North State Journal — Vol. 2., Issue 38

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 38

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM |

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

inside Duke, North Carolina football to renew rivalry B1

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The 75-foot-tall Confederate Soldiers Monument looks down Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh as it rests on the grounds of the North Carolina State Capitol.

the Wednesday

NORTH

NEWS BRIEFING

STATE

Today in History Washington, D.C. On September 20, 2001 President George W. Bush addressed a joint session of Congress in the wake of the worst terror attacks on American soil. In that address, televised worldwide, Bush declared a War on Terror against a loosely organized group of Islamic jihadists called al-Qaeda.

“Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done,” he said.

“Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen. … Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.”

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

Cooper petitions Historical Commission for removal of Confederate statues The petition targets statues on the Old State Capitol grounds, while UNC students threaten to sue the university under the Civil Rights Act for the removal of a ‘Silent Sam’ statue

By Jeff Moore North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Historical Commission is scheduled to meet Friday to consider a request made by Gov. Roy Cooper that the body vote to remove and relocate Confederate statues currently placed on the grounds of the Old State Capitol building in Raleigh.

Specifically, the request is to move the three Confederate statues from outside the State Capitol to the Bentonville Battlefield historical site in Johnston County. Machelle Sanders, secretary of the De-

partment of Administration and a Cooper appointee, sent the petition to the state Historical Commission.

A 2015 law titled the Historical Artifacts Management and Patriotism Act, gives the state Historical Commission authority over moving Confederate statues, limiting the authority of local officials or activists. Instead of simple removal, the law states that any relocation be to “a site of similar prominence, honor, visibility, availability and access that are within the boundaries of the jurisdiction from which it was relocated.”

See STATUES, page A3

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL | FILE

Hurricane Jose stays off N.C. as Storm Maria forms Raleigh Hurricane Jose passed N.C. on Monday and remains off the east coast from Virginia to New England. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Maria has formed and is forecast to become a hurricane early next week, the U.S. National Hurricane Center says. Maria could threaten several Caribbean islands, some of which were devastated

by Hurricane Irma less than two weeks ago.

The death toll from Hurricane Irma is at 82. The death toll includes eight elderly patients who died after being exposed to sweltering heat inside a Miami-area nursing home.

Unaffiliated voters now No. 2 as party passes Republican volumes in North Carolina, but bad news for Democrats Fort Bragg soldiers

By Mollie Young North State Journal RALEIGH — For the first time in history, the number of unaffiliated voters in North Carolina has eclipsed one of the two major political parties.

Sometime between September 2 and September 9, the

population of registered unaffiliated voters surpassed registered Republicans in the state.

Figures released by the State Board of Elections put independents at 2,058,201 on Tuesday — nearly 2,000 voters ahead of the Grand Old Party.

See PARTY ROLLS, page A3

INSIDE

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evacuated from Caribbean ahead of Hurricane Maria After a week of Irma recovery operations the 602nd Area Support Medical Company is poised for round two, waiting out Maria onboard a Navy ship

By Donna King North State Journal

Local leaders discuss priorities with Governor Cooper, and first lady Kristin Cooper spearheads grant initiative to teach students healthy eating practices Jones & Blount

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JONATHAN DRAKE | REUTERS

The deck of a U.S. Navy landing craft is crowded with Army soldiers and their belongings as they are evacuated in advance of Hurricane Maria, off St. Thomas shore, U.S. Virgin Islands.

PHOTO COURTESY LARGEMOUTH COMMUNICATIONS

RALEIGH — Fort Bragg’s 602nd Area Support Medical Company was evacuated to a nearby navy ship from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands ahead of Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm that is bearing down on the region that was devastated by Irma just last week. The Fayetteville-based medical group was in the Caribbe-

an distributing supplies and providing medical care to the island.

St. Thomas, the most populated of the U.S. Virgin Islands and a popular tourist destination, experienced extensive damage in Irma and is now in the crosshairs of Maria. The storm weakened to a Category 4 Monday but regained its strength and Tuesday was again a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale used by the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

Early Maria lashed Guadeloupe’s southern shores and is creeping toward the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. It’s expected to maintain its strength and hit the region early on Wednesday. If it stays a See FORT BRAGG, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

A2 WEDNESDAY

09.13.17 #93

“Elevate the conversation”

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PHOTOS BY JONATHAN DRAKE | REUTERS

Soldiers of the 602nd Area Medical Support Company walk out to their C-17 transport plane on Pope Army Airfield as they are deployed to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, at Fort Bragg, N.C.

We stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

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Clockwise, U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters bring disaster relief supplies to Cyril E. King Airport in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Soldiers from the Army’s 602nd Area Support Medical Company share a light for a cigarette while waiting for transport on a Navy landing craft during their evacuation in advance of Hurricane Maria. Lieutenant Commander Kate Hinkle of Silver Spring, an infectious diseases doctor at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research who serves with the 602nd Area Support Medical Company when called upon, participates in the evaluation of a baby who was brought to the Schneider Regional Medical Center by his mother, in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

FORT BRAGG from page A1 Category 4 or 5, it will be the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in 85 years and the second this month.

The storm already ripped through the small island nation of Dominica, an island nation of 72,000 people, late on Monday as a Category 5 causing widespread devastation.

“The roof to my own official residence was among the first to go and this apparently triggered an avalanche of torn-away roofs in the city and the countryside,” said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

“But I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating; indeed, mind-boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured. The winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise

made contact with.”

Part of the 44th Medical Brigade from Fort Bragg, the 602nd Area Support Medical Company and 261st Multifunctional Medical Battalion will likely be called in to assist the islands with the impact of Maria, just as they have dealt with Irma fallout for the past week.

Called the “Bulldogs,” the team is will be a critical part of recovery.

“Stay safe Bulldogs!!! Your mission is not complete yet.....just paused. many more may need your help and compassion in the coming days!” the 44th Medical Brigade posted on their Facebook page.

The groups deployed to the region last Wednesday with 30 to 40 paratroopers to run a triage treating and evacuating patients and providing dental support. They also were surveying capabilities of St. Thomas’ only hospital, Schneider Regional Medical Center, which has sustained major damage.

St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island have all been without any electrical service since Irma hit on Sept. 6.

The deployment comes as their home base of Fort Bragg in Fayetteville is still mourning an accident during a training exercise on Thursday that killed one Army Special Forces soldier and injured seven other service members. The incident occurred during U.S. Army Special Operations Command demolitions training, with the soldiers involved taken by air and ground to multiple hospitals, according to a statement from the command.

The extent of the injuries of the seven wounded soldiers and the cause of the incident at the base were not released as the investigation is ongoing.

The soldier who died was identified as Staff Sergeant Alexander Dalida, 32, of Dunstable, Mass. He

was a student in the Special Forces Engineer Course at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, at Fort Bragg, the military said in a statement.

“Staff Sgt. Dalida’s death is a reminder that a soldier’s job is inherently dangerous,” Maj. Gen. Kurt Sonntag, commander of the Special Warfare Center and School, said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Staff Sgt. Dalida’s family and friends,” he added.

That inherent danger is on the minds of those keeping a close eye on Hurricane Maria as forecasters call it “potentially catastrophic.”

There are several models that show the storm headed north, toward the Carolinas, and others that show it going west toward the Gulf or east toward Bermuda. The National Hurricane Center said that by the weekend they will have a clearer idea of which way Maria is headed.

Want to learn more about North Carolina Agriculture?

The First Furrow www.FirstFurrow.com

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Vi Lyles upsets Jennifer Roberts in Democrat Primary for Charlotte Mayor Mayor Pro Tem ousts Jennifer Roberts, tainted

by House Bill 2

By Mollie Young North State Journal CHARLOTTE — In Charlotte’s mayoral primary held Tuesday, Charlotte Democrats ousted their own mayoral incumbent in what some are calling a referendum on Jennifer Roberts’ first term, marked by controversy over the city’s bathroom ordinance and violence in the wake of a police shooting.

Around 7pm on Tuesday, precincts began to report that Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Vi Lyles was leading Roberts and the field of three other Democratic primary candidates.

By the end of the night, Lyles, a former city budget director, secured approximately 46 percent of the vote — capturing key constituencies in Myers Park, Dilworth, and onward across the Queen City.

Roberts followed with 36 percent, while state Senator Joel Ford trailed with 15 percent. Connie Partee Johnson and Lucille Puckett, whose names appeared on the ballot without much fundraising, each captured less than a percentage point.

Lyles is the first African American woman to secure the nomination for the Charlotte mayoral race.

“I was always the local candidate, just the person talking about Charlotte,” Lyles told Fox46 in Charlotte on Wednesday morning, “and I think that made a difference.”

The primary turned out to be what many expected the general election would come down to — a judgement of Roberts’ polarizing politics tied to House Bill 2, racial protests, the police shooting of Lamont Scott last year, and sanctuary city status.

“I was mayor during the toughest two years that Charlotte has ever seen,” said Roberts to supporters on Tuesday night.

“I’ve been happy to be in the midst of that to stand up for our city.”

“I called Vi Lyles, I told her she ran a great race and has great support,” she told the group about her concession call, “I have enjoyed being in this campaign with her because she has been positive, and we are going to be positive with her, and we are going to make sure that Democratic values win in the city council and mayoral race in November.”

Lyles will face Republican Kenny

COURTESY PHOTO

Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Vi Lyles defeated incumbent Mayor Jennifer Roberts in last week’s Democratic mayoral primary.

Smith, a District 6 city council member and corporate real estate broker, in the general election this November.

Fundraising Smith skated through the conservative primary on Tuesday with nearly 89 percent of the vote. And with a stocked campaign war chest, Smith has financial leverage moving into the fall.

Roberts spent $166,361 in the month of August alone in the failed attempt to keep her seat. Lyles and Smith withdrew about $20,000 each during the same reporting period.

“They are all spending so much money, and we’re not,” said Smith speaking to North State Journal in early August about the Democratic primary field, “and I have a very lean staff.”

Smith is working with the consulting team at Victory Enterprises and has two staffers on his campaign payroll.

According to pre-primary finance reports submitted last week, Smith has spent $72,821 so far this cycle with $325,086 cash on hand heading into the fall.

Lyles, on the other hand, has spent $236,116 so far with $43,250 cash on hand, currently. Her victory is expected to boost those numbers in the coming weeks.

Money is king in campaigning; but ultimately, it will come down to what level of change Charlotteans are looking for.

Lyles on the issues Roberts’ loss may signal that Charlotte is tired of divisive politics, but Lyles sports

a voting record on the city council that is almost identical to the current mayor.

Lyles backed Roberts’ efforts for LGBTQ protections, including the February 2016 ordinance that requires businesses with bathrooms open to the public to allow individuals to use either bathroom, regardless of biological sex.

But in the wake of House Bill 2 and Charlotte losing major sporting events, Lyles appeared more willing than Roberts to find compromise with Republican state leaders. She joined a group of council members to negotiate a repeal; albite unsuccessful, while Roberts held a hard line.

Lyles supported the decision not to release police body-worn camera footage of the Keith Lamar Scott shooting, even after riots broke out last October. However, she opposed Roberts’ Op-Ed that publicly criticized the police department.

Lyles also backed the Interstate-77 project, despite outrage from northern Mecklenburg, while recently voting for a $4.4 million tax credit package for new development projects in midtown.

Lyles, 64, grew up in Columbia, South Carolina before attending UNC-Chapel Hill for a Master’s in Public Administration.

“You have to be who you are, all the time,” said Lyles on Wednesday. “And I’m going to be consistent, I’m going to hang in there with the issues that are really important — so I’m going to continue to talk about jobs, housing, great neighborhoods, and I’m going to get out and ask people to support that effort.”

The general election will be held on November 7.

STATUES from page A1 The North Carolina Senate voted unanimously for the legislation, including a “Yes” vote from then-state senator and current N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein. Stein, a Democrat, now reportedly says he regrets his vote and would vote against the measure if he had another chance. According to news reports, Stein said the monuments were erected to exude white supremacy and are not about honoring people who fought and died in the Civil War. He said his original vote was aimed more at protecting the American flag.

Previously, Cooper said the commission’s powers were too narrow, which is why he called for the law to be repealed.

The petition, however, says the commission can make the call on the Capitol monuments. The monuments need to be moved so they can be preserved, the petition says.

It not known if preventing vandalism satisfies the requirements for preserving the statues via relocation.

Protesters, led by a self-proclaimed Marxist who sympathizes with North Korea, pulled down a Confederate monument outside the Durham County Courthouse last month. While Durham police did not take any actions to prevent the toppling of the statue, they did record the events and several of those responsible for the act have since been arrested and charged with felonies.

Additionally, students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have been protesting in recent weeks for the removal of the “Silent Sam” Confederate statue from campus.

Initially, Cooper gave the university system “permission” to remove the statue in the interest of public safety, citing possible harm to protesters as they tore down the monument, but his offer was rebuffed by university officials who said his authority to give such permission could not be sufficiently supported by the law.

The statue, located near Franklin Street on the campus’ north end, has required fencing and police protection to guard against vandalism as protests erupted at the site in response to violence in Charlottesville, Va. The battle between white nationalists and antifa protesters during a support rally and counterprotest aimed at a Confederate monument to Gen. Robert E. Lee on the University of Virginia campus resulted in the death of one woman hit by a car that plowed into the crowd. Dozens were injured as both groups resorted to armed confrontation.

An attorney for a group of students has threatened a federal lawsuit against the school if the statue remains in place, and activists are imploring the commission to include consideration of the “Silent Sam” statue on its agenda this Friday.

A3 PARTY ROLLS from pageA1

“Unaffiliateds, as a voting bloc, are some of the laziest voters in the state,” said Mike Rusher, a political and business consultant at the Results Company in Raleigh who closely tracked and analyzed statewide turnout during the 2016 election, “while Republicans and Democrats consistently turn out.”

The unaffiliated bloc gained a staggering 652,823 supporters in the last decade — increasing from roughly 22 percent to 30.3 percent of the population today.

And while Democrats still claim the largest bloc of registered voters — with a roll of 2,640,729 — the news of Republicans placing third isn’t exactly something they should be celebrating. Because while overall population has risen in North Carolina, Democrats have been hemorrhaging party members — and maybe the unaffiliated bloc is absorbing them.

Between 2009 and 2013, Democrats lost around 32,000 loyalists and that number more than tripled in the last five years — with the loss of 101,600 total party members.

On the flip side, Republicans have gained more than 51,000 voters since 2009, with the vast majority enrolling during President Barack Obama’s second term.

Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director for the NC-GOP, says this is nothing but good news.

“Republicans are thrilled about the general direction of voter registrations trends in North Carolina,” said Woodhouse in an email to the press. “The most important factor to us are changes in partisan registration. Republicans have dramatically closed the gap on Democrats and continue to do so, even this year.”

Republicans now trail Democrats by about 584,500 as compared to 865,863 when Obama was first elected.

“While yielding 2nd place in voter registration numbers to unaffiliated voters, Republicans continue to hold their own in voter registration,” Susan Myrick from the conservative Civitas Institute mimicked in an online analysis of the figures last week.

Myrick’s comment refers directly to the party shares of the overall electorate — which paints a very different story than sheer voter numbers.

