

As of June 7, Democrats had outspent Republicans on advertising in North Carolina by a nearly 4-to-1 margin, according to AdImpact data, and they have far more slots reserved between now and November. They also appear to have dedicated more resources to ground-level e orts such as door-knocking.

That leaves party activists like Purvis feeling optimistic about a state where Trump prevailed twice, though his margin narrowed between 2016 and 2020.

The Biden campaign clearly sees an opportunity there and the president already has made three trips to the Tarheel State this year.

“I’m more hopeful for North Carolina in general than I have been in years past,” Purvis said.

“I think Granville County has great potential to be part of that.”

Both presidential campaigns are prioritizing rural voters, and

North Carolina has the second highest rural population behind Texas. In 2020, only 14 rural North Carolina counties voted for Biden; the state’s 64 others backed Trump. Almost 53% of the Granville County vote went to Trump, slightly more than in 2016. Democrat Barack Obama carried the county in his 2008 and 2012 campaigns.

Only six North Carolina counties pivoted from Obama to Trump.

Granville County sits on the outskirts of Raleigh and Durham, and some residents drive on Interstate 85 or twolane roads that wind through the countryside to commute to work in the Triangle. Granville has ve municipalities and manufacturing plants for Revlon, Bridgestone and others. Further down the ballot, county voters could help determine whether the GOP maintains its state legislative supermajority.

“Is it a teeter-totter back and forth, or is it just that we happened to catch it at the moment where it was going Republican anyway? We don’t know yet, right?” said Western Carolina political science professor Chris Cooper. “That’s what we’re going to learn after November.”

Cooper isn’t sure Biden will win in such places, but he thinks the margins matter. That’s because they will determine what he needs in the state’s urban areas, which tend to favor Democrats.

“It’s not realistic to think that the Democrats will win rural North Carolina. They won’t, they’ll lose,” Cooper said. “The question is: How big do they lose?”

In early 2023, the City of Albemarle asked the public for name submissions in order to generate interest about the project and nally settle on a name. With dozens of suggestions available, the Albemarle City Council opted to send David Fath — the city’s public information o cer — the four most popular choices based on the public submission database: Courthouse Plaza, Courthouse Alley, City Square Plaza, and Social District Plaza. After an extended period of discussions and postponements, the council eventually settled on Courthouse Plaza as the formal name for the project, voting 4-2 to approve that title as the planning stages of work continued on to other logistical matters. Over a year later, Courthouse Plaza’s construction has been completed as the city awaits this weekend’s grand-opening event for the general public.

Phillips, she was o cially added as a new alternate member. “I approve of every bit of this,” Hall said. “However, when we’re appointing folks, I want us to be able to see those applications and to be able to see the attendance record of people. … I think we’ve got to work on our procedures so that we know what their attendance record is. I know who you all want, but I think we’ve got to go back to folks that want to be there.”

For the Albemarle Tree Commission, the council reappointed Elaine Nelson to the group responsible for the preservation, care, planting and regulation of trees in public places within the city. The city still has two vacant spots to ll for the tree commission. Lastly, for the Historic Resources Commission, councilmembers agreed to reappoint Razan Abd El Haque-Brown and continue to accept applications for the two open membership spots. The commission is responsible for making recommendations pertaining to local historic districts and to assist in the implementation of the general beauti cation of the city.

The Albemarle City Council is set to meet again on July 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

KARL B. DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, speaks at a meeting of the Democratic Committee of North Carolina in Rocky Mount last month.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | SHAWN KREST

The

most important election of our lifetime

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

THIS NOVEMBER , Americans will go to the polls in what everyone seems to agree is “The Most Important Election of Our Lifetime!” Democracy? Personal liberty? Capitalism? The future of Europe? It’s all on the ballot.

And you thought it was just going to be Trump or Biden.

Of course, this isn’t the rst time we’ve been told that about an election. In 1936, voters were told:

“America is in peril. The welfare of American men and women and the future of our youth are at stake. We dedicate ourselves to the preservation of their political liberty, their individual opportunity and their character as free citizens, which today for the rst time are threatened by Government itself.

“The powers of Congress have been usurped by the President.

“The integrity and authority of the Supreme Court have been outed.

“The rights and liberties of American citizens have been violated. … To a free people these actions are insu erable.”

There were certainly some important issues in 1936. FDR had served two terms and was ignoring 150 years of precedent to run for a third term. He was defending his New Deal, which either helped begin to lead us out of the Depression or had been an enormous government overreach that went against the fabric of our nation. War was brewing in Europe, and, though it wasn’t known at the time, ve seats on the Supreme Court were about to come open over the next four years.

That’s an important election. Maybe *The* Most Important one.

According to Slate, we’ve been holding “The Most Important Election” since at least the 1805 Pennsylvania governor’s race, when the phrase was rst used. In the 219 years since, we’ve had a constantly increasing level of urgency, with each subsequent election taking the title as TMIEOOL (The Most Important Election Of Our Lifetime).

There are a couple of simple reasons why we feel this way. One is that creating urgency, whether merited or manufactured, is a good way to get your supporters to turn out.

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

The other big reason each election seems TMIE is an obvious but important fact about human nature:

We don’t know what’s going to happen.

We do know what happened in all those other TMIEOOLs, though: All the disasters — natural and man-made — and how they were

handled. We know about the economy, the wars and the ga es.

So, let’s take a look back to gure out which election was really “The Most Important”?

The three clear-cut choices for Most Important Election are:

1. 1944: We were about to elect the person who would be presented with the atomic bomb and have to weigh the merits of using it.

2. 1940: War raged in Europe and the U.S. would be attacked 13 months after Election Day.

3. 1860: The election would determine if states seceded from the Union and, soon after, went to war with it. It doesn’t get much more Most Important than that.

There are other candidates in the honorable mention section. 1796 was the rst election not involving George Washington. 1800 was referred to as “the Revolution of 1800.” There were the post-Lincoln elections as the country tried to recover from the Civil War, with 1876 perhaps being the most consequential. It turns out presidential elections have always been fairly important in our country.

Who knew?

But what about the end of that phrase: Of Our Lifetime. Here are the rankings:

1. 1980: The outcome of the election would determine if the American hostages in Iran would be freed. Plus, growing tensions with the Soviet Union, an economic recession and the emerging HIV pandemic were all on the horizon. The contrast between the candidates — mild-mannered incumbent Jimmy Carter and smooth-talking cowboy Ronald Reagan — also underscored the di erent paths the election could take us.

2. 2016: Again, the contrast between the two candidates — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump — added to the importance of the choice. We didn’t know it, but the winner would be hit with a worldwide pandemic, and three Supreme Court seats, enough to sway the court far in one direction, were about to come open.

3. 2000: Vice President and climate activist Al Gore vs. another cowboy in George W. Bush. Clearly, the candidates had vastly di erent priorities, presenting us with two divergent paths, intersected by an unprecedented attack on American soil eight months into their term.

In hindsight, those elections were more important than all the others. Unless you count this November, which, of course, will be TMIEOOL.

European ‘far right’ issues a stinging rebuke to elites

Nineteen percent of Germany’s population is foreign-born, as is 15% of Spain’s and 13% of France’s, with many o spring of previous immigrants living in suburban highrise ghettoes.

“THE FAR RIGHT MADE BIG GAINS IN European elections,” reads The Associated Press headline on last week’s European Parliament elections. Lest you wonder why you should dread gains by the “far right,” the lead sentence of the article notes that the EU has “roots in the defeat of Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.”

For many readers, that juxtaposition is a reminder of the sharp rise in Nazi party percentages in Weimar Republic elections from 3% in 1928 to 18% in 1930, 33% and 37% in 1932, and 43% in 1933. So is fascist dictatorship on the rise in Europe once again? No, and for multiple reasons.

First, European voters usually don’t take European Parliament elections seriously. The parliament can only amend or veto legislation passed by the nonelected European Commission and thus is mostly a talking shop. Turnout in EU elections has usually been well below that in national elections, and in many countries, voters typically cast protest votes in the knowledge that the winners will have only limited ability to set policy.

Second, the gains for the supposed “far-right” parties can easily be overstated. The Identity and Democracy Party increased from 49 seats to 62, and the nonaligned, not all of which is classed as “far right,” increased from 62 to 102. That sounds like a big shift, but “far-right” parties still hold only a small minority of the parliament’s 720 seats.

Third, and most importantly, the “far-right” parties don’t stand for anything like Hitler’s Nazis or Mussolini’s fascists. Even the Brothers of Italy party, members of which have praised Mussolini, is now solidly committed to constitutional democracy. Its leader, Giorgia Meloni, has been Italy’s prime minister since October 2022, and it’s no more totalitarian than Italy’s center-left Democrats, which has historical roots in the Communist Party.

The losers in the EU elections are the Green, pro-EU, Left and Socialist parties. European and American journalists, imbibing the assumptions of vulgar Marxism or American New Dealers, have long assumed voters use their votes to grab others’ money and that their natural response to discontent is to seek economic redistribution.

But in post-welfare-state Europe, redistribution has gone about as far as it can go — or at least not many voters seem to want it to go further.

Protest voters are unhappy about other aspects of the status quo. One reason, writes The New York Times’ David Leonhardt, is “because mainstream parties have dismissed public opinion on a major problem: the enormous rise of immigration.” Or, as maverick conservative Andrew Sullivan put it, over the last

decade, “in response to a volatile public mood, Western elites actually intensi ed their policy of importing millions of people from the developing world to replace their insu ciently diverse and declining domestic populations.”

As a result, 19% of Germany’s population is foreign-born, as is 15% of Spain’s and 13% of France’s, with many o spring of previous immigrants living in suburban high-rise ghettoes.

Academics and journalists, puzzled that modest-income voters don’t demand economic redistribution, tend to ascribe unease about immigration to racism or “status anxiety.” Allegedly bigoted voters just don’t like dark-skinned people or fear losing their “white privilege.”

But there’s a better explanation: Too many of the immigrants there are committing violent crimes or are violently trying to impose what Europeans regard as their oppressive religious restrictions on native European young women and gay men. Or massacre journalists who run cartoons of the prophet.

Similar increases in immigration from culturally hostile backgrounds help explain why Britain’s Conservatives are about to be swept from power after 14 years and why, despite low unemployment, President Joe Biden is trailing in the polls.

You don’t have to be racist or anxious about your status to be upset if you face an increased risk of being violently attacked or killed. You don’t have to be unaware that a country with a declining population needs more young workers to oppose governments that welcome hundreds of thousands of immigrants hostile to your culture and uninterested in actually working.

The gains for “far-right” parties may not change EU policies much, but they’re likely to a ect politically responsible national leaders. France’s President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap two-round election.

French conservative party leader Eric Ciotti has announced an alliance with the hitherto boycotted “far-right” National Rally of Marine Le Pen and 28-year-old Jordan Bardella. With all three parties in Germany’s governing coalition running behind the verboten Alternative for Germany party, a snap election may be in order there as well.

European elites who opened borders and dismissed those worried about the consequences as racist have su ered a stinging rebuke. Maybe American elites who have done the same will also su er electorally.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.”

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

STANLY SPORTS

Pfei er leads USA South in All-Academic honors

The Falcons have a conference-best 199 All-Academic student-athletes

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

Number of Academic All-Conference honorees at Pfei er in 2023-24.

MISENHEIMER — With the 2023-24 sports season wrapped up, Pfei er University’s athletic department has found itself well-represented in a recent student athlete award category.

The USA South Athletic Conference announced its Academic All-Conference honorees last week, and Pfei er saw 199 members of its Falcon teams recognized by the league, the most from any school in the conference and also Pfei er’s highest number of honorees since joining the league six years ago.

Across 15 di erent schools, the USA South had 1,444 student athletes that earned All-Academic inclusion based on their academic performance during the 2023-24 season.

Along with the listed honorees in a press release, the conference included the criteria for designation: “A student-athlete must have earned a 3.30 GPA in each of the two semesters of a given year to be eligible. Any student athlete participating at any USA South institution is eligible thus the participant does not have to compete in a USA South-sponsored sport. Additionally, any student athlete earning a 3.90 GPA or above earned the All-Academic honor with distinction.”

Pfei er is home to 65 Falcon student athletes who earned a GPA of 3.90 or higher during the 2023-24 season; the university has had 897 selections to the USA South All-Academic Team in total since 2018.

Last season, the Falcons had 115 Academic All-Conference honorees; the university had 112 honorees and 136 honorees in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

This past season, Pfei er had two teams — softball and men’s lacrosse — that each won USA South titles for the second consecutive year.

However, those aren’t the only sports where the school excelled and nished with impressive results in the conference standings.

The Falcons nished strong in eight other programs: men’s cross country (second), women’s cross country (third), men’s indoor track and eld (second), women’s indoor track and eld (second), women’s lacrosse (third), men’s tennis (second), men’s outdoor track and eld (second), and women’s outdoor track and eld (second).

Following the recent conference tournaments and postseason action, the USA South recently held its annual Student-Athlete Leadership Retreat in Raleigh, compiling student athletes from across the conference — including Pfei er — and honing leadership skills, personal and professional etiquette, and knowledge of the name, image and likeness (NIL) landscape.

“Having just completed it here in Raleigh, N.C., it was another exhilarating, educational, fun opportunity for us to come together, learn some things and get to know each other o the eld and outside of the competitive arena,” USA South Commissioner Tom Hart said earlier this month in an event recap video from the conference. “I was very appreciative of the fact that we had a chance to break bread together, do a little recreation, and then also share pieces of gratitude and what we learned throughout the event.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jack Crump

South Stanly, baseball

Jack Crump was a junior on the South Stanly baseball team. He led the Rowdy Rebel Bulls in batting (.485), on-base percentage (.573), slugging (.667), hits (32), RBIs (23) and doubles (8), while also posting a 1.56 ERA on the mound. He was named rst-team All-Yadkin Conference and was earned the conference player of the year award.

Recently, he added to his honors. The N.C. Baseball Coaches Association named him to their All-State team at the 1A level.

46-year-old Rose competes in US swimming trials

She hopes to make her third Olympic team

By Paul Newberry

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Gabrielle Rose is realistic about her goals. She knows a third Olympics is out of reach.

That’s OK.

This time, she’s swimming for an even higher cause.

At the age of 46, Rose is by far the oldest athlete at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials — earning her place among more than 1,000 entrants exactly two decades removed from her last appearance.

“I’m just hoping to show people you can do more, you’re capable of doing more,” said Rose, who represented her native Brazil at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the U.S. at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.

“You can have more energy, you can have more strength than you thought was possible,” she went on, the passion building in her voice. “I want women in particular to not be afraid to be strong, to lift weights, to take care of themselves and just know that they can have a lot more in the older chapters of their lives.”

Rose is an anomaly at the trials, to be sure, but hardly looks out of place.

Competing in the heats of the 100-meter breaststroke, against seven swimmers who were all less than half her age, Rose glided to

the wall rst in a personal-best of 1 minute, 8.43 seconds — the rst time she’s broken the 1:09 barrier.

She nished with the 11th-fastest time overall in the preliminaries, advancing to an improbable spot in the evening semi nals.

“That was my big stretch goal,” Rose said, still beaming more than an hour after she climbed from the temporary pool in Lucas Oil Stadium. “I was really, really nervous because I just wanted to have the swim that I thought I was capable of. It came out this morning, so I’m really, really pleased.”

After failing to make the U.S. team at the 2004 trials, it appeared that Rose’s competitive swimming career was largely over. She got into coaching, became a mother and focused on the less-stressful Masters circuit to stoke her competitive res.

Last year, after surprising herself by setting a personal best at the Masters spring nationals, she decided to make another run at the Olympic trials.

“I wasn’t expecting to have a

lifetime best at 45,” Rose said. “So I’m like, ‘Let’s see what’s possible.’ It happens to line up with the Olympic year and Olympic trials. I’ve absolutely loved going back to my roots as a professional athlete and just knowing that this is like a special time in my life, just to see what I’m capable of.”

More than she ever could’ve imagined, it turned out.

When she spotted her time on the scoreboard, her face broke into a huge smile. The crowd of more than 17,000, which included her 10-year-old daughter Annie, recognized what an extraordinary moment it was, serenading her with an immediate standing ovation — and then another as she walked across the deck.

For Rose, the chance to compete at one more trials came along at a perfect point in her life.

But she knows it’s just a diversion.

Her plans after this?

“I’ve got to get back to real life,” she said, breaking into another grin.

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO

Gabrielle Rose prepares for a Women’s 100 breaststroke preliminary heat at the US Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.

SIDELINE REPORT

CRICKET

U.S. cricket team advances to second round in Twenty20 World Cup debut Lauderhill, Fla.

The United States cricket team has made history by qualifying for the second round in its Twenty20 World Cup debut after its last group game against Ireland was washed out in Florida. That advanced the U.S. to the Super Eight stage and automatically quali ed the Americans for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The U.S. quali ed for this T20 World Cup only as a co -host with the West Indies but has used home advantage to make a stunning rst impression in its rst global cricket tournament.

SWIMMING

Ledecky heading to her fourth Olympics

Indianapolis Katie Ledecky is heading to her fourth Olympics, cruising to victory in the 400-meter freestyle at the U.S. swimming trials. Cheered on by a big crowd, Ledecky nished two body-lengths ahead of the eld and touched the wall in 3 minutes, 58.35 seconds. She improved on her time of 3:59.99 in the morning preliminaries and set herself up to make a run at another gold against a loaded eld at the Paris Games. The 27-year-old Ledecky already has six individual gold medals — more than any female swimmer in Olympic history.

NFL

Players union could trade spring practices for longer training camp

Santa Clara, Calif. NFL teams wrapped up their mandatory minicamps last week leading into about a monthlong break before the start of a grueling season that could approach seven months for the teams that make the Super Bowl. That timeline has been a familiar one for years. The NFLPA is contemplating proposing a major upheaval to this schedule, replacing spring practices with a longer training camp. It’s a plan that has not been met with wide acceptance, with several players and coaches decrying the elimination of OTAs and minicamps in May and June.

TENNIS

Murray selected for 5th Olympics but not certain he will play

London

Andy Murray is not “100% sure” he will play at a fth Olympics despite his selection for the Paris Games. Murray has been granted an International Tennis Federation place to compete in the singles’ event of the Olympic tennis tournament.

Team GB announced its tennis squad for Paris on Sunday and while Murray is currently only down to play singles, he has been nominated for a place in the doubles alongside Dan Evans. The British duo will nd out on June 25 if the ITF has granted them a spot.

Blaney wins inaugural Cup Series race at Iowa, earns playo spot

laps to go in this race to let him know he was good on fuel.

By John Bohnenkamp The Associated Press

NEWTON, Iowa — Ryan

Blaney had his concerns heading into the nal laps Sunday night in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway.

The problem was he didn’t hear his crew chief’s reassurance. There was no need to worry, though, with the defending series champion holding on for his rst victory of the season and a spot in the playo s.

Blaney seemed in control of the race, but was worried about fuel a couple of weeks after running out on the nal lap while leading at World Wide Technology Raceway. It’s why crew chief Jonathan Hassler came on the radio with less than 10

“I don’t even remember him saying that,” Blaney said. “I gured we were (OK). But I don’t remember him saying that.”

“I wanted to make sure he knew the whole situation,” Hassler said. “Sometimes I forget he doesn’t know what I know. So I just try to communicate as much as I can so he knows what’s going on.”

Blaney led four times for a career-high 201 laps, nishing 0.716 seconds ahead of William Byron for his 11th Cup victory.

“Ryan and those guys were really good,” Byron said. “He had a really good car. He was up front, contending a lot.”

Blaney regained the lead on Lap 263 after taking just two tires on a caution- ag pit stop. He led the rest of the way, getting through lapped tra c as Byron tried to close.

It was the decision to take two tires, on a weekend when tire wear was a concern for the

“We got a lot better qualifying to the race and got better through the night tonight.”

Ryan Blaney

Cup Series and X nity Series cars, that worried Hassler. “There were not a lot of guys on two tires,” Hassler said. “At some point those guys are going to be a little bit better than you are. So, yeah, really nervous.”

Blaney, whose mother, Lisa, is from Chariton, Iowa, won in front of a sellout crowd of an estimated 40,000 fans that included 80 of his friends and family. It was tting the rst Cup Series race at the 0.875-mile track would go to a Team Penske driver — Penske cars have won seven IndyCar Series races and three NASCAR X nity

Series races at the track.

“I think, as a whole company, we do a good job of these places we go to for the rst time,” said Blaney, who also has wins at the track in the X nity and Truck series.

But Blaney, who started on the outside of the front row, admitted he had concerns about how good his car would be for the race.

“Friday, I didn’t feel very good,” he said. “I wasn’t very con dent in the speed in our car. And we really went to work — we got a lot better qualifying to the race and got better through the night tonight. And I think we’re great at some points of the night. The last few runs were phenomenal. ” Chase Elliott was third. Christopher Bell, who had to start from the back of the eld in a backup car after crashing during practice Friday, was fourth. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who like Blaney took two tires on the nal pit stop, nished fth.

Former longtime Georgia Tech athletic director, NFL coach Homer Rice dies at 97

The administrator helped the Yellow Jackets get up to speed shortly after joining the ACC

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Homer Rice, who as athletic director hired some of Georgia Tech’s most successful coaches and implemented the school’s Total Person Program, has died. He was 97. Rice died last Monday, Georgia Tech announced. Rice was Georgia Tech’s athletic director from 1980-97. Among his notable hires were basketball coach Bobby Cremins, football coaches Bobby Ross and George O’Leary, and baseball coaches Jim Morris and Danny Hall. Georgia Tech won a share of the 1990 football championship and its rst Atlantic Coast Conference basketball championship in 1985 while advancing to the Final Four in 1990. The Yellow Jackets won 16 ACC championships in ve sports during Rice’s time leading the athletic department. Rice was a high school, college and NFL football coach before beginning his career as an administrator. He coached the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals in 1979-79 before beginning his time at Georgia Tech. Rice was a college assistant at Kentucky (1962-65) and Oklahoma (1966) and was the coach

at Cincinnati (1967-68) before leaving to serve six years as UNC’s athletic director. He was hired in 1976 as athletic director and football coach at Rice and held those positions for two years.

Rice’s Total Person Program is regarded as the model for the NCAA’s Life Skills Program. The Homer Rice Award is presented annually to a FBS athletic director in recognition for signi cant contributions to college athletics.

“Homer has reminded us throughout his career that the ultimate goal of intercollegiate athletics is to help student-ath-

letes grow fully as people,” Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said in a statement released by the school. “At a time of profound changes in athletics, Homer’s message and legacy of excellence is more important than ever.”

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement Rice’s Total Person Program “was ahead of its time and paved the way for NCAA programming by preparing student-athletes for life beyond collegiate athletics. Each of the seven pillars of the Total Person program continue to resonate with not only myself, but every one of Dr. Rice’s peers, col-

leagues, and former student-athletes.”

Phillips said Rice, a native of Bellevue, Kentucky, “was incredibly in uential in the development of student-athletes, not only at UNC and Georgia Tech, but throughout college athletics.”

Former ACC commissioner and UNC athletic director John Swo ord said Rice, AD with the Tar Heels when he graduated in 1971, was his inspiration to pursue a career in athletic administration.

“He was my mentor then, and has been throughout my adult life,” Swo ord said in a statement. “I had the privilege of serving for 17 years as an A.D. with him in the ACC while he was at Georgia Tech and I was at UNC. Simply put, he was the best Athletic Director that I ever observed during my half century in college sports. He was the best leader, the most organized, the best motivator, the best innovator. He was full of integrity, decency and class.”

Rice taught a leadership class at Georgia Tech until recent years and wrote a number of books on leadership success.

Georgia Tech dedicated a statue of Rice outside of Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2021. Dodd and John Heisman are the only other in Georgia Tech athletics to be commemorated with a statue.

Rice’s wife of 64 years, Phyllis, died in 2013. He married his second wife, Karen, in 2015.

COURTESY GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS

In Homer Rice’s 17 years as Georgia Tech athletic director, he hired basketball coach Bobby Cremins and football coaches Bobby Ross and George O’Leary.

The defending champion won in front of 80 friends and family members

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP PHOTO

Ryan Blaney does a burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. The win clinched him a spot in the playo s.

G7 leaders agree to lend Ukraine billions

The $50 billion loan is backed by interest earned on pro ts from Russia’s frozen central bank assets

By Fatima Hussein The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies have agreed to engineer a $50 billion loan to help Ukraine in its ght for survival. Interest earned on pro ts from Russia’s frozen central bank assets would be used as collateral.

Details of the deal were being hashed out by G7 leaders at their summit in Italy. The money could reach Kyiv before the end of the year, according to U.S. and French o cials.

President Joe Biden told reporters at a news conference Thursday that the move was part of a “historic agreement.” Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said providing a loan through Russia’s assets “is a vital step forward in providing sustainable support for Ukraine in winning this war.”

Most of the money would be in the form of a loan mostly guaranteed by the U.S. government and backed by pro ts being earned on roughly $260 billion in immobilized Russian assets. The vast majority of that money is held in European Union nations.

A French o cial said the loan could be “topped up” with

European money or contributions from other countries.

The White House said Canada will loan Ukraine up to $5 billion, while European countries have expressed interest in sending as much as half of the total package. Japan has also said it intends to help fund Ukraine — though its laws require the money to go to Ukraine’s budget, not its war e ort.

The G7 leaders’ o cial state-

ment also left the door open to trying to con scate the Russian assets entirely.

For more than a year, o cials from multiple countries have debated the legality of con scating Russia’s frozen assets and sending the money to Ukraine.

The U.S. and its allies immediately froze whatever Russian central bank assets they had access to when Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022. That basically

was money being held in banks outside Russia.

The assets are immobilized and cannot be accessed by Moscow, but they still belong to Russia.

While governments can generally freeze property or funds without di culty, turning them into forfeited assets that can be used for the bene t of Ukraine requires an extra layer of judicial procedure, including a le -

gal basis and adjudication in a court.

The EU instead has set aside the pro ts being generated by the frozen assets. That pot of money is easier to access.

Separately, the U.S. this year passed a law called the REPO Act — short for the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act — that allows the Biden administration to seize $5 billion in Russian state assets in the U.S. and use them for the bene t of Kyiv. That arrangement is being worked out.

Ukraine will be able to spend the money in several areas, including for military, economic and humanitarian needs and reconstruction, the U.S. o cial said.

Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the goal is “to provide the necessary resources to Ukraine now for its economic energy and other needs so that it’s capable of having the resilience necessary to withstand Russia’s continuing aggression.”

Another goal is to get the money to Ukraine quickly.

The French o cial, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to French presidential policy, said the details could be worked out “very quickly and, in any case, the $50 billion will be disbursed before the end of 2024.”

Beyond the costs of the war, the needs are great.

The World Bank’s latest damage assessment of Ukraine, released in February, estimates that costs for reconstruction and recovery of the nation stand at $486 billion over the next 10 years.

Princess of Wales says she’s making ‘good progress’ in cancer treatment

The mother of three will attend the king’s birthday parade Saturday

By Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka The Associated Press

LONDON — The Princess of Wales said Friday she is “making good progress” in her cancer treatment and will attend King Charles III’s ceremonial birthday parade on Saturday, Kate’s rst public appearance since her diagnosis.

The 42-year-old wife of Prince William has not made any public appearances this year. She announced in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspeci-

ed form of cancer.

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,”

Kate said in a statement released Friday, adding that she faces “a few more months” of treatment.

“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Kate said.

The announcement is a signi cant milestone but does not mark a return to full-time public duties for Kate. The palace issued a new photo of Kate, taken in Windsor earlier this week,

showing her next to a tree, dressed casually in jeans and a blazer.

The palace said the king was “delighted” that Kate will attend Trooping the Color, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade. It is an annual military parade that marks the monarch’s ocial birthday in June. Charles, who also is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, is due to oversee the ceremony, in which troops in full dress uniform parade past the king with their ceremonial ag, or “color.”

Kate is expected to travel in a horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace with the couple’s children — Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 9; and Prince Louis, who is 6 — before watching the ceremo -

ny from a building beside the parade ground. She may also join other royals for a traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the princess’ statement was “wonderful news.”

“I thought it was brave, I thought it was honest and I’m sure it will bring an enormous amount of comfort to so many other people who are grappling with similar health challenges,” Sunak said at a Group of Seven summit in Italy.

Kate’s announcement in March came after speculation proliferated on social media about her well-being and absence from public view. She has revealed few details about her illness, which was discovered after what she described as major abdominal surgery in January.

In a March video message, Kate said the diagnosis had come as “a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and

manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

On Friday, Kate thanked members of the public, saying she had been “blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement.”

“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal,” she said. “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.” Charles, 75, disclosed his cancer in February and has recently eased back into public duties. He attended commemorations this week for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944. Charles is likely to travel to Saturday’s event by carriage with Queen Camilla and is expected to watch the ceremony seated on a dais, rather than on horseback as he did last year.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shake hands last Thursday at the G7 in Savelletri, Italy.

ALASTAIR GRANT / AP PHOTO

From left, Princess Anne, Prince George, Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III and Queen Camilla greet the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour parade on June 17, 2023.

IN MEMORY

• Jeffery Lee Smith

June 19, 1965 – June 16, 2024

Jeffery Lee Smith, 58, of Midland, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

• JHenry Vance Kivett, Jr.

September 4, 1940 –June 15, 2024

Retired SMSgt. of the United States Air Force Henry Vance Kivett Jr., 83, of Concord, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

• J Jerry Dale Sides

December 3, 1944 –June 14, 2024

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Jerry Dale Sides, 79, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 in Albemarle.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

• J Thomas Wayne Harrell

November 10, 1950 –June 13, 2024

Thomas “Tommy” Wayne Harrell, 73, of Rockwell was called home by the Lord on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital in Concord, North Carolina.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Gar eld.

• J Ralph Thompson Sr.

January 25, 1939 –June 12, 2024

Ralph Lewis Thompson Sr. 85, of Mt. Gilead passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at his home.

• JMarsha Hestikind Dry November 18, 1957 –June 10, 2024

Marsha Hestikind Dry, 66, of Locust passed away Monday, June 10th, 2024 surrounded by her husband and beloved pets.

• JLennart “Lenny” Hagesether August 13, 1938 –June 10, 2024

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

Lennart (“Lenny”)

Hagesether, 85, of Mt. Gilead, NC, died peacefully at home on June 10, 2024.

Willie Graham

October 20, 1933 –May 25, 2024

Willie Graham, 90, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. A visitation is scheduled for family and friends on June 5 from 1-8PM and June 6 from 8 AM to 5 PM at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Mr. Graham was born October 20, 1933, in Guilford Co, NC to the late Chapman Barnhardt and Annette Wansley. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Margaret Graham of 41 years; daughters, Libby

Dwight Farmer

Shirley Maxine Wittman

May 4, 1976 – June 10, 2024

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Shirley Maxine Wittman, 48, of Albemarle passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, Atrium Health Stanly. A Funeral service is scheduled for 2 PM, Monday June 17, 2024, in the Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care chapel in Albemarle. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be 12:30-1:45 Monday June 17, 2024, prior to the service.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran. He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheri ’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

Ms. Wittman was born May 4, 1976, in Stanly County, NC to the late Edwin and Maxine Wittman. Ms. Wittman is lovingly survived by a son; Dylan Wittman of Albemarle, daughter; Alexis Wittman of Albemarle, brother; Ted Wittman (Karon) of Rich eld, and sister; Ruby Morton of Albemarle. She is also survived by nieces and nephews; John Almond, Landon Wittman, Celbie Wittman, Jathan Wittman, Miranda Wittman, Hunter Wittman and Zachary Morton.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

Ms. Wittman is predeceased by a daughter Azia Leighann Wittman. Ms. Wittman was a loving mother, who had a big heart for others, helping in any way she could.

In lieu of owers, the family ask for donations can be made to Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle (PO Box 207 Albemarle, NC 28002)

Stanly Funeral and Cremation of Albemarle is serving the Wittman family.

Safrit (Marty) of Harrisburg, Peggy Tidd of Midland and Kathy O’Reilly of Midland; sons, Mel Ford of Portland, OR; 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Bonnie Ketner (Jack) of Greensboro, Wanda Eller of Sarasota, FL; nephews, Scott Eller, Dr. Chad Eller, Andrew Ketner and nieces, Susan School eld and Julia Rigby; special brother and sister; Skip and Joan Guests.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Mr. Graham is predeceased by a son, Charles Barker. Willie Max Graham was a loving, generous man who lived a life of service, gratitude, and faith. He demonstrated his love and devotion to his beautiful beloved bride and their ve children. As a member of the Catholic Church, he served as a Knight of Columbus. He served his country for 14 years in the United States Air Force. He lived life as an upstanding and loyal American citizen, who truly believed in the freedom our country has given. He respected and held in high regard all life as a gift from our Lord and Savior. Please celebrate with us as he enters heaven and dances with Jesus eternally.

Donald Franklin Brewer

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

July 18, 1933 – June 16, 2024

Donald ‘Don’ Franklin Brewer, 90, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

Brewer was born on July 18, 1933, in Anson County, North Carolina to the late Archie David Brewer and Martha Ellen Brewer. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his four brothers, Roy, Lloyd, Vernon, and Jimmie Brewer, and his two sisters, Myrtle Smith and Evelyn Wise.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

Don was a loving, son, sibling, husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. He gave to his family in the largest and smallest ways, from always having a pack of peanut butter ‘Pawpaw” crackers to xing just about anything for the people he loved. His family will remember him as a dependable, kind, and above all else humble man. Though he served in the army, pitched a no-hitter in Norwood’s semi-pro league, and played the banjo, guitar, piano, and harmonica by ear, his greatest achievement was sharing it all with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Rogers Brewer of Albemarle, NC, his daughter, Ellen (Terry) Blue of Albemarle, NC, his daughter, Cindy (Kelly) Purser of Mount Gilead, NC, his sister, Jean of Albemarle, NC; and his three grandchildren Samantha (Ben) Malinda, Josh Megson, Lucas Megson and one greatgrandchild Lucy Malinda.

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 am at Central United Methodist Church in Albemarle, NC. The family will receive guests immediately following the service at 231 W. Main St., Albemarle, NC.

In Lieu of owers memorial donations may be shared to the Stanly County Senior Center, 283 N 3rd St, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Brewer Family.

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Thomas Wayne Harrell

John B. Kluttz

Patsy Turner Terry

March 8, 1944 – June 11, 2024

November 10, 1950 –June 13, 2024

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Thomas “Tommy” Wayne Harrell, 73, of Rockwell was called home by the Lord on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital in Concord, North Carolina.

Tommy was born November 10, 1950 in North Carolina to the late Charles Owen Harrell and the late Grace Harrell. He is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Bobby Soloman.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

Tommy served his community for close to 40 years as a dedicated boat motor mechanic and owned and operated Tommy’s Marina in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

When John purchased his rst Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

Patsy Melissa Turner Terry, 80, passed away peacefully in her home on June 11, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

She was born on March 8, 1944, in Albemarle, NC to her father, Ramie McRae Turner and mother, Helen Janette Beeker. She is preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Turner Morton.

On May 31, 1964, Patsy married Pete Terry, to whom she was married until he passed away in 2014, just 9 days before their 50th wedding anniversary. The pair had three daughters together.

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long ght in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away ghting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Tommy was an awesome husband, father, and Pawpaw to all his wonderful grandchildren. He was an amazing dad to his two beautiful daughters. He was an amazing friend to anyone in need of a solid word of advice, and he always was very true to this word. He loved without any limitations any person he was in contact with. He cherished his friendship and marriage with his wife for over 30 years more that life itself, and it was shown through to anyone who would even glance in their direction. He was the rock for his children and grandchildren to always lean on and was held to a standard as second to only God. He made sure that they knew the Lord was to come rst, but he was right there close behind.

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

Tommy loved his neighbors and community and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

Survivors include his loving wife, Eva Reedy Harrell of Rockwell, NC; daughters, Beth (Matt) Wallace and Ashley (Stephen) Bare; grandchildren, Hannah (Tyler) Perry, Savannah Wallace, Lily Wallace, Elli Wallace, Ava Bare, August Bare, Levi Bare, and Callie Hudson; brother, Charles Harrell and sister, Dianna Soloman. Special friends: Bill and Lisa Propst, Je Steelman, Dale Drye, and Eddie Harrington, and many more that would be too numerous to list. Also, his four-legged children, Daisy Mae, CJ, Bear, Boogie, and Little Girl.

A memorial service will be held at Jackson Park Baptist Church in Kannapolis, North Carolina on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 5pm.

Memorials may be made to Hartsell Funeral Home or charity of your choice.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Harrell family.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men. John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Rich eld, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; ve great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

Patsy worked in a sewing mill until her rst grandchild was born in 1992. She then became a full-time “granma,” a job she took seriously, and a job she was the very best at - not only to her six grandchildren, but to so many others who lovingly called her “Granma Patsy.” Once the grandchildren became adults and failed to give her any greatgrandchildren, her cats became her babies, and she spoiled them accordingly.

Patsy was happiest when her home was lled with family. Still, she adored vacations at the beach and oating in the ocean. You could often nd her in her sewing room, creating designs ranging from wedding dresses to doll clothes, or outside rocking on her bench swing. With all those grandkids running around, her house provided many of her favorite treats, like pizza, candy corn, M&Ms, and never ending ohboys.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

During the holidays, with her home lled with those she loved, she continued a tradition passed down from her father of making homemade mints. After the initiation of testing the peppermint oil, all were invited to help pull the mints, as she patiently showed them her expert technique. She loved giving them out to those she cherished.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was sel ess, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

Patsy was a woman of God and was a member of New London Methodist Church, where a service honoring her will be held on Friday, June 14th at 1pm. A graveside ceremony will follow at Fairview Memorial Park where Patsy will be laid to rest beside her husband, Pete.

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, out ts for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Thursday, June 13th from 5:30 - 8:00pm at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care, Albemarle.

Patsy is survived by her daughters, Angela Esposito & her husband David, Cindy Morris, and Bonnie Terry, and her grandchildren, Jake Tucker, Caila Morris, Maggie Tucker, Darien Morris, Sabrina Terry, and Carter Terry & his wife Hailey.

In lieu of owers, donations can be made to Tillery Compassionate Care (960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001) or New London Methodist Church (206 S Main St, New London, NC 28127)

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Doris Jones Coleman

STATE & NATION

Supreme Court ruling on mifepristone isn’t end of abortion pill debate

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion could be used as a road map to further challenges

By Geo Mulvihill The Associated Press

THE SUPREME COURT’S ruling on technical grounds last Thursday keeps the abortion pill mifepristone available in the U.S. for now, but it won’t be the last word on the issue, and the unanimous opinion offers some clues for how abortion opponents can keep trying to block its use nationwide.

Some state attorneys general have indicated that they’ll press ahead, though they haven’t laid out exactly how.

And while the ruling said the anti-abortion doctors who brought the lawsuit failed to show they’ve been harmed when others use the drug, that might not stop some other plainti from a successful challenge.

“The decision is good that the doctors don’t have standing,” said Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, director of Aid Access, an abortion pill supplier working with

seek greater regulatory or legislative restrictions on certain activities,” he wrote. That route would be more likely to work for them if Republican Donald Trump is elected president in November than if Joe Biden remains in o ce.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine sued the Food and Drug Administration in 2022, a few months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the nationwide right to abortion. Most GOP-controlled states had implemented new bans or limits on abortion by then. The anti-abortion doctors sought a ruling that would apply nationwide, asking judges to nd that the FDA wrongly approved and eased access to mifepristone.

er, misoprostol. The latter drug can also be used alone — but women are more likely to experience side e ects that way.

About half the abortions across the nation involved such pills before Roe was overturned. By last year, the medication was used in nearly two-thirds, one survey found. Providers in some states are using telehealth appointments to prescribe and mail them to women in states with bans or restrictions. Underground networks distribute them, too.

After the doctors group led suit, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian law rm, Republican attorneys general for Idaho, Kansas and Missouri tried to get involved. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk allowed them into the case and then denied an intervening role by the Supreme Court.

U.S. providers. “The problem is the decision should have said that nobody has standing in this case — that only the women have standing.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion even provides a road map for people with “sincere

concerns about and objections to others using mifepristone and obtaining abortions.”

“Citizens and doctors who object to what the law allows others to do may always take their concerns to the Executive and Legislative Branches and

A federal judge in Texas and the New Orleans-based U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals validated many of the group’s arguments, making some Democratic-controlled states nervous enough to stockpile abortion pills.

Most medication abortions use a combination of mifepristone, which is also used in miscarriage care, and anoth-

David S. Cohen, a law professor at Drexel University who studies abortion-related law, said normally intervenors like the states would not be allowed to continue if the main parties have their claims dismissed because they lack standing, but that’s not yet clear in this case, and the attorneys general aren’t giving up.

“We are moving forward undeterred with our litigation to protect both women and their unborn children,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said on X.

Jones’ personal assets to be sold to pay $1.5B Sandy Hook debt

Infowars is expected to cease operating

By Dave Collins and Juan A. Lozano

The Associated Press

HOUSTON — A federal judge on Friday ordered the liquidation of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ personal assets but dismissed his company’s separate bankruptcy case, leaving the immediate future of his Infowars media platform uncertain as he owes $1.5 billion for his false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.

Judge Christopher Lopez approved converting Jones’ proposed personal bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation. But Lopez threw out the case of his company, Austin, Texas-based Free Speech Systems, after failed attempts by Jones to reach an agreement with Sandy Hook families on his proposals to reorganize and keep operating the company while paying them millions of dollars.

It wasn’t immediately clear what will happen in the coming weeks to Free Speech Systems, Infowars’ parent company, which Jones built into a multimillion-dollar moneymaker over the past 25 years by selling dietary supplements and other products. But both Jones and lawyers for the Sandy Hook families said they expect Infowars to cease operating at some point because of the huge debt.

A trustee appointed Friday in Jones’ personal bankruptcy case to oversee the liquidation now has control over his assets, including Infowars, according to lawyers for Sandy Hook families. Dismissal of Free Speech Systems’ case means the families can now move immediately to collect on the $1.5 billion in state courts in Texas and Connecticut where they won defamation lawsuits against Jones and the company. It’s possible Infowars will continue operating during the collection efforts, which could include sell-

ing o the company’s assets.

Jones, who smiled as the judge dismissed the company’s case, called in to Infowars after the court hearing and predicted more battles in the state courts. “The bizarre political attempts to hijack the operation have failed,” he said, and added that he would nd another way to broadcast his shows if he loses Infowars. Outside the courthouse, he railed about the families not accepting his reorganization proposals and alleged that they were being used by political

groups in a conspiracy to silence him. He said he would try to maximize revenues at Infowars to make money for creditors and then wind down the business in a way that takes care of its 44 employees.

“This is about taking me o the air,” Jones said. “Understand that what you’ve seen in the corporate media about me, or what I said about Sandy Hook or any of this, has no bearing on reality.”

Chris Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families, called Infowars “soon-to-be defunct” as

his clients move to collect on the debt in state courts. He said the families will also pursue Jones’ future earnings.

“Today is a good day,” Mattei said in a text message after the hearing. “Alex Jones has lost ownership of Infowars, the corrupt business he has used for years to attack the Connecticut families and so many others. ... Alex Jones is neither a martyr nor a victim. He is the perpetrator of the worst defamation in American history.”

Lopez had been asked to either convert Free Speech Systems’ bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation or dismiss the case. He said his sole focus was what would be best for the company and its creditors. He also said Free Speech Systems’ case appeared to be one of the longest running of its kind in the country, and it was approaching a deadline to resolve it.

“I was never asked today to make a decision to shut down a show or not. That was never going to happen today one way or another,” Lopez said. “This case is one of the more di cult cases I’ve had. When you look at it, I think creditors are better served in pursuing their state court rights.”

Many of Jones’ personal assets will be sold o , but his primary home in the Austin area and some other belongings are exempt from bankruptcy liquidation. He already has moved to sell his Texas ranch worth about $2.8 million, a gun collection and other assets to pay debts.

DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP PHOTO

Alex Jones pauses before speaking to the media after arriving at the federal courthouse for a hearing in front of a bankruptcy judge last Friday.

ALLEN G. BREED / AP PHOTO

The Supreme Court unanimously preserved access to the medication mifepristone that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year.

A good walk spoiled

Pinehurst No. 2 was a formidable challenge for U.S. Open competitors last week, with everyone spending time in a bunker or the course’s countless native areas at some point. Above, 2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose considers his lie during the second round on Friday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Unloaded rearms don’t violate N.C. safe gun storage law, court rules

A North Carolina appeals court ruled that a gun must be loaded for someone to be convicted of failing to properly store the weapon at home to protect minors living there.

A panel of the intermediate -level Court of Appeals ruled unanimously Tuesday to overturn the safe -storage and manslaughter convictions of Kimberly Cable in McDowell County.

A teenager fatally shot himself in her home in 2018 using a gun that she possessed.

The youth was a friend of her son who had entered Cable’s bedroom at night to retrieve the unloaded revolver and separate ammunition.

NCDOT seeks feedback on EV charging stations

The Department of Transportation will host a webinar to gather public feedback on where to deploy the second round of public electric vehicle charging stations.

Members of the public will be able to give feedback to NCDOT on the federally funded NEVI charging station program, and to learn more about the program and how it works.

NEVI, or National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, is a federal program that set aside $5 billion to build a network of publicly funded electric car chargers around the country — though the rollout has been slow, with only a handful of chargers built in the two years since the program was approved. North Carolina received $109 million to build its portion of the network.

The webinar will be from 3-4:30 p.m. on June 26.

Interested parties can register for the program on NCDOT.gov, and a recording will be posted to the NCDOT YouTube page.

The rst NEVI stations in North Carolina should open sometime in 2025.

School board approves SEL curriculum continuation

The board voted 6-3 to renew a pair of social-emotional learning curriculums

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — The school board voted last Tuesday to renew the contracts for districtwide use of Second Step and Way nder Curriculum, two core social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula that aim to build student self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making.

While the measure passed 6-3, several board members were not in favor of the

measure, with nay votes cast by Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools board members Robert Barr, Steve Wood and Susan Miller.

“I do not support this SEL curriculum,” Miller said. “First and foremost, I think it undermines the parents’ authority. Secondly, I think teachers have enough on their plates and they’re also not trained therapists. And my last point is, as a district, we need to be more focused on our academics such as math, reading and science and not so much on social, emotional and feeling. This is the parent’s job.”

Despite the opposition, the measure passed handily.

“I feel like a lot of what we do is really connected to each other,” said Vice Chair Alex Bohannon. “One of the things

“It’s really hard to learn if you’re not able to process your emotions and feelings.”

Vice Chair Alex Bohannon on supporting SEL curriculum

that really plagues us is the increase of mental health issues amongst our students. It’s really hard to learn if you’re not able to process your emotions and feelings. I feel like all of that is related together. It’s not something you can separate. Kids are growing and developing, I think the question is, do we want to be a part of that? Yes, it should be the parent’s job, but the reality is not

all of our children come from the same households with the same level of support, so I feel like a part of our work is really lling that gap.”

In less controversial business, the WSFCS board approved two software systems, a $106,000 contract renewal with FMX to provide a software platform for tracking various maintenance items as well as the integration of bus videos requests and Dragon y Athletic Software into the platform and a $122,000 contract with KickUp to use their professional learning management system to track credit hours for licensure renewal, track e ectiveness, handle registration and host walkthrough tools and coaching logs.

The board also approved a three-year lease agreement with the Center for Exceptional Children to operate The Children’s Center and The Special Children’s School, a $120,000 agreement with FORVIS for audit services for scal 2024, a $150,000 contract renew-

Many voters in swing-state NC are disengaged; both parties want to change that

Turnout and enthusiasm could swing the purple state

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

OXFORD — She opens the door wearing a gray tank top, Hello Kitty pajama pants and pink fuzzy slippers. With her 6-year-old son standing quietly beside her, she listens patiently as Liz Purvis begins discussing what’s at stake in the election this November. The woman, Cynthia, tells Purvis she doesn’t watch the news or even know who the president is. When Purvis, the 31-year-old chair of the Democratic Party in Granville County, tells her that a White House re-

match looms between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Cynthia lets out a laugh, then an expletive.

Such is the state of the 2024 election, as seen at the ground level. In this rural county in one of the states expected to help decide the presidency, the nuts-and-bolts e orts of party activists to generate election enthusiasm are sometimes met with indi erence and even disgust from people who could be positioned to play an outsize role in determining the nation’s course. For now, Cynthia and many others aren’t paying much attention to elections at all.

‘More hopeful in general’

About 4 in 10 Americans in a

Pew Research Center poll conducted in April said they are not following news about candidates in the presidential election, closely or at all. And many in the United States already nd the election exhausting, even if they are not tuned in. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults in the poll said they are worn out by so much campaign and candidate coverage.

Purvis, accompanied by an Associated Press reporter on a recent canvassing trip, was near downtown Oxford, the seat of a county of about 62,000 people wedged between Raleigh and the Virginia border. By the time she got to Cynthia, who declined to give her last name to maintain her privacy, she had knocked on ve doors without an answer.

By the end of a sweltering, breezeless Saturday, Granville

VOTERS, page 2 See SEL, page 2

County Democrats had knocked on 320 doors in their Memorial Day weekend canvassing campaign, the highest number by any Democratic county party in the state that day. As of June 7, Democrats had outspent Republicans on advertising in North Carolina by a nearly 4-to-1 margin, according to AdImpact data, and they have

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SEL from page 1 THURSDAY

al with School Health Alliance to provide medical and mental health services to both sta and students, a $390,000 contract with Discovery Education to provide digital- rst learning resources to help enhance student achievement and a $248,000 contract renewal with Edgenuity whose coursework the district utilizes for credit recovery and as an intervention tool to help close learning gaps.

“This is one of those necessary evils I feel like,” said board member Leah Crowley. “When you look at the stats for graduation with this program versus without, it’s kind of scary to think where we would be without this. But with that said, how legitimate is a diploma when it’s done through credit recovery? I think it would be a great challenge for our district to come up with ways to not need this.”

The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet June 25.

Hunting, shing permit costs going

The in ation-indexed increase will see prices rise by almost 20%

Stanly County Journal sta

THE COST of North Carolina hunting and shing permits are going up this year, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced this week.

The license fees, which make up about a quarter of the agency’s revenue, are rising around 20%, with the costs indexed to the rise in in ation since the last

fee increase in January 2020. The revenue will go toward the NCWRC’s own rising costs, which have also been a ected by in ation.

The price adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) changes, with all licenses, permits, stamps and certi cations rising by 18.75% rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.

The agency says its costs of employee salaries and bene ts alone have risen by around $5.6 million per year (or 6.28%) since 2020.

Durham power outage caused by gun re to equipment

Duke Energy did not share what was damaged

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Damage to a utility’s power equipment by gun re found in Durham was associated with an outage that left hundreds of people without power last week, said Duke Energy.

About 730 people experienced a power outage for about two hours last Monday after reports of “a re and equipment failure” on Duke Energy’s power distribution grid, spokesperson Je Brooks said in an email.

A day later, the Durham Po -

VOTERS from page 1

far more slots reserved between now and November. They also appear to have dedicated more resources to ground-level e orts such as door-knocking. That leaves party activists like Purvis feeling optimistic about a state where Trump prevailed twice, though his margin narrowed between 2016 and 2020. The Biden campaign clearly sees an opportunity there and the president already has made three trips to the Tarheel State this year.

“I’m more hopeful for North Carolina in general than I have

lice Department, with assistance from the FBI, responded to an area in southeast Durham after receiving a call about the damaged power equipment, according to a police statement. The company’s workers told ofcers that the equipment had been damaged by gun re within the past week. Damage from the gun re caused a “slow oil leak” from the power equipment, which ultimately led to a re breaking out, police said. The incident is under investigation and no one had been arrested as of Thursday. While Duke Energy veri ed the damage was associated with the outage, Brooks said the company hasn’t conrmed what ultimately led to the equipment failing and is

been in years past,” Purvis said.

“I think Granville County has great potential to be part of that.”

Both presidential campaigns are prioritizing rural voters, and North Carolina has the second highest rural population behind Texas. In 2020, only 14 rural North Carolina counties voted for Biden; the state’s 64 others backed Trump. Almost 53% of the Granville County vote went to Trump, slightly more than in 2016. Democrat Barack Obama carried the county in his 2008 and 2012 campaigns.

Only six North Carolina counties pivoted from Obama to Trump.

waiting until the investigation is completed.

“We have been working to strengthen our electric grid to make it more resistant to extended outages from severe weather, as well as physical and cyber threats,” Brooks said.

“We are also improving the resiliency of the grid to help restore power faster when a disruption occurs.”

O cials didn’t immediately specify what kind of equipment was damaged.

The incident comes as North Carolina lawmakers have advanced legislation to toughen penalties for people who carry out attacks on infrastructure such as public water sites and manufacturing facilities.

Property damage to utility services has gotten attention since two power substations were shot at in Moore County in December 2022. The incident left thousands of residents without power in frigid temperatures for days. Arrests still have not been made.

In response, Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill unanimously passed by state legislators

Granville County sits on the outskirts of Raleigh and Durham, and some residents drive on Interstate 85 or twolane roads that wind through the countryside to commute to work in the Triangle. Granville has ve municipalities and manufacturing plants for Revlon, Bridgestone and others.

Further down the ballot, county voters could help determine whether the GOP maintains its state legislative supermajority.

“Is it a teeter-totter back and forth, or is it just that we happened to catch it at the moment where it was going Repub-

last year that increased penalties for people who purposefully damage energy facilities and telephone and broadband equipment.

Now, the state legislature is looking to expand punishments for intentionally damaging a wider variety of infrastructure services, including public water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, public utilities and manufacturing facilities. The penalty for damaging those areas on purpose would be a felony, according to the bill.

It also allows for people who su er harm as a result of infrastructure property damage to sue the person who committed the crime or aided it.

“This is just an extension of our critical infrastructure protection in our state,” Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton said in the Senate Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee last week.

The bill has since been referred to another committee since its approval in the agriculture committee, but it has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.

lican anyway? We don’t know yet, right?” said Western Carolina political science professor Chris Cooper. “That’s what we’re going to learn after November.”

Cooper isn’t sure Biden will win in such places, but he thinks the margins matter. That’s because they will determine what he needs in the state’s urban areas, which tend to favor Democrats.

“It’s not realistic to think that the Democrats will win rural North Carolina. They won’t, they’ll lose,” Cooper said. “The question is: How big do they lose?”

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Some things are priceless

If there was anything good from the Coronavirus shutdown, it was that many families spent a lot of time together.

YOU’VE SEEN THE AD, “Some things are priceless; for everything else, there’s Mastercard.” How true. In fact, the most important things are priceless, with time probably being the most valued for many Americans.

I’m writing this on Father’s Day and remembering how important it is for Dad to spend time with his family. It’s the most important thing he can do.

Parents should know that the most cherished gift for our children is the gift of our time. The same holds true for the elderly.

My grandmother, who died at 102, had reached the point where the only thing she wanted was to spend time with her loved ones. I heard someone say that children, perhaps because they are recent arrivals from heaven, instinctively know that time is more precious than money or stu . Likewise for the elderly, since they will be returning to heaven soon.

I remember when my daughter was very young. Her dad had been working consistently without any time o . We had seen very little of him for months. He took a day o . We packed a picnic, loaded her in the car, with our small baby at the time, and headed to the park. We threw in her bicycle and all the balls, bats and gloves we could nd. Nothing fancy, just simple pitching and hitting the ball, kicking a football, frisbee throwing, playing on swings and slides, and eating PB&J sandwiches under the canopy. That night, my daughter took her bath and, with teary eyes, climbed onto Dad’s lap and said, “Daddy, this was the best day of my whole life.” His eyes were not dry either. From that time on, he realized the most important thing was spending time with family. He never worked like that ever again. He made a schedule that his company could live with and made time for the important things.

COLUMN | SHAWN KREST

If there was anything good from the Coronavirus shutdown, it was that many families spent a lot of time together. I know that some of those families were under tremendous stress, and being with family was all we had during that time. That is the only bright light I can see in that very dark time.

In ation is out of control, and many families cannot keep up. Wages have not matched in ation. It’s heartbreaking as I hear from so many who are su ering and looking for help. I saw a poll indicating that a third of all Americans are su ering from anxiety or depression. These di cult times have taken a tremendous toll on our citizens.

I know my words of time with family are not very consoling if you’re one of those families su ering from these problems or if you are one of those business owners who put everything on the line to start your business and are now watching it dry up due to in ation costs and wondering how long you can hold on.

I am so sorry for those of you in those situations. I pray it ends soon and you can get back to your work and to your life. In the meantime, I hope you are spending time with those you love while you can. In the end, that’s what really matters.

Most of us know the feeling of not having enough hours in the day to get it all done. Still, we work longer and harder to satisfy our desires, usually sacri cing priceless things. Remember, happiness is not the ful llment of what you want but the enjoyment of what you have.

Remember that we serve an awesome God, and He is in control. This, too, shall pass.

Sen. Joyce Krawiec has represented Forsyth County and the 31st District in the North Carolina Senate since 2014. She lives in Kernersville.

The most important election of our lifetime

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less.”—Doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

THIS NOVEMBER , Americans will go to the polls in what everyone seems to agree is “The Most Important Election of Our Lifetime!” Democracy? Personal liberty? Capitalism? The future of Europe? It’s all on the ballot. And you thought it was just going to be Trump or Biden.

Of course, this isn’t the rst time we’ve been told that about an election. In 1936, voters were told:

“America is in peril. The welfare of American men and women and the future of our youth are at stake. We dedicate ourselves to the preservation of their political liberty, their individual opportunity and their character as free citizens, which today for the rst time are threatened by Government itself.

“The powers of Congress have been usurped by the President.

“The integrity and authority of the Supreme Court have been outed.

“The rights and liberties of American citizens have been violated. … To a free people these actions are insu erable.”

There were certainly some important issues in 1936. FDR had served two terms and was ignoring 150 years of precedent to run for a third term. He was defending his New Deal, which either helped begin to lead us out of the Depression or had been an enormous government overreach that went against the fabric of our nation. War was brewing in Europe, and, though it wasn’t known at the time, ve seats on the Supreme Court were about to come open over the next four years.

That’s an important election. Maybe *The* Most Important one. According to Slate, we’ve been holding “The Most Important Election” since at least the 1805 Pennsylvania governor’s race, when the phrase was rst used. In the 219 years since, we’ve had a constantly increasing level of urgency, with each subsequent election taking the title as TMIEOOL (The Most Important Election Of Our Lifetime).

There are a couple of simple reasons why we feel this way. One is that creating urgency, whether merited or manufactured, is a good way to get your supporters to turn out.

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

The other big reason each election seems TMIE is an obvious but important fact about human nature:

We don’t know what’s going to happen.

We do know what happened in all those other TMIEOOLs,

though: All the disasters — natural and man-made — and how they were handled. We know about the economy, the wars and the ga es.

So, let’s take a look back to gure out which election was really “The Most Important”?

The three clear-cut choices for Most Important Election are:

1. 1944: We were about to elect the person who would be presented with the atomic bomb and have to weigh the merits of using it.

2. 1940: War raged in Europe and the U.S. would be attacked 13 months after Election Day.

3. 1860: The election would determine if states seceded from the Union and, soon after, went to war with it. It doesn’t get much more Most Important than that. There are other candidates in the honorable mention section. 1796 was the rst election not involving George Washington. 1800 was referred to as “the Revolution of 1800.” There were the postLincoln elections as the country tried to recover from the Civil War, with 1876 perhaps being the most consequential. It turns out presidential elections have always been fairly important in our country.

Who knew?

But what about the end of that phrase: Of Our Lifetime. Here are the rankings:

1. 1980: The outcome of the election would determine if the American hostages in Iran would be freed. Plus, growing tensions with the Soviet Union, an economic recession and the emerging HIV pandemic were all on the horizon. The contrast between the candidates — mild-mannered incumbent Jimmy Carter and smooth-talking cowboy Ronald Reagan — also underscored the di erent paths the election could take us.

2. 2016: Again, the contrast between the two candidates — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump — added to the importance of the choice. We didn’t know it, but the winner would be hit with a worldwide pandemic, and three Supreme Court seats, enough to sway the court far in one direction, were about to come open.

3. 2000: Vice President and climate activist Al Gore vs. another cowboy in George W. Bush. Clearly, the candidates had vastly di erent priorities, presenting us with two divergent paths, intersected by an unprecedented attack on American soil eight months into their term.

In hindsight, those elections were more important than all the others. Unless you count this November, which, of course, will be TMIEOOL.

TRIAD STRAIGHT TALK | JOYCE KRAWIEC

Forsyth SPORTS

Deng steered South Sudan’s basketball journey to Paris Olympics

The former Duke and NBA star helped fund the national team in his former home

By Kyle Hightower

The Associated Press

LUOL DENG was watching his vision coming into focus right in front of him.

It was September 2023, barely six years since South Sudan had played in its rst international basketball tournament.

Yet there was Deng, a Sudanese native turned refugee and NBA star, hopping behind a circle of euphoric players inside the South Sudan locker room minutes after it defeated Angola during the FIBA World Cup to earn its rst Olympic basketball berth.

“Where we going?” Deng chanted repeatedly in a moment captured on social media.

“Paris!” the team shouted back.

Just 13 years after South Sudan emerged from civil war to become an independent nation in 2011, it will mark a milestone next month with its Olympic basketball debut.

It’ll be the culmination of a dream and journey for Deng that has links to his own escape from the ravages of war and introduction to basketball through celebrated Sudanese countryman and fellow former NBA player Manute Bol.

South Sudan’s basketball federation president since 2019, Deng thinks the team can be a uniting force for a country that’s still nding its way after years of con ict.

“As happy as we are to be there, we really want to compete,” Deng said. “I don’t want people watching us and thinking that we just go there. I want people to see us and see the direction of where I’m

trying to take the sport.”

That’s because he knows how far basketball has brought him.

Born in Wau, Sudan, Deng was 3 years old when his father, Aldo, moved with his family to Egypt in the throes of the second Sudanese civil war. It was in Egypt that Deng’s family met Bol, who introduced basketball to them.