In 2009, Republicans captured roughly 32 percent of the overall voting population in North Carolina. Since then, conservatives have lost 1.62 percent of their total electorate, while Democrats saw a much more dramatic decrease in the same period.

When Obama took office, Democrats made up 45.7 percent of the state voting bloc, but today they hold 38.9 percent — an influential loss of 6.8 percentage points.

And while the ranks of the unaffiliated may be absorbing some of those moderate Democrat bidding adieu, the gains for the independent caucus are wildly unpredictable.

“Unaffiliateds, as a voting bloc, are some of the laziest voters in the state,” said Mike Rusher, a political and business consultant at the Results Company in Raleigh who closely tracked and analyzed statewide turnout during the 2016 election, “while Republicans and Democrats consistently turn out.”

In 2012, about 73 percent of all registered Republicans and 70 percent of all Democrats in North Carolina came out to the vote in the presidential election that saw Mitt Romney challenge then-President Barack Obama. Comparatively, only 60 percent of registered unaffiliated showed up to the polls that November.

So with an unpredictable voting bloc, will the unaffiliated flux really change the face of Tar Heel politics or simply pour more gasoline onto the partisan fire?

Unfortunately, Rusher believes the drive to the independent caucus may be a “side effect” of being blistered with campaign ads since Obama won the state in 2008 and thrust North Carolina into “swing state” status.

“People started to really take a step back and say — hey, what does it mean for me to be registered as a Democrat or Republican?” the former McCrory staffer said.

But even so, he says he’d still call North Carolina a purple state, “with an extra shade of red.”

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The complaint states, “As UNC’s Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office acknowledges, federal laws guarantee a series of rights to members of the UNC campus community. Among the applicable laws are Title IV and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which forbid racial discrimination at UNC as an institution of higher learning and a recipient of federal funds. Because Silent Sam violates the rights guaranteed by these and other federal laws, we request that you authorize its immediate removal in order to avoid needless litigation.”

Any federally funded institution (such

as UNC) that is deliberately indifferent to a racially hostile learning environment runs afoul of federal law. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights defines a hostile environment under Title VI as “harassing conduct (e.g., physical, verbal, graphic or written) sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by a recipient.”

So far, only the three statues cited in Cooper’s petition are on the agenda for Friday’s commissi

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL | FILE

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North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Nation & WORLD

Fight over electoral district boundaries heads to Supreme Court Washington, D.C. The U.S. Supreme Court’s nine justices is making one of the first cases it hears this session the legal fight over the partisan gerrymandering of electoral maps in Wisconsin. The high court’s 2017-2018 term begins next month and their ruling in the case could influence American politics for decades.

The Supreme Court has tossed out maps based on racial gerrymandering, but never weighed in on the constitutionality of drawing district lines for political party protection or gain, a longstanding practice on both sides of the aisle.

The court will hear arguments on Oct. 3 in Wisconsin’s appeal of a lower court ruling that said the state’s maps were unconstitutional.

The justices will decide whether courts should have a say in such matters.

KEVIN LAMARQUE | REUTERS

U.S. wants to tighten inspections in Iran nuclear deal Vienna As the world’s attention turns to the United Nations Summit in Austria this week, the U.S. and Iran already had a conflict in a meeting Monday over how Tehran’s nuclear activities should be policed. In a 2015 deal negotiated by former Secretary of State John Kerry under Obama, Iran agreed curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions against it being lifted. However, U.S. officials have said it is “weakly enforced and inadequately monitored.”

Calling the nuclear agreement with Iran “the worst deal ever negotiated,” President Donald Trump is backing United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley’s effort to have the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspect a wider range of sites in Iran, including military ones, to verify it is not breaching its nuclear deal with world powers.

Iran’s nuclear chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, objected, telling the meeting in Vienna that his country’s nuclear program is “strictly peaceful.”

Navy fires two commanders after Asia sea accidents Washington, D.C. The Navy has dismissed two senior officers after a series of collisions involving Seventh Fleet warships in Asia, citing a loss of confidence in their ability to command.

Rear Admiral Charles Williams, commander of Task Force 70, and Captain Jeffrey Bennett, commander of Destroyer Squadron 15, were fired by Seventh Fleet commander Vice Admiral Phil Sawyer, the Navy said. In August, Sawyer replaced fleet commander Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, who was fired after the accidents.

“Both reliefs were due to a loss of confidence in their ability to command,” the Navy statement said.

Strong 7.4 quake hits Mexico on anniversary of deadly 1985 tremor Mexico City A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico on Tuesday, shaking buildings in the capital of Mexico City and sending people fleeing into the street.

The quake hit only hours after many people participated in earthquake drills around the nation on the anniversary of the devastating quake that killed thousands in Mexico City in 1985. The 7.4 quake hit 5 miles southeast of Atencingo in the central state of Puebla.

A powerful 8.1 quake hit Mexico earlier this month, killing at least 98 people.

U.S. President Donald Trump (C) attends a working dinner with Latin American leaders in New York.

Trump draws clear lines in landmark U.N. address

By Donna King North State Journal UNITED NATIONS — In his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly President Donald Trump took a hard line with “rogue regimes” particularly Iran and North Korea. Calling North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, “Rocket Man,” Trump warned North Korea to stop aggressive behavior toward its neighbors and the U.S. He called North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons “reckless” saying it threatens the world with “unthinkable loss of life.”

The north launched its longest missile test to date on Friday.

In a thunderous 41-minute speech on Tuesday, Trump took a decidedly different posture than his predecessor, adopting a more confrontational approach to solving global challenges from Iran to Venezuela, and gave an unabashed defense of U.S. sovereignty.

“The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea,” Trump told the 193-member world body.

As loud, startled murmurs filled the hall, Trump said, “Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and his regime.”

In his debut appearance at the General Assembly, Trump urged U.N. member states to work together to isolate the Kim government until it ceases its “hostile” behavior. His advisers say he is concerned about North Korea’s advances in missile technology and the few means available for a peaceful response without China’s help. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner.

“It is an outrage that some nations not only trade with such a regime but would arm, supply and financially support a country that

LUCAS JACKSON | REUTERS

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York.

imperils the world with nuclear conflict,” said Trump.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would do everything in her power to ensure a diplomatic solution. “Anything else would lead to disaster,” she said.

Reaction to Trump’s speech was mixed. Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, tweeted that Trump, a fellow Republican, “gave a strong and needed challenge” to U.N. members to confront global challenges.

But Democrat Ed Markey of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee denounced Trump’s remarks, telling CNN the president had yet to exhaust his other options in encouraging Pyongyang to negotiate.

“The least we should be able to say is that we tried, we really tried, to avoid a nuclear showdown,” Markey said.

Trump also took aim at Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence, Venezuela’s collapsing

democracy, the threat of Islamist extremists and the Cuban government. “Major portions of the world are in conflict and some in fact are going to hell,” he said.

Turning to Iran, Trump called the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, “an embarrassment” and hinted that he may not recertify the agreement when it comes up for a mid-October deadline. The agreement lifts sanctions on Iran if they agree to dial back their nuclear program. U.N. officials have said that it is not enforced well.

The United States’ U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has called for stronger inspection processes.

“We cannot abide by an agreement if it provides cover for the eventual construction of a nuclear program,” Trump said. The Iranian government “masks a corrupt dictatorship behind the false guise of a democracy.”

Following the speech, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad

Menopause hormone therapy not linked to premature death

By Lisa Rapaport North State Journal WASHINGTON, D.C. — Women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats may be no more likely to die prematurely than women who don’t take hormones, a new study suggests.

Many women have been reluctant to use hormones for menopause symptoms since 2002, when the federally funded Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study linked the treatments containing man-made versions of the female hormones estrogen and progestin to an increased risk of breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes.

The current study, however, looked at longer-term data from the WHI study and found no in-

“Hormone therapy has been in and out of favor — first it was good for all menopausal women, then it was dangerous for all women.”

—Dr. Melissa McNeil creased risk of death from all causes, or from cancer or cardiovascular issues in particular, associated with hormone use.

“Women seeking treatment for distressing hot flashes, night sweats or other menopausal symptoms may find the mortality results reassuring,” said lead study author Dr. JoAnn Manson of Brigham

and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Women go through menopause when they stop menstruating, typically between ages 45 and 55.

As the ovaries curb production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the years leading up to menopause and afterward, women can experience symptoms ranging from irregular periods and vaginal dryness to mood swings and insomnia.

For the study, researchers looked at data on 27,347 women ages 50 to 79 who joined two WHI trials between 1993 and 1998 and were followed through 2014. One trial tested estrogen alone against a placebo, or dummy pill, while the other trial tested estrogen taken in combination with progestin.

Women were 63 years old on average when they joined the trials and had already gone through

Javad Zarif tweeted: “Trump’s ignorant hate speech belongs in medieval times - not the 21st Century UN - unworthy of a reply.

Fake empathy for Iranians fools no one.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, in his U.N. speech, said his country would not close the door to negotiations over North Korea and staunchly defended the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. “Renouncing it would be a grave error,” Macron said.

Trump has long joined critics of the United Nations saying it has become too bureaucratic and too many member nations have not fulfilled their financial pledge to support it. Yet he also has repeatedly said it has “tremendous potential.”

“The United States is one out of 193 countries in the United Nations and yet we pay 22 percent of the entire budget and more. In fact, we pay far more than anybody realizes,” Trump said.

The U.N. spends approximately $7 billion a year on peacekeeping operations, and of that the U.S. pays 28 percent. Trump told a meeting Monday on U.N. reform that he wants to cap U.S. contribution at 25 percent and see reforms in management gain traction.

Analysts and some U.N. insiders say progress in on-the-ground peacekeeping efforts in Congo and other places are hampered by administrators in New York dodging thorny issues like confusion over the mission’s priorities and a culture that appears to protect senior, well-paid officials at all costs.

The discussions over reforms, impact and costs on the U.N. will continue through September 25 during its 72nd General Assembly.

Reuters News Service contributed to this report.

menopause. They took hormones or a placebo for five to seven years and were followed for a total of 18 years altogether.

During the study period, 7,489 women died.

Death rates were similar - at about 27 percent - among women who took hormones and women who didn’t, researchers report in JAMA. One limitation of the study is that the WHI didn’t look at different dosages of hormone pills, and the findings may be different for other dosages or different types of therapy such as gels or creams or skin patches.

Still, the current study should ease concerns raised by earlier results from the WHI trials that an increased risk of breast cancer or heart attacks might translate into higher long-term mortality rates, said Dr. Melissa McNeil, author of an accompanying editorial and a women’s health researcher at the University of Pittsburgh.

“The take-home message now is that for the right patient, hormone therapy is safe and effective,” McNeil said.

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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U.S. Senate backs military pay increase and more money for training and readiness “The Senate passage of the NDAA reaffirms our nation’s commitment to supporting the brave men and women in uniform and re-establishes America’s commitment to a strong national defense and protecting its interest abroad.”

— Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)

N.C. senators vote in favor of the bill, each sponsoring key provisions

By Donna King North State Journal WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate passed its version of a $700 billion defense policy bill on Monday, backing President Donald Trump’s call for a bigger, stronger military.

The Republican-controlled chamber voted 89-8 for the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2018, or NDAA, which authorizes the level of defense spending and sets policies controlling how the money is spent. The House of Representatives passed its version with a similar spending level in July.

The Senate bill provides about $640 billion for the Pentagon’s main operations, such as buying weapons and paying the troops, and some $60 billion to fund the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and elsewhere. According to Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), the increase is intended to help military leaders better plan for future operations and boost training and readiness.

“I understand the wide range of threats that face our nation and how versatile our military must be to fight them,” said Burr. “We cannot stand idly by as Iran, North Korea, Russia, ISIL, al-Qaida and others present a threat to the United States.

For the previous eight years, our warfighters have been tasked to accomplish an increasingly large range of missions without the necessary resources to do so.”

The 1,215-page bill includes a wide range of provisions, such as $8.5 billion to strengthen missile defense, as North Korea conducts nuclear weapons and ballistic missile tests.

In addition, the Armed Services Subcommittee on Person-

nel, chaired by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), pushed through an across the board 2.1 percent pay raise for service members and expanded eligibility in the military’s TRICARE health plan to allow National Guard and reservists to purchase it.

With readiness and training a primary concern for military brass, the bill also contains about $358 million for construction projects on military installations in N.C. An amendment to the bill, sponsored by Burr, requires that on-base child care centers be held to the same quality standards and employee background checks as other federal child care facilities.

The two versions on the NDAA must be reconciled before Congress can consider a final version. Th bills increase military spending beyond last year’s $619 billion, defying “sequestration” spending caps set in the 2011 Budget Control Act. A fight over spending is expected because Senate Democrats have vowed to block increases in funds for the military if spending caps on nondefense programs are not also eased.

Sen. John McCain, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has been shepherding the legislation through Congress as he undergoes treatment for an aggressive type of brain cancer.

Arguing for increased spending, McCain said more men and women in uniform are dying in avoidable training accidents than in combat. “Where’s the outrage?

Where’s our sense of urgency to deal with this problem?” he asked before the vote.

Since June, more than 70 U.S. service members have either been killed or injured in training or noncombat accidents, ranging from two naval collisions in Asia to a Marine Corps transport plane crash in rural Mississippi.

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Staff Sergeant Michael Bailey, of Concord, N.C., crawls under barb wire as he runs through the Camp Butner obstacle course during the North Carolina National Guard’s annual Best Warrior Competition in March 2017.

“It’s because of a thing called sequestration, and our failure over the last eight years to make sure our military is prepared, equipped, trained,” McCain said.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Monday that he is looking into a possible link between the spate of recent military accidents and budget caps, but said he could not draw a direct line at this time.

“I am not willing to say right now that there is a direct line between sequestration and what has happened. I am willing to say ... we are going to take a very close look at that,” Mattis told reporters.

Mattis said that he was looking at a number of broader issues to try and explain the large number of accidents, including whether there were cultural issues in the military.

“We are almost hardwired to say ‘can do’ — that is just the way we are brought up,” Mattis said. “But there comes a point in peacetime where you have to make certain you are not always saying we’re going to do more with less.”

FY18 Military Construction Budget for North Carolina: • Camp Lejeune $258.09M for upgrades to living quarters and essential facilities • Cherry Point $15.671M for a F-35B Vertical Lift Fan Test Facility • Seymour Johnson $26.4M for facilities to support a squadron of KC-46 Air Force Tankers moving to the base • Fort Bragg $57.778M for improvements to Special Operations Command training and facilities

North Carolina total:

$357,947,000 FIGURES ARE FROM THE U.S. SENATE’S NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT PASSED ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Murphy to Manteo

Jones & Blount jonesandblount.com @JonesandBlount

NC Poultry Industry

More than $44K in grants awarded to promote healthy living

Did you know poultry is North Carolina’s #1 agricultural industry? The following map depicts N.C. counties that are involved in poultry processing.

Read more below to learn facts about the N.C. poultry industry!

By Laura Ashley Lamm North State Journal MOUNT OLIVE — Healthy habits and healthy eating equal healthy kids.

On Monday, first lady of North Carolina Kristin Cooper visited North Duplin Junior-Senior High School to announce United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation has awarded grants totaling $44,000 to schools and YMCAs statewide.

Across North Carolina, 22 schools and YMCAs will receive $2,000 each to build or expand an existing vegetable garden, to provide educational resources about agriculture, to enhance understanding in caring for the environment, and to assist in the maintaining of healthy lifestyles.

“Nourishing minds and bodies is critical to helping children succeed in school,” said Cooper. “Research shows that eating a healthy school breakfast and lunch improves student attendance, discipline and academic performance.”

Research has supported the notion that school gardening, combined with a healthy lunch program or nutrition education, encourages healthier food choices among students. Students that have grown fruits and vegetables themselves are more likely to select those options to eat. North Duplin

Facts about poultry production in North Carolina • The Poultry Industry’s Economic Impact for NC is $36.6 Billion

• North Carolina is ranked #2 Nationally in Total Turkey Production

• Over 5,700 Farm Families produce Poultry & Eggs in North Carolina.

• The Poultry Industry creates over 126,933 Jobs for North Carolinians

• North Carolina is ranked #3 Nationally in Total Poultry Production

• North Carolina Poultry Economic Impact Report (Click to view).

• Poultry is the #1 Agricultural Industry in North Carolina

• NC Poultry makes up 40% of North Carolina’s Total Farm Income

WEST TINT OF CORN: COUNTY NAMES: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters C:Garden 0 and Gun picks AshevilleBenton Sans Bold, begin Oct. 1 one of the South’s ‘Best Food 20 WNC Counties M:as 12 12pt.

Towns’ The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will implement Delayed Harvest Trout Y:Buncombe 59.4County Waters regulations on 34 trout waters in Editors of Garden & Gun magazine has western North Carolina counties on K:chosen 6 Asheville as one of “The South’s 20 Oct. 1. Under these regulations, no trout Best Food Towns,” and published a weekend dining itinerary guide in their recent October/November issue. Local eateries and breweries mentioned were Hole Doughnuts, Buxton Hall Barbecue, Cucina 24, Rhubarb, Bull and Beggar, Jack of the Wood, Burial Beer, and Wedge Brewing Co. Other towns making the top picks include Charleston, S.C., New Orleans, Richmond, Va., and Nashville.

can be harvested or possessed from these waters between Oct. 1 and one half-hour after sunset on June 1, 2018. During this period, The Wildlife Commission stocks Delayed Harvest Trout Waters with high densities of trout. Visit the Commission’s trout fishing page for a complete list of Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, stocking dates, regulations and fishing maps.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WLOS

Mountain State Fair attendance numbers drop due to Irma Henderson County The 24th N.C. Mountain State Fair wrapped up its festivities on Sunday with a reported 166,583 visitors.

Compared to last year’s 182,683 attendance, this year’s numbers hit below average due to closing for a full day in response to Hurricane Irma.

The fair previously closed for weatherrelated reasons due to Hurricane Floyd (1999) and hurricanes Ivan and Frances (2004).

CITIZEN TIMES

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Did you know?

Americans consume poultry in amazing quantities.

We eat nearly 90 pounds of chicken, 17 pounds of turkey, and more than 240 eggs per person per year.

PIEDMONT EAST BLACK RULE: Western region: Piedmont Green Morehead Memorial Hospital Solid .5to pt weight region: Residents NState Northblack, Carolina set upgrade 911 still Red waiting for data breachPiedmont may have system statewide millions from FEMA as funding leaked patient and employee Eastern region: NState Navy is put on hold information Wake County North Carolina will improve its 911 services by upgrading the technology that serves as the backbone of the communications system. The new technology will give the state the ability to connect all 117 primary 911 centers through internet-based routing services, allowing the call centers to seamlessly communicate with one another. The new high-speed connections will enable every center to serve as a backup for any other center in the state in the event of a natural disaster or an overload of emergency calls.

WLOS

Officials investigate disease outbreak in deer Cherokee County North Carolina wildlife officials have confirmed a rare case of rabies in a dead white-tailed deer in Cherokee County.

N.C. Wildlife officials have received multiple reports of dead deer found around water sources with hemorrhagic disease; 20 of those reports came from Cherokee County. Rabies, hemorrhagic disease and chronic wasting disease can exhibit similar symptoms in affected deer. According to Tennessee health officials, no Tennessee or Georgia deer have been confirmed with rabies, but they have confirmed rabies cases in bats and a cat in eastern Tennessee counties.

TIMES FREE PRESS

Church leaders meet to discuss protection for undocumented immigrants Orange County The North Carolina Council of Churches is looking for ways to protect undocumented immigrants in the state. On Saturday, more than 100 church leaders met in Chapel Hill to learn how to turn their churches into sanctuaries. The Council of Churches will hold another meeting about sanctuaries on Sunday in Raleigh.

SPECTRUM NEWS

Rockingham County The data breach at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden potentially affected 66,000 people’s personal information. Morehead Memorial learned on July 21 that a phishing attack affected two employee email accounts, possibly exposing patient and employee information. The hospital announced the data breach on Sept. 15.

The information that may have been exposed includes health insurance payment summaries, treatment overviews, health plan information and Social Security numbers.

TRIAD BUSINESS JOURNAL

Physical child abuse cases skyrocket in Davidson County Davidson County Davidson County Social Services Department reported the number of physical abuse cases they have received in the past month have quadrupled. In August, DSS received 243 reports of abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect cases. Currently, there are 180 kids in foster care in Davidson County.

WXII NEWS

** All counties have a

Coast Guard rescues five 1.5boat pt.in Oregon white from Inletstroke

Lenoir County County officials estimate Hurricane Matthew caused more than $20 million worth of damage to the area last fall. Lenior County officials say FEMA has approved $9 million to buyout 91 homes, however they have yet to receive any of that money. There has been no timetable given by FEMA for when money will be diverted back to help those still suffering from Matthew.

Dare County Five people escaped after their charter boat rolled over crossing the Oregon Inlet ocean bar Saturday evening. The Synergy, a 54-foot charter boat, was returning to the inlet when it turned sideways while coming down a wave and filled with water. It nearly capsized but stayed afloat. The passengers and crew were rescued by a Coast Guard boat crew from Station Oregon Inlet.

WAVY

WNCT

Woman dies after being found in Carolina Beach surf 3 soldiers remain hospitalized after Fort Bragg explosion Cumberland County Staff Sgt. Alexander Dalida, 32, was killed during a demolition accident during Thursday’s Green Beret training and seven others were injured, including a civilian with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Three people were treated and released the same day, including the civilian, and another was released from care Monday afternoon. U.S. Army Special Operations Command officials stated certain training exercises have been indefinitely suspended. The blast remains under investigation.

New Hanover County A 55-year-old woman died Saturday morning, a day after she was pulled from the Carolina Beach surf by people who spotted her in the ocean. Diane Wilson Currie, of Graham, was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center Friday evening but died the next morning. Authorities have not yet released a cause of death but do not suspect foul play.

Junior-Senior High School will use its grant to construct three new raised garden beds, a pollinator and native bird habitats.

Grant providers United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation are nonprofit organizations geared toward improving health in communities.

Check NSJ online for a list of all the grant recipients.

Through collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts, United Health Foundation works to improve the health system, build a diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities.

Since its founding in 1999, United Health Foundation has committed nearly $358 million to programs and communities around the world. Its parent organization, UnitedHealthcare, is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers.

Whole Kids Foundation, a Whole Foods Market foundation, is empowering schools and inspiring families. The foundation aims to help children reach optimal health through the strength of a healthy body fueled by nutritious food.

Local leaders meet with governor to discuss common priorities

By Jeff Moore North State Journal RALEIGH — The Executive Committee of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and officials from the North Carolina League of Municipalities gathered in Raleigh Monday for a joint meeting with Gov. Roy Cooper to discuss local government issues. The meeting focused on the need for school construction funding and access to highspeed internet and mental health care, which are among the stated priorities of the NCACC. “We are grateful for the productive meeting we had with Gov. Cooper and his staff and we look forward to working together to advance our shared goals on key issues facing local governments,” said NCACC President Brenda Howerton.

In addition, Howerton discussed her initiative for the coming year, “100 Counties: Helping Our Children Thrive.”

The NCACC announced they will work with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on the initiative, which will begin this fall with regional convening events on the state of child welfare. It will also include a summit in the spring to discuss education, health,

safety and skills development for children throughout the 100 counties.

The group also reportedly discussed the need for local governments to have sufficient flexibility and options for raising revenue. During the meeting Cooper acknowledged the important role local governments play in policymaking and expressed his appreciation for the advice he received as a legislator from other members of the General Assembly who had prior experience as local officials.

“Government closest to the people governs best,” said Cooper.

Members of NCACC’s Executive Committee and NCACC officials in attendance included Howerton, Durham County commissioner, NCACC president; Larry Phillips, Surry County commissioner, NCACC president-elect; Kevin Austin, Yadkin County commissioner, NCACC first vice president; Ronnie Smith, Martin County commissioner, NCACC second vice president; Fred McClure, Davidson County commissioner, NCACC past president; Kevin Leonard, executive director; and Johanna Reese, director of government relations. Cooper was joined by Jordan Whichard, director of intergovernmental affairs; Jenni Owen, director of policy; and Charlie Perusse, budget director.

STARNEWS

WCT

Positively Poultry.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

BUSINESS Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) attends a news conference on “the GrahamCassidy-HellerJohnson proposal to reform healthcare” on Capitol Hill in Washington.

YURI GRAPAS | REUTERS

n.c.

FAST FACTS Sponsored by

AARP to fight latest health care bill Health care costs and changing lifestyles mean a new approach to city planning may help people age in their homes longer

n.c.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Sponsored by

By Donna King North State Journal Focused on improving the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians, a collaborative team of regional partners and allies represents the economic interests of businesses and towns from across the state.

Approved Logos

This week, NSJ highlights North Carolina’s workforce development partner, the NCWorks Commission

Overseeing the effort to connect talent to jobs, the NCWorks Commission recommends policies and strategies that enable the state’s workforce and businesses to compete in the global economy.

The Commission is designated as the state’s Workforce Development Board under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Led by a private sector chair, the 33-member Commission includes representatives from the business community, heads of state workforce agencies, educators, and community leaders. All members are appointed by the Governor.

The NC Works Commission is tasked with ensuring North Carolina has an innovative, relevant, effective, and efficient workforce development system that develops adaptable, work ready, skilled talent to meet the current and future needs of workers and businesses to achieve and sustain economic prosperity. This includes access to apprenticeships, timely employment information, career center locations, and a specific commitment to ensuring employment opportunities for veterans.

WASHINGTON, D.C./RALEIGH – The fastest growing demographic in the state and the nation is people 85 years and older.

Eric Schneidewind, national president of AARP is in North Carolina this week to meet with local officials across the state and the Governor’s Commission on Aging. He’s encouraging cities to consider seniors as they plan for future development, working toward what they call “livable communities” that have easy access to grocery stores, cultural resources, parks and healthcare, so people can age in their homes longer.

“Since my parents’ generation, we’ve added about ten years of pretty good quality life,” said Schneidewind in an interview in Raleigh with the North State Journal. “Now, well into your seventies you are able to enjoy life and hopefully you’ve saved. We’ve pushed out the age where you need a lot help, but at some point, you are going to need to dial back a bit. You’ll need different types of living quarters, and what people want is to stay where they are, if they could just get the additional services and amenities in the community that allow them to do that.”

According to AARP, aging at home costs about thirty percent less than nursing homes, but it requires city planning that keeps access for seniors in mind. “Livable communities” are a growing trend in towns across the state as Baby Boomers age, but stay busy with second careers and volunteer work. By 2020 more than half of towns are expected to be planning development with “livable communities” in mind.

“Our findings are that the sense of purpose that you get from going out and helping others is a critical factor in the not only emotional health but the physical health of people as they age,” said Schneidewind.

Planning for aging also means financial planning. On average

Giddy Up for Benson Mule Days!

Think a mule is the same as a donkey? Then it’s time for some edu-mule-cation!

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Eric Schneidewind, President of AARP, poses for a photograph outside Cup of Joe near North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

Did you know?

Dial 211 for information on local resources for seniors. The statewide service, run by the United Way, helps seniors and their families find everything from health care resources to financial assistance and volunteer help. It’s funded by the state of N.C. and corporate donations. people are retiring with less than $20,000 in savings and cost of healthcare is a wild card for most seniors. With the current climate around health care and how to pay for it, Schneidewind is keeping a close eye on proposed bills to repeal, replace of fix the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate’s top Republican urged quick action on another bill to repeal Obamacare, this one proposed by Sens. Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy. The bill has revived a fight that many in Washington thought was over when an “skinny” or limited Obamacare repeal-and-replace bill failed in the Senate in July when three Republicans voted “no,” including Senator John McCain.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate’s Republican leader, called the legislation “an intriguing idea and one that has a great deal of support.”

Lawmakers should act because “our opportunity to do so may well pass us by if we don’t act soon,” McConnell said on the Senate floor.

The Graham/Cassidy bill has less than two weeks before procedural rules in the Senate make it much more difficult for the Republicans to do away with Obamacare.

The bill proposes replacing Obamacare with a system that would give states money in block grants to run their own healthcare programs and let them opt out of some Obamacare rules. Critics say it would bring deep cuts to the Medicaid program for the poor and higher insurance premiums for older people.

“The bill not only rolls back by 2027 all of the Obama Medicaid expansion but then it takes the rest of Medicaid which was never touched by the other bills, and it starts reducing funding for that,” said Schneidewind. “Two-thirds of the people in nursing homes are supported on Medicaid programs. So the money to support them would start being cut and those cuts would deepen as time goes on. “ McConnell stopped short of promising to bring the legislation to the Senate floor. But he said Republican lawmakers would continue to discuss it. He has been meeting with lawmakers to assess whether the bill has the votes to pass.

“This looks like it’s going to be quite a battle, so AARP is gearing up and we will fight to stop this legislation because it hurts literally everybody,” said Schneidewind.

Listen Live Weekdays 9am - 11am

CHADADAMSSHOW.COM

Listen to the north state journal staff every monday at 10:05am

Point your cowboy boots to Benson, a public power community, this weekend for the annual Mule Days celebration. Join as many as 50,000 folks for four fun-filled days of rodeos, mule rides, live music, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and lots more. Along with having a good ol’ time, you can learn about mules (the road’s first hybrid!) and their role in rural farming.

Your first lesson: A mule is the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey.

While you’re in town, stop

by JP’s Pastry for some scrumptious breads, cakes, cupcakes and other treats that you’d never guess are certified glutenfree. Plan your weekend in Benson at: www.bensonmuledays.com

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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THE BRIEF Global Bankers Insurance Group aims to boost city and state economy

JAYANTA SHAW | REUTERS | FILE

A U.S. F-16 aircraft makes a landing during a joint India-U.S. air force exercises at the Kalaikunda Airbase, west of Kolkata, India.