They were granted asylum in England, where Deng lived before moving to the United States in 1999 at age 14 after being recruited by New Jersey’s Blair Academy.

Joe Mantegna had just been hired as Blair’s coach. His rst two recruits were Royal Ivey, an 18-year-old from New York, and Deng.

In 2021 Mantegna got a call from Deng with a request. Deng, who was involved with several philanthropic endeavors in South Sudan, wanted to start a basketball program there.

“He just called me and said, ‘You want to jump on?’” Mantegna said. “I didn’t hesitate. I just said to my wife, ‘I guess I’m going to be spending some time in Africa the next few summers.’” Mantegna turned down

Luol Deng, right, accepts the 18th annual National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award before the 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Game between the Phoenix Suns and the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 16, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Deng’s o er to be head coach but signed on as an assistant and made a suggestion for the top spot on the bench: Deng’s old teammate, Ivey.

Deng used millions of his own dollars to fund the team in the rst two years while the trio slowly built out South Sudan’s roster, including former Carlik Jones, Wenyen Gabriel, Nuni Omot Marial Shayok.

South Sudan has risen from 82nd to 33rd in the FIBA world rankings, making it Africa’s second-highest ranked team. The road to the medal round in Paris will be tough in a group that includes the U.S. and Serbia.

But Omot said the success they’ve had in such a short period of time is emblematic of how fast change is happening in South Sudan.

“What the people will see when they think about our people, they see a lot of nothing but violence, a lot of things that have to do with war,” Omot said. “And for me to be able to put that jersey on and know that people from our country, how much pride and joy they have because of all they’ve seen. It means everything.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Greyson Jones

West Forsyth, baseball

Greyson Jones was a sophomore on West Forsyth’s baseball team. The right-hander made All-Central Piedmont Conference as the Titans won the conference tourney and went on to a 23-7 record during the season.

The high school season may be over, but Jones is still making news. He was named to the All-State team at the 4A level by the N.C. Baseball Coaches Association, and he also was chosen by USA Baseball for a spot on the U17 team. He struck out two in two scoreless innings in his most recent appearance for Team USA.

46-year-old Rose competes in US swimming trials

She hopes to make her third Olympic team

By Paul Newberry

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Gabrielle Rose is realistic about her goals. She knows a third Olympics is out of reach.

That’s OK.

This time, she’s swimming for an even higher cause.

At the age of 46, Rose is by far the oldest athlete at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials — earning her place among more than 1,000 entrants exactly two decades removed from her last appearance.

“I’m just hoping to show people you can do more, you’re capable of doing more,” said Rose, who represented her native Brazil at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the U.S. at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.

“You can have more energy, you can have more strength than you thought was possible,” she went on, the passion building in her voice. “I want women in particular to not be afraid to be strong, to lift weights, to take care of themselves and just know that they can have a lot more in the older chapters of their lives.” Rose is an anomaly at the trials, to be sure, but hardly looks out of place.

Competing in the heats of the 100-meter breaststroke, against seven swimmers who were all less than half her age, Rose glided to the wall rst in a personal-best of 1 minute, 8.43 seconds — the rst time she’s broken the 1:09 barrier. She nished with the 11th-fastest time overall in the preliminaries, advancing to an improbable spot in the evening semi nals.

Gabrielle Rose prepares for a Women’s 100 breaststroke preliminary heat at the US Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.

“That was my big stretch goal,” Rose said, still beaming more than an hour after she climbed from the temporary pool in Lucas Oil Stadium. “I was really, really nervous because I just wanted to have the swim that I thought I was capable of. It came out this morning, so I’m really, really pleased.” After failing to make the U.S. team at the 2004 trials, it appeared that Rose’s competitive swimming career was largely over. She got into coaching, became a mother and focused on

the less-stressful Masters circuit to stoke her competitive res. Last year, after surprising herself by setting a personal best at the Masters spring nationals, she decided to make another run at the Olympic trials.

“I wasn’t expecting to have a lifetime best at 45,” Rose said. “So I’m like, ‘Let’s see what’s possible.’ It happens to line up with the Olympic year and Olympic trials. I’ve absolutely loved going back to

my roots as a professional athlete and just knowing that this is like a special time in my life, just to see what I’m capable of.” More than she ever could’ve imagined, it turned out. When she spotted her time on the scoreboard, her face broke into a huge smile. The crowd of more than 17,000, which included her 10-year-old daughter Annie, recognized what an extraordinary moment it was, ser-

enading her with an immediate standing ovation — and then another as she walked across the deck. For Rose, the chance to compete at one more trials came along at a perfect point in her life.

But she knows it’s just a diversion.

Her plans after this?

“I’ve got to get back to real life,” she said, breaking into another grin.

TITANS’ BASEBALL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO

BRANDON DILL / AP PHOTO

SIDELINE REPORT

CRICKET

U.S. cricket team advances to second round in Twenty20 World Cup debut Lauderhill, Fla.

The United States cricket team has made history by qualifying for the second round in its Twenty20 World Cup debut after its last group game against Ireland was washed out in Florida. That advanced the U.S. to the Super Eight stage and automatically quali ed the Americans for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The U.S. quali ed for this T20 World Cup only as a co -host with the West Indies but has used home advantage to make a stunning rst impression in its rst global cricket tournament.

SWIMMING

Ledecky heading to her fourth Olympics

Indianapolis Katie Ledecky is heading to her fourth Olympics, cruising to victory in the 400-meter freestyle at the U.S. swimming trials. Cheered on by a big crowd, Ledecky nished two body-lengths ahead of the eld and touched the wall in 3 minutes, 58.35 seconds. She improved on her time of 3:59.99 in the morning preliminaries and set herself up to make a run at another gold against a loaded eld at the Paris Games. The 27-year-old Ledecky already has six individual gold medals — more than any female swimmer in Olympic history.

NFL

Players union could trade spring practices for longer training camp

Santa Clara, Calif. NFL teams wrapped up their mandatory minicamps last week leading into about a monthlong break before the start of a grueling season that could approach seven months for the teams that make the Super Bowl. That timeline has been a familiar one for years. The NFLPA is contemplating proposing a major upheaval to this schedule, replacing spring practices with a longer training camp. It’s a plan that has not been met with wide acceptance, with several players and coaches decrying the elimination of OTAs and minicamps in May and June.

TENNIS

Murray selected for 5th Olympics but not certain he will play

London

Andy Murray is not “100% sure” he will play at a fth Olympics despite his selection for the Paris Games. Murray has been granted an International Tennis Federation place to compete in the singles’ event of the Olympic tennis tournament. Team GB announced its tennis squad for Paris on Sunday and while Murray is currently only down to play singles, he has been nominated for a place in the doubles alongside Dan Evans. The British duo will nd out on June 25 if the ITF has granted them a spot.

Blaney wins inaugural Cup Series race at Iowa, earns playo spot

The

By John Bohnenkamp

The Associated Press

NEWTON, Iowa — Ryan

Blaney had his concerns heading into the nal laps Sunday night in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. The problem was he didn’t hear his crew chief’s reassurance. There was no need to worry, though, with the defending series champion holding on for his rst victory of the season and a spot in the playo s. Blaney seemed in control of the race, but was worried about fuel a couple of weeks after running out on the nal lap while leading at World Wide Technology Raceway. It’s why crew chief Jonathan Hassler came on the radio with less than 10

laps to go in this race to let him know he was good on fuel.

“I don’t even remember him saying that,” Blaney said. “I gured we were (OK). But I don’t remember him saying that.”

“I wanted to make sure he knew the whole situation,” Hassler said. “Sometimes I forget he doesn’t know what I know. So I just try to communicate as much as I can so he knows what’s going on.”

Blaney led four times for a career-high 201 laps, nishing 0.716 seconds ahead of William Byron for his 11th Cup victory.

“Ryan and those guys were really good,” Byron said. “He had a really good car. He was up front, contending a lot.”

Blaney regained the lead on Lap 263 after taking just two tires on a caution- ag pit stop. He led the rest of the way, getting through lapped tra c as Byron tried to close.

It was the decision to take two tires, on a weekend when tire wear was a concern for the

“We got a lot better qualifying to the race and got better through the night tonight.”

Ryan Blaney

Cup Series and X nity Series cars, that worried Hassler.

“There were not a lot of guys on two tires,” Hassler said. “At some point those guys are going to be a little bit better than you are. So, yeah, really nervous.”

Blaney, whose mother, Lisa, is from Chariton, Iowa, won in front of a sellout crowd of an estimated 40,000 fans that included 80 of his friends and family. It was tting the rst Cup Series race at the 0.875-mile track would go to a Team Penske driver — Penske cars have won seven IndyCar Series races and three NASCAR X nity

Series races at the track.

“I think, as a whole company, we do a good job of these places we go to for the rst time,” said Blaney, who also has wins at the track in the X nity and Truck series.

But Blaney, who started on the outside of the front row, admitted he had concerns about how good his car would be for the race.

“Friday, I didn’t feel very good,” he said. “I wasn’t very con dent in the speed in our car. And we really went to work — we got a lot better qualifying to the race and got better through the night tonight. And I think we’re great at some points of the night. The last few runs were phenomenal. ” Chase Elliott was third. Christopher Bell, who had to start from the back of the eld in a backup car after crashing during practice Friday, was fourth. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who like Blaney took two tires on the nal pit stop, nished fth.

Former longtime Georgia Tech athletic director, NFL coach Homer Rice dies at 97

The administrator helped the Yellow Jackets get up to speed shortly after joining the ACC

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Homer Rice, who as athletic director hired some of Georgia Tech’s most successful coaches and implemented the school’s Total Person Program, has died. He was 97. Rice died last Monday, Georgia Tech announced. Rice was Georgia Tech’s athletic director from 1980-97. Among his notable hires were basketball coach Bobby Cremins, football coaches Bobby Ross and George O’Leary, and baseball coaches Jim Morris and Danny Hall. Georgia Tech won a share of the 1990 football championship and its rst Atlantic Coast Conference basketball championship in 1985 while advancing to the Final Four in 1990. The Yellow Jackets won 16 ACC championships in ve sports during Rice’s time leading the athletic department. Rice was a high school, college and NFL football coach before beginning his career as an administrator. He coached the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals in 1979-79 before beginning his time at Georgia Tech. Rice was a college assistant at Kentucky (1962-65) and Oklahoma (1966) and was the coach

at Cincinnati (1967-68) before leaving to serve six years as UNC’s athletic director. He was hired in 1976 as athletic director and football coach at Rice and held those positions for two years.

Rice’s Total Person Program is regarded as the model for the NCAA’s Life Skills Program. The Homer Rice Award is presented annually to a FBS athletic director in recognition for signi cant contributions to college athletics.

“Homer has reminded us throughout his career that the ultimate goal of intercollegiate athletics is to help student-ath-

letes grow fully as people,” Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said in a statement released by the school. “At a time of profound changes in athletics, Homer’s message and legacy of excellence is more important than ever.”

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement Rice’s Total Person Program “was ahead of its time and paved the way for NCAA programming by preparing student-athletes for life beyond collegiate athletics. Each of the seven pillars of the Total Person program continue to resonate with not only myself, but every one of Dr. Rice’s peers, col-

leagues, and former student-athletes.”

Phillips said Rice, a native of Bellevue, Kentucky, “was incredibly in uential in the development of student-athletes, not only at UNC and Georgia Tech, but throughout college athletics.”

Former ACC commissioner and UNC athletic director John Swo ord said Rice, AD with the Tar Heels when he graduated in 1971, was his inspiration to pursue a career in athletic administration.

“He was my mentor then, and has been throughout my adult life,” Swo ord said in a statement. “I had the privilege of serving for 17 years as an A.D. with him in the ACC while he was at Georgia Tech and I was at UNC. Simply put, he was the best Athletic Director that I ever observed during my half century in college sports. He was the best leader, the most organized, the best motivator, the best innovator. He was full of integrity, decency and class.”

Rice taught a leadership class at Georgia Tech until recent years and wrote a number of books on leadership success.

Georgia Tech dedicated a statue of Rice outside of Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2021. Dodd and John Heisman are the only other in Georgia Tech athletics to be commemorated with a statue.

Rice’s wife of 64 years, Phyllis, died in 2013. He married his second wife, Karen, in 2015.

COURTESY GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS

In Homer Rice’s 17 years as Georgia Tech athletic director, he hired basketball coach Bobby Cremins and football coaches Bobby Ross and George O’Leary.

defending champion won in front of 80 friends and family members

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP PHOTO

Ryan Blaney does a burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. The win clinched him a spot in the playo s.

G7 leaders agree to lend Ukraine billions

The $50 billion loan is backed by interest earned on pro ts from Russia’s frozen central bank assets

By Fatima Hussein The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies have agreed to engineer a $50 billion loan to help Ukraine in its ght for survival. Interest earned on pro ts from Russia’s frozen central bank assets would be used as collateral.

Details of the deal were being hashed out by G7 leaders at their summit in Italy. The money could reach Kyiv before the end of the year, according to U.S. and French o cials.

President Joe Biden told reporters at a news conference Thursday that the move was part of a “historic agreement.” Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said providing a loan through Russia’s assets “is a vital step forward in providing sustainable support for Ukraine in winning this war.”

Most of the money would be in the form of a loan mostly guaranteed by the U.S. government and backed by pro ts being earned on roughly $260 billion in immobilized Russian assets. The vast majority of that money is held in European Union nations.

A French o cial said the loan could be “topped up” with

European money or contributions from other countries.

The White House said Canada will loan Ukraine up to $5 billion, while European countries have expressed interest in sending as much as half of the total package. Japan has also said it intends to help fund Ukraine — though its laws require the money to go to Ukraine’s budget, not its war e ort.

The G7 leaders’ o cial state-

ment also left the door open to trying to con scate the Russian assets entirely.

For more than a year, o cials from multiple countries have debated the legality of con scating Russia’s frozen assets and sending the money to Ukraine.

The U.S. and its allies immediately froze whatever Russian central bank assets they had access to when Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022. That basically

was money being held in banks outside Russia.

The assets are immobilized and cannot be accessed by Moscow, but they still belong to Russia.

While governments can generally freeze property or funds without di culty, turning them into forfeited assets that can be used for the bene t of Ukraine requires an extra layer of judicial procedure, including a le -

gal basis and adjudication in a court.

The EU instead has set aside the pro ts being generated by the frozen assets. That pot of money is easier to access.

Separately, the U.S. this year passed a law called the REPO Act — short for the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act — that allows the Biden administration to seize $5 billion in Russian state assets in the U.S. and use them for the bene t of Kyiv. That arrangement is being worked out.

Ukraine will be able to spend the money in several areas, including for military, economic and humanitarian needs and reconstruction, the U.S. o cial said.

Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the goal is “to provide the necessary resources to Ukraine now for its economic energy and other needs so that it’s capable of having the resilience necessary to withstand Russia’s continuing aggression.”

Another goal is to get the money to Ukraine quickly.

The French o cial, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to French presidential policy, said the details could be worked out “very quickly and, in any case, the $50 billion will be disbursed before the end of 2024.”

Beyond the costs of the war, the needs are great.

The World Bank’s latest damage assessment of Ukraine, released in February, estimates that costs for reconstruction and recovery of the nation stand at $486 billion over the next 10 years.

Princess of Wales says she’s making ‘good progress’ in cancer treatment

The mother of three will attend the king’s birthday parade Saturday

By Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka The Associated Press

LONDON — The Princess of Wales said Friday she is “making good progress” in her cancer treatment and will attend King Charles III’s ceremonial birthday parade on Saturday, Kate’s rst public appearance since her diagnosis.

The 42-year-old wife of Prince William has not made any public appearances this year. She announced in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspeci-

ed form of cancer.

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,”

Kate said in a statement released Friday, adding that she faces “a few more months” of treatment.

“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Kate said.

The announcement is a signi cant milestone but does not mark a return to full-time public duties for Kate. The palace issued a new photo of Kate, taken in Windsor earlier this week,

showing her next to a tree, dressed casually in jeans and a blazer.

The palace said the king was “delighted” that Kate will attend Trooping the Color, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade. It is an annual military parade that marks the monarch’s ocial birthday in June. Charles, who also is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, is due to oversee the ceremony, in which troops in full dress uniform parade past the king with their ceremonial ag, or “color.”

Kate is expected to travel in a horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace with the couple’s children — Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 9; and Prince Louis, who is 6 — before watching the ceremo -

ny from a building beside the parade ground. She may also join other royals for a traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the princess’ statement was “wonderful news.”

“I thought it was brave, I thought it was honest and I’m sure it will bring an enormous amount of comfort to so many other people who are grappling with similar health challenges,” Sunak said at a Group of Seven summit in Italy.

Kate’s announcement in March came after speculation proliferated on social media about her well-being and absence from public view. She has revealed few details about her illness, which was discovered after what she described as major abdominal surgery in January.

In a March video message, Kate said the diagnosis had come as “a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and

manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

On Friday, Kate thanked members of the public, saying she had been “blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement.”

“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal,” she said. “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.” Charles, 75, disclosed his cancer in February and has recently eased back into public duties. He attended commemorations this week for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944. Charles is likely to travel to Saturday’s event by carriage with Queen Camilla and is expected to watch the ceremony seated on a dais, rather than on horseback as he did last year.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shake hands last Thursday at the G7 in Savelletri, Italy.

ALASTAIR GRANT / AP PHOTO

From left, Princess Anne, Prince George, Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III and Queen Camilla greet the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour parade on June 17, 2023.

STATE & NATION

Supreme Court ruling on mifepristone isn’t end of abortion pill debate

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion could be used as a road map to further challenges

By Geo Mulvihill

The Associated Press

THE SUPREME COURT’S ruling on technical grounds last Thursday keeps the abortion pill mifepristone available in the U.S. for now, but it won’t be the last word on the issue, and the unanimous opinion offers some clues for how abortion opponents can keep trying to block its use nationwide.

Some state attorneys general have indicated that they’ll press ahead, though they haven’t laid out exactly how.

And while the ruling said the anti-abortion doctors who brought the lawsuit failed to show they’ve been harmed when others use the drug, that might not stop some other plainti from a successful challenge.

“The decision is good that the doctors don’t have standing,” said Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, director of Aid Access, an abortion pill supplier working with

seek greater regulatory or legislative restrictions on certain activities,” he wrote. That route would be more likely to work for them if Republican Donald Trump is elected president in November than if Joe Biden remains in o ce.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine sued the Food and Drug Administration in 2022, a few months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the nationwide right to abortion. Most GOP-controlled states had implemented new bans or limits on abortion by then. The anti-abortion doctors sought a ruling that would apply nationwide, asking judges to nd that the FDA wrongly approved and eased access to mifepristone.

er, misoprostol. The latter drug can also be used alone — but women are more likely to experience side e ects that way. About half the abortions across the nation involved such pills before Roe was overturned. By last year, the medication was used in nearly two-thirds, one survey found. Providers in some states are using telehealth appointments to prescribe and mail them to women in states with bans or restrictions. Underground networks distribute them, too.

After the doctors group led suit, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian law rm, Republican attorneys general for Idaho, Kansas and Missouri tried to get involved. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk allowed them into the case and then denied an intervening role by the Supreme Court.

Infowars is expected to cease operating

By Dave Collins and Juan A. Lozano

The Associated Press

HOUSTON

— A federal judge on Friday ordered the liquidation of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ personal assets but dismissed his company’s separate bankruptcy case, leaving the immediate future of his Infowars media platform uncertain as he owes $1.5 billion for his false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.

Judge Christopher Lopez approved converting Jones’ proposed personal bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation. But Lopez threw out the case of his company, Austin, Texas-based Free Speech Systems, after failed attempts by Jones to reach an agreement with Sandy Hook families on his proposals to reorganize and keep operating the company while paying them millions of dollars.

It wasn’t immediately clear what will happen in the coming weeks to Free Speech Systems, Infowars’ parent company, which Jones built into a multimillion-dollar moneymaker over the past 25 years by selling dietary supplements and other products. But both Jones and lawyers for the Sandy Hook families said they expect Infowars to cease operating at some point because of the huge debt.

U.S. providers. “The problem is the decision should have said that nobody has standing in this case — that only the women have standing.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion even provides a road map for people with “sincere

concerns about and objections to others using mifepristone and obtaining abortions.”

“Citizens and doctors who object to what the law allows others to do may always take their concerns to the Executive and Legislative Branches and

A federal judge in Texas and the New Orleans-based U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals validated many of the group’s arguments, making some Democratic-controlled states nervous enough to stockpile abortion pills.

Most medication abortions use a combination of mifepristone, which is also used in miscarriage care, and anoth-

A trustee appointed Friday in Jones’ personal bankruptcy case to oversee the liquidation now has control over his assets, including Infowars, according to lawyers for Sandy Hook families.

Dismissal of Free Speech Systems’ case means the families can now move immediately to collect on the $1.5 billion in state courts in Texas and Connecticut where they won defamation lawsuits against Jones and the company. It’s possible Infowars will continue operating during the collection efforts, which could include sell-

ing o the company’s assets.

Jones, who smiled as the judge dismissed the company’s case, called in to Infowars after the court hearing and predicted more battles in the state courts. “The bizarre political attempts to hijack the operation have failed,” he said, and added that he would nd another way to broadcast his shows if he loses Infowars.

Outside the courthouse, he railed about the families not accepting his reorganization proposals and alleged that they were being used by political

groups in a conspiracy to silence him. He said he would try to maximize revenues at Infowars to make money for creditors and then wind down the business in a way that takes care of its 44 employees.

“This is about taking me o the air,” Jones said. “Understand that what you’ve seen in the corporate media about me, or what I said about Sandy Hook or any of this, has no bearing on reality.”

Chris Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families, called Infowars “soon-to-be defunct” as

David S. Cohen, a law professor at Drexel University who studies abortion-related law, said normally intervenors like the states would not be allowed to continue if the main parties have their claims dismissed because they lack standing, but that’s not yet clear in this case, and the attorneys general aren’t giving up.

“We are moving forward undeterred with our litigation to protect both women and their unborn children,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said on X.

his clients move to collect on the debt in state courts. He said the families will also pursue Jones’ future earnings.

“Today is a good day,” Mattei said in a text message after the hearing. “Alex Jones has lost ownership of Infowars, the corrupt business he has used for years to attack the Connecticut families and so many others. ... Alex Jones is neither a martyr nor a victim. He is the perpetrator of the worst defamation in American history.”

Lopez had been asked to either convert Free Speech Systems’ bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation or dismiss the case. He said his sole focus was what would be best for the company and its creditors. He also said Free Speech Systems’ case appeared to be one of the longest running of its kind in the country, and it was approaching a deadline to resolve it.

“I was never asked today to make a decision to shut down a show or not. That was never going to happen today one way or another,” Lopez said. “This case is one of the more di cult cases I’ve had. When you look at it, I think creditors are better served in pursuing their state court rights.”

Many of Jones’ personal assets will be sold o , but his primary home in the Austin area and some other belongings are exempt from bankruptcy liquidation. He already has moved to sell his Texas ranch worth about $2.8 million, a gun collection and other assets to pay debts.

DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP PHOTO

Alex Jones pauses before speaking to the media after arriving at the federal courthouse for a hearing in front of a bankruptcy judge last Friday.

ALLEN G. BREED / AP PHOTO

The Supreme Court unanimously preserved access to the medication mifepristone that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year.

the stream

E-Street/Soprano’s Van Zandt doc comes to MAX, ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ chops

Hulu is delving into the wild true story of Sherri Papini, the California woman who faked her kidnapping in 2016

The Associated Press

THIS WEEK PROMISES a variety of streaming entertainment including an album from R&B-pop artist Kehlani, a fourth season of Kevin Hart’s “Hart to Hart” on Peacock, and Jack Black lends his voice to “Kung Fu Panda 4.” PBS gets its groove on with a “Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution.” There’s also the debut of “Echoes,” a sequel series to “Orphan Black,” and Paul Mescal starring in “Aftersun” over at Net ix.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Jack Black returns to the world of Kung Fu Panda for the fourth installment in the series, coming to Peacock on Friday. In “Kung Fu Panda 4,” his character Po has been asked to depart the position of Dragon Warrior and pick a successor. Critic Mark Kennedy wrote in his review for The Associated Press, “The series’ rst new installment in eight years is a reliably funny, sweet and wonderfully realized passing of the torch, with a paw in the past and another into the future — an elegant goodbye and a hello.” The lm also features the voices of Awkwa na, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, Ke Huy Quan and James Hong.

If those “Gladiator II” set photos have you craving more Paul Mescal before that lm is out in November, you’re in luck: “Aftersun” is coming to Net ix on Friday. His poignant performance as a single father on vacation in Turkey with his 11-year-old daughter scored him an Oscar nomination in 2023 (the award that year went to Brendan Fraser for “The Whale”). The lm, from writer-director Charlotte Wells, topped the AP’s list of the best movies of 2023. Film writer Jake Coyle wrote that it is “such a keenly observed accumulation of detail and feeling that you hardly notice the undertow of heartache that will, in the end, absolutely oor you.” For something completely di erent, you can watch Jessica Alba as a Special Forces commando in “Trigger Warning,” which is also streaming on Friday.

The documentary “Bread & Roses” looks at how three Afghan women’s lives were impacted after Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021. Filmmaker and producer Sahra Mani explained that “Closing girls’ schools in Af-

ghanistan is not just a matter of feminist concern; rather, it is a matter of international security. … The Taliban recognizes that the children of educated mothers are di cult to indoctrinate and are less susceptible to becoming their future soldiers.”

Produced by Jennifer Lawrence and Justine Ciarrocchi and executive produced by Malala Yousafzai, “Bread & Roses” will be available on Apple TV+ on Friday.

MUSIC TO STREAM

The Grammy-award-winning R&B-pop artist Kehlani will soon return with her fourth stu-

dio album, “Crash,” a follow-up to 2022’s critically acclaimed “Blue Water Road.” (That one, AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy described as showcasing her “e ortless ability to move from pop, R&B, rap, trance and dance.”) Disco, for many, is the sound of resilience and joy — which makes it so odd to consider that its history is, many decades from its inception, still overlooked and under-celebrated. On Tuesday, PBS looked to challenge any leftover vintage biases with a three-part documentary series titled “Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution.” It features disco greats from the past and pres-

ent: Labelle’s Nona Hendryx, Sylvester’s Jeanie Tracy, Kim Petras and Jessie Ware. On Saturday, HBO and MAX will debut a new documentary chronicling the life of Stevie Van Zandt, beloved actor, musician and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, titled “Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple.” It promises to deliver a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage — from “The Sopranos” to early days in Jersey clubs, headlining stadiums and everything in between. And, yes, Springsteen is featured — with other talking heads, including Paul McCartney, Bono and Darlene Love.

SHOWS TO STREAM

Kevin Hart’s interview show

“Hart to Hart” returned for a fourth season on Peacock on Wednesday. This season, the actor and comedian will sit down for one-on-one chats with Ben A eck, George Lopez, Cynthia Erivo, Andy Samberg, Judd Apatow and Niecy Nash. Hulu is delving into the wild true story of Sherri Papini, the California woman who faked her kidnapping in 2016. Her claims were so bizarre that it took investigators six years to piece together what happened. All three episodes of “Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini” drop Thursday. Echoes,” a sequel series to “Orphan Black,” debuts Sunday on AMC and BBC America. The show, executive produced by and starring Krysten Ritter, takes place nearly in 2052, almost 40 years after the events of the original. Ritter plays Lucy, a woman we meet after she has had a medical procedure that she can’t remember. Her wife is Kira, the now adult daughter of Sarah Manning. “Orphan Black” fans may remember Manning (played by Tatiana Maslany) was the protagonist of the original show. At the recent premiere, Ritter told The Associated Press that “Echoes” is different than its predecessor, saying, “How we’re approaching the clones is di erent actresses play my character at di erent ages.” Episodes will also stream on AMC+.

Erin French, the TV personality, chef and owner of the famous Maine restaurant Lost Kitchen, has a new nonscripted series on Magnolia Network called “Getting Lost with Erin French.” In the series, she travels around the country in an Airstream with her husband, Michael, looking for recipe ideas. The series debuts on Magnolia Network on Sunday. It streams on Max and Discovery+ on the same day.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

It’s December 1975 and you’re stuck on an oil rig o the coast of Scotland. To make this Christmas even bluer, you’re all alone — except for some mysterious entity that seems to have wiped out the rest of the crew. That’s the setup for Still Wakes the Deep, the latest mystery from U.K. studio The Chinese Room. The developers are known for o -kilter interactive tales like Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. Take a deep breath and dive in on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5 or PC.

SOPHIE GIRAUD / AMC VIA AP

August Winter and Krysten Ritter star in “Orphan Black: Echoes.”

CHARLES SYKES / AP PHOTO

Stevie Van Zandt attends the “Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple” premiere during the Tribeca Festival.

“Aftersun,” “Kung Fu Panda 4 and “Perfect Wife” are all streaming this week.

Randolph

A good walk spoiled Pinehurst No. 2 was a formidable challenge for U.S. Open competitors last week, with everyone spending time in a bunker or the course’s countless native areas at some point. Above, 2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose considers his lie during the second round on Friday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Man ees cops, barricades self in Asheboro house

A local man ed from a tra c stop and barricaded himself in his house on West Presnell Street on June 11, Asheboro police said. Four elderly residents were also inside the home.

The incident ended with the arrest of Michael Wilcox, 53.

A police report says police attempted to conduct a tra c stop late in the morning when the driver refused to stop, drove a short distance away, exited his vehicle and entered a house. The residents were removed from the home and transported to a local senior facility, police said.

By midafternoon, the Asheboro PD SWAT team entered the residence and took the suspect into custody.

Wilcox faces charges of resisting a public o cer, driving without an operator’s license, failure to heed lights and siren, failure to stop at red light, expired registration plate and a probation violation. He was transported to Randolph County Jail.

Southwestern Randolph graduate receives Mountaire Farms award

Kaley Elliott, a graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School, is the recipient of a Mountaire Farms scholarship. Children and grandchildren of employees, growers and grain producers were eligible for the scholarship, which provides $2,500 to help with college. There were 32 winners — 16 in North Carolina and 16 in Delaware and Maryland. Elliott, from Denton, plans to attend High Point University to study tourism and event management. Her father, Jamie Elliott, is a grain producer for Mountaire Farms. Scholarship winners in North Carolina will be honored at Mountaire’s Faith and Family Night at the Fayetteville Woodpeckers game on Aug. 3

Uwharrie-Ridge Six-Twelve to expand career pathway opportunities

The school will o er courses in early childhood development, Adobe Academy and public safety starting next year

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Schools Board of Education received an update on Uwharrie-Ridge SixTwelve, which has been the focus of a new marketing e ort, during a board meeting earlier this month.

“Over the past three and a half years, I’ve gotten the chance to really be immersed in that culture,” said CTE director David Cross. “I’ve asked a lot of questions, I’ve talked

to a lot of sta members, talked to the guidance counselors to try and gure out. … Uwharrie-Ridge is a special place. They have a great culture and I want to make sure that as we take our next steps with CTE that we make sure we’re doing what we can to really provide solid building blocks on really what’s going to sell the seven years that kids get when they walk into Uwharrie-Ridge.”