U.S. defense firms want control over tech in Make-in-India plan Proprietary technology is the focus of Lockheed Martin and Boeing bidding dilemmas as the domestic aerospace companies seek privacy assurance and limited liability for proposed production of combat jets for India’s military

By Aditya Kalra and Sanjeev Miglani Reuters NEW DELHI — U.S. defense firms offering to set up production lines in India to win deals worth billions of dollars want stronger assurances they won’t have to part with proprietary technology, according to a business lobby group’s letter to India’s defense minister.

These companies are also saying they shouldn’t be held liable for defects in products manufactured in collaboration with local partners under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make-in-India’s drive to build a military industrial base.

Lockheed Martin and Boeing are both bidding to supply combat jets to India’s military, which is running short of hundreds of aircraft as it retires Soviet-era MiG planes, and its own three-decade long effort to produce a domestic jet is hobbled by delays.

Lockheed has offered to shift its F-16 production line to India from Fort Worth, Texas, and make it the sole factory worldwide if India orders at least 100 single-engine fighters.

The U.S. firm has picked Tata Advanced Systems as its local partner under the defense min-

istry’s new Strategic Partnership model under which foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can hold up to a 49 percent stake in a joint venture with an Indian private firm which will hold the majority of shares.

The US-India Business Council (USIBC) wrote to India’s defense minister last month seeking a guarantee that U.S. firms would retain control over sensitive technology - even as joint venture junior partners.

“Control of proprietary technologies is a major consideration for all companies exploring public and private defense partnerships,” the business lobby, which represents 400 firms, said in the Aug. 3 letter, reviewed by Reuters and previously unreported.

“To allow foreign OEMs to provide the most advanced technologies, the partnership arrangement between an Indian owned ‘strategic partner’ company and a foreign OEM needs to provide an opportunity for the foreign OEM to retain control over its proprietary technology,” it said, noting this wasn’t explicit in the policy document.

Technology transfer Technology transfer is at the heart of Modi’s drive to build a domestic industrial base and cut a reliance on imports that has made India the world’s biggest arms importer in recent years.

Without full tech transfer in previous arms deals, India’s mainly state-run defense factories have largely been left to assemble knock-down kits even for tanks and aircraft produced under license from the foreign maker.

Modi’s advisers have vowed to change that, insisting on transfer

New York governor wants credit-reporting firms to follow cyber rules As reports of federal investigation into internal Equifax stock sales develop, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo joins growing list of officials nationwide who are calling for tighter rules in the wake of the company’s massive data breach

By Diane Bartz and Suzanne Barlyn Reuters Washington D.C./New York — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday that he wants credit-reporting firms to comply with the state’s cyber-security regulations, the latest government official to crack down on the industry in the wake of the massive Equifax hack.

Also on Monday, Bloomberg News reported that federal authorities have opened a criminal probe into stock sales by three

Equifax Inc executives before the company disclosed the massive data breach, news that has weighed heavily on the stock price.

The company has said the executives were unaware of the hack when they sold the stock for $1.8 million.

Equifax’s legal woes worsened as the U.S Attorney’s office in Atlanta issued a statement saying it was working with the FBI on a criminal investigation into the breach and theft of personal information.

Equifax shares rose 1.5 percent on Monday after losing about a third of their value since the hack was announced. The Equifax breach discovered on July 29 exposed sensitive data like Social Security numbers of up to 143 million people.

Cuomo said he planned to require all credit-reporting agencies to register with the state and comply with its cyber-security rules.

The proposed regulation would take effect in February, Cuomo

The USIBC also opposed a clause in the new rules that held foreign firms jointly responsible for the quality of the platforms provided to the military, saying legal liability is a significant factor in business decisions.

“We recommend the MoD (Ministry of Defence) affirm that foreign OEMs will not be liable for defects outside their company’s control,” the USIBC said.

Lockheed did not respond to a request for comment. Boeing,

which is bidding for a separate contract to sell its F/A-18 Super Hornets for India’s aircraft carrier fleet, declined to comment on the USIBC letter. But the company’s India president, Pratyush Kumar, told a conference this month there were concerns about Indian private firms’ lack of experience in the aerospace sector.

Only state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd had made planes under license, while some private players were starting from scratch, having never built even an aircraft component. Kumar said he could not find a single example worldwide of a private enterprise with limited experience building out a plane under transfer of technology.

“Look at Turkey, look at Japan, look at Brazil - look at multiple countries. In all cases there is a fine balancing act of co-opting the capabilities of both public and private enterprise,” Kumar said at a conference organized by the Centre for Air Power Studies, a thinktank of the Indian air force.

India’s defense ministry offered no response to the concerns expressed by the trade lobbying group on the strategic partnership model, which will also apply to building submarines and helicopters as part of a $150 billion modernisation drive.

But an official, referring to sensitive technology, said the government has made clear in the past that foreign firms can be allowed to increase their stake beyond 49 percent if the technology they bring in is state-of-the art.

“It can be done on a case-tocase basis,” the official said.

Mukesh Aghi, president of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, said that despite the starting problems, defense manufacturing looked set to be a breakthrough area in ties between India and the United States.

“It’s the next big thing. There is strong support from the (U.S. President Donald) Trump administration to take this forward.”

said in a statement. If the companies do not register, they risk being barred from doing business with financial companies regulated by New York state.

The state would be able to bar credit-reporting agencies, including TransUnion and Experian Plc, as well as Equifax, from doing business in New York if the state found they engaged in “unfair, deceptive or predatory practices,” Cuomo said.

“The Equifax breach was a wake-up call,” Cuomo said. “And with this action, New York is raising the bar for consumer protections that we hope will be replicated across the nation.”

Proposed regulations are typically subject to a period for public comment before they become final.

A New York state cyber-security regulation, the first of its kind in the United States, took effect on March 1. It requires financial firms to take measures to protect networks and customer data from hackers and disclose cyber events to regulators.

Maine is the only U.S. state that requires credit agencies to register, said William Lund, superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.

But its law does not cover cyber security, an issue the bureau will

have to consider, Lund said.

Maine, which has been registering credit-reporting agencies since the 1990s, has 30 such agencies on its roster, ranging from the largest to those dealing with everything from check approval to tenants’ rental histories, he added.

The three credit-reporting agencies did not respond to requests for comment on Cuomo’s plan.

Bloomberg reported on Monday that the U.S. Justice Department is investigating whether Equifax’s chief financial officer, John Gamble, and two other executives broke insider-trading rules by selling stock after the breach was discovered in July and weeks before it was disclosed this month.

Reuters was not able to confirm the Bloomberg report.

Separately, the company issued a statement saying a second Bloomberg report late on Monday about a second cyber attack in March referred to a breach at Equifax payroll unit that was previously reported to regulators, customers and consumers and also been covered by the press.

“Equifax complied fully with all consumer notification requirements related to the March incident. The two events are not related,” the statement said.

• Lockheed Martin and Boeing bidding for contracts • Modi pushes for full tech transfer under Make-in-India • Foreign firms concerned over legal liabilities • India trying to build private aerospace sector from scratch of technology so that critical military equipment are designed and manufactured in India.

Benjamin Schwartz, USIBC’s director for defense and aerospace, said the new Indian policy offered a roadmap for establishing partnerships between U.S. and Indian companies, but it raised some questions for the firms.

He said he was not in a position to name those companies concerned by the Indian policy, but there was a “general desire to see increased clarity” on several aspects, including the control of proprietary technologies.

Quality issues

Durham Global Bankers Insurance Group held a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday with Lt. Gov. Dan Forest in attendance.

The ribbon cutting event celebrates the founding of the company’s international headquarters at 2327 Englert Drive in Durham. Global Bankers, an international family of insurance and reinsurance companies, estimates the economic impact from the launch of its Durham headquarters to the city and state in excess of $100 million. This impact includes the creation of jobs by Global Bankers totaling 150 local employees, 250 global employees and growing. Global Bankers’ global reach includes operations in the United States, India, Bermuda, the United Kingdom and Western Europe.

Global Bankers is part of privately held Eli Global, LLC, a Durham-based federation of 50 autonomous companies representing a diversified range of industries with 5,000 people working in more than 20 countries. It manages five distinct and separate insurance companies in the United States, among which include Bankers Life Insurance Company, Colorado Bankers Life Insurance Company®, and Southland National Insurance Corporation.

Wenner Media explores sale of Rolling Stone magazine New York Wenner Media said it is exploring strategic options for its majority interest in the Rolling Stone magazine, as the New York-based publisher continues to shift from its print media business amid falling ad revenues. The company recently sold its two other magazines, Us Weekly and Men’s Journal, highlighting the struggles of the industry as advertising revenues fall in an increasingly competitive online age. Last year, Singapore’s BandLab Technologies bought a 49 percent stake in Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone brings out 12 international editions in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Russia, and says it reaches an audience of over 65 million people. The magazine is also known for edgy reporting typified by correspondents like Matt Taibbi, who skewered Wall Street titans during the global financial crisis, and the late Hunter S. Thompson, originator of the gonzo style of first-person journalism.

Credit Karma to launch free ID monitoring following Equifax hack San Francisco Credit Karma Inc is launching a new free service that will alert customers if their identity data has been compromised in hacks, the San Franciscobased fintech company said on Friday in the wake of massive breach at credit monitoring agency Equifax Inc. The new ID monitoring service is being tested and will be available in October. Similar to services offered by Symantec-owned LifeLock Inc, CreditKarma will keep track of data breaches and tell customers if they are one of the victims. Customers can then use the company’s credit monitoring services and flag suspicious activities.

The company said it was accelerating the launch of the new service in response to the large data breach at Equifax, where thieves may have stolen personal information of 143 million Americans. CreditKarma saw a 50 percent spike in sign-ups to its platform in the weekend after the hack, it said. While the ID monitoring will be free, the company hopes it will drive more people back to its services. “When they come back not only can we help them make a decision on what to do,” Nikhyl Singhal chief product officer at CreditKarma, said in an interview. “It also gives us an ability to ensure they can check on other parts of their financial life.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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north STATEment Neal Robbins, publisher | Ray Nothstine, opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | RAY NOTHSTINE

Making sense of NC party affiliation numbers The rise of independents in North Carolina may mean more volatile elections and an increasingly fickle electorate.

FOR THE FIRST TIME in North Carolina history unaffiliated voters outnumber one of the two major political parties. This fact, which is keeping up with political trends nationwide, is catching the attention of state politicos. The release of the NC State Board of Elections data this month showed that the political unaffiliated barely surpassed registered Republicans in the state. The unaffiliated number surged to a little over two million, which is just a miniscule edge over the number of those registered with the GOP statewide.

A few partisan progressives on social media who either glossed over the data or didn’t understand it, used the updated numbers as a talking point to bemoan what they consider should be automatic wins for Democrats at the ballot box. Some shifted the blame to Republican redistricting for their electoral losses. With more voters to lose, Democrats are shedding registered voters across the state in the post Barack Obama exuberance. Lost in their analysis is that Democrats may have advantages, but they still must go out and win over traditional constituencies to achieve electoral success.

“It is imperative to not misinterpret this shift as reflective of a problem for Republicans,” declared Civitas Elections Analyst Susan Myrick. “On the contrary, it is North Carolina’s Democrats who should be concerned. They are the only segment of the voter registration rolls to have decreased since 2009, when Democrats made up 45.7 percent of the voter rolls. Today they are at just 38.9 percent of the total voter registration.” Executive Director of the state Republican Party Dallas Woodhouse too pointed out the net loss for Democrats. “We’re going up and the Democrats are going down,” he declared. While Republicans overall share of voters has declined too, they have seen a net gain of a little over 50,000 voters since 2009.

However, there is certainly plenty for Republicans to be concerned about. Particularly since the Republican Congress in Washington are doing no favors for the party’s brand nationally. The inability to tackle meaningful reforms like a repeal of Obamacare and fiscal restraint, despite majorities in both chambers on Capitol Hill, could spell potential doom for Republicans in the midterm elections. Like

many others, Republican North Carolina Congressman Mark Walker recently sounded the alarm for Congress to get to work or potentially lose their majority.

A Monday piece in the Washington Post reporting on site from Oxford, North Carolina further points, at least anecdotally, to a loss of confidence in the GOP and Democrats too. Profiled in Oxford are older voters who have historically been loyal to the Democrats but are solidly still backing Trump against both parties. One line from the article distills much of North Carolina’s political thinking of many voters: “‘I am proud to say I am proud of Trump’, said Mildred Oakes, 76, a former registered Democrat who is no longer affiliated with a party.”

Millennials of course represent the highest demographic among the politically unaffiliated. Part of that stems from being turned off from an increasing partisan chicanery, resulting in cynicism in the political process. But who isn’t cynical in today’s process?

The rise of independents in North Carolina may mean more volatile elections and an increasingly fickle electorate. With Democrats rapidly lurching leftward and weighed down by identity politics, it’s unclear if they can capitalize on the dysfunction and paralysis that plagues much of the GOP infighting in Washington.

While much of our culture is increasingly consumed by political obsession and virtue signaling, as the recent Emmy Awards can attest, perhaps more and more political independence will be good for the electorate and bad for a broken political establishment in Washington.

After all, many Americans need to relearn that political parties and politics are ultimately unable to solve the deeper issues that plague the nation. Furthermore, limiting government is the first step to accomplishing the goal of extracting ourselves from all the political chaos.

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

The DACA for the wall deal What will the border wall mean in 21st century America?

MOST DEALS ARE LOST in Congress by politicians who didn’t recognize when they had won. They let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

President Trump set up a classic political deal to be made between proponents of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and proponents of building the wall when he had dinner with Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democrat Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Neither side is going to get all they want all by themselves. But both sides stand to gain more than 80 percent of what they want if they cooperate on a bipartisan bill that deals with both issues at the same time.

If they recognize they “won,” that is.

On one side, you have proponents of DACA who feel strongly that 1.9 million people who came to America at the average age of six with their parents who came here illegally should be allowed to stay in America and not be deported.

On the other, you have proponents of much stronger border security who feel strongly that we must have an impenetrable border with Mexico as a precondition for any discussion about immigration reform.

Today, we don’t have a solution to either.

There’s a deal to be made somewhere between the two sides if both sides realize they will not get 100 percent of what they want.

There are a few misconceptions about the border wall that no doubt arose from the

truncated nature of political campaigning.

“Build The Wall” is a 3-word metaphor for “maximize American border security” which doesn’t resonate in a speech with 30,000 supporters in attendance.

What will the border wall mean in 21st century America?

The wall will not be a continuous 1989-mile brick-and-mortar, concrete-and-cinder block physical barrier between the US and Mexico like the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall or even Hadrian’s Wall between England and Scotland that the Romans built in 122 A.D. to keep the hot-tempered Scots out of England for hundreds of years.

The American wall will be a system of integrated technologies that closely resembles existing military capabilities such as unmanned aerial vehicles or drones (UAVs), cluster satellites, radar and infrared imaging now deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and elsewhere.

These security technologies provide the real-time information needed to direct ground intercept units to interdict hostile enemy forces on the battlefield. In homeland security terms, these technologies will be used to interdict people trying to illegally enter the United States without a visa or passport and return them to their home of origin.

As in military theaters, the essential feature of these technologies is their stealth characteristic which is something that physical barrier walls cannot offer.