Uwharrie-Ridge Six-Twelve is a combination middle and high school that focuses on community engagement opportunities and career integrated units with an aim to immerse students in learning experiences that develop 21st century skills.

“I really want to keep what’s in place,” Cross said. “They have the School of Leadership and

“My big mission is … to look at it like a seven-year career academy focus”

CTE director David Cross

Communication, the School of Design and Technology and the School of Public Service. …

My big mission is that I want to link these three schools to the middle and high school career pathways and look at it really like a seven-year career academy focus.”

According to Cross, the two main goals for Uwharrie-Ridge are retention and recruitment.

“A big overarching goal for our department, really, is just to really attack this incoming

Franklinville banks on new town hall

Operations have vaulted up the street to a former bank building

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

FRANKLINVILLE — The new location for the town hall in Franklinville is open in a renovated bank building.

A ribbon-cutting was held Friday with several dozen attendees on location at the building that opened in 1920 after a year of construction.

The town o ces have moved along West Main Street from the nearby building on the ground oor that houses the town library above. That’s next door to Franklinville Diner.

“It was the bank and the main o ce for the mill,” nance o cer Beverly O’Brien said. Mayor A.C. Hurley, a long-

“We

growth and just gure out how to be relevant and make sure we’re engaging kids,” Cross said.

As a way to further address that, Uwharrie-Ridge will also be adding three new CTE pathways starting next year: early childhood education, Adobe Academy and public safety.

In addition, Uwharrie-Ridge will be expanding the light-duty diesel program to 10th grade students, improve ag education enrollment through the exploration of new programs and pathways and phasing out the drone program.

“Getting kids into these feeder schools is great,” said board member Tracy Boyles. “I’ve been a part of it over the years at Uwharrie-Ridge. How-

the marble and a glass frame around the electrical box.

“It’s a beautiful old building,” O’Brien said. “We kept as much of the history as we could. We chose to save as much as we could.”

The Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce helped with the ribbon-cutting. Hurley, who’s in his second term, said he would have paused the relocation of the town hall in favor of other projects, but the board wanted to see the project through. Hurley said some groups, such as library patrons, were hoping to have the town address other topics.

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD

The new Franklinville Town Hall is just up the street from the old one.

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline. com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

THURSDAY JUNE 20

FRIDAY JUNE 21

SATURDAY JUNE 22

SUNDAY JUNE 23

Hunting, shing permit costs going up July 1

The in ation-indexed increase will see prices rise by almost 20%

Randolph Record sta

THE COST of North Carolina hunting and shing permits are going up this year, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced this week.

The license fees, which make up about a quarter of the agency’s revenue, are rising around 20%, with the costs indexed to the rise in in ation since the last fee increase in January 2020.

The revenue will go toward the NCWRC’s own rising costs, which have also been a ected by in ation.

The price adjustments are based on the Consumer Price

License Price Increases

Old — New

Resident Annual Combined Hunting and Inland Fishing License

$35 $42

Annual Sportsman License $53 $63

Index (CPI-U) changes, with all licenses, permits, stamps and certi cations rising by 18.75% rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.

Green Metals to join Liberty’s jobs scene

The company will be connected to operations at the Toyota plant

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

LIBERTY — Green Metals

Inc. is coming to Liberty, providing another jobs boost connected to the Toyota Battery Manufacturing plant at Greensboro-Randolph megasite.

The company is a partner in the Toyota Tsusho family associated with scrap/waste han-

TOWN HALL from page A1

dling and recycling solutions.

Based on information from the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, Green Metals will process dry battery material for o site recycling, as well as handle and store other waste streams. Materials will be packaged and sent o for recycling.

Green Metals could make an investment of nearly $19.8 million across ve years in the Liberty project, according to RCEDC. The site could be operational by early 2025 in a new facility as part of the Toyota

Adult Resident Lifetime Sportsman License

$530 $630

Resident State Hunting License $25 $30

Resident State Inland Fishing License $25 $30

The agency says its costs of employee salaries and bene ts alone have risen by around $5.6 million per year (or 6.28%) since 2020.

Battery Manufacturing complex.

Kevin Franklin, president of Randolph County EDC, said, “GMI will play a critical role in the EV battery ecosystem by ensuring safe and advanced waste processing, helping the company achieve its goal of ‘battery to battery recycling’ which bene ts all of us.”

Initial projections show 47 additional jobs related to Green Metals.

Part of the luring of Green Metals to the megasite comes from collaboration through Randolph Community College, which will provide training support.

Green Metals, which already has eight locations in the United States, has corporate headquarters in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Randolph Guide

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

June 19-23

The Wall That Heals Daily

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is coming to Asheboro.

The Wall contains the names of 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacri ce in Vietnam. The Wall stops at approximately 30 locations every year, and this will be the only stop in North Carolina. This is a free exhibit hosted by Randolph County Veteran Services. The Wall will arrive June 18 at South Asheboro Middle School, escorted in by the American Legion Riders, Combat Veteran Riders, AmVet Riders and a parade of antique cars.

June 21

Asheboro ZooKeepers 7:30 p.m.

The ZooKeepers host the Wilson Tobs at McCrary Park.

MONDAY JUNE 24

TUESDAY JUNE 25

WEDNESDAY JUNE 26

O’Brien said the roof and windows were updated prior to the pandemic before the project was delayed — in part because price estimates came in too high, O’Brien said. Since then, she said about $215,000 had been appropriated for the project, which was largely spearheaded by town commissioner Billy Farias. Hurley said designated funding through the state and Randolph County aided the project.

UWHARRIE from page A1

ever, they bring the fth graders over there and you only get ve minutes to tell them about your CTE programs. In ve minutes, you can’t get a kid to wrap their head around it. So taking Uwharrie-Ridge kids to these schools would be a great thing. That’ll get the kids thinking, ‘I want to stay at Uwharrie-Ridge.’”

Some feel there are a lot of kids in more traditional high schools that could bene t from a program like the one Uwhar-

• Woodrow Reed Hatfield, 52, was arrested for felony obtaining property by false pretense and

• Lucas Allyn Woody, 22, was arrested for felony second-

Farias obtained some of the furniture for the new location from surplus sales.

The town has slightly more space at the new location, plus it has bathroom facilities that weren’t available at the old location.

rie-Ridge o ers.

“I was at Wheatmore High School… we were there kind of late in the afternoon and I felt like the group of kids that I had, and I hate to say this, but I felt like 20% of them were pretty much tuned in and probably 80%. ... I went home that night feeling kind of sick to my stomach because I felt that they were missing something,” said board chair Gary Cook. “I just thought, ‘Gosh, are we losing these kids?’ There needs to be something and it’s got to come from this

degree kidnapping and misdemeanor assault on a female.

• Robert Warren Lynch, 50, was arrested for felony larceny of a motor vehicle and felony larceny from a person.

“This made it much more efcient,” O’Brien said. Not all has been smooth since the move and ribbon-cutting. This week, internet access was down much of Monday in that part of Franklinville that had, among other things, disabled the phone system at the new town hall.

because a lot of them are not ready to go to a four-year university or stu like that and so you have to get them with something like this.

“I just thought that a lot of kids would be a perfect t at Uwharrie-Ridge. I mean it’s so much easier shing in a smaller pond, sort of speak. It makes you feel like you’re not lost in deep water. That’s tough on a kid if you feel like you just don’t belong.”

The Randolph County Schools Board of Education will next meet June 27.

• Jeremy Wayne Allen, 42, was arrested for felony trafficking in methamphetamine and other drug charges.

• Sara Elizabeth Adams, 34, was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine and other drug charges.

• Joshua Martin Marsh, 38, was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine.

June 23

Asheboro ZooKeepers 6 p.m.

The ZooKeepers host the Macon Bacon at McCrary Park.

June 23

Brunch Block Party

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Leo’s Whiskey Bar will host an outdoor brunch event at 111 North St. in downtown Asheboro.

Nannie Mae’s Cafe & Bakery and The Black Lantern Tea Room & Bakery are collaborating with Leo’s to deliver bourbon mimosas, bloody mariannes, espresso martinis, co ee, juice, quiche, shrimp and grits, bread pudding, pastries, danishes, yogurt parfaits and other brunch items. Tickets are $40 and include six food items and two beverages. There will be two seatings: 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and noon to 1:50 p.m.

June

28

Friday Night Rock’n the Park 6:30 p.m.

Downtown Asheboro’s free summer concert series continues with Larger Than Life, a boyband-style group that has toured with *NSYNC, O-Town and 98 Degrees. Larger Than Life will feature opening acts Abigail Dowd & Jenny Kimmel and Acisse Jay.

Guide THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | SHAWN KREST

The most important election of our lifetime

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

THIS NOVEMBER , Americans will go to the polls in what everyone seems to agree is “The Most Important Election of Our Lifetime!” Democracy? Personal liberty? Capitalism? The future of Europe? It’s all on the ballot.

And you thought it was just going to be Trump or Biden.

Of course, this isn’t the rst time we’ve been told that about an election. In 1936, voters were told:

“America is in peril. The welfare of American men and women and the future of our youth are at stake. We dedicate ourselves to the preservation of their political liberty, their individual opportunity and their character as free citizens, which today for the rst time are threatened by Government itself.

“The powers of Congress have been usurped by the President.

“The integrity and authority of the Supreme Court have been outed.

“The rights and liberties of American citizens have been violated. … To a free people these actions are insu erable.”

There were certainly some important issues in 1936. FDR had served two terms and was ignoring 150 years of precedent to run for a third term. He was defending his New Deal, which either helped begin to lead us out of the Depression or had been an enormous government overreach that went against the fabric of our nation. War was brewing in Europe, and, though it wasn’t known at the time, ve seats on the Supreme Court were about to come open over the next four years.

That’s an important election. Maybe *The* Most Important one.

According to Slate, we’ve been holding “The Most Important Election” since at least the 1805 Pennsylvania governor’s race, when the phrase was rst used. In the 219 years since, we’ve had a constantly increasing level of urgency, with each subsequent election taking the title as TMIEOOL (The Most Important Election Of Our Lifetime).

There are a couple of simple reasons why we feel this way. One is that creating urgency, whether merited or manufactured, is a good way to get your supporters to turn out.

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

The other big reason each election seems TMIE is an obvious but important fact about human nature:

We don’t know what’s going to happen.

We do know what happened in all those other TMIEOOLs, though: All the disasters — natural and man-made — and how they were

handled. We know about the economy, the wars and the ga es.

So, let’s take a look back to gure out which election was really “The Most Important”?

The three clear-cut choices for Most Important Election are:

1. 1944: We were about to elect the person who would be presented with the atomic bomb and have to weigh the merits of using it.

2. 1940: War raged in Europe and the U.S. would be attacked 13 months after Election Day.

3. 1860: The election would determine if states seceded from the Union and, soon after, went to war with it. It doesn’t get much more Most Important than that.

There are other candidates in the honorable mention section. 1796 was the rst election not involving George Washington. 1800 was referred to as “the Revolution of 1800.” There were the post-Lincoln elections as the country tried to recover from the Civil War, with 1876 perhaps being the most consequential. It turns out presidential elections have always been fairly important in our country.

Who knew?

But what about the end of that phrase: Of Our Lifetime. Here are the rankings:

1. 1980: The outcome of the election would determine if the American hostages in Iran would be freed. Plus, growing tensions with the Soviet Union, an economic recession and the emerging HIV pandemic were all on the horizon. The contrast between the candidates — mild-mannered incumbent Jimmy Carter and smooth-talking cowboy Ronald Reagan — also underscored the di erent paths the election could take us.

2. 2016: Again, the contrast between the two candidates — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump — added to the importance of the choice. We didn’t know it, but the winner would be hit with a worldwide pandemic, and three Supreme Court seats, enough to sway the court far in one direction, were about to come open.

3. 2000: Vice President and climate activist Al Gore vs. another cowboy in George W. Bush. Clearly, the candidates had vastly di erent priorities, presenting us with two divergent paths, intersected by an unprecedented attack on American soil eight months into their term.

In hindsight, those elections were more important than all the others. Unless you count this November, which, of course, will be TMIEOOL.

European ‘far right’ issues a stinging rebuke to elites

Nineteen percent of Germany’s population is foreign-born, as is 15% of Spain’s and 13% of France’s, with many o spring of previous immigrants living in suburban highrise ghettoes.

“THE FAR RIGHT MADE BIG GAINS IN European elections,” reads The Associated Press headline on last week’s European Parliament elections. Lest you wonder why you should dread gains by the “far right,” the lead sentence of the article notes that the EU has “roots in the defeat of Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.”

For many readers, that juxtaposition is a reminder of the sharp rise in Nazi party percentages in Weimar Republic elections from 3% in 1928 to 18% in 1930, 33% and 37% in 1932, and 43% in 1933. So is fascist dictatorship on the rise in Europe once again? No, and for multiple reasons.

First, European voters usually don’t take European Parliament elections seriously. The parliament can only amend or veto legislation passed by the nonelected European Commission and thus is mostly a talking shop. Turnout in EU elections has usually been well below that in national elections, and in many countries, voters typically cast protest votes in the knowledge that the winners will have only limited ability to set policy.

Second, the gains for the supposed “far-right” parties can easily be overstated. The Identity and Democracy Party increased from 49 seats to 62, and the nonaligned, not all of which is classed as “far right,” increased from 62 to 102. That sounds like a big shift, but “far-right” parties still hold only a small minority of the parliament’s 720 seats.

Third, and most importantly, the “far-right” parties don’t stand for anything like Hitler’s Nazis or Mussolini’s fascists. Even the Brothers of Italy party, members of which have praised Mussolini, is now solidly committed to constitutional democracy. Its leader, Giorgia Meloni, has been Italy’s prime minister since October 2022, and it’s no more totalitarian than Italy’s center-left Democrats, which has historical roots in the Communist Party.

The losers in the EU elections are the Green, pro-EU, Left and Socialist parties. European and American journalists, imbibing the assumptions of vulgar Marxism or American New Dealers, have long assumed voters use their votes to grab others’ money and that their natural response to discontent is to seek economic redistribution.

But in post-welfare-state Europe, redistribution has gone about as far as it can go — or at least not many voters seem to want it to go further.

Protest voters are unhappy about other aspects of the status quo. One reason, writes The New York Times’ David Leonhardt, is “because mainstream parties have dismissed public opinion on a major problem: the enormous rise of immigration.” Or, as maverick conservative Andrew Sullivan put it, over the last

decade, “in response to a volatile public mood, Western elites actually intensi ed their policy of importing millions of people from the developing world to replace their insu ciently diverse and declining domestic populations.”

As a result, 19% of Germany’s population is foreign-born, as is 15% of Spain’s and 13% of France’s, with many o spring of previous immigrants living in suburban high-rise ghettoes.

Academics and journalists, puzzled that modest-income voters don’t demand economic redistribution, tend to ascribe unease about immigration to racism or “status anxiety.” Allegedly bigoted voters just don’t like dark-skinned people or fear losing their “white privilege.”

But there’s a better explanation: Too many of the immigrants there are committing violent crimes or are violently trying to impose what Europeans regard as their oppressive religious restrictions on native European young women and gay men. Or massacre journalists who run cartoons of the prophet.

Similar increases in immigration from culturally hostile backgrounds help explain why Britain’s Conservatives are about to be swept from power after 14 years and why, despite low unemployment, President Joe Biden is trailing in the polls.

You don’t have to be racist or anxious about your status to be upset if you face an increased risk of being violently attacked or killed. You don’t have to be unaware that a country with a declining population needs more young workers to oppose governments that welcome hundreds of thousands of immigrants hostile to your culture and uninterested in actually working.

The gains for “far-right” parties may not change EU policies much, but they’re likely to a ect politically responsible national leaders. France’s President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap two-round election.

French conservative party leader Eric Ciotti has announced an alliance with the hitherto boycotted “far-right” National Rally of Marine Le Pen and 28-year-old Jordan Bardella. With all three parties in Germany’s governing coalition running behind the verboten Alternative for Germany party, a snap election may be in order there as well.

European elites who opened borders and dismissed those worried about the consequences as racist have su ered a stinging rebuke. Maybe American elites who have done the same will also su er electorally.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.”

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

RandolpH SPORTS

Trinity state champ discovers right wrestling combinations

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

TRINITY — Gavin Hardister had a solid wrestling background as he came up through high school.

Then the Trinity wrestler made his nal season his best when he became a Class 2A state champion last winter.

“I feel like I was always good enough,” he said. “There was always a moment that got in my head. (As a senior), I didn’t let the moment be too big.”

He’ll take the next step soon as he heads to Iowa Western Community College, which is a National Junior College Athletic Association power.

A lot went into this growing journey for Hardister, everything from gaining faith to adding strength.

The spiritual aspect developed during the past year. He said that became critical for him on and o the mats.

“I got very close to God,” he said. “Before every match, I just prayed, and that got into my mentality.”

Hardister competed for Providence Grove as a freshman before his nal three seasons for Trinity.

“We thought he would do better than he did the two prior years,” Trinity coach Brandon Coggins said of the postseason.

Hardister refused to relinquish his bid to be a champion even after disappointments as a sophomore and junior.

“Just showing if you don’t do well in states or a tournament, you always have that chance as a senior,” he said.

Hardister, who won the states as a 215-pounder, pinned more than 60% of his opponents last season. It became a habit.

“He’s a state champ, and he’s good in all positions,” Coggins said.

That became evident in numerous situations, though often matches ended quickly. Coggins said Hardister’s go-to moves often resulted in him catching opponents in moves that would be too di cult to escape once they fell to the mat.

Hardister regularly showed

the ability to work for pins from the top position, gaining head control and turning opponents. It hadn’t always been that way.

“The No. 1 aw about my wrestling is my top,” he said. “I just basically wrestled until the whistle. A lot of people thought I wasn’t that strong, but I just manhandled them.”

Hardister, at 6-foot-1, made a commitment to becoming stronger through weightlifting prior to his nal season. He also packed on weight up to about 240 pounds before shedding the bulk prior to the season. He said he increased his bench press from 180 pounds to 270.

Then he gained con dence by winning three matches in the Super 32 tournament, a national-level competition last fall in Greensboro.

Hardister su ered his only loss during the past high school season to Class 3A state champion Xavier Wilson of Eastern Guilford in overtime.

The recruiting process was slow to develop for Hardister, 18. He said he’s thankful to be joining the Iowa Western team, and he’ll be leaving his parttime job as a breakfast cook for The Biscuit Co. in Randleman.

“I never placed before in states,” he said. “I had to win in states to get o ers. I was very late to the scouting process. They gave me a full ride. My (training) partner will be the national champion.”

That will be CJ Carter, the reigning NJCAA heavyweight national champion for Iowa Western.

Tyson sees Randleman girls’ hoops job as ideal

The coach has spent time at several schools in the region

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

RANDLEMAN — When the Randleman girls’ basketball coaching position became open, Scott Tyson saw that as an ideal situation.

So he’s back in a coaching capacity after he was hired as the third coach in three years for the Tigers.

“It’s really the tradition that Coach (Brandon) Varner started, and Coach (Steve) Rightmyer continued last year,” Tyson said. Tyson coached the girls’ team at Southern Guilford in 2022-23 before taking the past school year o from a coaching role.

He said he’s happy to be back.

While in high school, Tyson spent three years at Western Guilford before his senior year at Wheatmore, where he graduat-

ed in 2012. He went on to spend three seasons as a long snapper in the football program at UNC Pembroke.

Tyson was a Southern Guilford assistant coach for three seasons under current Asheboro volleyball coach Kelly Smith before, while in charge, his team went 8-16. That record marked the most victories in four seasons for the Storm.

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Hayleigh Thompson

Southwestern Randolph, softball

Thompson played a key role as the Cougars captured the Class 2A state championship this spring.

The senior had several crucial plate appearances during Southwestern Randolph’s postseason run. She also was the team’s rst baseman, helping the in eld for a team that rode its pitching and defense for much of the regular season and the state playo s.

Thompson’s single in the nal inning of Game 2 of the state championship series against Midway sparked the title-clinching rally. She also had a single and drove in a run during the rst game of the title series.

Southwestern Randolph won its rst state championship in softball in 14 years.

Tyson, 30, has connections throughout the Piedmont Athletic Conference. Randleman athletics director Jake Smith was a Wheatmore assistant football coach when Tyson played for the Warriors.

Before going to Southern Guilford, where he also was on the football sta under current Trinity coach Bear Bradley, he spent time on boys’ basketball sta s at Trinity and Piedmont Classical.

Tyson, who lives in Trinity, said he views Randleman as special for athletics.

“Randleman is always a place that’s a little di erent over there,” he said. “It’s a really, really strong community and you see the support there.”

Randleman has been conference girls’ basketball champions for six consecutive seasons. The Tigers were 20-7 overall during the past season.

During the past week, Tyson has gained more knowledge about his new team through summer workouts and participation in a summer game in Bermuda Run.

“It’s kind of cool that now I’ve seen them,” he said. “You can learn about them. You make mistakes and not worry about it. … I think we’ll be really good this year.”

Rose claims trio of races at Caraway

The driver won the Bootleggers, Modi ed 4s and Enduro events

Randolph Record sta

SOPHIA — Corey Rose won three races in three different divisions Saturday night at Caraway Speedway. Rose edged teammate Bentley Black to prevail in the 12lap Bootleggers feature. Rose then topped the competition in the 20-lap Modied 4s event, with Je Linkous in second place. To cap his busy night, Rose was the winner in the Enduro/Any Car feature covering 50 laps.

• Gary Ledbetter won the Challengers race in a 12-driver eld.

Ledbetter edged points leader Brody Duggins and third place went to Justin Hathcock.

Thad Mo tt, grandson of Richard Petty and a regular

on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this year, placed 11th in a special appearance.

• In a 20-lap UCARs race, Jason Richmond claimed the victory ahead of Ron Mock, followed by Josh Phillips, Steven Collins and Justin Smith.

• In 602 Modi eds, Josh Lowder picked up his third victory of the season, with Mitchell Wright’s runner-up spot representing his best nish of the year while Ryan Kuhithau was third. Fast quali er Dean Lowder ended up sixth.

• There were 14 entrants in the Southern Ground Pounders Vintage Racing Club race in the division’s annual visit to the track.

Dennis Werner emerged as the winner with Mack Tatum the runner-up, though Jimmy Gri n captured the Sportsman portion of the competition. The next racing night at the speedway comes June 29.

Gavin Hardister pinned foes at a high rate during his senior season on the mats

COURTESY OF JAMIE KENT / SPECIAL TO RANDOLPH RECORD Hayleigh Thompson was the rst baseman for Southwestern Randolph’s state championship softball team.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARDISTER FAMILY Gavin Hardister reacts at the end of the state nal.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARDISTER FAMILY

COURTESY PHOTO Scott Tyson

Trinity’s Gavin Hardister, top, controls Matthew Cran ll of Bandys in the Class 2A state nal at 215 pounds.

softball Cougars championship Randolph’s team’s rst that of the series title-clinching run state

Post 45 edges Post 81 again in intra-county clash

Randolph County’s two American Legion teams played another tight game

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Parker Kines

wasn’t certain he would play American Legion baseball, but it has turned out to be a good thing for him and Randolph County Post 45 so far this season.

Kines was on the mound for a strong start as Post 45 topped Liberty Post 81 for the second time in ve nights, a 6-4 decision Monday night at McCrary Park.

“I wasn’t planning on this,” he said of the summer activity. “But my coach (at Wheatmore) said it would be a good idea.”

Kines, a rising senior, worked 62⁄3 innings and then shortstop Jake Riddle relieved him, needing two pitches to record the last out.

It has been a challenging rst month of the season for Randolph County (6-6 overall, 2-1 Area 3 North) with plenty of roster uctuation.

The presence of Kines, a lefthander, has been a plus.

“That was pretty good what he did there for us,” Post 45 manager Ronnie Pugh said. “I’d like to see him nish it.”

Another tight game with Post 81 didn’t allow for a comfortable conclusion.

Randolph County went ahead with a four-run sixth inning. But Post 81 (9-6, 1-3) generated two

seventh-inning runs before Logan Fox grounded out to end the game.

“Can’t nd a way to win some of these,” Liberty manager Nate Cockman said. “Putting ourselves in position, just not getting it done.”

Part of that was because of Kines, a lanky lefty who was steady.

“We’re getting some good pitching,” Post 45 catcher Caleb Dunn said.

Dunn led o the sixth with a single and Braxton Walker followed with an in eld single. Tate Andrews drew a one-out walk to load the bases.

Caden Lasley was hit by a Bryson Marley pitch to force in the go-ahead run, and Riddle followed with a sacri ce y. Pierce Leonard’s single supplied the next run, and the fourth run of the inning crossed the plate before Liberty caught Leonard in a rundown.

Jackson Berger and Andrew Thomas, who drove in the game’s last run, both singled in the seventh for Post 81.

“It’s good for our young guys to see we can hang with guys like this,” Cockman said.

Marley, a left-hander, kept Post 45 o balance for much of the game.

“We have to nd some offense,” Pugh said.

The scoring began with Trey Kennedy’s one-out, run-scoring single in the second inning for Post 45. Third baseman Noah Lester mishandled Riddle’s two-out grounder and Randolph County tacked on a second run.

Post 81 second baseman

Chase Collins turned Post 45 line drives into double plays by making the snag and then throwing out retreating runners at rst base in both the third and fourth innings. Collins, a rising freshman at Providence Grove, was summoned from the Junior Legion team to ll a vacancy.

Marley’s second single of the game combined with an outeld error set up Post 81 for Grant Underwood’s RBI single in the fth inning. Underwood stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Collins’ one-out single through a drawn-in in eld.

The rally ended when left elder Pierce Leonard tracked down Fox’s hit that was headed toward the corner and threw out Collins at third base.

Post 45 put the rst two batters on base in the bottom of the fth and didn’t convert.

Low-scoring games have been the norm for Randolph County.

“We’re piecing it together,” Dunn said. The teams met last Thursday night with Randolph County pulling out a 6-4 victory in eight innings at Eastern Randolph High School in Ramseur, with Riddle and Dunn doubling in the extra frame. In the bottom of the inning, Brett Smith, who worked four innings in relief, struck out the last two batters with a runner on base after Chance Holdaway’s run-scoring single.

It was the rst game for each team after a six-day layo . Dunn doubled and Clay Hill singled when Post 45 pulled even in the fth. Leonard reached base ve times for Randolph County. Logan Fox had a two-run single for Liberty, which received two hits from Cade McCallum.

• Post 45 won 5-3 at Chatham County Post 292 last Friday, with Drew Harmon pitching ve innings with 11 strikeouts and Andrews nishing on the mound.

• The two-game winning streak ended for Randolph County on Saturday night when visiting Davidson County Post 8 secured a 7-4 victory despite Leonard’s three hits. Drake Purvis took the loss.

• Also Saturday night, Post 81 fell 4-3 to host Chatham County. Isaac Yates, who had three hits, drove in two runs for Liberty. Berger took the loss despite working 51⁄3 innings.

The in elder was a two-time Player of the Year in the high school conference

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Former Randleman baseball standout Hunter Atkins said playing for the Asheboro ZooKeepers this summer is a treat.

It’s also serving as an audition.

After one season in UNC Greensboro’s program, Atkins has entered the NCAA transfer portal. That puts more emphasis on the third baseman’s production for the ZooKeepers in the Coastal Plain League.

“Trying to get some stats up and see if I can get to a good home,” Atkins said.

Atkins had a redshirt season in 2024, so he never took the eld for UNCG. The Spartans had a coaching change in December, with Billy Godwin de-

parting and Cody Ellis taking over as interim coach. In May, the “interim” tag was removed from Ellis’ title as he was named Coach of the Year in the Southern Conference. Atkins said a fresh start should be bene cial. Atkins played for Randleman’s state title teams in 2021 and 2022. He was the Player of the Year in the Piedmont Athletic Conference in 2021 and 2023. Last summer, he played American Legion baseball for Randolph County Post 45. ZooKeepers head coach Ko-

rey Dunbar said Atkins is the type of player who can play a key role in the middle of the ZooKeepers’ lineup. Playing for the ZooKeepers and living at home is a bonus for Atkins this summer.

“I’m a homebody, so I like being able to play here,” he said.

On the diamond …

The ZooKeepers put together a three-game winning streak through the weekend.

The last of those came with Noah Samol throwing four shutout innings from the bullpen in Sunday’s 5-2 home victory against the High Point-Thomasville HiToms at McCrary Park. Chase Heath homered and doubled while driving in four runs in Asheboro’s 8-4 victory against the Florence Flamingos. Mason Manriquez threw four shutout innings in relief in a 4-2 road victory against the Boone Bigfoots. Zach Evans scored two runs.

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD Randolph County Post 45 team members gather after Monday night’s victory against Liberty Post 81 at McCrary Park in Asheboro.

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD Post 45 pitcher Parker Kines

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD Hunter Atkins

G7 leaders agree to lend Ukraine billions

The $50 billion loan is backed by interest earned on pro ts from Russia’s frozen central bank assets

By Fatima Hussein The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies have agreed to engineer a $50 billion loan to help Ukraine in its ght for survival. Interest earned on pro ts from Russia’s frozen central bank assets would be used as collateral.

Details of the deal were being hashed out by G7 leaders at their summit in Italy. The money could reach Kyiv before the end of the year, according to U.S. and French o cials.

President Joe Biden told reporters at a news conference Thursday that the move was part of a “historic agreement.” Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said providing a loan through Russia’s assets “is a vital step forward in providing sustainable support for Ukraine in winning this war.”

Most of the money would be in the form of a loan mostly guaranteed by the U.S. government and backed by pro ts being earned on roughly $260 billion in immobilized Russian assets. The vast majority of that money is held in European Union nations.

A French o cial said the loan could be “topped up” with

European money or contributions from other countries.

The White House said Canada will loan Ukraine up to $5 billion, while European countries have expressed interest in sending as much as half of the total package. Japan has also said it intends to help fund Ukraine — though its laws require the money to go to Ukraine’s budget, not its war e ort.

The G7 leaders’ o cial state-

ment also left the door open to trying to con scate the Russian assets entirely.

For more than a year, o cials from multiple countries have debated the legality of con scating Russia’s frozen assets and sending the money to Ukraine.

The U.S. and its allies immediately froze whatever Russian central bank assets they had access to when Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022. That basically

Princess of Wales says she’s making ‘good progress’ in cancer treatment

The mother of three will attend the king’s birthday parade Saturday

By Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka The Associated Press

LONDON — The Princess of Wales said Friday she is “making good progress” in her cancer treatment and will attend King Charles III’s ceremonial birthday parade on Saturday, Kate’s rst public appearance since her diagnosis.

The 42-year-old wife of Prince William has not made any public appearances this year. She announced in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspeci ed form of cancer.

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” Kate said in a statement released Friday, adding that she faces “a few more months” of treatment.

“I’m looking forward to at-

tending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Kate said.

The announcement is a signicant milestone but does not mark a return to full-time public duties

for Kate. The palace issued a new photo of Kate, taken in Windsor earlier this week, showing her next to a tree, dressed casually in jeans and a blazer.

The palace said the king was “delighted” that Kate will attend Trooping the Color, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade.

was money being held in banks outside Russia.