People trying to enter the United States illegally cannot easily observe the location or configuration of these stealth security technologies and will find them quite difficult to defeat.

The border wall will include more than the physical security technologies needed for immediate homeland security operations.

The stealth wall would have the capability to coordinate with real-time banking information; rail, port, truck and warehouse logistics and dispatching; and government intelligence agencies.

Working with the Mexican government would allow access to banking, immigrationtravel and logistics security information across the border. Technological mechanisms could be added to stop the southward flow of laundered money and high-tech weaponry along with a promise of enhanced security for maquiladoras (foreign-owned manufacturing plants in Mexico) in support of Mexican economic development.

Building the wall will be expensive.

Estimates range as high as $20 billion.

Yet, we are going to spend $150 billion to clean up after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Finding a common solution for the DACA population is the price proponents of the wall will have to pay to declare victory on their side and vice versa.

Otherwise nothing will get done on any immigration issue. No DACA. No Wall.

Again.

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

A11

GUEST OPINION | ANNA BEAVON GRAVELY

CAL THOMAS

Ignorant nation T A NATIONAL ARCHIVES ceremony last Friday in Washington, D.C., 30 A immigrants became naturalized U.S.

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

An American flag and the North Carolina state flag wave in the breeze outside of the General Assembly building in Raleigh.

North Carolina is the model for Washington “Today, our state remains the best place for millennials to work, learn, and raise a family.”

LAWMAKERS IN WASHINGTON haven’t accomplished a whole lot this year and as Congress returned from their August recess earlier this month they still had many important issues to tackle, from tax reform, to immigration, to health care. If they’re looking for lessons on how to effectively legislate, the Tar Heel State provides a prime example.

This year, North Carolina legislators advanced free speech and opportunity and created a brighter economic future for all our residents.

Because lawmakers in Raleigh worked together, our campuses will once again become a marketplace of ideas and students will have an appreciation for civil discourse. Legislators took great strides toward protecting free speech on University of North Carolina campuses when they passed a bill—that became law on July 31 without the governor’s signature—requiring the university system to encourage a diversity of views on campus and protect students’ fundamental right to free speech. North Carolina graduates will be equipped with greater critical thinking skills and fully prepared for the world they encounter upon entering the workforce.

Our kids will also have better educational opportunities.

Lawmakers established the North Carolina Personal Education Savings Account Program, providing grants to children with special needs to pay for educational expenses like tutoring, therapy, and nonpublic school tuition. And they increased funding for the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Fund Reserve, further empowering students and their families to choose the school that best meets their learning needs.

Lawmakers also saw to it that young North Carolinians who make bad decisions will not be denied a better future. Legislators “raised the age” so that

by December 2019, 16 and 17 year-olds suspected of misdemeanor offenses and less serious felonies will be

tried as juveniles instead of adults. Giving adolescents a second chance can break the cycle of repeat offenses that send young people to prison again and again.

Without an adult criminal record, adolescents will have better future employment opportunities and a more positive outlook, making them less likely to turn to a life of crime.

But there’s more than protecting civil liberties to brag about.

Since 2013, when state legislators embarked on their mission to lower taxes and restore fiscal responsibility, North Carolina has catapulted from 44th to 11th on the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. We’re also third in the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Rich State, Poor State economic outlook, and we were just named the most competitive state in the country.

And it’s getting even better. This year, lawmakers cut corporate taxes and raised the standard deduction for individuals; combined with the repeal of a mill machinery tax, this amounts to $3.6 billion in tax cuts over the next five years.

With more money in our pockets, we can invest and put away funds for important things like buying a home or pursuing higher education.

But they didn’t just lower taxes, lawmakers also kept spending under control. Thanks to their commonsense budget, our rainy day fund is $1.84 billion, the highest in our state’s history—we call this adulting.

Today, our state remains the best place for millennials to work, learn, and raise a family.

Washington could certainly learn a thing or two from North Carolina. If Congress accomplishes even half of what our state lawmakers did this year, all Americans will be better off.

Anna Beavon Gravely is the North Carolina spokesperson for Generation Opportunity.

COLUMN | JONAH GOLDBERG

Will the real moderate party please stand up?

A main driver of exploding health care costs has been the way the federal reimbursement system discourages thrift.

ON THE SAME DAY that socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced his “Medicare for All” health care plan, Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced a last-ditch effort to sorta-kinda repeal and replace Obamacare. Despite having zero chance of being passed any time soon, Sanders’ bill grabbed the limelight for two reasons.

First, it’s a beacon of hope for the demoralized base. As a Rolling Stone headline put it, “SinglePayer Movement Shows: Life After Trump May Not Suck.” Second, Sanders got 15 co-sponsors — including some Democratic senators with presidential ambitions. The fact that so many contenders signed on to a bill that, if enacted, would throw 100 million Americans off their employer-provided health care and cost taxpayers an estimated $32 trillion over a decade revealed just how far to the left the Democratic Party has moved.

And yet, to listen to Democrats and many of the journalists who love them, you’d think it was the Republican proposal that’s extreme. “In reality, Graham-Cassidy is the opposite of moderate,” New York Times columnist Paul Krugman pronounced. “It contains, in exaggerated and almost caricature form, all the elements that made previous Republican proposals so cruel and destructive.”

The news section of the Times was more even-handed: “Medicare for All or State Control: Health Care Plans Go to Extremes.”

Are they really both “extreme”?

Graham-Cassidy’s chief goal is

to pare back the federalization of health care policy by getting rid of the individual and employer insurance mandates and letting governors waive out of some regulations. More important, it block-grants Medicaid — a longsought dream for those wanting to get a handle on out-of-control spending and debt.

A main driver of exploding health care costs has been the way the federal reimbursement system discourages thrift. Obamacare made that problem much worse.

Under Obamacare, Medicaid rolls were vastly expanded, adding millions to a faltering program.

And in order to seduce states into signing up, the Feds promised to cover 100 percent off the additional costs for the first three years and no less than 90 percent in later years. If you had an expense account where someone else covered most of the tab, how eager would you be to control costs?

By giving states a lump sum, the hope is that they would experiment with cost-saving reforms that improve health care results.

Opponents of giving states the money and flexibility to innovate often seem to work from the assumption that governors and state legislatures want to harm their own citizens. Maybe they just have a better appreciation of how to help their own citizens than Washington does?

Graham-Cassidy is by no means perfect, and odds are it won’t pass.

Democrats are locked into the position that health care reforms can only involve more government spending and regulation. With 52 GOP senators, Graham-Cassidy can only pass if at least 50 of

them vote for it, and they must do so before Sept. 30, when the arcane budget window known as “reconciliation” closes. Because some Republican states would lose money on the deal, squishy senators such as Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski might balk, as she did with previous attempts. This is why it would be smart to emulate Obamacare (and welfare reform) and be overly generous up front with the block grants, to essentially bribe politicians into voting for it.

Meanwhile, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who has mastered the art of supporting the status quo by voting against piecemeal improvements in the name of purity, has already indicated he will continue to play that game.

Heritage Action for America has grumbled, rightly, that GrahamCassidy doesn’t repeal all of the Obamacare taxes. But the choice for Republicans isn’t between this and a better reform. It’s between this or letting Obamacare continue intact, violating all of those repealand-replace promises entirely.

That’s what’s so silly about the claim that Graham-Cassidy is as “extreme” as Sanders’ radical and shoddily written proposal (the bill is totally silent on how to pay for any of it). Graham-Cassidy is very close to the kind of legislation we would have ended up with if Republicans had an idea of what they wanted from the get-go and the Democrats were interested in compromise. But we live in a time when extremism is defined as not getting everything you want.

Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review.

citizens. In a video, President Trump encouraged them to embrace the “full rights, and the sacred duties, that come with American citizenship.”

It was a noble sentiment that once resonated with Americans who believed passing along their history to a new generation of citizens was something that ought to be done. Not anymore.

One of the new citizens, Juliet Sanchez, a teacher born in Colombia, told the Washington Post: “We can and should respect, celebrate and embrace our new culture, but you shouldn’t tell us to assimilate.” This attitude may be one factor contributing to an increasingly divided America. The other is equally disturbing.

A recent poll conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center discovered that Americans are ignorant about the Constitution and the rights it protects.

The poll found that 37 percent of those interviewed could not name any of the five rights protected by the First Amendment.

Forty-eight percent got freedom of speech right. Thirty-three percent could not name one of the three branches of government and only 26 percent correctly named all three.

Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, responded to the poll: “Protecting the rights guaranteed by the Constitution presupposes that we know what they are. The fact that many don’t is worrisome.”

The poll found that 37 percent of those interviewed could not name any of the five rights protected by the First Amendment.

One can’t have a country if citizens are ignorant of its origins and purpose. When I was in public school, civics was a required subject. That it is rarely taught today likely explains the disturbing Annenberg poll results. Adds Jamieson: “These results emphasize the need for high-quality civics education in the schools and for press reporting that underscores the existence of constitutional principles.”

Good luck with that. In an era emphasizing diversity and multiculturalism and the fear that anyone teaching the superiority of the Constitution might be named a xenophobe, or bigot, even the Pledge of Allegiance is being challenged in some schools in an effort not to offend immigrants.

Another study by the Newseum Institute discovered just 19 percent of those polled know the First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion.

Ignorance about the documents that founded and have sustained America through many challenges ensures the country we have known will not be recognized by future generations. That is fine with some on the far left who appear embarrassed and ashamed of America and think it the cause of many of the world’s problems.

Hillsdale College in Michigan is trying to make up for this ignorance about the Constitution by offering a free online course.

The problem begins in the public schools and extends into overpriced universities.

Writing in last Saturday’s Wall Street Journal, Peter Berkowitz, a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, said: “Few of the liberal arts and sciences faculty at these schools offer courses that explore the origins, structure, substance and aims of the education that they supposedly deliver. Instead they provide a smattering of classes on hot-button topics in higher education such as multiculturalism, inequality, gender and immigration. This is no trivial oversight, as the quality of American freedom depends on the quality of Americans’ education about freedom.”

Higher education’s failure to educate produces graduates who find it difficult to find jobs and must return home to live with parents. Unfortunately, when they return they’re burdened with crushing student loan debt, which according to the Department of Education, is at an all-time high of $1.33 trillion. So desperate are graduates to wipe out their debt that the personal finance website, Credible, surveyed millennials (ages 18 to 34) and found that 50 percent of them would give up their right to vote during the next two presidential election cycles in order to never make another loan payment.

What does this say about our next generation of Americans?

These polls demonstrate the failed products of a once-great American education system. It is why those who can afford it are turning to private schools or to homeschooling. Many consider public education to be America’s last monopoly, but these polls indicate that it isn’t working for individual Americans and it isn’t working for the nation.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist.

NEWS IN IMAGES

JONATHAN DRAKE | REUTERS

Vessels that sank during Hurricane Irma are seen in a Saint John bay 12 days after the devastating storm raked the island, on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

RONEN ZYLULUN | REUTERS JASON LEE | REUTERS

A customer takes a nap at an IKEA store in Beijing.

Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police at a protest against the detention of a member of their community who refuses to serve in the Israeli army, in Jerusalem.

STEPHEN YANG | REUTERS

Pastor Louicesse Dorsaint stands with his wife Maria Dorsaint in front of their church, which was damaged by flooding from Hurricane Irma in Immokalee, Fla.

DANISH SIDDIQUI | REUTERS

A Rohingya refugee woman waits for aid with her grandson inside their temporary shelter at a camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

NOT ALL VODKA IS MADE FROM POTATOES SWEET POTATOES ARE VEGETABLES VEGETABLES ARE GOOD FOR YOU

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Battle of the blues Duke linebacker Kevin Gehsmann rings the Victory Bell following the Blue Devils’ 28-27 win against North Carolina on Nov. 10, 2016, at Wallace Wade Stadium.

The two teams renew their rivalry Saturday at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT

SPORTS

NCHSAA

Prep sports visionary Charlie Adams dead at 81 Charlie Adams, who led the North Carolina High School Athletic Association through a period of change and expansion from 1984 until his retirement in 2010, died on Sunday at the age of 81. Hailed as a visionary leader, Adams was responsible for a number of innovations during his time as executive director of the state’s governing body for prep athletics, including a corporate sponsorship program, more classified state championships, creation of scholar-athlete and Hall of Fame programs, and an endowment that helps ensure athletic opportunities will always be available for youngsters. Adams played on a state championship basketball team and later became a championship-winning coach at his alma mater Cary High School. The NCHSAA’s Distinguished Service Award is named in his honor.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Wolfpack lands four-star basketball commitment New NC State men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts landed a premier frontcourt player Friday when Fayetteville forward Manny Bates committed to the Wolfpack.

Bates, a senior at Northwood Temple Academy, is a 6-foot‑9 power forward and is a four-star player according to recruiting sites Rivals and 247Sports.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Wake Forest’s Glenn, Duke’s Ramsay nab honors Duke redshirt senior defensive tackle Mike Ramsay and Wake Forest redshirt junior safety Cameron Glenn were each recognized for their efforts in Week 3, earning ACC Player of the Week honors for defensive line and defensive back, respectively. Ramsay had five tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, including a sack, in the Blue Devils’ 34-20 win home over Baylor. Glenn registered five tackles and an interception in the Demon Deacons’ 46-10 win over Utah State.

NFL

Redskins’ safety Cravens won’t be back this season The Washington Redskins placed strong safety Su’a Cravens on the reserved/left squad list on Monday, ending his 2017 season. The decision came 15 days after Cravens left the team suddenly while contemplating retirement from the NFL at age 22.

CHRISTINE T. NGUYEN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL | FILE

Victory Bell showdown comes early

By Brett Friedlander and Shawn Krest North State Journal CHAPEL HILL/DURHAM — Though not as publicized as the basketball rivalry between the neighboring schools, the football version of the battle between North Carolina and Duke is no less intense or meaningful to the players and fans on both sides.

This year’s matchup at Kenan Stadium on Saturday promises to be even more intriguing than usual since it’s being played earlier than any of the previous 103 games between the 3-0 Blue Devils and 1-2 Tar Heels.

UNC leads the all-time series 61-38-4, but Duke has won three of the last five — including last year’s 28-27 win in Durham. So for whom will the Victory Bell toll this time around? Staff writers Brett Friedlander and Shawn Krest break it down.

SHAWN KREST | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Durham Bulls have won five International League titles in 20 years.

Pictured is the team’s 2013 Governors’ Cup Champions ring.

Championship rings provide lasting memories for Bulls players Members of 2017 Governors’ Cup champs have won it all before

By Shawn Krest North State Journal DURHAM —The Durham Bulls won the International League championship last weekend.

It was the fifth title in 20 years for the Bulls and the experience was also nothing new for many of the players on the team, a core group has come up together through Tampa’s minor league system. At least 10 Bulls were also members of the 2015 Class A Port Charlotte Stone Crabs, who won the Florida State League title.

Two years later, after the bunting has been taken down in the stadium and the champagne mopped off the lockers, they still have a lasting reminder: a championship ring.

“It was special to get that ring,” said Bulls shortstop Willy Adames, a member of the 2015 team. “I’d never had a ring before.