The assets are immobilized and cannot be accessed by Moscow, but they still belong to Russia.

While governments can generally freeze property or funds without di culty, turning them into forfeited assets that can be used for the bene t of Ukraine requires an extra layer of judicial procedure, including a le -

It is an annual military parade that marks the monarch’s o cial birthday in June. Charles, who also is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, is due to oversee the ceremony, in which troops in full dress uniform parade past the king with their ceremonial ag, or “color.”

Kate is expected to travel in a horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace with the couple’s children — Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 9; and Prince Louis, who is 6 — before watching the ceremony from a building beside the parade ground. She may also join other royals for a traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the princess’ statement was “wonderful news.”

“I thought it was brave, I thought it was honest and I’m sure it will bring an enormous amount of comfort to so many other people who are grappling with similar health challenges,” Sunak said at a Group of Seven summit in Italy.

Kate’s announcement in March came after speculation proliferated on social media about her well-being and absence from public view. She has revealed few details about her ill-

gal basis and adjudication in a court.

The EU instead has set aside the pro ts being generated by the frozen assets. That pot of money is easier to access.

Separately, the U.S. this year passed a law called the REPO Act — short for the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act — that allows the Biden administration to seize $5 billion in Russian state assets in the U.S. and use them for the bene t of Kyiv. That arrangement is being worked out.

Ukraine will be able to spend the money in several areas, including for military, economic and humanitarian needs and reconstruction, the U.S. o cial said.

Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the goal is “to provide the necessary resources to Ukraine now for its economic energy and other needs so that it’s capable of having the resilience necessary to withstand Russia’s continuing aggression.”

Another goal is to get the money to Ukraine quickly.

The French o cial, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to French presidential policy, said the details could be worked out “very quickly and, in any case, the $50 billion will be disbursed before the end of 2024.”

Beyond the costs of the war, the needs are great.

The World Bank’s latest damage assessment of Ukraine, released in February, estimates that costs for reconstruction and recovery of the nation stand at $486 billion over the next 10 years.

ness, which was discovered after what she described as major abdominal surgery in January.

In a March video message, Kate said the diagnosis had come as “a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

On Friday, Kate thanked members of the public, saying she had been “blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement.”

“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal,” she said. “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”

Charles, 75, disclosed his cancer in February and has recently eased back into public duties. He attended commemorations this week for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944. Charles is likely to travel to Saturday’s event by carriage with Queen Camilla and is expected to watch the ceremony seated on a dais, rather than on horseback as he did last year.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shake hands last Thursday at the G7 in Savelletri, Italy.

ALASTAIR GRANT / AP PHOTO

From left, Princess Anne, Prince George, Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III and Queen Camilla greet the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour parade on June 17, 2023.

Hubert Willis Allred

January 16, 1929 –June 11, 2024

Hubert Willis Allred died on Tuesday June 11, 2024 at age 95. He was born in 1929 on the family farm in Red Cross Community in Climax to the late Charlie Allred & Amanda Ellen Hinshaw Allred. Hubert was a graduate of Randleman High School. He and his wife, the late Bettye Jo Pugh Allred, were married 71 years. He was a Veteran of the U.S Army. After returning from overseas he and Bettye lived in Randleman and were members of New Salem United Methodist Church. Hubert worked and later became one of the owners of Fields Tile Company in Greensboro, NC. Upon retirement, he returned to the Allred home place. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Allred Christenberry (Harry) and Terry Allred Frye (Stan) and granddaughters, Jerri Frye Coleman (Michael) and Erin Frye Bartley (Adam) and six great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Hubert is preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Allen. A celebration of life service will be held at Pugh Funeral Home, 600 S. Main St, Randleman, NC at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Visitation will follow directly after service. Private burial to be held at Randolph Memorial Park.

In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203 or the charity of your choice.

Pugh Funeral Home is serving the Allred family.

IN MEMORY

• Wayne Lindsey Hammer

August 25, 1942 –June 10, 2024

Wayne Lindsey Hammer, age 81, of Asheboro passed away on June 10, 2024 at the Randolph Hospice House.

• Ashlee Denette Martin

October 8, 1992 –June 8, 2024

Ashlee Denette Martin, 31, of Lexington, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024, at her home.

• Peter James Albani

March 11, 1940 –June 11, 2024

Peter James Albani, age 84, of Asheboro passed away on June 11, 2024 at Randolph Hospital.

Lonnie Woods Jr.

July 1, 1972 – June 15, 2024

Lonnie Dale Woods, Jr., of Franklinville, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 at his home.

Memorial services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro.

Mr. Woods was born in Guilford Co., NC, on July 1, 1972. He was a truck driver for D.H. Gri n Companies. He had a great sense of humor and could always make you laugh. He loved watching action movies and listening to music. Mr. Woods loved his children deeply and had been saved by his Lord.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Woods, Sr., and his infant son, Walter Ernest Woods.

Survivors include his children, Jacob Woods of Trinity, Michael Wayne Stevens of Asheboro, Veronica Woods of Randleman, Emily Woods of Randleman; mother, Emma D. Woods of Franklinville; sister, Pamela Woods of Liberty; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Ridge Funeral Home immediately following the service

Lynn Allen McGinnis

September 18, 1934 –June 15, 2024

Lynn Allen McGinnis, 89, of Randleman, died June 15, 2024 after several years of declining health. Lynn was born on September 18, 1934 in Morristown, Tennessee. He graduated from Morristown High School and attended the University of Tennessee. His rst career was as a traveling salesman with Taylor Jobbing Company. He later went to work for Barrett Roo ng Company, which became Celotex and then the Jim Walter Corporation. As his career advanced he moved with his family to West Columbia, SC, Hueytown, AL, Goldsboro, NC and Tampa, FL. He retired in 1990 and moved to Randleman NC.

Lynn met his “partner” and wife, Jackie Sue Cannon, in high school. They were married for 68 years and were the parents of three daughters. Lynn and Jackie were active in the United Methodist Church for many years and later in the Church of God. He loved to sing and was a bass soloist in many church choirs. Lynn and Jackie served on Lay Witness teams across North Carolina, and made many mission trips to the House of Hope in Florida. Lynn had a love for cars, woodworking and sweets (especially ice cream). He could x almost anything. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, daughters Katherine Kubel (Doug), Cammie Berrier (David) and Maryanne Canaveral (Luis), grandchildren Lucy Berrier Matheson (Ryan), Jacob Berrier, Nicholas Canaveral (Brianna), Carlos Canaveral (Katia), and great granddaughter Audrey Canaveral. In lieu of a service, visitation will be held Monday, June 17 5-7pm at Sunset Avenue Church of God in Asheboro.

Timothy Mahoney

November 22, 1931 –June 15, 2024

Timothy Francis Mahoney, 92, of Asheboro, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Born in the Bronx, NY, on November 22, 1931, Mr. Mahoney was the son of the late Timothy Francis and Catherine Danaher Mahoney. He had retired from the New York Police Department and was an active member of NY 10-13 Association, which assists retired members of the NYPD. He was also a member of the Patrolmen’s Benevolence Association and the NC Sheri s Association. He dedicated his life serving others both in the NY Police Department and in the US Army as a Sherman Tank driver during the Korean War.

Mr. Mahoney was a simple man who had simple tastes. He enjoyed listening to music and playing the bagpipes. He was a sel ess, giving person who loved his daughters and grandchildren. Survivors include his daughters, Kim Richau (Steve), Lorraine Mahoney, all of Asheboro; grandchildren, Douglas Barricklow (Kahley) of Colorado Springs, Sadie Richau of Hickory, Liam Richau of Asheboro; and several nieces and nephews.

Sandra Marlene Barnes

November 30, 1949 –June 9, 2024

Marlene Prevo Barnes, 74, of Randleman passed away at home on Sunday, June 9, 2024. She was born November 30, 1949, in Greensboro, NC to David Bruce Prevo and Nina Frances Winkle Prevo.

Marlene was survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert Glenn Barnes of the home; daughter, Kelly Barnes of Randleman; brothers David & Anne Prevo and Donnie & Pam Prevo both of Greensboro; brothers and sisters-in-law, Terry & Sandra McGowan of Greensboro, Steve & Pam Hodgin of Trinity, Kathy Barnwell of Greensboro; several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, David and Nina Prevo. In lieu of owers, the family requests memorials be made in Marlene’s honor to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605.

Pugh Funeral Home is serving the Barnes family.

Ruth Cox Hollingsworth

May 15, 1930 – June 12, 2024

Janie Ruth Cox

Hollingsworth, 94, of Asheboro, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation in Asheboro. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at Rushwood Church with Dr. Brent Tysinger o ciating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Ruth was born on May 15, 1930, in Randolph County, the daughter of the late Pearlie “P.H.” Cox and Sarah Hicks Cox. She was a great homemaker and enjoyed taking care of her family. Ruth was very devoted to Rushwood Church, where she was the oldest member. She was loved by everyone who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Je Hollingsworth; sisters, Kathleen Swaney, Ruby McDowell, Beulah Mae Moran; brothers, Leon Cox and Wade Cox.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Vickie Gallimore (H.R.) of Asheboro; son, Larry Hollingsworth (Sharon) of Asheboro; sisters, Betty Gunter (David) of Asheboro, Hilda Swaney of Asheboro; grandchildren, Jeremy Hollingsworth of Seagrove, Crystal Covington (Brad) of Randleman, Sarabeth DeLaCalle Gallimore (Alvaro) of Asheboro, Brian Gallimore (Sarah) of Asheboro; great grandchildren, Olivia and Lilah, Henry and Will, Oliver and Leo.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., Monday at Rushwood Church, prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Rushwood Church, 1810 Old Farmer Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205.

Troy Clinton Trogdon Sr.

December 7, 1953 –June 11, 2024

Troy Clinton Trogdon, Sr., 70, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Hospice of Randolph in Asheboro, NC. He was born December 7, 1953 in Randolph County, NC to John C. Trogdon, Jr and Nancy Mae Wall Trogdon.

Troy retired from B & H Panel of Asheboro, NC. He loved his family and was a big people person. He loved wrestling, car racing, shing and camping, going to the beach, and riding his motorcycle. Troy held a special place in his heart for his puppy, he loves his Tinkie.

Troy is survived by his four children; sons, Troy Clinton Trogdon, Jr. of Ohio, Scott Trogdon (Barbara) of Randleman; daughters, Amber Setzer (Daniel) of Trinity, Melissa Trogdon Denny (Mike) of Randleman; many grandbabies and greatgrandbabies.

The family will receive friends Monday, June 17, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Pugh Funeral Home Chapel, 600 S. Main St. Randleman, NC.

Pugh Funeral Home is serving the Trogdon family.

Roger Gatlin

September 26, 1946 –June 9, 2024

Junie Roger Gatlin, Sr., 77, of Asheboro, died Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Randolph Health in Asheboro.

He is survived by his son, J.R. Gatlin, Jr. of Asheboro; grandson, Kenneth Gatlin of Sophia; former wife, Debbie Gatlin of Asheboro; sister, Ann Cranford and husband Tommy of Asheboro; brothers, Joe Gatlin of Asheboro, Donald Gatlin and wife Patty of Asheboro, Mark Gatlin and wife Wendi of Asheboro. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 at Riverside Baptist Church, 8127 Riverside Rd., Seagrove, NC. Rev. Kenneth Bouldin and Rev. Gerald Hussey will be o ciating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ridge Funeral Home and other times at the home of his brother, Donald Gatlin, 743 Burney Road, Asheboro, NC 27205. Roger was born September 26, 1946, in Randolph County. He was the son of the late Dempsey Edward Gatlin and Esther Elizabeth Luther. He was the owner and operator of Southend Service Center for 44 years. He was well known for his kindness in helping the less fortunate regardless of their ability to pay. He was a member of Riverside Baptist Church that he had attended since infancy. Roger graduated from Seagrove High School, Class of 1964 and was captain of his High School basketball team. He maintained a close relationship with many of his classmates and was always in attendance at class reunions. Roger was the assistant scout master of Boy Scout Troop 527 and is fondly remembered for transporting scouts to many camps in his big brown van. His favorite camp re saying was “Boys, keep the re in the re”. With his troop 527, he attended Boy Scout Ranch at Philmont, New Mexico in 1993 and 1996. Roger was an avid bowler and a Little League Coach. He loved auto racing. Being an experienced mechanic, he maintained his brother Joe’s race car. In 1971, they won 12 rst place races and 9 second places in the Hobby Division at Caraway Speedway.

Two of Roger’s most enjoyable hobbies were going to auctions and traveling. Over the years, he traveled through 48 states and many of his travels were on the back of his motorcycle.

Roger was proud that he had 31 rst cousins and he maintained a great relationship with them. Growing up, his nieces and nephew could always look forward to a shiny new silver dollar at Christmas from Uncle Roger.

Memorials may be made to Concerned Bikers Association of Randolph County Toy Run, P.O. Box 87, Asheboro, NC 27204 or to Riverside Baptist Church, 8127 Riverside Road, Seagrove, NC 27341.

pen STATE & NATION

Supreme Court ruling on mifepristone isn’t end of abortion pill debate

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion could be used as a road map to further challenges

By Geo Mulvihill

The Associated Press

THE SUPREME COURT’S ruling on technical grounds last Thursday keeps the abortion pill mifepristone available in the U.S. for now, but it won’t be the last word on the issue, and the unanimous opinion offers some clues for how abortion opponents can keep trying to block its use nationwide.

Some state attorneys general have indicated that they’ll press ahead, though they haven’t laid out exactly how.

And while the ruling said the anti-abortion doctors who brought the lawsuit failed to show they’ve been harmed when others use the drug, that might not stop some other plainti from a successful challenge.

“The decision is good that the doctors don’t have standing,” said Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, director of Aid Access, an abortion pill supplier working with

seek greater regulatory or legislative restrictions on certain activities,” he wrote. That route would be more likely to work for them if Republican Donald Trump is elected president in November than if Joe Biden remains in o ce.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine sued the Food and Drug Administration in 2022, a few months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the nationwide right to abortion. Most GOP-controlled states had implemented new bans or limits on abortion by then. The anti-abortion doctors sought a ruling that would apply nationwide, asking judges to nd that the FDA wrongly approved and eased access to mifepristone.

er, misoprostol. The latter drug can also be used alone — but women are more likely to experience side e ects that way. About half the abortions across the nation involved such pills before Roe was overturned. By last year, the medication was used in nearly two-thirds, one survey found. Providers in some states are using telehealth appointments to prescribe and mail them to women in states with bans or restrictions. Underground networks distribute them, too.

After the doctors group led suit, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian law rm, Republican attorneys general for Idaho, Kansas and Missouri tried to get involved. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk allowed them into the case and then denied an intervening role by the Supreme Court.

U.S. providers. “The problem is the decision should have said that nobody has standing in this case — that only the women have standing.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion even provides a road map for people with “sincere

concerns about and objections to others using mifepristone and obtaining abortions.”

“Citizens and doctors who object to what the law allows others to do may always take their concerns to the Executive and Legislative Branches and

A federal judge in Texas and the New Orleans-based U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals validated many of the group’s arguments, making some Democratic-controlled states nervous enough to stockpile abortion pills.

Most medication abortions use a combination of mifepristone, which is also used in miscarriage care, and anoth-

David S. Cohen, a law professor at Drexel University who studies abortion-related law, said normally intervenors like the states would not be allowed to continue if the main parties have their claims dismissed because they lack standing, but that’s not yet clear in this case, and the attorneys general aren’t giving up.

“We are moving forward undeterred with our litigation to protect both women and their unborn children,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said on X.

Jones’ personal assets to be sold to pay $1.5B Sandy Hook debt

Infowars is expected to cease operating

By Dave Collins and Juan A. Lozano

The Associated Press

HOUSTON — A federal judge on Friday ordered the liquidation of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ personal assets but dismissed his company’s separate bankruptcy case, leaving the immediate future of his Infowars media platform uncertain as he owes $1.5 billion for his false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.

Judge Christopher Lopez approved converting Jones’ proposed personal bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation. But Lopez threw out the case of his company, Austin, Texas-based Free Speech Systems, after failed attempts by Jones to reach an agreement with Sandy Hook families on his proposals to reorganize and keep operating the company while paying them millions of dollars.

It wasn’t immediately clear what will happen in the coming weeks to Free Speech Systems, Infowars’ parent company, which Jones built into a multimillion-dollar moneymaker over the past 25 years by selling dietary supplements and other products. But both Jones and lawyers for the Sandy Hook families said they expect Infowars to cease operating at some point because of the huge debt.

A trustee appointed Friday in Jones’ personal bankruptcy case to oversee the liquidation now has control over his assets, including Infowars, according to lawyers for Sandy Hook families. Dismissal of Free Speech Systems’ case means the families can now move immediately to collect on the $1.5 billion in state courts in Texas and Connecticut where they won defamation lawsuits against Jones and the company. It’s possible Infowars will continue operating during the collection efforts, which could include sell-

ing o the company’s assets.

Jones, who smiled as the judge dismissed the company’s case, called in to Infowars after the court hearing and predicted more battles in the state courts. “The bizarre political attempts to hijack the operation have failed,” he said, and added that he would nd another way to broadcast his shows if he loses Infowars.

Outside the courthouse, he railed about the families not accepting his reorganization proposals and alleged that they were being used by political

groups in a conspiracy to silence him. He said he would try to maximize revenues at Infowars to make money for creditors and then wind down the business in a way that takes care of its 44 employees.

“This is about taking me o the air,” Jones said. “Understand that what you’ve seen in the corporate media about me, or what I said about Sandy Hook or any of this, has no bearing on reality.”

Chris Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families, called Infowars “soon-to-be defunct” as

his clients move to collect on the debt in state courts. He said the families will also pursue Jones’ future earnings.

“Today is a good day,” Mattei said in a text message after the hearing. “Alex Jones has lost ownership of Infowars, the corrupt business he has used for years to attack the Connecticut families and so many others. ... Alex Jones is neither a martyr nor a victim. He is the perpetrator of the worst defamation in American history.”

Lopez had been asked to either convert Free Speech Systems’ bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation or dismiss the case. He said his sole focus was what would be best for the company and its creditors. He also said Free Speech Systems’ case appeared to be one of the longest running of its kind in the country, and it was approaching a deadline to resolve it.

“I was never asked today to make a decision to shut down a show or not. That was never going to happen today one way or another,” Lopez said. “This case is one of the more di cult cases I’ve had. When you look at it, I think creditors are better served in pursuing their state court rights.”

Many of Jones’ personal assets will be sold o , but his primary home in the Austin area and some other belongings are exempt from bankruptcy liquidation. He already has moved to sell his Texas ranch worth about $2.8 million, a gun collection and other assets to pay debts.

DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP PHOTO

Alex Jones pauses before speaking to the media after arriving at the federal courthouse for a hearing in front of a bankruptcy judge last Friday.

ALLEN G. BREED / AP PHOTO

The Supreme Court unanimously preserved access to the medication mifepristone that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

Sally Ride blasts o , Napoleon defeated at Waterloo, Lady Liberty arrives

The Associated Press

“This Week” looks back at the key events from this week in history.

JUNE 13

1865: Nobel Prize-winning poet-playwright William Butler Yeats was born in Dublin, Ireland.

1967: President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Solicitor-General Thurgood Marshall to become the rst black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

JUNE 14

1777: The Second Continental Congress approved the design of the original American ag.

1846: A group of U.S. settlers in Sonoma proclaimed the Republic of California.

1919, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown embarked on the rst nonstop ight across the Atlantic Ocean.

1940: German troops entered Paris during World War II; the same day, the Nazis began transporting prisoners to the Auschwitz concentration camp in German-occupied Poland.

1954: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a measure adding the phrase “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance.

1993: President Bill Clinton nominated Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

JUNE 15

1215, England’s King John put his seal on the Magna Carta (“the Great Charter”) at Runnymede.

1775: The Second Continental Congress unanimously appointed George Washington as head of the Continental Army.

1864: Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton signed an order establishing a military burial ground, which became Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

1904: More than 1,000 people died when a re erupted aboard the steamboat General Slocum in New York’s East River.

1934: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an act making the National Guard part of the U.S. Army in the event of war or national emergency.

JUNE 16

1858: Accepting the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate, Abraham Lincoln said the slavery issue had to be resolved, declaring, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” 1903: Ford Motor Co. was incorporated.

JUNE 17

1775: Revolutionary War Battle of Bunker Hill resulted in a costly victory for the British.

1885: The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor aboard the French ship Isere (ee-SEHR’).

1963: U.S. Supreme Court, in Abington (Pa.) School District v. Schempp, struck down, 8-1, rules requiring the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer or reading of Biblical verses in public schools.

1967: China successfully tested its rst thermonuclear (hydrogen) bomb.

1972: President Richard Nixon’s eventual downfall began with the arrest of ve burglars inside the Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C.’s Watergate complex.

JUNE 18

1778: American forces entered Philadelphia as the British withdrew during the Revolutionary War.

1812: The War of 1812 began when the United States Congress approved it, and President James Madison declared war against Britain.

1815: Napoleon Bonaparte met defeat at Waterloo, where British and Prussian troops overcame the French in Belgium.

1940: During World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously urged his countrymen to conduct themselves in a manner that would prompt future generations to say, “This was their nest hour.”

1983: Astronaut Sally K. Ride became the United States’ rst woman in space, and she and four colleagues blasted o aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

AP PHOTO

Astronaut Sally Ride, the rst American female to travel into space. pictured at Kennedy Space Center on June 16, 1983, days before her historic ight.

Enigmatic Hollywood gure unpacked in ‘Miss May Does Not Exist’

The biography adds to the growing chorus restoring Elaine May to her rightful place as a — however reluctant — Hollywood icon

By Mae Anderson

The Associated Press

GROUNDBREAKING comedian, writer and lmmaker

Elaine May charted her own fearlessly original path in Hollywood and the theater world over the decades. Shunning the spotlight and reluctant to talk to reporters, her name might not be as well known as her comedy partner, Mike Nichols, but Carrie Courogen’s engaging biography aims to correct that.

Courogen did not score an interview with May, who is 92 and lives in New York, but interviewed dozens of her friends and colleagues who all give valuable insight into her life and career.

Born in 1932, May had an unconventional upbringing, traveling around the country as her father, a Yiddish theater actor, performed vaudeville. She never nished high school and was devastated by the death of her father at age 12.

Whip-smart and ercely witted, May found herself at the University of Chicago in the 1950s and broke into the emerging comedy scene there, helping pioneer “improv,” a style of

ST. MARTIN’S PRESS VIA AP

“Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius” is a biography by Carrie Courogen.

comedy based on improvisation still prevalent today. Teaming up with her comedy soul mate, Nichols, the duo of “Nichols and May” recorded several hit comedy records and had a successful Broadway show before separating to pursue solo careers in 1961.

Rail thin, endlessly smoking cigars and cigarettes, and known for an unkempt appearance, May brought exacting perfectionism to every project, for better or worse, from acting to directing to writing plays. She worked on the screenplay for 1978’s “Heaven Can Wait”

and the 1996 Nichols lm “The Birdcage.” She was a highly sought-after script doctor, brought in to punch up screenplays for lms including 1981’s “Reds” and 1982’s “Tootsie,” though she usually refused to be credited.

But while her successes may have gone under the radar, her failures were legendary. Her commitment to nding the “truth” in every scene, often through improvisation, led to arduous lm shoots. Directing the 1976 crime caper “Mikey and Nicky,” she shot 1.4 million feet of lm — 259 hours of raw footage — and then edited it for a year. Paramount eventually sued her to turn over the lm.

Her next directing debacle was 1987’s high-pro le op “Ishtar,” a comedy lmed in Morocco. Deserved or not, Courogen writes, “Ishtar” became a punchline and shorthand for box o ce disaster.

“If all the people who hate ‘Ishtar’ had seen it, I would be a rich woman today,” May quipped 20 years after the release.

May never directed a feature lm again, though she kept busy with other projects, including winning a Tony in 2019 for “The Waverly Gallery.” In recent years, May has been recognized by newer generations as the maverick she is, a director of movies who stayed true to her vision even if it meant being labeled a “di cult” woman director.

Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ will hit US theaters in September

The “Apocalypse Now” director’s new epic lm is his rst in 13 years

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK — After months of conjecture about the fate of Francis Ford Coppola’s self- nanced epic, “Megalopolis” has nally found a home. Lionsgate will distribute “Megalopolis” in U.S. and Canadian theaters, the studio announced Monday, ending one of the biggest acquisition dramas of the year. Coppola’s $120-million Roman epic set in a futuristic New York will land in theaters, including IMAX screens, on Sept. 27.

Coppola rst privately screened “Megalopolis,” his rst lm in 13 years, for potential buyers late March in Los Angeles. Word quickly ltered

out about the unique nature of “Megalopolis,” along with some skepticism over its nancial potential. Last month, it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival where the lm was met with mixed reviews but broad admiration for its daring.

Coppola has previously collaborated with Lionsgate on several home movie releases, including “Apocalypse Now Final Cut.”

“One rule of business I’ve always followed and prioritized (to my bene t) is to continue working with companies and teams who over time have proven to be good friends as well as great collaborators,” Coppola said in a statement.

“This is why I am thrilled to have (Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair) Adam Fogelson and Lionsgate Studios release ‘Megalopolis.’ I am con dent they will apply the same tender love and care giv-

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

en to ‘Apocalypse Now,’ which is currently in its 45th year of astounding revenue and appreciation.”

In the lm, Adam Driver stars as Cesar, an artist-inventor with dreams of a utopian metropolis at odds with the city’s mayor (Giancarlo Esposito). It co-stars Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight and Dustin Ho man. Coppola has spent decades pondering “Megalopolis” and ultimately sold o pieces of his considerable wine empire to largely nance it himself. The lm, which previously landed distribution deals for many international territories, has experimental aspects to it. Screenings thus far have included a live moment when an actor walks on stage and addresses a question to the screen.

famous birthdays this week

The Associated Press

June 16

Actor Eileen Atkins (“The Crown,” “Doc Martin”) is 90.

Actor Bill Cobbs is 90. Actor Laurie Metcalf (“Roseanne,” “JFK”) is 69.

June 17

Singer Barry Manilow is 81. Comedian Joe Piscopo is 73. Director Bobby Farrelly (“There’s Something About Mary”) is 66.

Actor Thomas Haden Church (“Sideways,” “Wings”) is 64. Actor Greg Kinnear is 61. Actor/ comedian Will Forte (“Saturday Night Live”) is 54.

June 18

Musician Paul McCartney is 82. Actor Carol Kane is 72.

Actor Isabella Rossellini is 72. Country singer Blake Shelton is 48.

June 19

Actor Phylicia Rashad is 76. Singer Ann Wilson of Heart is 74. Actor Kathleen Turner is 70. Singer/dancer Paula Abdul is 62. Actor Mia Sara (“Ferris Bueller’s Day O ”) is 57.

June 20

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys is 82. Singer Anne

June 21

Musician Ray Davies of The Kinks is 80. Guitarist Nils Lof-

51. Actor

June 22

Kris Kristo erson

nalist

Singer

Alan

Murray is 79. Home repair show host Bob Vila is 78. Singer Lionel Richie is 75. Actor John Goodman is 72. Actor Nicole Kidman is 57.

gren is 73. Actor Juliette Lewis is

Chris Pratt is 45.

is 88. Jour-

Brit Hume is 81.

Todd Rundgren is 76. Singer

Osmond of The Osmonds is 75. Actor Meryl Streep is 75. Singer Cyndi Lauper is 71. TV personality Carson Daly is 51.

JOEL C RYAN / AP PHOTO Paul McCartney, pictured at Glastonbury Festival, turned 82 on Tuesday.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Meryl Streep, left,who turns 75 on Saturday, and Nicole Kidman, who will be 57 on Thursday, share the stage at the 49th AFI Life Achievement Awards.

the stream

E-Street/Soprano’s Van Zandt doc comes to MAX, ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ chops

Hulu is delving into the wild true story of Sherri Papini, the California woman who faked her kidnapping in 2016

The Associated Press

THIS WEEK PROMISES a variety of streaming entertainment including an album from R&B-pop artist Kehlani, a fourth season of Kevin Hart’s “Hart to Hart” on Peacock, and Jack Black lends his voice to “Kung Fu Panda 4.” PBS gets its groove on with a “Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution.” There’s also the debut of “Echoes,” a sequel series to “Orphan Black,” and Paul Mescal starring in “Aftersun” over at Net ix.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Jack Black returns to the world of Kung Fu Panda for the fourth installment in the series, coming to Peacock on Friday. In “Kung Fu Panda 4,” his character Po has been asked to depart the position of Dragon Warrior and pick a successor. Critic Mark Kennedy wrote in his review for The Associated Press, “The series’ rst new installment in eight years is a reliably funny, sweet and wonderfully realized passing of the torch, with a paw in the past and another into the future — an elegant goodbye and a hello.” The lm also features the voices of Awkwa na, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, Ke Huy Quan and James Hong.

If those “Gladiator II” set photos have you craving more Paul Mescal before that lm is out in November, you’re in luck: “Aftersun” is coming to Net ix on Friday. His poignant performance as a single father on vacation in Turkey with his 11-year-old daughter scored him an Oscar nomination in 2023 (the award that year went to Brendan Fraser for “The Whale”). The lm, from writer-director Charlotte Wells, topped the AP’s list of the best movies of 2023. Film writer Jake Coyle wrote that it is “such a keenly observed accumulation of detail and feeling that you hardly notice the undertow of heartache that will, in the end, absolutely oor you.” For something completely di erent, you can watch Jessica Alba as a Special Forces commando in “Trigger Warning,” which is also streaming on Friday.

The documentary “Bread & Roses” looks at how three Afghan women’s lives were impacted after Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021. Filmmaker and producer Sahra Mani explained that “Closing girls’ schools in Af-

ghanistan is not just a matter of feminist concern; rather, it is a matter of international security. … The Taliban recognizes that the children of educated mothers are di cult to indoctrinate and are less susceptible to becoming their future soldiers.”

Produced by Jennifer Lawrence and Justine Ciarrocchi and executive produced by Malala Yousafzai, “Bread & Roses” will be available on Apple TV+ on Friday.

MUSIC TO STREAM

The Grammy-award-winning R&B-pop artist Kehlani will soon return with her fourth stu-

dio album, “Crash,” a follow-up to 2022’s critically acclaimed “Blue Water Road.” (That one, AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy described as showcasing her “e ortless ability to move from pop, R&B, rap, trance and dance.”) Disco, for many, is the sound of resilience and joy — which makes it so odd to consider that its history is, many decades from its inception, still overlooked and under-celebrated. On Tuesday, PBS looked to challenge any leftover vintage biases with a three-part documentary series titled “Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution.” It features disco greats from the past and pres-

ent: Labelle’s Nona Hendryx, Sylvester’s Jeanie Tracy, Kim Petras and Jessie Ware. On Saturday, HBO and MAX will debut a new documentary chronicling the life of Stevie Van Zandt, beloved actor, musician and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, titled “Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple.” It promises to deliver a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage — from “The Sopranos” to early days in Jersey clubs, headlining stadiums and everything in between. And, yes, Springsteen is featured — with other talking heads, including Paul McCartney, Bono and Darlene Love.