I’ve been in the playoffs my whole career, but I didn’t have an opportunity to win a ring.”

What do you do with a championship ring once you’ve won it? We tracked down some of the jewelry from this year’s Bulls team.

The Departed First baseman Jake Bauers started 2015 with Port Charlotte and hit six home runs in 59 games.

He helped lead the Stone Crabs to the first half championship — the Florida State League plays a split season, with the first and second half winners earning postseason spots.

Bauers was promoted at midseason, to the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits. When the Stone Crabs won their title, Bauers was 565 miles away.

“I was with the Biscuits, and we were actually in the playoffs, too,” Bauers recalled. The Biscuits lost Game 3 of their first-round series to Charlotte — they would lose the series the following day.

Port Charlotte’s game went to extra innings, which meant that, after their game, the Montgomery players had a chance to catch the ending, listening to the radio broadcast online.

“We got in, and we knew that it was their deciding game, Game 5.

So we listened and got fired up for them,” Bauers said.

When the Stone Crabs won, on a walk-off walk in the 13th, Bauers had his ring. Not being there led to some mixed feelings, though.

“I wasn’t there when they won it,” he said. “I got a ring, but I didn’t get to play in the playoffs.

I didn’t get to win the championship. It still meant something to me, to be part of a team that wins a championship, but I think when you’re not there, you don’t get the full experience of it. I think being on the field will be something more special. It’ll mean a little more, I’m sure.”

Where’s the ring now?

“I think it’s in my room, at home, somewhere,” he said, “tucked away in a drawer. I guess I’ll wait for another ring to show off.”

Being there Adames doesn’t have any mixed feelings about his Stone Crabs ring.

“I was there for the whole year,” he said. “I didn’t play in the playSee BULLS, page B4

Here’s how either Duke or UNC could come out on top Saturday

Why Duke will win The Blue Devils can pressure the quarterback.

Duke’s young defensive line has 12.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Blitzing linebackers and secondary add another 11.5 TFL and five sacks. With UNC’s injury-ravaged offensive line, look for Duke to make a home in Carolina’s backfield.

Also, don’t forget Chazz Surratt was originally a Duke commit, so coach David Cutcliffe is very familiar with Carolina’s (likely) starting quarterback.

Duke opponents are averaging just 1.8 yards per rush this season, so UNC’s young tailbacks could find the going tough as well.

On the other side, Daniel Jones is a year more experienced than the quarterback that led Duke back from a 14-point deficit against Carolina last year. He’s far more comfortable attacking deep than last year. Seven different Blue Devils have caught passes of 20 yards or longer, and three have caught 40-yarders.

Jones is made more dangerous by Duke’s balanced offensive attack — the Blue Devils are averaging 241 yards on the ground and 257 through the air this season. Shaun Wilson, Brittain Brown and Jones himself, when he calls his own number, give the Blue Devils three big-play threats on the ground to go with T.J. Rahming, Johnathan Lloyd and AarSee UNC VS. DUKE, page B3

INSIDE

BOB DONNAN | USA TODAY SPORTS

The Panthers are 2-0 to start the season, but they’re going to be without Greg Olsen for at least eight weeks after the tight end broke his foot Sunday and was placed on injured reserve. Quarterback Cam Newton will need to find a new top target, so NSJ’s Shawn Krest offers up who can help fill Olsen’s considerable shoes for at least the next two months and keep the Panthers on track for a return to the postseason. B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

B2 WEDNESDAY

09.20.17

TRENDING

Mason Plumlee: The former Duke Blue Devil forward signed a new three-year deal with the Denver Nuggets that will pay him $41 million. Plumlee, 27, has averaged nine points and 6.5 rebounds per game in his four-year NBA career with Brooklyn, Portland and Denver. He was selected 22nd overall by the Nets in 2013 after playing four seasons at Duke — winning a national championship as a freshman in 2010.

Martha Thomas: The Charlotte 49ers senior became the women’s soccer program’s career leader in goals and points after scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Marshall on Sept. 15.

Her first score gave her the 40th goal of her career, setting that mark, and her second tally was her record-breaking 105th career point.

Jamie McGinn: The brother of Hurricanes winger Brock McGinn is on the move after being traded Sunday from Arizona to Florida in exchange for defenseman Jason Demers. It is the sixth stop for the eldest McGinn brother — he has previously played for the Sharks, Avalanche, Sabres, Ducks and Coyotes. Middle brother Tye is on a two-way contract with the Lightning.

Bryce Harper: The Washington Nationals star is nearing return from a knee injury suffered on Aug. 12. The 24-year-old took batting practice on the field with the Nats on Sunday and is working toward being back in time for the National League Division Series that begins on Oct. 6. Harper was hitting .326 with 29 home runs and 87 RBI through 106 games when he was injured after falling awkwardly while running through first base.

beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

“A-ho, Ah-ho.

I don’t care.”

NASCAR

Points leader Martin Truex Jr. remained the man to beat in the Monster Energy Cup Series with a win at Chicagoland Speedway in the first of 10 playoff races. The victory gives Truex an automatic spot in the second stage of the series’ postseason, which consists of three, three-race stages followed by a winner-take-all finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Truex was rewarded with a green slime dousing courtesy of the race sponsor, Nickelodeon’s “Tales of the Turtles.” The second playoff race is this Sunday at New Hampshire Speedway.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho had seemingly changed how to say his last name in an audio team pronunciation guide, but he then backtracked on Monday to the familiar pronunciation (a light “A” rather than a hard one) when asked how his name should be said.

MIKE DINOVO | USA TODAY SPORTS

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

NFL

JEREMY BREVARD- | USA TODAY SPORTS

“We’ve gotten better, but we don’t feel like we’ve arrived by any means. We’re not satisfied.”

Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson after the Demon Deacons improved to 3-0.

NFL

4 Former NC State quarterbacks who started for NFL teams this week.

Russell Wilson (Seahawks) was the only one to earn a win, while Phillip Rivers (Chargers), Mike Glennon (Bears) and Jacoby Brissett (Colts) all lost. The quartet combined to throw just three touchdowns along with three interceptions and led their teams to a combined 49 points (12.3 average).

JAMIE RHODES | USA TODAY SPORTS

ORLANDO RAMIREZ | USA TODAY SPORTS

No Deshaun, no problem. Clemson junior quarterback Kelly Bryant matched 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson in the Tigers’ 47-21 road win over ACC rival Louisville, easing doubts he could lead Clemson to a potential repeat.

Just 25,381 fans attended the Chargers first home game in L.A., and many were Dolphins fans who roared with approval when Los Angeles rookie kicker Younghoe Koo missed a 44yard field goal with nine seconds left to secure a 19-17 Miami win.

BOXING

After the circus that was Mayweather-McGregor, fight fans were hoping the middleweight matchup between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez — two of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters — would restore some shine to the muddled fight game. Instead, the match wound up as a split draw when one judge, Adalaide Byrd, scored the fight 118-110 for Alvarez while the other judges saw it much closer (115-113 for GGG and 114-114).

JOE CAMPOREALE | USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES

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North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

East Carolina wide receiver Trevon Brown catches his first quarter touchdown pass against Virginia Tech defensive back Reggie Floyd at DowdyFicklen Stadium.

JAMES GUILLORY | USA TODAY SPORTS

ECU’s big-play receiver has overcome high hurdles Junior Trevon Brown is making an impact on the field after years of struggles

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal GREENVILLE — If it’s true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, then Trevon Brown should be as powerful as an Olympic weightlifter by now.

The East Carolina wide receiver has suffered so many setbacks, some because of injury and others by his own doing, that he’s spent nearly as much time on the sidelines as he has on the field during his up-and-down college career.

And yet he always seems to bounce back.

Better than ever.

He punctuated his latest comeback two weeks ago by catching a school-record 95-yard touchdown pass at West Virginia. He followed that up Saturday by hauling in a 76-yard scoring pass from Gardner Minshew against Virginia Tech on a play in which he beat his man one-on-one then outran everyone on the field down the far sideline to the end zone.

“It’s unbelievable,” Brown said. “I thought I’d never be at this point. My teammates rallied around me, I got everything right and it’s just amazing to be back out there. It’s what I was meant to do. I truly feel blessed.”

He might feel blessed now, but there was a time — make that several times over the past four years — in which cursed might have been a more fitting description of his football fortunes.

It started before he ever arrived on campus for the first time.

An all-state selection at Wilmington’s New Hanover High, Brown was denied initial freshman eligibility by the NCAA’s Clearinghouse in 2013 because his high school transcript was

UNC VS. DUKE from page B1 on Young through the air.

Finally, Duke is controlling the ball for more than 37 minutes per game this year. With its quickstrike offense, UNC doesn’t care about time of possession, but if it misfires on a possession, it’ll likely be awhile before the Heels see the ball again.

Why UNC will win Duke’s propensity for pressuring

submitted too late.

He eventually enrolled that January after going through spring practice and quickly worked his way up the Pirates’ depth chart. He caught 14 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns before suffering a knee injury that forced him to miss the final five games of the 2014 regular season.

A year later, he finished third on the team with 41 catches and four more touchdowns, stats that would have been even better had he not been suspended for the Pirates’ first three games for an unspecified violation of ECU’s student code of conduct.

Then, just as he appeared poised for a breakout season after being selected as his team’s spring MVP, the 6-foot-2, 211-pound junior was knocked down again when he was ruled academically ineligible just one day before the Pirates’ 2016 season opener against Western Carolina.

It was a setback that forced Brown to do some serious soul searching.

“It was like, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing wrong,’” he said. “I was trying to do everything right and stuff just kept piling up and kept happening.

“I leaned on God every day. I have a 4-year-old son and I look at him and think I’ve got to have a better life for him.”

But even as he finally got his priorities and academics in order, fate still wasn’t through with Brown. He suffered a serious neck injury in spring practice that threatened to bring his playing career to a premature end. It was one of the few times in which he let the disappointment get to him.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m ever going to play again,’” he said.

“I went to practice, I didn’t go to camp. It was tough to look at my teammates eyes and feel like I couldn’t help them.”

the quarterback would figure to give it an advantage, especially with three starters on the Tar Heels’ offensive line either out or slowed by injuries. But that aggressiveness could actually work in UNC’s favor thanks to the running ability and improvisation skills of quarterback Chazz Surratt.

The redshirt freshman has rushed for 94 yards in his first three college games while also completing nearly 70 percent of his passes.

He also has a personal stake in the outcome, having originally com-

“I have a 4-year-old son and I look at him and think I’ve got to have a better life for him.”

—Trevon Brown True to form, Brown didn’t stay down long.

He finally received medical clearance on Wednesday, Aug. 30, several weeks earlier than coach Scottie Montgomery expected.

Three days later, he was in uniform catching four passes for 43 yards in ECU’s season opening loss to James Madison.

“His diligence and hard work is directly reflected in the progress he's made,” Montgomery said of Brown, “and the position he's currently in.”

It’s a position that has him among the nation’s leaders in yards per reception at 25.3 and could potentially make him a hot commodity among NFL scouts as he continues to shake off the rust of inactivity and build chemistry with quarterbacks Minshew and Thomas Sirk.

“He’s a playmaker,” Minshew said. “When the ball’s in the air, he’s just going to go get it. Anytime he’s in single coverage, it’s going to be good for us.”

Three games into the season, Brown’s play has been one of the few good things that has happened for the Pirates in an 0-3 start that has seen them lose to an FCS opponent and get outscored by a whopping 154-51 margin.

Though the results thus far have been discouraging, Brown continues to be upbeat. That’s because after all he’s been through, he knows that losing football is still much better than no football at all.

Duke at UNC when Saturday, 3:30 p.m. where Kenan Memorial Stadium watch ESPNU

mitted to play for the Blue Devils before flipping to the other side of the rivalry.

Despite having to replace virtually all of its playmakers on offense, UNC is still averaging 39.3 points per game this season. And while its

B3

Demon Deacons make first-ever visit to Boone for tilt with App State Wake Forest trying to improve to 4-0; Mountaineers eye upset

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal One of Scott Satterfield’s most memorable moments as a college football player came in 1995 when he quarterbacked Appalachian State to a 24-22 upset of in-state rival Wake Forest.

It’s a win he hopes to duplicate Saturday now that he’s coaching his alma mater.

As meaningful as that earlier victory might have been, beating the Deacons this time around would be even more special for Satterfield and his players because of where the game is being held.

After playing the first 22 times in the series with Wake in Winston-Salem between 1975-2001, the “big boys” from the ACC have finally agreed to make their first trip up the mountain to Kidd Brewer Stadium.

“It’s two really good programs that are an hour-and-a-half apart and our fan bases really get excited about the matchup,” Satterfield said earlier this week on the Conference USA weekly coaches teleconference. “For us to host the game for the first time is going to be tremendously exciting for our fans, our students and alumni to come back and watch an ACC opponent on our home field.”

This isn’t the first time an ACC team has ventured to Boone for a game. The Mountaineers hosted Miami last September for a matchup that received considerable hoopla before ending in disappointment and a 45-10 loss.

But this is different.

Having an in-state school from a Power 5 conference coming to visit further legitimizes a program that has made rapid strides since making the jump to the FBS level in 2014. Appalachian has won 10 or more games in each of the past two seasons and won a share of the Conference USA championship a year ago.

“It has been a push since we made the move to FBS to get some of these games on the schedule and particularly get them up here to Boone to continue to elevate our program and put more of a spotlight on the program nationally,” said Satterfield, who credited

Wake Forest at App State when Saturday, 3:30 p.m. where Kidd Brewer Stadium watch ESPN3

defense hasn’t distinguished itself thus far, the one thing it has been able to do is force and take advantage of turnovers.

The Tar Heels have turned their five takeaways into 28 points thus far this year. Conversely, they have yet to allow the opposition to score as a direct result of their four giveaways.

Another potential gamebreaker tipping in UNC’s favor is special teams.

Thanks to the prowess of Anthony Ratliff-Williams and Austin

DALE ZANINE | USA TODAY SPORTS

Appalachian State coach Scott Satterfield, who helped upset Wake Forest in 1995 as the Mountaineers’ quarterback, now has the chance to beat the Deacons as a coach Saturday in Boone.

athletic director Doug Gillin for bringing about the schedule enhancements. “Our administration has been a big part of getting these games.”

A sellout crowd is expected Saturday. But the excitement, according to Wake coach Dave Clawson, isn’t limited to Boone.

“In-state rivalries are good for college football,” he said at his regular weekly press conference on Tuesday. “Fans want to see these games. There’s a buzz in the air this week.”

Clawson’s Deacons lead the alltime series 14-7-1, but the Mountaineers won three of the last five meetings before the schools stopped playing 16 years ago.

Saturday’s renewal figures to be a competitive, with both teams featuring veteran lineups.

Satterfield said he’s particularly wary of Wake now that it has added a more potent offense to an already stout defense. The Deacons ranked last in the ACC scoring a year ago, but are averaging 43.7 points per game in their first three games this season — all wins — behind the talents of veteran quarterback John Wolford and freshman playmakers Greg Dortch and Arkeem Byrd.

“Defensively they’ve been really, really good and now this year it looks like the offense has caught up with the defense,” Satterfield said. “They’re hitting on all cylinders. They’re all that you’d want in a good program.”