SHOWS TO STREAM

Kevin Hart’s interview show

“Hart to Hart” returned for a fourth season on Peacock on Wednesday. This season, the actor and comedian will sit down for one-on-one chats with Ben A eck, George Lopez, Cynthia Erivo, Andy Samberg, Judd Apatow and Niecy Nash. Hulu is delving into the wild true story of Sherri Papini, the California woman who faked her kidnapping in 2016. Her claims were so bizarre that it took investigators six years to piece together what happened. All three episodes of “Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini” drop Thursday. Echoes,” a sequel series to “Orphan Black,” debuts Sunday on AMC and BBC America. The show, executive produced by and starring Krysten Ritter, takes place nearly in 2052, almost 40 years after the events of the original. Ritter plays Lucy, a woman we meet after she has had a medical procedure that she can’t remember. Her wife is Kira, the now adult daughter of Sarah Manning. “Orphan Black” fans may remember Manning (played by Tatiana Maslany) was the protagonist of the original show. At the recent premiere, Ritter told The Associated Press that “Echoes” is different than its predecessor, saying, “How we’re approaching the clones is di erent actresses play my character at di erent ages.” Episodes will also stream on AMC+.

Erin French, the TV personality, chef and owner of the famous Maine restaurant Lost Kitchen, has a new nonscripted series on Magnolia Network called “Getting Lost with Erin French.” In the series, she travels around the country in an Airstream with her husband, Michael, looking for recipe ideas. The series debuts on Magnolia Network on Sunday. It streams on Max and Discovery+ on the same day.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

It’s December 1975 and you’re stuck on an oil rig o the coast of Scotland. To make this Christmas even bluer, you’re all alone — except for some mysterious entity that seems to have wiped out the rest of the crew. That’s the setup for Still Wakes the Deep, the latest mystery from U.K. studio The Chinese Room. The developers are known for o -kilter interactive tales like Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. Take a deep breath and dive in on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5 or PC.

SOPHIE GIRAUD / AMC VIA AP

August Winter and Krysten Ritter star in “Orphan Black: Echoes.”

CHARLES SYKES / AP PHOTO

Stevie Van Zandt attends the “Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple” premiere during the Tribeca Festival.

“Aftersun,” “Kung Fu Panda 4 and “Perfect Wife” are all streaming this week.

MOORE COUNTY

A good walk spoiled Pinehurst No. 2 was a formidable challenge for U.S. Open competitors last week, with everyone spending time in a bunker or the course’s countless native areas at some point. Above, 2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose considers his lie during the second round on Friday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Unloaded rearms don’t violate N.C. safe gun storage law, court rules

A North Carolina appeals court ruled that a gun must be loaded for someone to be convicted of failing to properly store the weapon at home to protect minors living there.

A panel of the intermediate-level Court of Appeals ruled unanimously Tuesday to overturn the safe-storage and manslaughter convictions of Kimberly Cable in McDowell County.

A teenager fatally shot himself in her home in 2018 using a gun that she possessed.

The youth was a friend of her son who had entered Cable’s bedroom at night to retrieve the unloaded revolver and separate ammunition.

NCDOT seeks feedback on EV charging stations

The Department of Transportation will host a webinar to gather public feedback on where to deploy the second round of public electric vehicle charging stations.

Members of the public will be able to give feedback to NCDOT on the federally funded NEVI charging station program, and to learn more about the program and how it works.

NEVI, or National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, is a federal program that set aside $5 billion to build a network of publicly funded electric car chargers around the country — though the rollout has been slow, with only a handful of chargers built in the two years since the program was approved. North Carolina received $109 million to build its portion of the network.

The webinar will be from 3 - 4:30 p.m. on June 26. Interested parties can register for the program on NCDOT.gov, and a recording will be posted to the NCDOT YouTube page.

The rst NEVI stations in North Carolina should open sometime in 2025.

School playgrounds, bleachers, auditoriums to see improvements

Capital improvements are coming to Moore schools

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

PINEHURST — The Moore County Schools Board approved new contracts that will see upgrades and new equipment coming to school playgrounds and auditoriums at its Monday, June 10 meeting.

A $650,000 contract with Creative Playscapes will see updates to all elementary school playgrounds, covered by bond premium funding.

The schools will be getting fresh layers of engineered wood ber mulch, and some schools will see completely new equipment while others will see repairs to existing playgrounds.

The new equipment is expected to last between 15 to 20 years.

A $138,000 contract with Stage and Gymnasium Specialties will cover the replacement of auditorium stage curtains and hardware, while a $725,000 contract with Learning Environments will see the replacement of bleachers at North Moore, Union Pines and Pinecrest High Schools.

The lone dissent on both items was made by board member David Hensley on the grounds that funding for the project should be coming from other sources.

“We’re using funds we could spend elsewhere when we could be getting free money from grants via the Convention and Visitors Bureau.”

Board Member David Hensley

planning, and we haven’t had that vision, and we haven’t executed that in spite of every board member knowing this,” said Hensley. “We’re using unencumbered funds. We’re using funds we could spend elsewhere.”

He claimed there could be millions of dollars in grants coming via the Convention and Visitors Bureau to upgrade facilities.

“But we haven’t done that

“We should be using Convention and Visitors Bureau funds from the occupancy tax to pay for things like this,” Hensley said. “Sandhills Community College does this, and they do it routinely. They get grants from the Convention and Visitor Bureau, and they built a minor league baseball eld in some part using those grants.”

“I think this is an idea that is certainly worth exploring,” said board chair Robert Levy in response. “I don’t know if I’m for it or against it, I really don’t know, but I do know that we did ask the county to use our bond premium funds for these curtains and these various improvements, and the county has said, ‘Sure, go ahead,’ and we have students who next year would like to have some nice, new curtains and actually, it’s not just nice, new curtains. I think these

See SCHOOLS, page 2

Many voters in swing-state NC are disengaged; both parties want to change that

Turnout and enthusiasm could swing the purple state

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

OXFORD — She opens the door wearing a gray tank top, Hello Kitty pajama pants and pink fuzzy slippers. With her 6 -year- old son standing quietly beside her, she listens patiently as Liz Purvis begins discussing what’s at stake in the election this November. The woman, Cynthia, tells Purvis she doesn’t watch the news or even know who the president is. When Purvis, the 31-year- old chair of the Democratic Party in Granville County, tells her that a White House

rematch looms between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Cynthia lets out a laugh, then an expletive. Such is the state of the 2024 election, as seen at the ground level. In this rural county in one of the states expected to help decide the presidency, the nutsand-bolts e orts of party activists to generate election enthusiasm are sometimes met with indi erence and even disgust from people who could be positioned to play an outsize role in determining the nation’s course. For now, Cynthia and many others aren’t paying much attention to elections at all.

‘More hopeful in general’

About 4 in 10 Americans in a

Pew Research Center poll conducted in April said they are not following news about candidates in the presidential election, closely or at all. And many in the United States already nd the election exhausting, even if they are not tuned in.

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults in the poll said they are worn out by so much campaign and candidate coverage. Purvis, accompanied by an Associated Press reporter on a recent canvassing trip, was near downtown Oxford, the seat of a county of about 62,000 people wedged between Raleigh and the Virginia border.

By the time she got to Cynthia, who declined to give her last name to maintain her privacy, she had knocked on ve doors without an answer.

By the end of a sweltering, breezeless Saturday, Granville County Democrats had knocked on 320 doors in their Memorial Day weekend canvassing campaign, the highest number by any Democratic county party in the state that day.

As of June 7, Democrats had outspent Republicans on ad-

See VOTERS, page 2

TUESDAY JUNE

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

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Hunting, shing permit costs going up July 1

The in ation-indexed increase will see prices rise by almost 20%

North State Journal sta

THE COST of North Carolina hunting and shing permits are going up this year, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced this week.

The license fees, which make up about a quarter of the agency’s revenue, are rising around 20%, with the costs indexed to the rise in in ation since the last fee increase in January 2020. The revenue will go toward the NCWRC’s own rising costs, which have also been a ected by in ation.

The price adjustments are based on the Consumer Price

SCHOOLS from page 1

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

Moore County Edition of North State Journal Get in touch

CRIME LOG

June 12

• Brian Lee Etheridge, 59, was arrested by Robbins Police Department for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

June 14

• Curtis Blake Rader, 27, was arrested by Moore County Sheriff’s Office for simple assault.

• Toby Scott Thompson, 56, was arrested by Southern Pines Police Department for assault on a female.

June 15

• Jyree Hargrove, 19, was arrested by Pinehurst Police Department for breaking or entering with intent to terrorize or injure the occupant.

• James Lynn Morgan, 49, was arrested by Moore County Sheriff’s Office for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.

June 16

• Nicolas Hugh Crawley, 22, was arrested by Pinehurst Police Department for driving while impaired.

June 17

• Kane Eli Avonce, 28, was arrested by Moore County Sheriff’s Office for a parole violation.

• Joseph Lee Barber, 57, was arrested by Moore County Sheriff’s Office for attempting to traffic opioids by transport.

two ideas are not mutually exclusive, and I’d urge you guys to develop the idea and go to the legislature. But in the meantime, let’s go ahead and pass this so we can go ahead and get our students what they need right now on money that’s already been appropriated for this.”

The board also approved a three-year, $261,000 contract with TransAct for busing software.

“Last June, the board approved a contract for navigation and ridership with CalAmp/Synovia,” said Assistant Superintendent Jenny Purvis. “New Director of Transportation Jason

VOTERS from page 1

vertising in North Carolina by a nearly 4-to-1 margin, according to AdImpact data, and they have far more slots reserved between now and November. They also appear to have dedicated more resources to ground-level e orts such as door-knocking.

That leaves party activists like Purvis feeling optimistic about a state where Trump prevailed twice, though his margin narrowed between 2016 and 2020. The Biden campaign clearly sees an opportunity there and the president already has made three trips to the Tarheel State this year.

“I’m more hopeful for North Carolina in general than I have been in years past,” Purvis said. “I think Granville County has great potential to be part of that.”

Index (CPI-U) changes, with all licenses, permits, stamps and certi cations rising by 18.75% rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.

Nelson began to investigate issues that drivers and bus supervisors were having with the reliability of the equipment and software. Even after working with the company for months to troubleshoot, they were still unable to get the system to work reliably. After much research and piloting a new system on bus routes in each area over the last month and a half, we found the equipment and software from TransAct to be reliable and consistent in providing the data support needed for drivers and the transportation department.”

The transition will be funded through speci cally allocated state money. In addition, TransAct agreed to lower its contract

Both presidential campaigns are prioritizing rural voters, and North Carolina has the second highest rural population behind Texas. In 2020, only 14 rural North Carolina counties voted for Biden; the state’s 64 others backed Trump. Almost 53% of the Granville County vote went to Trump, slightly more than in 2016. Democrat Barack Obama carried the county in his 2008 and 2012 campaigns.

Only six North Carolina counties pivoted from Obama to Trump.

Granville County sits on the outskirts of Raleigh and Durham, and some residents drive on Interstate 85 or twolane roads that wind through the countryside to commute to work in the Triangle. Granville has ve municipalities and manufacturing plants for Revlon, Bridgestone and others.

The agency says its costs of employee salaries and bene ts alone have risen by around $5.6 million per year (or 6.28%) since 2020.

price to cover the cost of the buyout from the CalAmp/Synovia buyout.

Finally, a revision to the school calendar for Elise Middle School was approved. Under the Restart school improvement model, designated schools can request schedule exibility. Elise Middle School is choosing to expand the school day by 15 minutes each day to bank an additional 45 hours of instruction time, which will be utilized for concentrated and personalized small group work on Sept. 13, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Feb. 5, March 5 and April 4.

The Moore County Schools Board of Education will next meet on July 1.

Further down the ballot, county voters could help determine whether the GOP maintains its state legislative supermajority.

“Is it a teeter-totter back and forth, or is it just that we happened to catch it at the moment where it was going Republican anyway? We don’t know yet, right?” said Western Carolina political science professor Chris Cooper. “That’s what we’re going to learn after November.”

Cooper isn’t sure Biden will win in such places, but he thinks the margins matter. That’s because they will determine what he needs in the state’s urban areas, which tend to favor Democrats.

“It’s not realistic to think that the Democrats will win rural North Carolina. They won’t, they’ll lose,” Cooper said. “The question is: How big do they lose?”

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

June 21-23

Legally Blonde: The Musical

2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

The rst night of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is sold out at Encore Center in Southern Pines. The show runs from June 21- 23. Tickets can be purchased online at encorecenter.net or by calling 910-725-0603. 160 E. New Hampshire Ave. in Southern Pines.

June 22

Movie in the Park: “Migration”

7 p.m.

Enjoy a free Movie in the Park with the Town of Vass. The family-friendly movie showings take place at Sandy Ramey Keith Park.

June 22

Sandhills Bogeys Baseball Game

7 p.m.

The Bogeys host the Brunswick Sur n’ Turfs at Dempsey Diamond at Bogey Ballpark.

June 24

Sandhills Bogeys Baseball Game

7 p.m.

The Bogeys host the Danville Dairy Daddies at Dempsey Diamond at Bogey Ballpark.

June

20-28

Symphony of Colors Art Show

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Arts Council of Moore County presents the “Symphony of Colors” Art Show. This is an art exhibit that features paintings by Linda Bruening, KC Sorvari and Kevin Womble with glass by Wayne Manning. The art will be on exhibition at the Arts Council Campbell House Galleries in Southern Pines through June 28.

June 25

Sandhills Bogeys Baseball Game

7 p.m.

The Bogeys host the Carolina Braves at Dempsey Diamond at Bogey Ballpark.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VOICES

VISUAL

COLUMN | SHAWN KREST

The most important election of our lifetime

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

THIS NOVEMBER , Americans will go to the polls in what everyone seems to agree is “The Most Important Election of Our Lifetime!” Democracy? Personal liberty? Capitalism? The future of Europe? It’s all on the ballot.

And you thought it was just going to be Trump or Biden.

Of course, this isn’t the rst time we’ve been told that about an election. In 1936, voters were told:

“America is in peril. The welfare of American men and women and the future of our youth are at stake. We dedicate ourselves to the preservation of their political liberty, their individual opportunity and their character as free citizens, which today for the rst time are threatened by Government itself.

“The powers of Congress have been usurped by the President.

“The integrity and authority of the Supreme Court have been outed.

“The rights and liberties of American citizens have been violated. … To a free people these actions are insu erable.”

There were certainly some important issues in 1936. FDR had served two terms and was ignoring 150 years of precedent to run for a third term. He was defending his New Deal, which either helped begin to lead us out of the Depression or had been an enormous government overreach that went against the fabric of our nation. War was brewing in Europe, and, though it wasn’t known at the time, ve seats on the Supreme Court were about to come open over the next four years.

That’s an important election. Maybe *The* Most Important one.

According to Slate, we’ve been holding “The Most Important Election” since at least the 1805 Pennsylvania governor’s race, when the phrase was rst used. In the 219 years since, we’ve had a constantly increasing level of urgency, with each subsequent election taking the title as TMIEOOL (The Most Important Election Of Our Lifetime).

There are a couple of simple reasons why we feel this way. One is that creating urgency, whether merited or manufactured, is a good way to get your supporters to turn out.

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

The other big reason each election seems TMIE is an obvious but important fact about human nature:

We don’t know what’s going to happen.

We do know what happened in all those other TMIEOOLs, though: All the disasters — natural and man-made — and how they were

handled. We know about the economy, the wars and the ga es.

So, let’s take a look back to gure out which election was really “The Most Important”?

The three clear-cut choices for Most Important Election are:

1. 1944: We were about to elect the person who would be presented with the atomic bomb and have to weigh the merits of using it.

2. 1940: War raged in Europe and the U.S. would be attacked 13 months after Election Day.

3. 1860: The election would determine if states seceded from the Union and, soon after, went to war with it. It doesn’t get much more Most Important than that.

There are other candidates in the honorable mention section. 1796 was the rst election not involving George Washington. 1800 was referred to as “the Revolution of 1800.” There were the post-Lincoln elections as the country tried to recover from the Civil War, with 1876 perhaps being the most consequential. It turns out presidential elections have always been fairly important in our country.

Who knew?

But what about the end of that phrase: Of Our Lifetime. Here are the rankings:

1. 1980: The outcome of the election would determine if the American hostages in Iran would be freed. Plus, growing tensions with the Soviet Union, an economic recession and the emerging HIV pandemic were all on the horizon. The contrast between the candidates — mild-mannered incumbent Jimmy Carter and smooth-talking cowboy Ronald Reagan — also underscored the di erent paths the election could take us.

2. 2016: Again, the contrast between the two candidates — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump — added to the importance of the choice. We didn’t know it, but the winner would be hit with a worldwide pandemic, and three Supreme Court seats, enough to sway the court far in one direction, were about to come open.

3. 2000: Vice President and climate activist Al Gore vs. another cowboy in George W. Bush. Clearly, the candidates had vastly di erent priorities, presenting us with two divergent paths, intersected by an unprecedented attack on American soil eight months into their term.

In hindsight, those elections were more important than all the others. Unless you count this November, which, of course, will be TMIEOOL.

European ‘far right’ issues a stinging rebuke to elites

Nineteen percent of Germany’s population is foreign-born, as is 15% of Spain’s and 13% of France’s, with many o spring of previous immigrants living in suburban highrise ghettoes.

“THE FAR RIGHT MADE BIG GAINS IN European elections,” reads The Associated Press headline on last week’s European Parliament elections. Lest you wonder why you should dread gains by the “far right,” the lead sentence of the article notes that the EU has “roots in the defeat of Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.”

For many readers, that juxtaposition is a reminder of the sharp rise in Nazi party percentages in Weimar Republic elections from 3% in 1928 to 18% in 1930, 33% and 37% in 1932, and 43% in 1933. So is fascist dictatorship on the rise in Europe once again? No, and for multiple reasons.

First, European voters usually don’t take European Parliament elections seriously. The parliament can only amend or veto legislation passed by the nonelected European Commission and thus is mostly a talking shop. Turnout in EU elections has usually been well below that in national elections, and in many countries, voters typically cast protest votes in the knowledge that the winners will have only limited ability to set policy.

Second, the gains for the supposed “far-right” parties can easily be overstated. The Identity and Democracy Party increased from 49 seats to 62, and the nonaligned, not all of which is classed as “far right,” increased from 62 to 102. That sounds like a big shift, but “far-right” parties still hold only a small minority of the parliament’s 720 seats.

Third, and most importantly, the “far-right” parties don’t stand for anything like Hitler’s Nazis or Mussolini’s fascists. Even the Brothers of Italy party, members of which have praised Mussolini, is now solidly committed to constitutional democracy. Its leader, Giorgia Meloni, has been Italy’s prime minister since October 2022, and it’s no more totalitarian than Italy’s center-left Democrats, which has historical roots in the Communist Party.

The losers in the EU elections are the Green, pro-EU, Left and Socialist parties. European and American journalists, imbibing the assumptions of vulgar Marxism or American New Dealers, have long assumed voters use their votes to grab others’ money and that their natural response to discontent is to seek economic redistribution.

But in post-welfare-state Europe, redistribution has gone about as far as it can go — or at least not many voters seem to want it to go further.

Protest voters are unhappy about other aspects of the status quo. One reason, writes The New York Times’ David Leonhardt, is “because mainstream parties have dismissed public opinion on a major problem: the enormous rise of immigration.” Or, as maverick conservative Andrew Sullivan put it, over the last

decade, “in response to a volatile public mood, Western elites actually intensi ed their policy of importing millions of people from the developing world to replace their insu ciently diverse and declining domestic populations.”

As a result, 19% of Germany’s population is foreign-born, as is 15% of Spain’s and 13% of France’s, with many o spring of previous immigrants living in suburban high-rise ghettoes.

Academics and journalists, puzzled that modest-income voters don’t demand economic redistribution, tend to ascribe unease about immigration to racism or “status anxiety.” Allegedly bigoted voters just don’t like dark-skinned people or fear losing their “white privilege.”

But there’s a better explanation: Too many of the immigrants there are committing violent crimes or are violently trying to impose what Europeans regard as their oppressive religious restrictions on native European young women and gay men. Or massacre journalists who run cartoons of the prophet.

Similar increases in immigration from culturally hostile backgrounds help explain why Britain’s Conservatives are about to be swept from power after 14 years and why, despite low unemployment, President Joe Biden is trailing in the polls.

You don’t have to be racist or anxious about your status to be upset if you face an increased risk of being violently attacked or killed. You don’t have to be unaware that a country with a declining population needs more young workers to oppose governments that welcome hundreds of thousands of immigrants hostile to your culture and uninterested in actually working.

The gains for “far-right” parties may not change EU policies much, but they’re likely to a ect politically responsible national leaders. France’s President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap two-round election.

French conservative party leader Eric Ciotti has announced an alliance with the hitherto boycotted “far-right” National Rally of Marine Le Pen and 28-year-old Jordan Bardella. With all three parties in Germany’s governing coalition running behind the verboten Alternative for Germany party, a snap election may be in order there as well.

European elites who opened borders and dismissed those worried about the consequences as racist have su ered a stinging rebuke. Maybe American elites who have done the same will also su er electorally.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.”

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

MOORE SPORTS

Scenes from Pinehurst

The U.S. Open returned to Pinehurst No. 2 last week as golf fans around the world watched the sport’s top players contend with the heat and a challenging course.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Will Kennedy

North Moore, baseball

Will Kennedy is a senior for the North Moore baseball team who will be playing for Wake Tech at the college level next year.

After playing the out eld in previous seasons, Kennedy became a two-way player in his nal season. In addition to hitting over .400 for the Mustangs, he also was the MidCarolina Conference’s pitcher of the year. He struck out more than 50 batters and had an ERA of just over 2.30.

Kennedy has added to his postseason honors. In addition to his spot on the all-conference rst team, he recently was named to the N.C. Baseball Coaches Association’s All-State team at the 1A level.

She hopes to make her third Olympic team

By Paul Newberry

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Gabrielle Rose is realistic about her goals. She knows a third Olympics is out of reach.

That’s OK.

This time, she’s swimming for an even higher cause. At the age of 46, Rose is by far the oldest athlete at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials — earning her place among more than 1,000 entrants exactly two decades removed from her last appearance.

“I’m just hoping to show people you can do more, you’re capable of doing more,” said Rose, who represented her native Brazil at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the U.S. at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.

“You can have more energy, you can have more strength than you thought was possible,” she went

the wall rst in a personal-best of

1 minute, 8.43 seconds — the rst time she’s broken the 1:09 barrier. She nished with the 11th-fastest time overall in the preliminaries, advancing to an improbable spot in the evening semi nals.

“That was my big stretch goal,” Rose said, still beaming more than an hour after she climbed from the temporary pool in Lucas Oil Stadium. “I was really, really nervous because I just wanted to have the swim that I thought I was capable of. It came out this morning, so I’m really, really pleased.”

on, the passion building in her voice. “I want women in particular to not be afraid to be strong, to lift weights, to take care of themselves and just know that they can have a lot more in the older chapters of their lives.”

Rose is an anomaly at the trials, to be sure, but hardly looks out of place.

Competing in the heats of the 100-meter breaststroke, against seven swimmers who were all less than half her age, Rose glided to

After failing to make the U.S. team at the 2004 trials, it appeared that Rose’s competitive swimming career was largely over. She got into coaching, became a mother and focused on the less-stressful Masters circuit to stoke her competitive res.

Last year, after surprising herself by setting a personal best at the Masters spring nationals, she decided to make another run at the Olympic trials.

“I wasn’t expecting to have a

lifetime best at 45,” Rose said. “So I’m like, ‘Let’s see what’s possible.’ It happens to line up with the Olympic year and Olympic trials. I’ve absolutely loved going back to my roots as a professional athlete and just knowing that this is like a special time in my life, just to see what I’m capable of.”

More than she ever could’ve imagined, it turned out.

When she spotted her time on the scoreboard, her face broke into a huge smile. The crowd of more than 17,000, which included her 10-year-old daughter Annie, recognized what an extraordinary moment it was, serenading her with an immediate standing ovation — and then another as she walked across the deck.

For Rose, the chance to compete at one more trials came along at a perfect point in her life. But she knows it’s just a diversion.

Her plans after this?

“I’ve got to get back to real life,” she said, breaking into another grin.

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO Gabrielle Rose prepares for a Women’s 100 breaststroke preliminary heat at the US Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.

PHOTOS BY STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Tyrrell Hatton putts at Pinehurst No. 2 during the U.S. Open on Saturday while a sign behind him warns the crowd to prepare for the oppressive heat.

Left, Neal Shipley had the best score among amateur players at the Open. He also had the top score among players with a club cover in the shape of Arby’s curly fries. Top right, Presleah Radocha of Winterhaven, Florida, shows o a ball rolled to her by Xander Schau ele on Saturday. Bottom right, A caddie gets low to try to get a better read of the greens hills and valleys.

A course groundskeeper waters the grass during a break in play on Thursday.

SIDELINE REPORT

CRICKET

U.S. cricket team advances to second round in Twenty20 World Cup debut Lauderhill, Fla. The United States cricket team has made history by qualifying for the second round in its Twenty20 World Cup debut after its last group game against Ireland was washed out in Florida. That advanced the U.S. to the Super Eight stage and automatically quali ed the Americans for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The U.S. quali ed for this T20 World Cup only as a co -host with the West Indies but has used home advantage to make a stunning rst impression in its rst global cricket tournament.

SWIMMING

Ledecky heading to her fourth Olympics

Indianapolis Katie Ledecky is heading to her fourth Olympics, cruising to victory in the 400-meter freestyle at the U.S. swimming trials. Cheered on by a big crowd, Ledecky nished two body-lengths ahead of the eld and touched the wall in 3 minutes, 58.35 seconds. She improved on her time of 3:59.99 in the morning preliminaries and set herself up to make a run at another gold against a loaded eld at the Paris Games. The 27-year-old Ledecky already has six individual gold medals — more than any female swimmer in Olympic history.

NFL

Players union could trade spring practices for longer training camp

Santa Clara, Calif.

NFL teams wrapped up their mandatory minicamps last week leading into about a monthlong break before the start of a grueling season that could approach seven months for the teams that make the Super Bowl. That timeline has been a familiar one for years. The NFLPA is contemplating proposing a major upheaval to this schedule, replacing spring practices with a longer training camp. It’s a plan that has not been met with wide acceptance, with several players and coaches decrying the elimination of OTAs and minicamps in May and June.

TENNIS

Murray selected for 5th Olympics but not certain he will play

London Andy Murray is not “100% sure” he will play at a fth Olympics despite his selection for the Paris Games. Murray has been granted an International Tennis Federation place to compete in the singles’ event of the Olympic tennis tournament. Team GB announced its tennis squad for Paris on Sunday and while Murray is currently only down to play singles, he has been nominated for a place in the doubles alongside Dan Evans. The British duo will nd out on June 25 if the ITF has granted them a spot.

Blaney wins inaugural Cup Series race at Iowa, earns playo spot

The defending champion won in front of 80 friends and family members

By John Bohnenkamp

The Associated Press

NEWTON, Iowa — Ryan Blaney had his concerns heading into the nal laps Sunday night in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. The problem was he didn’t hear his crew chief’s reassurance. There was no need to worry, though, with the defending series champion holding on for his rst victory of the season and a spot in the playo s.

Blaney seemed in control of the race, but was worried about fuel a couple of weeks after running out on the nal lap while leading at World Wide Technology Raceway. It’s why crew chief Jonathan Hassler came on the radio with less than 10

laps to go in this race to let him know he was good on fuel.

“I don’t even remember him saying that,” Blaney said. “I gured we were (OK). But I don’t remember him saying that.”

“I wanted to make sure he knew the whole situation,” Hassler said. “Sometimes I forget he doesn’t know what I know. So I just try to communicate as much as I can so he knows what’s going on.”

Blaney led four times for a career-high 201 laps, nishing 0.716 seconds ahead of William Byron for his 11th Cup victory.

“Ryan and those guys were really good,” Byron said. “He had a really good car. He was up front, contending a lot.”

Blaney regained the lead on Lap 263 after taking just two tires on a caution- ag pit stop. He led the rest of the way, getting through lapped tra c as Byron tried to close.

It was the decision to take two tires, on a weekend when tire wear was a concern for the

“We got a lot better qualifying to the race and got better through the night tonight.”

Ryan Blaney

Cup Series and X nity Series cars, that worried Hassler.

“There were not a lot of guys on two tires,” Hassler said. “At some point those guys are going to be a little bit better than you are. So, yeah, really nervous.”

Blaney, whose mother, Lisa, is from Chariton, Iowa, won in front of a sellout crowd of an estimated 40,000 fans that included 80 of his friends and family.

It was tting the rst Cup Series race at the 0.875-mile track would go to a Team Penske driver — Penske cars have won seven IndyCar Series races and three NASCAR X nity

Series races at the track.

“I think, as a whole company, we do a good job of these places we go to for the rst time,” said Blaney, who also has wins at the track in the X nity and Truck series.

But Blaney, who started on the outside of the front row, admitted he had concerns about how good his car would be for the race.

“Friday, I didn’t feel very good,” he said. “I wasn’t very con dent in the speed in our car. And we really went to work — we got a lot better qualifying to the race and got better through the night tonight. And I think we’re great at some points of the night. The last few runs were phenomenal. ” Chase Elliott was third. Christopher Bell, who had to start from the back of the eld in a backup car after crashing during practice Friday, was fourth. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who like Blaney took two tires on the nal pit stop, nished fth.

Former longtime Georgia Tech athletic director, NFL coach Homer Rice dies at 97

The administrator helped the Yellow Jackets get up to speed shortly after joining the ACC

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Homer Rice, who as athletic director hired some of Georgia Tech’s most successful coaches and implemented the school’s Total Person Program, has died. He was 97. Rice died last Monday, Georgia Tech announced. Rice was Georgia Tech’s athletic director from 1980-97. Among his notable hires were basketball coach Bobby Cremins, football coaches Bobby Ross and George O’Leary, and baseball coaches Jim Morris and Danny Hall. Georgia Tech won a share of the 1990 football championship and its rst Atlantic Coast Conference basketball championship in 1985 while advancing to the Final Four in 1990.

The Yellow Jackets won 16 ACC championships in ve sports during Rice’s time leading the athletic department. Rice was a high school, college and NFL football coach before beginning his career as an administrator. He coached the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals in 1979-79 before beginning his time at Georgia Tech. Rice was a college assistant at Kentucky (1962-65) and Oklahoma (1966) and was the coach

at Cincinnati (1967-68) before leaving to serve six years as UNC’s athletic director. He was hired in 1976 as athletic director and football coach at Rice and held those positions for two years.

Rice’s Total Person Program is regarded as the model for the NCAA’s Life Skills Program. The Homer Rice Award is presented annually to a FBS athletic director in recognition for signi cant contributions to college athletics.

“Homer has reminded us throughout his career that the ultimate goal of intercollegiate athletics is to help student-ath-

letes grow fully as people,” Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said in a statement released by the school. “At a time of profound changes in athletics, Homer’s message and legacy of excellence is more important than ever.”

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement Rice’s Total Person Program “was ahead of its time and paved the way for NCAA programming by preparing student-athletes for life beyond collegiate athletics. Each of the seven pillars of the Total Person program continue to resonate with not only myself, but every one of Dr. Rice’s peers, col-

leagues, and former student-athletes.”