Clawson is equally impressed with an App State attack led by quarterback Taylor Lamb and a defense that limited Texas State to 283 yards and 13 points in a road win last week.

“There’s no obvious weakness with this football team,” Clawson said of the 2-1 Mountaineers.

“They’re well-coached on all three sides. This will be a really tough test.”

Proehl, UNC ranks second in the ACC in kickoff return yardage and fifth in punt returns. Ratliff-Williams has already brought back one kickoff for a 96-yard touchdown and has come close to breaking others.

While both return men have done a good job of giving their offense good field position from which to work, Australian punter Tom Sheldon has become the Tar Heels’ best friend in pinning the opposition back with rugby-style kicks that are rarely returned.

NC State at Florida State

East Carolina at UConn

Charlotte vs. Georgia State

Doak Campbell Stadium Saturday, noon | ESPN2, ABC

Pratt & Whitney Stadium Sunday, noon | ESPNU

Jerry Richardson Stadium Saturday, 6 p.m. | CUSA.tv

Preview: The Noles and Pack will be battling to emerge as the top challenger to Clemson in the ACC Atlantic Division, after Louisville lost to the Tigers last week.

Players to watch: James Blackman will become the first true freshman to start at QB for FSU since 1985.

NC State defensive lineman Darian Roseboro had a big day against Furman, leading the team with nine tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack.

Fast fact: With cancellations and reschedulings due to Hurricane Irma, this will be FSU’s first game since Sept. 2. This is the Seminoles’ longest gap between regular season games since 1983. It’sFlorida State’s latest home opener since Sept. 24, 1977, and the latest in the year they’ve waited for their first win since the 1976 team lost its first three before winning on Oct. 2.

What to expect: In their first test of the season, the Pack lost to South Carolina. A win over FSU in its second test would help wash away that disappointment.

Preview: This game was originally scheduled for Nov. 4, but was moved to help the AAC make up games postponed by Hurricane Irma. The change could be advantageous for the 0-3 Pirates, since UConn (1-1) was picked to finish last in the AAC East.

It’s being played on Sunday because of stadium availability.

Players to watch: Senior Bryant Shirreffs, who began his career as the Wildcat QB at NC State, is in his third season as the Huskies’ starter. He is completing 69 percent of his passes this season. ECU WR Trevon Brown has touchdown catches of 95 and 76 yards in the last two games.

Fast fact: The Pirates are 4-0 in games played on Sundays, with wins against Tulsa in 2009 and 2010, UCF in 2008 and Boise State in the 2007 Hawaii Bowl.

What to expect: Despite its dismal performance in its first three games, ECU has a realistic shot at starting conference play with a win against equally flawed UConn.

Preview: The 49ers (0-3) are still looking for their first win this season after a loss to NC A&T in their home opener last week. Georgia State, which began playing football three years earlier than Charlotte in 2010, is also winless at 0-2.

Players to watch: WR Workpeh Kofa caught six passes for 110 yards and a touchdown for the 49ers last week against A&T. Panthers RB Taz Bateman rushed for 100 yards on a school-record 29 carries in last week’s loss at Penn State. He ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference in all-purpose yardage.

Fast fact: Georgia State’s first-year coach Shawn Elliott was an assistant at Appalachian State during the Mountaineers’ run of three straight FCS national championships from 2005-07.

What to expect: This figures to be a high-scoring game between two defensively challenged teams.

Charlotte is allowing 38 points per game while Georgia State has been burned for 36.5 in its two losses.

— Shawn Krest

— Brett Friedlander

— Brett Friedlander

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

B4

Hurricanes deeper, more competitive as training camp opens Players battling for spots in Raleigh and Charlotte leading up to 2017-18 season with high expectations

“Compared to my first year, it’s huge the amount of progress that has come here.”

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal RALEIGH — Cam Ward, the Carolina Hurricanes’ longest-tenured player, brushed away shots in net. Sebastian Aho looked bigger but still as shifty. And Jeff Skinner — forever 16 with his Cabbage Patch Kid-esque dimples — cruised the ice with his familiar-but-unique skating stride.

And then there were new faces when Hurricanes camp opened Friday.

Goaltender Scott Darling looked even bigger than expected in his Carolina-themed Brian’s goalie gear. Janne Kuokkanen, a countryman of Aho, has been among the noticeable standout prospects. And Justin Williams is back, attached at the hip to Skinner in what seemed both playful but also deliberate — a veteran helping a still-young star find his way and take another step forward.

With 59 players initially in camp (it’s now down to 54 as of Tuesday afternoon), the big names are front and center. However training camp might be most important to the players who are under the radar and trying to take advantage of the short amount of time they’ll have in front of the team’s main decision-makers.

For them, it’s about showing the willingness to work hard while

— Warren Foegele, Hurricanes forward

KEVIN HOFFMAN | USA TODAY SPORTS

Hurricanes coach Bill Peters watches play during the Carolina’s preseason opener against the Sabres Monday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. The Hurricanes beat the Sabres 3-2 in overtime.

paying attention to detail.

“You've got to come out every single day with something to prove and you can't really take days off because that one shift you take off could be the time the coaching staff's watching you,” forward Steven Lorentz said following Sunday’s practice. “So obviously you're trying to do everything you can to be in their good book.”

Hard work has already gotten Lorentz this far. He wasn’t selected in his first year of draft eligibility in 2014, but Carolina took a flier on him in the seventh round the following June. The 6-4, 201-pound winger improved each junior season with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes and was rewarded with an entry-level contract in April.

Despite injuring his ankle

blocking a shot at the Traverse City prospect tournament — enough of a malady that it kept him out of Carolina’s first two preseason games Monday and Tuesday — Lorentz has been on the ice for each day of practice looking to make an impression.

“You've got to come in here and do your job and hopefully you can earn spot,” he said. “If not this

year, than get in the system and work for a job in coming years.”

Now in his third Hurricanes camp — but first under contract — Lorentz has noticed the improved talent general manager Ron Francis and the front office have added.

“Like Ronnie said in the meeting with all the players before camp started, this is probably the most competitive team in Carolina and Charlotte that we've had in a couple years,” he said. “It’s very evident.”

Who winds up where will be up to Francis and coach Bill Peters, who noted the depth throughout the organization.

“Well now the decisions at the end are going to be much harder,” Peters said.

The third-year coach is confident he and his staff can sort through the waves of players and be ready for the Oct. 7 opener against Minnesota at PNC Arena.

“The right guys are going to end up on the team at the end of the day, that 23-man group that we break camp with are going to be the right 23,” he said.

“I can't tell you who they are going to be right now, but it's going to be the right guys.”

Greg Olsen injury leaves Kenseth, McMurray among Panthers searching for options those battling for Cup crown Tight end suffered broken foot in home opener

By Shawn Krest North State Journal CHARLOTTE — To say Cam Newton needs Greg Olsen is an understatement.

In his seventh year in the NFL, Newton has thrown 138 touchdown passes. Twenty two percent of them went to Olsen. The All-Pro tight end is also responsible for 23 percent of Newton’s completions and 22 percent of his passing yards.

In his career, Newton has a .623 completion rate and a 95.57 passer rating when he throws the ball to Olsen. When he throws elsewhere, those numbers drop to .574 and 83.52. In other words, without Olsen to throw to, Newton turns into Jay Cutler.

“Greg is an extremely key artery for our team,” Newton said.

That’s a problem, because Olsen went down with a broken foot during Sunday’s win over the Bills.

“I was running a route, and I just stepped and fell,” Olsen said. “I didn’t touch anybody. I didn’t get hit. It’s just the way my foot went down. It just popped.”

He was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and can’t return for at least eight weeks.

“I’m going to miss a lot of games,” he said.

Which leaves Newton and the Panthers offense searching for a new top target just two weeks into the season. How do the Panthers move on without Olsen? Here are the best options: Use the backups Ed Dickson caught 111 passes for 1,178 yards in four years with the Ravens before

coming to Carolina. He’s gotten wide open in each of the first two games this year, only to have Newton miss him with passes. Once they get on the same page, he should be a reliable target.

“I told (offensive coordinator David) Shula, ‘I know the jersey number don’t say 88, but don’t change the playbook,’’’ Dickson said.

The other tight end currently on the roster is Chris Manhertz, who is in just his third year of organized football after playing basketball in college. His next catch will be his second career reception.

“I have full faith in Ed and guys underneath him,’’ Newton said. “We won’t miss anything. Ed is ready to blossom. He’s a diamond in the rough.’’

Bring in a tight end Former Virginia Tech standout Bucky Hodges is on the practice squad and could be promoted. He had 133 catches for 1,747 yards in three years with the Hokies.

The free agent market is fairly dry. Gary Barnidge, who played for the Panthers in Newton’s first two seasons, is probably the best available. Several other players who were recent training camp cuts with Carolina are also out there, including Beau Sandland, Bryce Williams and Eric Wallace.

Jacob Tamme is probably the best receiving threat on the market, although he’d have a learning curve with the Panthers’ offense.

Use running backs Carolina often puts tight ends in the fullback spot, so Shula could put a running back in that role. The team is looking for ways to use first-rounder Christian McCaffrey, so he could be a fit. Fullback Alex Armah could also be promoted from the practice squad.

Panthers tight end Greg Olsen walks on crutches after breaking his foot Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

JEREMY BREVARD | USA TODAY SPORTS

Second race in playoffs’ first stage takes series to New Hampshire

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal NASCAR’s Monster Energy Cup playoffs kicked off last Sunday with points leader Martin Truex Jr. winning at Chicagoland Speedway for the second straight year in the series’ annual visit to the Joliet, Ill., track.

And so began the dash — don’t call it the Chase anymore — to the 2017 title, with 16 participants jockeying for advancement into stage two of the 10-race postseason.

Truex has moved on, a win guaranteeing him a spot in the next three-race segment regardless of how he fares in this weekend’s race in New Hampshire (ISM Connect 300, 2 p.m. on NBCSN) or his hometown track in Dover the following week.

The other 15 playoff drivers — nine of whom brought home top 10s at Chicagoland — aren’t locked in for the second stage that starts Oct. 8 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, meaning they must win either this weekend or next — or avoid being in the bottom four in playoff points following the race at Dover — to move on.

“I feel like we’ve run well enough in the first 26 races that if we don’t have any catastrophes that we should advance to the second round without a problem,” Jamie McMurray, driver of the Chip Ganassi Racing No. 1 who is his third straight year in the postseason and finished 10th at Chicagoland, said prior to the playoffs. “There’s a few cars in the playoffs that haven’t performed very well consistently throughout the year.”

McMurray sits 11th in the playoff standings after the first postseason race. Kurt Busch, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Kasey Kahne

BULLS from page B1 offs, because I was hurt, but I was there supporting my teammates.”

The experience was still fresh in his mind, two years later. “Oh man, it’s awesome, man,” he said.

“You enjoy every moment, every little second.”

And his ring?

“It’s in the hotel,” he said, gesturing toward a group of buildings on the Durham skyline, visible from the ballpark. “It’s right there.

I have it. I always bring it with me, everywhere I go.”

He doesn’t wear it very often, though. “I don’t remember the last time I put it on,” he said. “I don’t wear my ring. It’s big — doesn’t go with a lot of stuff, but I like to have it.”

The Outsider Pitcher Ryan Yarbrough wasn’t with that Port Charlotte team. In fact, he wasn’t even in the Rays organization.

Yarbrough was in the Seattle system until being traded to Tampa this January. In his last game

and Ryan Newman are on the outside looking in heading in to New Hampshire.

McMurray has not advanced past the first round in either of the last two years, but there has been a difference in 2017 that has the 41-year-old optimistic.

“Consistency — I think we were eighth in the regular season points when it was all said and done, and that just came from not having any catastrophic races and really we ran about the same all year long,” he said.

“So that’s what got us here and hopefully that’s going to keep us alive for a while.”

While McMurray’s chasing postseason glory, “You hope fellow postseason particto get a win ipant Matt Kenseth is looking for his first title and move under the playoff format on to the — he won in 2003 in the next round, final year of old points get some system.

“It’s a ‘what have you playoff done for me lately’ sport, obviously, so we need to points and get back to winning rac- do all those es, and hopefully getting things.” that started this weekend,” Kenseth said prior to Chicagoland, refer- — Matt encing the fact his No. Kenseth 20 hasn’t reached victory lane since, coincidentally, New Hampshire on July 16, 2016.

Kenseth, ninth in the playoff standings, will be moving on from Joe Gibbs Racing after this season, so he’s looking to make a statement as he enters free agency.

“Certainly there would probably be extra satisfaction or gratification or whatever you want to say,” he said. “If we can end on a strong note, win some races and, better yet, win a championship, certainly that would make you feel a little better about it.”

as a Mariners’ prospect, in September 2016, Yarbrough won the Southern League title with the Double-A Jackson Generals.

Remarkably, Yarbrough still hasn’t seen his ring.

“They give out the rings in spring training,” Yarbrough explained. “I was with my new team then, so I couldn’t go,” he said.

“They asked me where they should send the ring, and I had them send it home (to his father’s house).”

Since then, he’s been busy pitching every fifth day with the Bulls and hasn’t had a chance to make it back home to see the ring.

“My dad said it’s a really nice ring,” he said.

Even odder, Yarbrough has seen the ring that the 2016 Jackson players received, just not his own.

Andrew Kittredge, a reliever on this year’s Bulls team, was also a member of the 2016 Generals. The Mariners traded him to Tampa in a separate deal in November.

“Kittredge had them send it to his address in spring training,” Yarbrough said. “So he had it all year. I saw his. It’s nice.”

“I always bring it with me, everywhere I go.”

— Willy Adames, Bulls shortstop on the ring he won in 2015 with Port Charlotte

WEDNESDAY

09.20.17

NORTH

STATE

Hulu makes history with ‘The Handmaid’s Tale win, Page 7

JOURNaL

the good life LUCY NICHOLSON | REUTERS

IN A NORTH STATE OF MIND

taste | a cup of joe in Asheville

play list

Sept. 18-24 Mayberry Days Mt. Airy Four full days of fun for the whole family with activities and events for the fans who long for the days when life was simple and the sheriff didn't carry a gun.

The Surry Arts Council and City of Mount Airy welcome fans of all ages and from all around the world to the town that inspired Mayberry and “The Andy Griffith Show."

Sept. 21-23 "Moonshine and Thunder: The Junior Johnson Story" Wilkesboro The multimedia outdoor drama "Moonshine & Thunder: The Junior Johnson Story" tracks NASCAR all the way back to its spirited beginnings running moonshine in Wilkes County, once known as the moonshine capital of the world. The show — part play, part movie — centers on Johnson, the business of bootleg liquor, high-speed chases and the racing dynasty that eventually followed. Learn more at bleumoonproductions. com.

Madison County Fair Madison

MOLLIE YOUNG | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The coffee counter inside Mountain Mojo on the Charlotte Highway in Asheville sits quiet for just a moment after the morning coffee rush.

The coffee is hot in Asheville The Blue Ridge city is brewing up something other than beer

Sept. 17-23 ESA Eastern Surfing Championships Nags Head The largest amateur surfing organization in the world hosts the season's "grand finale" where the best-of-the-best surfers go head-to-head. Schedule and information at surfesa.org.