Phillips said Rice, a native of Bellevue, Kentucky, “was incredibly in uential in the development of student-athletes, not only at UNC and Georgia Tech, but throughout college athletics.”

Former ACC commissioner and UNC athletic director John Swo ord said Rice, AD with the Tar Heels when he graduated in 1971, was his inspiration to pursue a career in athletic administration.

“He was my mentor then, and has been throughout my adult life,” Swo ord said in a statement. “I had the privilege of serving for 17 years as an A.D. with him in the ACC while he was at Georgia Tech and I was at UNC. Simply put, he was the best Athletic Director that I ever observed during my half century in college sports. He was the best leader, the most organized, the best motivator, the best innovator. He was full of integrity, decency and class.”

Rice taught a leadership class at Georgia Tech until recent years and wrote a number of books on leadership success.

Georgia Tech dedicated a statue of Rice outside of Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2021. Dodd and John Heisman are the only other in Georgia Tech athletics to be commemorated with a statue.

Rice’s wife of 64 years, Phyllis, died in 2013. He married his second wife, Karen, in 2015.

COURTESY GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS

In Homer Rice’s 17 years as Georgia Tech athletic director, he hired basketball coach Bobby Cremins and football coaches Bobby Ross and George O’Leary.

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP PHOTO

Ryan Blaney does a burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. The win clinched him a spot in the playo s.

G7 leaders agree to lend Ukraine billions

The $50 billion loan is backed by interest earned on pro ts from Russia’s frozen central bank assets

By Fatima Hussein The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies have agreed to engineer a $50 billion loan to help Ukraine in its ght for survival. Interest earned on pro ts from Russia’s frozen central bank assets would be used as collateral.

Details of the deal were being hashed out by G7 leaders at their summit in Italy. The money could reach Kyiv before the end of the year, according to U.S. and French o cials.

President Joe Biden told reporters at a news conference Thursday that the move was part of a “historic agreement.” Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said providing a loan through Russia’s assets “is a vital step forward in providing sustainable support for Ukraine in winning this war.”

Most of the money would be in the form of a loan mostly guaranteed by the U.S. government and backed by pro ts being earned on roughly $260 billion in immobilized Russian assets. The vast majority of that money is held in European Union nations.

A French o cial said the loan could be “topped up” with

European money or contributions from other countries.

The White House said Canada will loan Ukraine up to $5 billion, while European countries have expressed interest in sending as much as half of the total package. Japan has also said it intends to help fund Ukraine — though its laws require the money to go to Ukraine’s budget, not its war e ort.

The G7 leaders’ o cial state-

ment also left the door open to trying to con scate the Russian assets entirely.

For more than a year, o cials from multiple countries have debated the legality of con scating Russia’s frozen assets and sending the money to Ukraine.

The U.S. and its allies immediately froze whatever Russian central bank assets they had access to when Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022. That basically

Princess of Wales says she’s making ‘good progress’ in cancer treatment

The mother of three will attend the king’s birthday parade Saturday

By Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka

The Associated Press

LONDON — The Princess of Wales said Friday she is “making good progress” in her cancer treatment and will attend King Charles III’s ceremonial birthday parade on Saturday, Kate’s rst public appearance since her diagnosis.

The 42-year-old wife of Prince William has not made any public appearances this year. She announced in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspeci ed form of cancer.

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” Kate said in a statement released Friday, adding that she faces “a few more months” of treatment.

“I’m looking forward to at-

tending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Kate said.

The announcement is a signicant milestone but does not mark a return to full-time public duties

for Kate. The palace issued a new photo of Kate, taken in Windsor earlier this week, showing her next to a tree, dressed casually in jeans and a blazer.

The palace said the king was “delighted” that Kate will attend Trooping the Color, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade.

was money being held in banks outside Russia. The assets are immobilized and cannot be accessed by Moscow, but they still belong to Russia.

While governments can generally freeze property or funds without di culty, turning them into forfeited assets that can be used for the bene t of Ukraine requires an extra layer of judicial procedure, including a le -

It is an annual military parade that marks the monarch’s o cial birthday in June. Charles, who also is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, is due to oversee the ceremony, in which troops in full dress uniform parade past the king with their ceremonial ag, or “color.”

Kate is expected to travel in a horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace with the couple’s children — Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 9; and Prince Louis, who is 6 — before watching the ceremony from a building beside the parade ground. She may also join other royals for a traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the princess’ statement was “wonderful news.”

“I thought it was brave, I thought it was honest and I’m sure it will bring an enormous amount of comfort to so many other people who are grappling with similar health challenges,” Sunak said at a Group of Seven summit in Italy.

Kate’s announcement in March came after speculation proliferated on social media about her well-being and absence from public view. She has revealed few details about her ill-

gal basis and adjudication in a court.

The EU instead has set aside the pro ts being generated by the frozen assets. That pot of money is easier to access.

Separately, the U.S. this year passed a law called the REPO Act — short for the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act — that allows the Biden administration to seize $5 billion in Russian state assets in the U.S. and use them for the bene t of Kyiv. That arrangement is being worked out.

Ukraine will be able to spend the money in several areas, including for military, economic and humanitarian needs and reconstruction, the U.S. o cial said.

Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the goal is “to provide the necessary resources to Ukraine now for its economic energy and other needs so that it’s capable of having the resilience necessary to withstand Russia’s continuing aggression.”

Another goal is to get the money to Ukraine quickly.

The French o cial, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to French presidential policy, said the details could be worked out “very quickly and, in any case, the $50 billion will be disbursed before the end of 2024.”

Beyond the costs of the war, the needs are great.

The World Bank’s latest damage assessment of Ukraine, released in February, estimates that costs for reconstruction and recovery of the nation stand at $486 billion over the next 10 years.

ness, which was discovered after what she described as major abdominal surgery in January.

In a March video message, Kate said the diagnosis had come as “a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

On Friday, Kate thanked members of the public, saying she had been “blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement.”

“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal,” she said. “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”

Charles, 75, disclosed his cancer in February and has recently eased back into public duties. He attended commemorations this week for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944. Charles is likely to travel to Saturday’s event by carriage with Queen Camilla and is expected to watch the ceremony seated on a dais, rather than on horseback as he did last year.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shake hands last Thursday at the G7 in Savelletri, Italy.

ALASTAIR GRANT / AP PHOTO

From left, Princess Anne, Prince George, Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III and Queen Camilla greet the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour parade on June 17, 2023.

obituaries

Brycen Gray Mabe

July 29, 2006 – June 10, 2024

Brycen Gray Mabe, age 17, of Carthage passed away Monday, June 10, 2024 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Brycen was born on July 29, 2006 in Pinehurst. He was a rising Senior at Pinecrest High School and lived for football. He was an aspiring professional football player and was a starter and defensive end on the varsity football team were he proudly wore the #91. He and his teammates won the Sandhills Conference Championship in 2023. Brycen’s life motto was, “Pain is Temporary, Jesus is Forever.” He was saved November 4, 2016 and was a member of Middle Cross Baptist Church in West End. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Arnold Locklear and paternal grandfather John Nance Mabe. He is survived by his parents Patsy Odom Mabe of Carthage and Steve Allen Mabe of Jackson Springs; sister Krissanie Talabac and husband Cameron of Andrews, TX; brother Princeton Allen Mabe of Carthage; maternal grandmother Alice Locklear of Rockingham; maternal grandfather Norman Ross Odom, Sr. of Lenoir; paternal grandmother Mary Louise Mabe of Jackson Springs; two nephews Andrew and Tyler Talabac and a third nephew Lance Graycen Talabac due September 15, 2024.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 18th in the Robert E. Lee Auditorium at Pinecrest High School. Burial will follow at Flinty Knoll Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellerbee, NC. The family will receive friends in the Robert E. Lee Auditorium at Pinecrest High School on Monday, June 17, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Services are entrusted to Fry & Prickett Funeral Home.

Franklin D. Butler

August 26, 1933 –June 14, 2024

Franklin D. Butler, age 90, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Central Carolina Hospital.

Franklin was born in West Virginia on August 26, 1933, to the late Thomas and Eva Mae (Anderson) Butler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Anna Sue Butler, daughter, Barbara Ann (Butler) Jones, son, Randall Leland Butler and a brother and sister.

He retired from AT&T (now Nokia) in Burlington, NC.

He is survived by his granddaughter, Ti any Ann Butler of Rutherfordton, NC.

There will be no local services. Graveside Service will be determined for a later date at Butler Family Cemetery in West Virginia.

In lieu of owers, donations may be made to The National Ri e Association in memory of Franklin D. Butler.

Ashley Brian Brock

December 4, 1980 –June 13, 2024

Ashley Brian Brock, age 43, of Vass, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Ashley was born on December 4, 1980, to Dorsey Lynn Kearns Roller and the late Chester Man eld Roller. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Chester Dewayne Roller.

He enjoyed shing, fourwheeling and spending time with his family. Ashley touched the lives of many people and will forever be remembered for that contagious laugh. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his sons, Kaleb Chance Brock and Tristan Brian Brock of the home; daughters, Mya Michelle Dody of New York, Kali Brock and Mollee Brock both of Carthage; brother, Ira Tim Brock of South Carolina; mother, Dorsey Lynn Kearns Brock Roller.

Services will be private.

Marilyn Elaine Wallace

June 23, 1960 – June 14, 2024

Marilyn Elaine Wallace, 63, passed away, Friday, June 14, 2024 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Marilyn was born in Lee County. The daughter of the late Gaither Gar eld and Darlene Lane Marion. Marilyn worked in the textile industry for many years. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She loved God and her family very much, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered as a caring and giving person. Always ready to help others. Marilyn loved owers, especially roses. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sister: Beverly Britt, step father: Joe Maness; brother in law: Pete Wright.

Marilyn is survived by husband of 46 years, Jackie; son: Brannon Wallace and wife Adriana, Steven Wallace and wife Heather; 7 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; sister: Debbie Check and husband Danny; brother: Billy Marion and wife Daliliah; mother in law: Minnie Wallace and many friends.

Funeral service will be 11

AM, Tuesday, June 18. 2024 at Kennedy Funeral Home, with Reverend Robert Kidd and Kenneth Emmons o ciating. Burial will follow at Putnam Friends Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM, Monday, June 17, 2024 at Kennedy Funeral Home.

Kennedy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wallace family.

James Mangrum

1941 – 2024

James L. Mangrum of Pineblu passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital at the age of 82.

James was born in Morenci, Michigan, on August 11, 1941, to the late James and Helen

Leonard “Len” Francis DiNapoli Jr.

September 5, 1945 –June 14, 2024

Leonard Francis DiNapoli, Jr., lost his battle with renal disease on Friday evening, June 14,2024. He died peacefully at home in Belle Meade with the help of First Health Hospice and his devoted caretakers of many months.

Len was born on September 5, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Leonard DiNapoli, Sr. and Teresa DiNapoli.

Len was a New Yorker through and through.

He was Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Marsh McClennan headquarted in NYC. He earned both his undergraduate and juris doctorate degree from St. John’s University (summa cum laude).

He practiced law for over 30 years at Marsh McClennan. He was an avid reader of non- ction and followed MSNBC every day.

After moving to Pinehurst in 2005, he took up volunteer work at Moore Regional Hospital and was there for 18 years. He also led a group of workers that o ered free income tax services to the elderly and disadvantaged.

Len is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Rita Barnes DiNapoli, children Beth Hacker (Je ), Billy DiNapoli (Clair) and Katie DiNapoli, step-daughter Lorie Cox (Zach). Grandchildren Ryan Hacker, Jessica Hacker, and Michael DiNapoli. a twin brother, Michael DiNapoli and his niece Madeline Orso.

At his request there will not be a public service.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines

Cogdill Mangrum. After graduating from High School, where he was an accomplished track and football player, he proudly joined and served in the United States Navy. He worked for and retired from Ford Motor Company after 30-plus years. After retirement, he and his wife, Joan, moved to Pineblu , NC, from Ypsilanti, Michigan, because of his love of golf. After moving to North Carolina, he got his dream job working golf courses No. 3 and No. 5. He leaves behind his wife, Joan Mangrum; his children, Jamie Mangrum (Trish), Angelique Mangrum, and Michelle King; his sisters, Judith Sanderson and Sheridan Schroeder; nine grandchildren, including his closest granddaughter, Maija. Services to be held at a later date.

• Wayne E. Key, May 13, 1942 – June 17, 2024, age 82, of Carthage, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

• Larry Benson Collins, December 7, 1951 –June 15, 2024, age 72, left this earthly life on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at his residence.

• Oliver Scot Cooper, June 24, 2005 –June 10, 2024, age 18, of Whispering Pines passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 10, 2024.

• Christopher Frederick Virtue, December 15, 1950 – June 13, 2024

Christopher Frederick Virtue, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 15, 1950, Chris was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord.

• Kevin William Gannon May 24, 1922 –June 12, 2024

After a joyous 102-year life full of adventures, Kevin William Gannon has embarked on yet another journey. On June 12, 2024, he set off to join his creator and reunite with loved ones.

• Richard Charles “Dick” Hutchinson Sr. September 17, 1936 – June 11, 2024

Richard Charles “Dick” Hutchinson Sr., 87 of Whispering Pines, North Carolina, passed away on June 11, 2024, at The Greens of Pinehurst, NC.

• Margaret Gail Williams May 18, 1947 –June 11, 2024

Margaret “Gail” Williams, age 77, of Southern Pines, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC, with family by her side.

• Amin A. Bilal July 19, 1949 – June 11, 2024

Mr. Amin A. Bilal, 74, of Whispering Pines, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Magnolia Gardens in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

STATE & NATION

Supreme Court ruling on mifepristone isn’t end of abortion pill debate

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion could be used as a road map to further challenges

By Geo Mulvihill

The Associated Press

THE SUPREME COURT’S ruling on technical grounds last Thursday keeps the abortion pill mifepristone available in the U.S. for now, but it won’t be the last word on the issue, and the unanimous opinion offers some clues for how abortion opponents can keep trying to block its use nationwide.

Some state attorneys general have indicated that they’ll press ahead, though they haven’t laid out exactly how.

And while the ruling said the anti-abortion doctors who brought the lawsuit failed to show they’ve been harmed when others use the drug, that might not stop some other plainti from a successful challenge.

“The decision is good that the doctors don’t have standing,” said Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, director of Aid Access, an abortion pill supplier working with

seek greater regulatory or legislative restrictions on certain activities,” he wrote. That route would be more likely to work for them if Republican Donald Trump is elected president in November than if Joe Biden remains in o ce.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine sued the Food and Drug Administration in 2022, a few months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the nationwide right to abortion. Most GOP-controlled states had implemented new bans or limits on abortion by then. The anti-abortion doctors sought a ruling that would apply nationwide, asking judges to nd that the FDA wrongly approved and eased access to mifepristone.

er, misoprostol. The latter drug can also be used alone — but women are more likely to experience side e ects that way. About half the abortions across the nation involved such pills before Roe was overturned. By last year, the medication was used in nearly two-thirds, one survey found. Providers in some states are using telehealth appointments to prescribe and mail them to women in states with bans or restrictions. Underground networks distribute them, too.

After the doctors group led suit, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian law rm, Republican attorneys general for Idaho, Kansas and Missouri tried to get involved. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk allowed them into the case and then denied an intervening role by the Supreme Court.

Infowars is expected to cease operating

By Dave Collins and Juan A. Lozano

The Associated Press

HOUSTON

— A federal judge on Friday ordered the liquidation of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ personal assets but dismissed his company’s separate bankruptcy case, leaving the immediate future of his Infowars media platform uncertain as he owes $1.5 billion for his false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.

Judge Christopher Lopez approved converting Jones’ proposed personal bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation. But Lopez threw out the case of his company, Austin, Texas-based Free Speech Systems, after failed attempts by Jones to reach an agreement with Sandy Hook families on his proposals to reorganize and keep operating the company while paying them millions of dollars.

It wasn’t immediately clear what will happen in the coming weeks to Free Speech Systems, Infowars’ parent company, which Jones built into a multimillion-dollar moneymaker over the past 25 years by selling dietary supplements and other products. But both Jones and lawyers for the Sandy Hook families said they expect Infowars to cease operating at some point because of the huge debt.

U.S. providers. “The problem is the decision should have said that nobody has standing in this case — that only the women have standing.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion even provides a road map for people with “sincere

concerns about and objections to others using mifepristone and obtaining abortions.”

“Citizens and doctors who object to what the law allows others to do may always take their concerns to the Executive and Legislative Branches and

A federal judge in Texas and the New Orleans-based U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals validated many of the group’s arguments, making some Democratic-controlled states nervous enough to stockpile abortion pills.

Most medication abortions use a combination of mifepristone, which is also used in miscarriage care, and anoth-

A trustee appointed Friday in Jones’ personal bankruptcy case to oversee the liquidation now has control over his assets, including Infowars, according to lawyers for Sandy Hook families. Dismissal of Free Speech Systems’ case means the families can now move immediately to collect on the $1.5 billion in state courts in Texas and Connecticut where they won defamation lawsuits against Jones and the company. It’s possible Infowars will continue operating during the collection efforts, which could include sell-

ing o the company’s assets.

Jones, who smiled as the judge dismissed the company’s case, called in to Infowars after the court hearing and predicted more battles in the state courts. “The bizarre political attempts to hijack the operation have failed,” he said, and added that he would nd another way to broadcast his shows if he loses Infowars.

Outside the courthouse, he railed about the families not accepting his reorganization proposals and alleged that they were being used by political

groups in a conspiracy to silence him. He said he would try to maximize revenues at Infowars to make money for creditors and then wind down the business in a way that takes care of its 44 employees.

“This is about taking me o the air,” Jones said. “Understand that what you’ve seen in the corporate media about me, or what I said about Sandy Hook or any of this, has no bearing on reality.”

Chris Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families, called Infowars “soon-to-be defunct” as

David S. Cohen, a law professor at Drexel University who studies abortion-related law, said normally intervenors like the states would not be allowed to continue if the main parties have their claims dismissed because they lack standing, but that’s not yet clear in this case, and the attorneys general aren’t giving up.

“We are moving forward undeterred with our litigation to protect both women and their unborn children,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said on X.

his clients move to collect on the debt in state courts. He said the families will also pursue Jones’ future earnings.

“Today is a good day,” Mattei said in a text message after the hearing. “Alex Jones has lost ownership of Infowars, the corrupt business he has used for years to attack the Connecticut families and so many others. ... Alex Jones is neither a martyr nor a victim. He is the perpetrator of the worst defamation in American history.”

Lopez had been asked to either convert Free Speech Systems’ bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation or dismiss the case. He said his sole focus was what would be best for the company and its creditors. He also said Free Speech Systems’ case appeared to be one of the longest running of its kind in the country, and it was approaching a deadline to resolve it.

“I was never asked today to make a decision to shut down a show or not. That was never going to happen today one way or another,” Lopez said. “This case is one of the more di cult cases I’ve had. When you look at it, I think creditors are better served in pursuing their state court rights.”

Many of Jones’ personal assets will be sold o , but his primary home in the Austin area and some other belongings are exempt from bankruptcy liquidation. He already has moved to sell his Texas ranch worth about $2.8 million, a gun collection and other assets to pay debts.

DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP PHOTO

Alex Jones pauses before speaking to the media after arriving at the federal courthouse for a hearing in front of a bankruptcy judge last Friday.

ALLEN G. BREED / AP PHOTO

The Supreme Court unanimously preserved access to the medication mifepristone that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year.

HOKE COUNTY

We got to get this wagon train a-movin’

The Hoke County Wagon Train rolled through Raeford on Friday, with over 100 riders on horseback and some 20 wagons. Above, Jerry Harris leads the Wagon Train down Main Street. The train has been going for more than 60 years, dating back to 1964. Frankie Wilson has been the Wagon Master for the last 30 years.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Unloaded rearms don’t violate N.C. safe gun storage law, court rules

A North Carolina appeals court ruled that a gun must be loaded for someone to be convicted of failing to properly store the weapon at home to protect minors living there.

A panel of the intermediate -level Court of Appeals ruled unanimously Tuesday to overturn the safe -storage and manslaughter convictions of Kimberly Cable in McDowell County.

A teenager fatally shot himself in her home in 2018 using a gun that she possessed.

The youth was a friend of her son who had entered Cable’s bedroom at night to retrieve the unloaded revolver and separate ammunition.

NCDOT seeks feedback on EV charging stations

The Department of Transportation will host a webinar to gather public feedback on where to deploy the second round of public electric vehicle charging stations.

Members of the public will be able to give feedback to NCDOT on the federally funded NEVI charging station program, and to learn more about the program and how it works.

NEVI, or National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, is a federal program that set aside $5 billion to build a network of publicly funded electric car chargers around the country — though the rollout has been slow, with only a handful of chargers built in the two years since the program was approved. North Carolina received $109 million to build its portion of the network.

The webinar will be from 3-4:30 p.m. on June 26.

Interested parties can register for the program on NCDOT.gov, and a recording will be posted to the NCDOT YouTube page.

The rst NEVI stations in North Carolina should open sometime in 2025.

Hoke elementary schools to have uniform hours

The school board OK’d having the elementary school day run from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Schools Board of Education approved a universal start and end time for all of the district’s elementary schools starting this fall.

At its June 4 meeting, the board signed o on the new day, with all the schools starting at 7:45 a.m. and releasing pupils at 2:30 p.m.

“We’re trying to have consistency among our elementary schools,” said Superintendent Kenneth Spells. “Several of our elementary schools have

di erent start times and di erent end times, so we want one universal time for our elementary schools.”

In other business, the board saw possible graphic design packages under consideration for the new Hoke County High School.

“What we want to build here is a timeless design,” said SfL+a project manager Michael Holborn. “We don’t want this to go out of fashion soon, so we’re really looking at that aspect of it. These schools are meant to be around for a long time, and we don’t want to be redesigning them in the near future.”

The presentation touched on logo choice and incorporation, font types, color palettes, 3D signage, graphic locations and packages, and other aesthetic enhancements.

“We’re

trying to have consistency among our elementary schools.”

Superintendent Kenneth Spells

No nal decisions have been made on the designs.

The district also has considerable challenges with open positions. There are currently 22 vacant elementary school positions, and in the secondary schools, there are four ELA, seven math, ve science, nine social studies, seven health/art/ music, 19 EC and 15 teacher assistant vacancies.

According to Director of Human Resources Tuwanda McNeill, the district is considering

relying more on international partners and hires to alleviate the current sta ng challenges.

The board also approved a $37,683.82 contract with True IP Solutions to procure the hardware required for the schools’ transition to a more advanced voice over IP phone system.

“As we discussed in our last board meeting, we’re embarking on a signi cant upgrade to our district’s phone system,” said Assistant Superintendent Dawn Ramseur. “The impetus for this originated from the county commissioners who allocated funds as part of our capital outlay request, specically for the replacement of the phone system at Sandy Grove Elementary School.”

Four options were considered, and True IP was the district’s choice. “They did have the most nancially advantageous option, o ering the lowest recurring monthly cost for the services provided,” explained Ramseur.

The Hoke County Schools Board of Education will next meet on July 9.

Turnout and enthusiasm could swing the purple state

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

OXFORD — She opens the door wearing a gray tank top, Hello Kitty pajama pants and pink fuzzy slippers. With her 6-year-old son standing quietly beside her, she listens patiently as Liz Purvis begins discussing what’s at stake in the election this November. The woman, Cynthia, tells Purvis she doesn’t watch the news or even know who the president is. When Purvis, the 31-year-old chair of the Democratic Party in Granville County, tells her that a White House re-

match looms between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Cynthia lets out a laugh, then an expletive.

Such is the state of the 2024 election, as seen at the ground level. In this rural county in one of the states expected to help decide the presidency, the nutsand-bolts e orts of party activists to generate election enthusiasm are sometimes met with indi erence and even disgust from people who could be positioned to play an outsize role in determining the nation’s course. For now, Cynthia and many others aren’t paying much attention to elections at all.

‘More hopeful in general’

About 4 in 10 Americans in a

Pew Research Center poll conducted in April said they are not following news about candidates in the presidential election, closely or at all. And many in the United States already nd the election exhausting, even if they are not tuned in.

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults in the poll said they are worn out by so much campaign and candidate coverage. Purvis, accompanied by an Associated Press reporter on a recent canvassing trip, was near downtown Oxford, the seat of a county of about 62,000 people wedged between Raleigh and the Virginia border.

By the time she got to Cynthia, who declined to give her last name to maintain her privacy, she had knocked on ve doors without an answer.

By the end of a sweltering, breezeless Saturday, Granville County Democrats had knocked on 320 doors in their Memorial Day weekend canvassing campaign, the highest number by any Democratic county party in the state that day.

As of June 7, Democrats had outspent Republicans on ad-

See VOTERS, page A6

Hunting, shing permit costs going up July 1

Carolina hunting and shing permits are going up this year, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced this week. The license fees, which make up about a quarter of the agency’s revenue, are rising around 20%, with the costs indexed to the rise in in ation since the last fee increase in January 2020. The revenue will go toward the NCWRC’s own rising costs, which have also been affected by in ation.

The price adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) changes, with all licenses, permits, stamps and certi cations rising by 18.75% rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.

The agency says its costs of employee salaries and benets alone have risen by around $5.6 million per year (or 6.28%) since 2020.

THURSDAY

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | SHAWN KREST

The most important election of our lifetime

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

THIS NOVEMBER , Americans will go to the polls in what everyone seems to agree is “The Most Important Election of Our Lifetime!” Democracy? Personal liberty? Capitalism? The future of Europe? It’s all on the ballot.

And you thought it was just going to be Trump or Biden.

Of course, this isn’t the rst time we’ve been told that about an election. In 1936, voters were told:

“America is in peril. The welfare of American men and women and the future of our youth are at stake. We dedicate ourselves to the preservation of their political liberty, their individual opportunity and their character as free citizens, which today for the rst time are threatened by Government itself.

“The powers of Congress have been usurped by the President.

“The integrity and authority of the Supreme Court have been outed.

“The rights and liberties of American citizens have been violated. … To a free people these actions are insu erable.”

There were certainly some important issues in 1936. FDR had served two terms and was ignoring 150 years of precedent to run for a third term. He was defending his New Deal, which either helped begin to lead us out of the Depression or had been an enormous government overreach that went against the fabric of our nation. War was brewing in Europe, and, though it wasn’t known at the time, ve seats on the Supreme Court were about to come open over the next four years.

That’s an important election. Maybe *The* Most Important one.

According to Slate, we’ve been holding “The Most Important Election” since at least the 1805 Pennsylvania governor’s race, when the phrase was rst used. In the 219 years since, we’ve had a constantly increasing level of urgency, with each subsequent election taking the title as TMIEOOL (The Most Important Election Of Our Lifetime).

There are a couple of simple reasons why we feel this way. One is that creating urgency, whether merited or manufactured, is a good way to get your supporters to turn out.

“This November, you will decide whether we pay a little more in income tax or a little less” doesn’t have quite the same “get to the polls” pressure, does it?

The other big reason each election seems TMIE is an obvious but important fact about human nature:

We don’t know what’s going to happen.

We do know what happened in all those other TMIEOOLs, though: All the disasters — natural and man-made — and how they were

handled. We know about the economy, the wars and the ga es.

So, let’s take a look back to gure out which election was really “The Most Important”?

The three clear-cut choices for Most Important Election are:

1. 1944: We were about to elect the person who would be presented with the atomic bomb and have to weigh the merits of using it.

2. 1940: War raged in Europe and the U.S. would be attacked 13 months after Election Day.

3. 1860: The election would determine if states seceded from the Union and, soon after, went to war with it. It doesn’t get much more Most Important than that.

There are other candidates in the honorable mention section. 1796 was the rst election not involving George Washington. 1800 was referred to as “the Revolution of 1800.” There were the post-Lincoln elections as the country tried to recover from the Civil War, with 1876 perhaps being the most consequential. It turns out presidential elections have always been fairly important in our country.

Who knew?

But what about the end of that phrase: Of Our Lifetime. Here are the rankings:

1. 1980: The outcome of the election would determine if the American hostages in Iran would be freed. Plus, growing tensions with the Soviet Union, an economic recession and the emerging HIV pandemic were all on the horizon. The contrast between the candidates — mild-mannered incumbent Jimmy Carter and smooth-talking cowboy Ronald Reagan — also underscored the di erent paths the election could take us.

2. 2016: Again, the contrast between the two candidates — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump — added to the importance of the choice. We didn’t know it, but the winner would be hit with a worldwide pandemic, and three Supreme Court seats, enough to sway the court far in one direction, were about to come open.

3. 2000: Vice President and climate activist Al Gore vs. another cowboy in George W. Bush. Clearly, the candidates had vastly di erent priorities, presenting us with two divergent paths, intersected by an unprecedented attack on American soil eight months into their term.

In hindsight, those elections were more important than all the others. Unless you count this November, which, of course, will be TMIEOOL.

European ‘far right’ issues a stinging rebuke to elites

Nineteen percent of Germany’s population is foreign-born, as is 15% of Spain’s and 13% of France’s, with many o spring of previous immigrants living in suburban highrise ghettoes.

“THE FAR RIGHT MADE BIG GAINS IN European elections,” reads The Associated Press headline on last week’s European Parliament elections. Lest you wonder why you should dread gains by the “far right,” the lead sentence of the article notes that the EU has “roots in the defeat of Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.”

For many readers, that juxtaposition is a reminder of the sharp rise in Nazi party percentages in Weimar Republic elections from 3% in 1928 to 18% in 1930, 33% and 37% in 1932, and 43% in 1933. So is fascist dictatorship on the rise in Europe once again? No, and for multiple reasons.

First, European voters usually don’t take European Parliament elections seriously. The parliament can only amend or veto legislation passed by the nonelected European Commission and thus is mostly a talking shop. Turnout in EU elections has usually been well below that in national elections, and in many countries, voters typically cast protest votes in the knowledge that the winners will have only limited ability to set policy.

Second, the gains for the supposed “far-right” parties can easily be overstated. The Identity and Democracy Party increased from 49 seats to 62, and the nonaligned, not all of which is classed as “far right,” increased from 62 to 102. That sounds like a big shift, but “far-right” parties still hold only a small minority of the parliament’s 720 seats.

Third, and most importantly, the “far-right” parties don’t stand for anything like Hitler’s Nazis or Mussolini’s fascists. Even the Brothers of Italy party, members of which have praised Mussolini, is now solidly committed to constitutional democracy. Its leader, Giorgia Meloni, has been Italy’s prime minister since October 2022, and it’s no more totalitarian than Italy’s center-left Democrats, which has historical roots in the Communist Party.

The losers in the EU elections are the Green, pro-EU, Left and Socialist parties. European and American journalists, imbibing the assumptions of vulgar Marxism or American New Dealers, have long assumed voters use their votes to grab others’ money and that their natural response to discontent is to seek economic redistribution.

But in post-welfare-state Europe, redistribution has gone about as far as it can go — or at least not many voters seem to want it to go further.

Protest voters are unhappy about other aspects of the status quo. One reason, writes The New York Times’ David Leonhardt, is “because mainstream parties have dismissed public opinion on a major problem: the enormous rise of immigration.” Or, as maverick conservative Andrew Sullivan put it, over the last

decade, “in response to a volatile public mood, Western elites actually intensi ed their policy of importing millions of people from the developing world to replace their insu ciently diverse and declining domestic populations.”

As a result, 19% of Germany’s population is foreign-born, as is 15% of Spain’s and 13% of France’s, with many o spring of previous immigrants living in suburban high-rise ghettoes.

Academics and journalists, puzzled that modest-income voters don’t demand economic redistribution, tend to ascribe unease about immigration to racism or “status anxiety.” Allegedly bigoted voters just don’t like dark-skinned people or fear losing their “white privilege.”

But there’s a better explanation: Too many of the immigrants there are committing violent crimes or are violently trying to impose what Europeans regard as their oppressive religious restrictions on native European young women and gay men. Or massacre journalists who run cartoons of the prophet.

Similar increases in immigration from culturally hostile backgrounds help explain why Britain’s Conservatives are about to be swept from power after 14 years and why, despite low unemployment, President Joe Biden is trailing in the polls.

You don’t have to be racist or anxious about your status to be upset if you face an increased risk of being violently attacked or killed. You don’t have to be unaware that a country with a declining population needs more young workers to oppose governments that welcome hundreds of thousands of immigrants hostile to your culture and uninterested in actually working.

The gains for “far-right” parties may not change EU policies much, but they’re likely to a ect politically responsible national leaders. France’s President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap two-round election.

French conservative party leader Eric Ciotti has announced an alliance with the hitherto boycotted “far-right” National Rally of Marine Le Pen and 28-year-old Jordan Bardella. With all three parties in Germany’s governing coalition running behind the verboten Alternative for Germany party, a snap election may be in order there as well.

European elites who opened borders and dismissed those worried about the consequences as racist have su ered a stinging rebuke. Maybe American elites who have done the same will also su er electorally.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.”

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

HOKE SPORTS

A look back at spring sports: Individual sports

North State Journal sta

SINCE THE END of the high school sports seasons, we’ve been taking a look at how Hoke’s spring teams performed, as well as their outlooks for the future. We’ve looked at baseball, softball and girls’ soccer in previous issues. Now we take a look at the sports that focus on individual performance. While team scores determine the winners and losers in golf, tennis and track and eld, the athletes nd themselves alone in the spotlight while the competition is going on.

This year

The Bucks had strong performances in boys’ golf and track and eld, with the golf team having its best performance in the state meet in program history. Track and eld was well represented at the regional meet and sent an athlete to compete for state titles in three events. Boys’ tennis found the going tougher as it struggled on the court this season.

Top performers

Junior William Leak had dominant performances in the triple jump and high jump at the state meet with among the top distances in 4A this season. He also competed in long jump, nishing 12th. Eight other male athletes and three females also represented Hoke at the regional track and eld championships. In golf, Jordan Palmer and Robert Reedy became the rst members of the boys’ golf team to represent Hoke at the state meet.

Saying goodbye

Reedy was a senior and ended his Hoke County golf career with

a 42nd-place nish at states. Track and eld needs to replace DeQuavious Mosley, who made regionals in the long jump, hurdler Ja’Von Morrisey and shot putter Joey Castaneda. Braydon McKoy, who played doubles for Hoke tennis, will also depart.

Building blocks

The track team returns Leak, as well as most of the athletes

that made regionals. Sprinter Orza Salone, Darrien Frazier (400 meters) and hurdler Nasir Wells will be seniors. Sprinter Tyriek Davis, girls’ sprinter Jaida Hines and boys’ high jumper Jaydon Smith will be juniors. Girls’ distance runner Harley Hardin and girls’ sprinter Arielle Owens are rising sophomores.

The golf team returns Palmer, who nished 78th at the state meet.

Hoke County, softball

Peyton Hollingsworth is a youth softball player in Hoke County. Hollingsworth was named to the Hoke County All Stars and represented the county at the area youth softball tournament, playing rst base.

46-year-old Rose competes in US swimming trials

She hopes to make her third Olympic team

By Paul Newberry

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Gabrielle Rose is realistic about her goals. She knows a third Olympics is out of reach.

That’s OK.

This time, she’s swimming for an even higher cause.

At the age of 46, Rose is by far the oldest athlete at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials — earning her place among more than 1,000 entrants exactly two decades removed from her last appearance.

“I’m just hoping to show people you can do more, you’re capable of doing more,” said Rose, who represented her native Brazil at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the U.S. at the 2000 Sum-

mer Games in Sydney.

“You can have more energy, you can have more strength than you thought was possible,” she went on, the passion building in her voice. “I want women in particular to not be afraid to be strong, to lift weights, to take care of themselves and just know that they can have a lot more in the older chapters of their lives.”

Rose is an anomaly at the trials, to be sure, but hardly looks out of place.

Competing in the heats of the 100-meter breaststroke, against seven swimmers who were all less than half her age, Rose glided to the wall rst in a personal-best of 1 minute, 8.43 seconds — the rst time she’s broken the 1:09 barrier. She nished with the 11th-fastest time overall in the preliminaries, advancing to an improbable spot in the evening semi nals.

“That was my big stretch goal,” Rose said, still beaming more than an hour after she climbed from the temporary pool in Lu-

cas Oil Stadium. “I was really, really nervous because I just wanted to have the swim that I thought I was capable of. It came out this morning, so I’m really, really pleased.”

After failing to make the U.S. team at the 2004 trials, it appeared that Rose’s competitive swimming career was largely over. She got into coaching, became a mother and focused on the less-stressful Masters circuit to stoke her competitive res.

Last year, after surprising herself by setting a personal best at the Masters spring nationals, she decided to make another run at the Olympic trials.

“I wasn’t expecting to have a lifetime best at 45,” Rose said.

“So I’m like, ‘Let’s see what’s possible.’ It happens to line up with the Olympic year and Olympic trials. I’ve absolutely loved going back to my roots as a profes-

sional athlete and just knowing that this is like a special time in my life, just to see what I’m capable of.”

More than she ever could’ve imagined, it turned out.

When she spotted her time on the scoreboard, her face broke into a huge smile. The crowd of more than 17,000, which included her 10-year-old daughter Annie, recognized what an extraordinary moment it was, serenading her with an immediate standing ovation — and then another as she walked across the deck.

For Rose, the chance to compete at one more trials came along at a perfect point in her life.

But she knows it’s just a diversion.

Her plans after this?

“I’ve got to get back to real life,” she said, breaking into another grin.

HOKE GOLF SOCIAL MEDIA

Hoke County golfer Robert Reedy (left) poses with Bryson DeChambeau after the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO

Gabrielle Rose prepares for a Women’s 100 breaststroke preliminary heat at the US Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.

SIDELINE REPORT

CRICKET

U.S. cricket team advances to second round in Twenty20 World Cup debut Lauderhill, Fla. The United States cricket team has made history by qualifying for the second round in its Twenty20 World Cup debut after its last group game against Ireland was washed out in Florida. That advanced the U.S. to the Super Eight stage and automatically quali ed the Americans for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The U.S. quali ed for this T20 World Cup only as a co -host with the West Indies but has used home advantage to make a stunning rst impression in its rst global cricket tournament.

SWIMMING

Ledecky heading to her fourth Olympics

Indianapolis Katie Ledecky is heading to her fourth Olympics, cruising to victory in the 400-meter freestyle at the U.S. swimming trials. Cheered on by a big crowd, Ledecky nished two body-lengths ahead of the eld and touched the wall in 3 minutes, 58.35 seconds. She improved on her time of 3:59.99 in the morning preliminaries and set herself up to make a run at another gold against a loaded eld at the Paris Games. The 27-year-old Ledecky already has six individual gold medals — more than any female swimmer in Olympic history.

NFL

Players union could trade spring practices for longer training camp

Santa Clara, Calif.

NFL teams wrapped up their mandatory minicamps last week leading into about a monthlong break before the start of a grueling season that could approach seven months for the teams that make the Super Bowl. That timeline has been a familiar one for years. The NFLPA is contemplating proposing a major upheaval to this schedule, replacing spring practices with a longer training camp. It’s a plan that has not been met with wide acceptance, with several players and coaches decrying the elimination of OTAs and minicamps in May and June.

TENNIS

Murray selected for 5th Olympics but not certain he will play

London Andy Murray is not “100% sure” he will play at a fth Olympics despite his selection for the Paris Games. Murray has been granted an International Tennis Federation place to compete in the singles’ event of the Olympic tennis tournament. Team GB announced its tennis squad for Paris on Sunday and while Murray is currently only down to play singles, he has been nominated for a place in the doubles alongside Dan Evans. The British duo will nd out on June 25 if the ITF has granted them a spot.

Blaney wins inaugural Cup Series race at Iowa, earns playo spot

The defending champion won in front of 80 friends and family members

By John Bohnenkamp

The Associated Press

NEWTON, Iowa — Ryan Blaney had his concerns heading into the nal laps Sunday night in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. The problem was he didn’t hear his crew chief’s reassurance. There was no need to worry, though, with the defending series champion holding on for his rst victory of the season and a spot in the playo s.

Blaney seemed in control of the race, but was worried about fuel a couple of weeks after running out on the nal lap while leading at World Wide Technology Raceway. It’s why crew chief Jonathan Hassler came on the radio with less than 10

laps to go in this race to let him know he was good on fuel.

“I don’t even remember him saying that,” Blaney said. “I gured we were (OK). But I don’t remember him saying that.”

“I wanted to make sure he knew the whole situation,” Hassler said. “Sometimes I forget he doesn’t know what I know. So I just try to communicate as much as I can so he knows what’s going on.”

Blaney led four times for a career-high 201 laps, nishing 0.716 seconds ahead of William Byron for his 11th Cup victory.

“Ryan and those guys were really good,” Byron said. “He had a really good car. He was up front, contending a lot.”

Blaney regained the lead on Lap 263 after taking just two tires on a caution- ag pit stop. He led the rest of the way, getting through lapped tra c as Byron tried to close.

It was the decision to take two tires, on a weekend when tire wear was a concern for the

“We got a lot better qualifying to the race and got better through the night tonight.”

Ryan Blaney

Cup Series and X nity Series cars, that worried Hassler.

“There were not a lot of guys on two tires,” Hassler said. “At some point those guys are going to be a little bit better than you are. So, yeah, really nervous.”

Blaney, whose mother, Lisa, is from Chariton, Iowa, won in front of a sellout crowd of an estimated 40,000 fans that included 80 of his friends and family.

It was tting the rst Cup Series race at the 0.875-mile track would go to a Team Penske driver — Penske cars have won seven IndyCar Series races and three NASCAR X nity

Series races at the track.

“I think, as a whole company, we do a good job of these places we go to for the rst time,” said Blaney, who also has wins at the track in the X nity and Truck series.

But Blaney, who started on the outside of the front row, admitted he had concerns about how good his car would be for the race.

“Friday, I didn’t feel very good,” he said. “I wasn’t very con dent in the speed in our car. And we really went to work — we got a lot better qualifying to the race and got better through the night tonight. And I think we’re great at some points of the night. The last few runs were phenomenal. ” Chase Elliott was third. Christopher Bell, who had to start from the back of the eld in a backup car after crashing during practice Friday, was fourth. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who like Blaney took two tires on the nal pit stop, nished fth.

Former longtime Georgia Tech athletic director, NFL coach Homer Rice dies at 97

The administrator helped the Yellow Jackets get up to speed shortly after joining the ACC

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Homer Rice, who as athletic director hired some of Georgia Tech’s most successful coaches and implemented the school’s Total Person Program, has died. He was 97. Rice died last Monday, Georgia Tech announced. Rice was Georgia Tech’s athletic director from 1980-97. Among his notable hires were basketball coach Bobby Cremins, football coaches Bobby Ross and George O’Leary, and baseball coaches Jim Morris and Danny Hall. Georgia Tech won a share of the 1990 football championship and its rst Atlantic Coast Conference basketball championship in 1985 while advancing to the Final Four in 1990.

The Yellow Jackets won 16 ACC championships in ve sports during Rice’s time leading the athletic department. Rice was a high school, college and NFL football coach before beginning his career as an administrator. He coached the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals in 1979-79 before beginning his time at Georgia Tech. Rice was a college assistant at Kentucky (1962-65) and Oklahoma (1966) and was the coach

at Cincinnati (1967-68) before leaving to serve six years as UNC’s athletic director. He was hired in 1976 as athletic director and football coach at Rice and held those positions for two years.

Rice’s Total Person Program is regarded as the model for the NCAA’s Life Skills Program. The Homer Rice Award is presented annually to a FBS athletic director in recognition for signi cant contributions to college athletics.

“Homer has reminded us throughout his career that the ultimate goal of intercollegiate athletics is to help student-ath-

letes grow fully as people,” Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said in a statement released by the school. “At a time of profound changes in athletics, Homer’s message and legacy of excellence is more important than ever.”

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement Rice’s Total Person Program “was ahead of its time and paved the way for NCAA programming by preparing student-athletes for life beyond collegiate athletics. Each of the seven pillars of the Total Person program continue to resonate with not only myself, but every one of Dr. Rice’s peers, col-

leagues, and former student-athletes.”

Phillips said Rice, a native of Bellevue, Kentucky, “was incredibly in uential in the development of student-athletes, not only at UNC and Georgia Tech, but throughout college athletics.”

Former ACC commissioner and UNC athletic director John Swo ord said Rice, AD with the Tar Heels when he graduated in 1971, was his inspiration to pursue a career in athletic administration.

“He was my mentor then, and has been throughout my adult life,” Swo ord said in a statement. “I had the privilege of serving for 17 years as an A.D. with him in the ACC while he was at Georgia Tech and I was at UNC. Simply put, he was the best Athletic Director that I ever observed during my half century in college sports. He was the best leader, the most organized, the best motivator, the best innovator. He was full of integrity, decency and class.”

Rice taught a leadership class at Georgia Tech until recent years and wrote a number of books on leadership success.

Georgia Tech dedicated a statue of Rice outside of Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2021. Dodd and John Heisman are the only other in Georgia Tech athletics to be commemorated with a statue.

Rice’s wife of 64 years, Phyllis, died in 2013. He married his second wife, Karen, in 2015.

COURTESY GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS

In Homer Rice’s 17 years as Georgia Tech athletic director, he hired basketball coach Bobby Cremins and football coaches Bobby Ross and George O’Leary.

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP PHOTO

Ryan Blaney does a burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. The win clinched him a spot in the playo s.

Princess of Wales says she’s making ‘good progress’ in cancer treatment

The mother of three will attend the king’s birthday parade Saturday

By Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka

The Associated Press

LONDON — The Princess of Wales said Friday she is “making good progress” in her cancer treatment and will attend King Charles III’s ceremonial birthday parade on Saturday, Kate’s rst public appearance since her diagnosis.

The 42-year-old wife of Prince William has not made any public appearances this year. She announced in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspecied form of cancer.

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” Kate said in a statement released Friday, adding that she faces “a few more months” of treatment.

“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Kate said.

The announcement is a signi cant milestone but does not mark a return to full-time public duties for Kate. The palace issued a new photo of Kate, taken in Windsor earlier this week, showing her next to a tree, dressed casually in jeans and a blazer.

The palace said the king was “delighted” that Kate will attend Trooping the Color, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade. It is an annual military parade that marks the monarch’s o cial birthday in June. Charles, who also is being

VOTERS from page 1

vertising in North Carolina by a nearly 4-to-1 margin, according to AdImpact data, and they have far more slots reserved between now and November. They also appear to have dedicated more resources to ground-level e orts such as door-knocking.

That leaves party activists like Purvis feeling optimistic about a state where Trump prevailed twice, though his margin narrowed between 2016 and 2020. The Biden campaign clearly sees an opportunity there and the president already has made three trips to the Tarheel State this year.

“I’m more hopeful for North Carolina in general than I have been in years past,” Purvis said. “I think Granville County has great potential to be part of that.”

treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, is due to oversee the ceremony, in which troops in full dress uniform parade past the king with their ceremonial ag, or “color.” Kate is expected to travel in a horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace with the couple’s children — Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 9; and Prince Louis, who is 6 — before watching the ceremony from a building beside the parade ground. She may also join other royals for a traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Both presidential campaigns are prioritizing rural voters, and North Carolina has the second highest rural population behind Texas. In 2020, only 14 rural North Carolina counties voted for Biden; the state’s 64 others backed Trump. Almost 53% of the Granville County vote went to Trump, slightly more than in 2016. Democrat Barack Obama carried the county in his 2008 and 2012 campaigns. Only six North Carolina counties pivoted from Obama to Trump.

Granville County sits on the outskirts of Raleigh and Durham, and some residents drive on Interstate 85 or twolane roads that wind through the countryside to commute to work in the Triangle. Granville has ve municipalities and manufacturing plants for Revlon, Bridgestone and others.

Further down the ballot,

said the princess’ statement was “wonderful news.”

“I thought it was brave, I thought it was honest and I’m sure it will bring an enormous amount of comfort to so many other people who are grappling with similar health challenges,” Sunak said at a Group of Seven summit in Italy.

Kate’s announcement in March came after speculation proliferated on social media about her well-being and absence from public view. She has revealed few details about her illness, which was discovered after what she described as major abdominal surgery in Janu-

county voters could help determine whether the GOP maintains its state legislative supermajority.

“Is it a teeter-totter back and forth, or is it just that we happened to catch it at the moment where it was going Republican anyway? We don’t know yet, right?” said Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper. “That’s what we’re going to learn after November.”

Cooper isn’t sure Biden will win in such places, but he thinks the margins matter. That’s because they will determine what he needs in the state’s urban areas, which tend to favor Democrats.

“It’s not realistic to think that the Democrats will win rural North Carolina. They won’t, they’ll lose,” Cooper said. “The question is: How big do they lose?”

ary.

In a March video message, Kate said the diagnosis had come as “a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

On Friday, Kate thanked members of the public, saying she had been “blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement.”

“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal,”

she said. “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”

Charles, 75, disclosed his cancer in February and has recently eased back into public duties. He attended commemorations this week for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944.

Charles is likely to travel to Saturday’s event by carriage with Queen Camilla and is expected to watch the ceremony seated on a dais, rather than on horseback as he did last year.

ALASTAIR GRANT / AP PHOTO

From left, Princess Anne, Prince George, Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III and Queen Camilla greet the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour parade on June 17, 2023.

KARL B. DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, speaks at a meeting of the Democratic Committee of North Carolina in Rocky Mount last month.

Colleen L. Kinney

October 14, 1951 –June 15, 2024

Ms. Colleen Lee Kinney went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 15, 2024 at the age of 72. She was born in West Virginia on October 14, 1951 to the late Frances and Coy Cole.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Kinney.

Colleen was a housewife, and a mother who was dedicated to her family. She loved going to church and having her family there with her. She enjoyed crocheting, playing games, shing, and spending time with her friends. She loved spending time with her animals, especially dogs. Colleen enjoyed going to the mountains and the beach. She was the rock that held her family together.

She is survived by her four children, Tracie Yates (Jamie), Patricia Kinney, Lisa Richards (Adam), and Eugene Kinney (Monica); nine grandchildren; ve great grandchildren, with one on the way; a sister, Renee’ Whitted; and a brother, Robert D. Cole.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 6-8 pm at Crumpler Funeral Home.

A private ceremony for friends and family will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11 am in the Kinney Family Cemetery 775 TC Jones Rd. Raeford, NC 28376 with Pastor Jay Barr o ciating.

• Ayra Anays Tompkins Salvatierra, June 3, 1957 – June 6, 2024

Rebecca Laviner

December 14, 1949 –June 16, 2024

Ms. Rebecca Jean Laviner, of Raeford, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at the age of 74.

She was born in Scotland County, NC on December 14, 1949 to the late Johnny and Elsie Jones.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David O’Brian Bass in 1994 and later husband, Jackie Wayne Laviner in 2015; daughter, Kelly Ann Bass; brothers, Richard Allen Jones and Johnny Victor Jones, Jr.

Becky was a member of the First Baptist Church of Raeford.

She played piano and organ for many churches for 60 years.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her sons, Jonathan O’Brian Bass, of Easley, SC and David Brandon Bass (Malissa), of Marston, NC; stepdaughter, Crystal Laviner Hyatt (Darron), of Wagram, NC; brother, James Jones (Myra), of Conway, SC; grandchildren, Kellie Bass, Brennan Bass, Andrew Bass, Brandon Hyatt, Matthew Hyatt, and Sierra Nelms; and ve great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Raeford 333 N. Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376.

A service will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 11:00 am with Rev. Tom Lee and Rev. Michael Martin o ciating.

Burial will follow in the Springhill Cemetery in Wagram 20660 Arch McLean Rd, Wagram, NC 28396.

In lieu of owers, please make contributions to the music department at the First Baptist Church of Raeford.

Benita A. Peterkin

October 3, 1976 – June 11, 2024

Ms. Benita A. Peterkin age, 47 transitioned from Earth to Glory on June 11, 2024. She leaves to cherish her loving memories her mother, Garley Mary Peterkin; sisters: Belinda Townsend, Beverly Dennie; brother, Lander Peterkin Jr. along with a host of other family and friends. Benita will be greatly missed.

SFC Dominic Maxwell Perry

June 14, 1985 – June 12, 2024

Sergeant First Class Dominic Maxwell Perry, 38, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, passed away on June 12, 2024.

Born on June 14, 1985 in Weiden i.d. Opf., Germany to Carl and Sonja Perry, he enlisted in the United States Army in 2003. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and advanced training at Fort Gordon, Georgia as a Satellite Communication Systems Operator/Maintainer, SFC Perry served with distinction at Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and as a recruiter in Garner, North Carolina. His overseas deployments included tours in Iraq, Qatar, and Afghanistan.

SFC Perry’s numerous awards and decorations testify to his exceptional service: the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, NonCommissioned O cer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Gold Recruiter Badge, Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Driver Badge.

In 2019, after a rigorous assessment, Perry was selected to join the elite U.S. Army Parachute Team as a Demonstration Parachutist. An extraordinarily experienced jumper, he logged over 3,100 freefall and 57 military static line jumps, serving as a coachrated Tandem Instructor and Accelerated Freefall Instructor. With a true passion for skydiving, Perry took immense pride in being a “Golden Knight” but his greatest source of pride was his role as a devoted husband and father.

SFC Perry is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Jeanne; his parents Carl and Sonja Perry; sons Dominic Jr. and Dante; brother Curtis Perry of Louisiana; sister Rebecca Perry; and many extended family members and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the All American Chapel, Bldg. C-7242 on Ardennes Street, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

Interment will follow at LaFayette Memorial Park, 2301 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301.

David Wayne Smith

January 13, 1955 –June 12, 2024

Mr. David Smith age, 69 went home to be with his Heavenly Father on June 12, 2024. He was the son of the late Clem Smith and Roxie Cook Smith. He leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife, Barbara Ross Smith; children: Dewayne Lamont Smith, Malcolm Darnell Smith; sisters: Barbara Lee, Dorothy Dendy, Margaret Mack; brothers Micheal Smith, Clem Smith Jr. two granchildren along with a host of other family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 19; 1:00 PM at McLauchlin Chapel AME Zion Church.

Mary Alyce Inman

October 7, 1933 –June 12, 2024

Ms. Mary Alyce Inman, of Raeford, NC passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the age of 90.

She was born in Robeson County, NC on October 07, 1933 to the late James and Mamie Bullock.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ken and Tad Bullock. Mary Alyce was a member of the First Baptist Church of Raeford. She was a retired legal secretary for Hostetler and McNeill Attorneys at Law. She was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was very stern with a heart of gold.

She is survived by her brother, Jack, of Anderson, Texas; her children, Deborah, Allan, Rosemary, Keith, and Lisa; nine grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; and a very special friend, Trudy.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Raeford City Cemetery with Jere Lee McClendon and Lonnie Reneau o ciating.

Henry Lee Jones

July 5, 1925 – June 12, 2024

Mr. Henry Lee Jones age, 98 went home to rest with his Heavenly Father on June 12, 2024. He leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife, Lillian Jones; children: Shirley Hough, Brenda Scott, Amos Jones, General Manning, Jerry Manning, Ailean Brigman, Lillian McDavid, Miranda McPhatter, Delton Manning; sister, Beatrice Purcell Barnett; thirteen grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildren, ve great great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 18; 12:00 PM at Leach Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

Thomas Roger McFadyen

October 22, 1935 –June 7, 2024

Mr. Thomas R. McFadyen of Raeford, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Open Arms Retirement Center.

Thomas was born in Hoke County on October 22, 1935, to the late Robert and Nola McFadyen.

He was preceded in death by 10 siblings.

He was a farmer most of his life before he retired. He will be dearly missed by his church family and his friends at Open Arms Retirement Center. A memorial service will be held later.

Vaudry Dean Simmons

April 11, 1965 – June 6, 2024

Vaudry Dean Simmons, age 59, of Red Springs, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

He was born on April 11, 1965 in Miami, Florida. Dean is survived by his mother Dixie Simmons; brother, Bobby Simmons and his wife Michele; sister, Wendy Mossolle, and her husband Lee; sister, Christy Moore and her husband Adam; and his loving aunt, Jackie Gregory.

He will be dearly missed.

STATE & NATION

Supreme Court ruling on mifepristone isn’t end of abortion pill debate

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion could be used as a road map to further challenges

By Geo Mulvihill

The Associated Press

THE SUPREME COURT’S ruling on technical grounds last Thursday keeps the abortion pill mifepristone available in the U.S. for now, but it won’t be the last word on the issue, and the unanimous opinion offers some clues for how abortion opponents can keep trying to block its use nationwide.

Some state attorneys general have indicated that they’ll press ahead, though they haven’t laid out exactly how.

And while the ruling said the anti-abortion doctors who brought the lawsuit failed to show they’ve been harmed when others use the drug, that might not stop some other plainti from a successful challenge.

“The decision is good that the doctors don’t have standing,” said Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, director of Aid Access, an abortion pill supplier working with

seek greater regulatory or legislative restrictions on certain activities,” he wrote. That route would be more likely to work for them if Republican Donald Trump is elected president in November than if Joe Biden remains in o ce.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine sued the Food and Drug Administration in 2022, a few months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the nationwide right to abortion. Most GOP-controlled states had implemented new bans or limits on abortion by then. The anti-abortion doctors sought a ruling that would apply nationwide, asking judges to nd that the FDA wrongly approved and eased access to mifepristone.

er, misoprostol. The latter drug can also be used alone — but women are more likely to experience side e ects that way. About half the abortions across the nation involved such pills before Roe was overturned. By last year, the medication was used in nearly two-thirds, one survey found. Providers in some states are using telehealth appointments to prescribe and mail them to women in states with bans or restrictions. Underground networks distribute them, too.

After the doctors group led suit, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian law rm, Republican attorneys general for Idaho, Kansas and Missouri tried to get involved. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk allowed them into the case and then denied an intervening role by the Supreme Court.

U.S. providers. “The problem is the decision should have said that nobody has standing in this case — that only the women have standing.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion even provides a road map for people with “sincere

concerns about and objections to others using mifepristone and obtaining abortions.”

“Citizens and doctors who object to what the law allows others to do may always take their concerns to the Executive and Legislative Branches and

A federal judge in Texas and the New Orleans-based U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals validated many of the group’s arguments, making some Democratic-controlled states nervous enough to stockpile abortion pills.

Most medication abortions use a combination of mifepristone, which is also used in miscarriage care, and anoth-

David S. Cohen, a law professor at Drexel University who studies abortion-related law, said normally intervenors like the states would not be allowed to continue if the main parties have their claims dismissed because they lack standing, but that’s not yet clear in this case, and the attorneys general aren’t giving up.

“We are moving forward undeterred with our litigation to protect both women and their unborn children,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said on X.

Jones’ personal assets to be sold to pay $1.5B Sandy Hook debt

Infowars is expected to cease operating

By Dave Collins and Juan A. Lozano

The Associated Press

HOUSTON — A federal judge on Friday ordered the liquidation of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ personal assets but dismissed his company’s separate bankruptcy case, leaving the immediate future of his Infowars media platform uncertain as he owes $1.5 billion for his false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.

Judge Christopher Lopez approved converting Jones’ proposed personal bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation. But Lopez threw out the case of his company, Austin, Texas-based Free Speech Systems, after failed attempts by Jones to reach an agreement with Sandy Hook families on his proposals to reorganize and keep operating the company while paying them millions of dollars.

It wasn’t immediately clear what will happen in the coming weeks to Free Speech Systems, Infowars’ parent company, which Jones built into a multimillion-dollar moneymaker over the past 25 years by selling dietary supplements and other products. But both Jones and lawyers for the Sandy Hook families said they expect Infowars to cease operating at some point because of the huge debt.

A trustee appointed Friday in Jones’ personal bankruptcy case to oversee the liquidation now has control over his assets, including Infowars, according to lawyers for Sandy Hook families. Dismissal of Free Speech Systems’ case means the families can now move immediately to collect on the $1.5 billion in state courts in Texas and Connecticut where they won defamation lawsuits against Jones and the company. It’s possible Infowars will continue operating during the collection efforts, which could include sell-

ing o the company’s assets.

Jones, who smiled as the judge dismissed the company’s case, called in to Infowars after the court hearing and predicted more battles in the state courts. “The bizarre political attempts to hijack the operation have failed,” he said, and added that he would nd another way to broadcast his shows if he loses Infowars.

Outside the courthouse, he railed about the families not accepting his reorganization proposals and alleged that they were being used by political

groups in a conspiracy to silence him. He said he would try to maximize revenues at Infowars to make money for creditors and then wind down the business in a way that takes care of its 44 employees.

“This is about taking me o the air,” Jones said. “Understand that what you’ve seen in the corporate media about me, or what I said about Sandy Hook or any of this, has no bearing on reality.”

Chris Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families, called Infowars “soon-to-be defunct” as

his clients move to collect on the debt in state courts. He said the families will also pursue Jones’ future earnings.

“Today is a good day,” Mattei said in a text message after the hearing. “Alex Jones has lost ownership of Infowars, the corrupt business he has used for years to attack the Connecticut families and so many others. ... Alex Jones is neither a martyr nor a victim. He is the perpetrator of the worst defamation in American history.”

Lopez had been asked to either convert Free Speech Systems’ bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation or dismiss the case. He said his sole focus was what would be best for the company and its creditors. He also said Free Speech Systems’ case appeared to be one of the longest running of its kind in the country, and it was approaching a deadline to resolve it.

“I was never asked today to make a decision to shut down a show or not. That was never going to happen today one way or another,” Lopez said. “This case is one of the more di cult cases I’ve had. When you look at it, I think creditors are better served in pursuing their state court rights.”

Many of Jones’ personal assets will be sold o , but his primary home in the Austin area and some other belongings are exempt from bankruptcy liquidation. He already has moved to sell his Texas ranch worth about $2.8 million, a gun collection and other assets to pay debts.

DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP PHOTO

Alex Jones pauses before speaking to the media after arriving at the federal courthouse for a hearing in front of a bankruptcy judge last Friday.

ALLEN G. BREED / AP PHOTO

The Supreme Court unanimously preserved access to the medication mifepristone that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year.