By Mollie Young North State Journal ASHEVILLE — There is no question that Asheville is the epicenter of the craft beer movement in North Carolina, but beer is not thing only thing brewing across the mountain town these days.

The third wave of coffee is in full effect in western North Carolina with local movers like Biltmore Coffee and Mountain Air Roasting supplying fair-trade beans to the region’s thriving and unique coffee shops.

High Five Coffee on Rankin near College Street brews Counter Culture — the Durham-based superstar roaster that now has 13 trainers in major cities across the country, including Asheville, designed to “foster coffee education.”

“There is a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of education in our consumer base about coffee — just like there is in the beer industry,” says Devin Walsh, owner of Mountain Mojo on the Old Charlotte Highway near Fairview.

Mojo exclusively serves Penny Cup Coffee Co., which prides itself on being a small-batch operation focused on quality, sustainability and, of course, taste.

Penny Cup also operates three self-operated cafes in west, east and downtown Asheville.

Walsh, who purchased the shop in July, left a position as an academic department chair for professional brewing science at South College — switching gears from the beer to beans.

“There are certainly strong parallels between the two cultures — the craft beer industry and the fair-trade coffee industry — but the two don’t really meet.” said Walsh, sweeping coffee cake

Planned events include midway rides, produce and cooking competitions, livestock competitions, special contests and exhibits, and 4-H-certified livestock and horse shows. Find out more at madisoncofair.org.

Sept. 21-24 Benson Mule Days Benson

The store front of Trade and Lore on Wall Street reflects the hustle and bustle of downtown Asheville.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of education in our consumer base about coffee — just like there is in the beer industry.”

— Devin Walsh, owner of Mountain Mojo

crumbs from the shop’s side patio into a yellow bush of black-eyed Susans.

“So it is interesting for me to see how they are running on parallel tracks, but they haven’t intersected quiet yet.”

But maybe they have. Mountain Mojo — like so many other cafes in the Asheville area — is looking to add a few local brews on tap soon.

At Trade and Lore on Wall Street, customers can choose from a mocha or a pale ale — en-

couraging you to enjoy your brew, hot or cold, under a string of Edison lightbulbs on a quiet cobblestone street.

Izzy’s Coffee Den, a local favorite, also offers drips and a curated beer and wine selection at their Lexington and Haywood locations.

And while the coffee is robust, so is the vibe. World Coffee Cafe on Battery Park Avenue places you and your joe at the bottom floor of a 1920s flatiron building.

Just down the block, the

Battery Park Book Exchange marries coffee with literature and bubbles, serving lattes and champagne between a seemingly endless stack of books. Purchase a take on the Civil War, find yourself a nook and you’ll be transported back to the oldworld South.

Double D’s is hard to miss, serving macchiato and desserts inside a red double decker bus on the corner of Biltmore and Aston in downtown. Well-Bred Cafe in Biltmore Village competes well with three glass containers stacked with sweets, including a gigantic “mountain eclair” And while there is no shortage of choice on where or how you take your coffee in Asheville, the local shops still seem to run a bit on mountain time — where having your daily cup is best served with an oatmeal cookie and a newspaper.

This festival, which draws 40,000 to 50,000 people, is filled with family fun and activities for everyone young and old. The weekend is packed with rodeos, a mule-pulling contest, arts and crafts, vendors, street dances, carnival rides, camping, parades, bluegrass shows and more.

The parade, with its hundreds of horses, mules, buggies, and unusual entries, draws about 20,000 people. Schedule of events at bensonmuledays.com.

Sept. 22-24 Festival in the Park Charlotte For over 50 years, the Festival in the Park in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been attracting an eclectic assortment of local artists across various media for a community gathering in the park. The two-day event features musical performances by a diverse lineup of talent, dance troupes, solo pieces and storytellers as well as one-ofa-kind arts and crafts. Kids can enjoy attractions like the Clown College, hands-on craft tables or performances by magicians, jugglers and acrobats.

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

B6

NeCessities! history marked Sept. 17, 1787 Signers in Philadelphia endorse federal Constitution

Sept. 19, 1985 Elizabeth II, a legacy of America’s 400th

Sept. 20, 1920 Food Lion founder Ralph Ketner born

Sept. 23, 1946 UNC Charlotte’s Modest Beginnings

Sept. 23, 1740 James Kenan born in Duplin County

On Sept. 17, 1787, a majority of delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia approved the U.S. Constitution, with North Carolina representatives William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight and Hugh Williamson signing on behalf of the state. Despite advocacy for its adoption

by Federalists Spaight and Williamson, the North Carolina Convention declined to ratify the Constitution until the Bill of Rights was proposed in 1789.

Interestingly, Williamson and Blount were not among the delegates originally selected. When the legislature met the previous January, it selected Gov. Richard Caswell, William R. Davie, Willie Jones, Alexander Martin and Spaight as delegates. Jones, staunchly anti-Federalist, did not accept the appointment, and Caswell was ill and unable to travel. Williamson and Blount were appointed in their stead. Davie and Martin left the convention early, leaving Williamson, Spaight and Blount remaining as signatories. Spaight, from New Bern, later served as governor, and Williamson — sometimes referred to as North Carolina’s Ben Franklin — was a physician, scientist scholar and resident of Chowan County. Blount, a Bertie County native, was later governor of the territory that is now Tennessee, and a U.S. senator from that state as well. A plaque in the rotunda of the State Capitol in Raleigh commemorates the three signers.

On Sept. 19, 1985, the Elizabeth II made its maiden voyage from Manteo to Ocracoke, Beaufort, New Bern and back again.

Constructed as part of America’s 400th anniversary, the 69-foot, square-rigged sailing ship is meant to be representative of the vessels used to bring the first English colonists to Roanoke Island in the late 1500s. It was named for the original Elizabeth, one of the seven ships that was part of Sir Walter Raleigh’s second expedition in 1585. That ship was captained by Thomas Cavendish and most likely carried people and supplies to aid England in building a military garrison near what is now Manteo. Built almost entirely by hand during 1983, the ship was in the water by early 1984 and was christened by British Princess Anne that summer. A private corporation raised $650,000 to finance the ship’s construction, while the General Assembly allocated $1.4 million for the development of other attractions on Roanoke Island.

Though the ship sometimes sails along the North Carolina coast, it is moored at Roanoke Island Festival Park — one of 27 state historic sites — for most of the year.

Grocer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Ralph Ketner, was born in Cabarrus County in 1920. Ketner is known as the longtime television face for the Food Lion grocery store chain. After college in Indiana and service in World War II, Ketner and two partners opened their first store in Salisbury in 1957. Their primary competitors were Winn-Dixie, Colonial and A&P. Investors who joined them to raise capital of $62,000 in time became millionaires. What was then Food Town expanded gradually until 1967 when Ketner took his account books and retreated into a Charlotte motel. Three days later he emerged, with a slogan “Lowest Food Prices in North Carolina” and a formula, selling 10 categories at cost or below and ensuring all products cheaper than competitors. The strategy worked, propelling the chain to expand into Virginia and Tennessee, where the existence of stores with the same name necessitated the change in 1983 to Food Lion. A Belgian company, Delhaize, acquired majority ownership of Food Lion in 1976. Tom Smith succeeded Ketner as president and commercial spokesman in 1981. The company now has 1,100 stores and 48,000 employees in 11 southeastern states. Ketner, who died in 2016 at age 95, funded the business school at Catawba College that bears his name.

In 1946, the Charlotte Center opened to offer evening classes to recent World War II veterans. Established as part of the post-World War II GI Bill, the Charlotte Center got its start in the basement of Central High School. It was the largest of a network of 14 temporary institutions that officials created across the state to help curb the overcrowding that was anticipated at traditional colleges and universities. The state slated the center to close in 1949 as the demand generated by returned soldiers began to dissipate, but local residents led by the Charlotte Center director, Bonnie Cone, fought to keep the center open as a two-year institution called Charlotte College supported exclusively by local funds and operated by the local school board. In 1958, the college was accepted into the North Carolina Community College System. It moved to its current location in 1961 and became a four-year institution in 1964.

Charlotte College became the fourth institution to join the consolidated UNC System the following year, changing its name to UNC Charlotte. It continued a steady pace of growth throughout the rest of the 20th century, adding its first graduate degree programs in 1969 and its first doctoral program in 1993. Today, UNC Charlotte is the fourth-largest institution in the UNC system with an enrollment of more than 26,000.

On Sept. 23, 1740, civic, military and political leader James Kenan was born.

Kenan began his long career in public service at age 22 when he was elected sheriff of Duplin County. After leading local opposition to the British Stamp Act, he served in the Colonial assembly and the provincial congress. As a member of the militia in Duplin County, he helped lead a group of volunteers against Scottish Loyalists at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge in 1776. Kenan continued his involvement in politics after the Revolutionary War, serving in the state Senate for more than 10 terms and as a delegate to the State Constitutional Conventions. Outside of the political arena, Kenan was a member of the original board of trustees for the University of North Carolina, where several buildings are now named for the Kenan family. He was also the first Master of the original Masonic lodge in Duplin County. Kenan died in 1810 and is buried in Kenansville. His descendants have continued his legacy of philanthropy and public service, making significant contributions to the arts and education in North Carolina.

SOURCE: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES

PHOTO COURTESY OF N.C. ARCHIVES

Southern Gateway Wine Trail As we continue to celebrate Wine and Grape Month in N.C., we take a look at the central piedmont wineries on the Southern Gateway Wine Trail. This wine trail pairs well with the section of the Historic Barbecue Trail that also runs through Lexington. Enjoy 15 miles of scenic wine country and quite a few renowned Lexington-style barbecue joints.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADOBE STOCK

Youth Deer Hunting Day scheduled for Sept. 23

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENNIS VINEYARDS

Native Vines Winery The first Native American Indianowned winery in the United States offers vinifera wines, as well as specialty and sweet fruit wines, produced from fruit grown on the farm. site nativevineswinery.com phone (336) 787-3688 location 1336 N NC Highway 150 Lexington, N.C. 27295

Junius Lindsay Vineyard This boutique winery serves estate bottled wines native to the Rhine Valley: Viognier, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Roussanne varietals and blends. website juniuslindsay.com phone (336) 764-4050 location 385 Dr. Zimmerman Road Lexington, N.C. 27295

Childress Vineyards

Weathervane Winery

Enjoy one of the finest tasting rooms in America while sampling a stellar collection of wines. The winery is open daily for tours, tastings and lunch at the Bistro.

This winery produces 19 different wines and offers laid back wine tastings each day living up to its motto: Fine wines without the attitude.

website childressvineyards.com

website weathervanewinery.com

phone (336) 236-9463

phone (336) 793-3366

location 2 N. Main Street Lexington, N.C. 27292

location 1452 Welcome Arcadia Road Lexington, N.C. 27295

On May 2, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating the fourth Saturday in September as National Hunting and Fishing Day. This year, N.C. native and racing legend Richard Childress is the honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day, joining two other Old North State sports legends — Arnold Palmer (1985) and Hertford native Jim "Catfish" Hunter (1976) — who have served in the same capacity.

This Saturday is also Youth Deer Hunting Day in N.C. The N.C. Wildlife Resources established the day to increase interest in deer hunting among youth, potentially increase their success at hunting, and highlight the need to engage youth in hunting.

On this day, youth 17 and younger may use any legal weapon to hunt deer of either sex and are not required to be accompanied by an adult if they have completed a hunter education course. The Youth Deer Hunting Day provisions apply to both private and public lands.

Hunters age 18 and older with a valid hunting license may use only the weapon that is legal for the type of season open in their county on this day. All hunters must wear blaze orange on Sept. 23, even if the hunter is using archery equipment. The use of dogs for deer hunting is allowed during Youth Hunting Day in areas where it is lawful. During the remainder of hunting seasons, youth 17 and younger are required to use the legal weapon for the open season in the area where they are hunting.

Hunters can report their big game harvests either by phone at 800-I-GOT-ONE (800-446-8663), online at “Report a Harvest” or at a participating Wildlife Service Agent location. Beginning with this deer season, the commission no longer offers big game harvest reporting through Wildlife Cooperator Agents using paper record sheets.

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

B7

ENTERTAINMENT Trump-dominated Emmys draw 11.4 million TV audience Awards show’s ratings on par with 2016, the lowest ratings ever

By Jill Serjeant Variety Star of HBO’s “Westworld” and North Carolina native Evan Rachel Wood walks the red carpet at the 2017 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.

MIKE BLAKE | REUTERS

NC’s headline Emmy nominees end up with few wins “Stranger Things” and “Westworld” carried the flag of the Old North State to Hollywood awards show

By Lisa Richwine Reuters LOS ANGELES — Streaming service Hulu made Emmy history on Sunday by becoming the first digital platform to win a top series award with its dystopian saga "The Handmaid's Tale."

The Hulu series adapted from Margaret Atwood's 1985 book won best drama, the most prestigious award of the night, and seven other awards including best drama actress for Elisabeth Moss.

The recognition at TV's highest honors was a breakout moment for Hulu, which had failed to win the critical acclaim and buzz generated

by Netflix and Amazon as streaming services uprooted traditional Hollywood. "Handmaid's Tale" triumphed over Netflix's supernatural thriller "Stranger Things," NBC's "This is Us" and others. "Stranger Things," created by Durham twin-brother duo Matt and Ross Duffer, was a fan favorite, but won just five of its 18 nominations, mostly in technical categories.

Overall, longtime Emmy heavyweight HBO took home the most awards with 29 wins, even without its mega-hit "Game of Thrones."

The reigning best drama winner was not eligible because it aired too late in the year for consideration.

Raleigh-born Evan Rachel Wood was nominated for best actress in a drama for HBO's "Westworld" but that honor went to Moss. “Westworld” tied for the most Emmy nominations at 22 with NBC's "Saturday Night Live" but the western-sci-fi series failed to win a televised award and took home just five awards in technical categories.

HBO's "Veep" took home the best comedy trophy for the third straight year, and "Big Little Lies" was named best limited series.

"Thank you to HBO for never wavering in your belief in us," star Nicole Kidman said on stage as she accepted the award for best actress in a limited series.

The prestige and publicity surrounding the Emmys can help networks attract new viewers in a crowded TV marketplace where

broadcasters, cable channels and digital platforms are battling for audiences.

"Handmaid's Tale" already has drawn more new subscribers to Hulu than any other original or acquired show, Hulu said at a Television Critics Association event in July.

Its creators said Hulu reaped the rewards by taking on a risky proposal.

Writer Bruce Miller credited Hulu with supporting a controversial series about a society in which women are forced into sexual servitude.

"There were so many times I presented something or pitched something," Miller told reporters backstage, "and I was sure they were going to say there was no way you can do that on television.

"They were always enthusiastic and encouraging," he added. "It's not an easy show to make. It's rough stuff. They were brave and committed to making the book into a television show."

Netflix won 20 Emmys including best supporting drama actor for John Lithgow in "The Crown" and best comedy writing "Master of None."

Broadcast network NBC, owned

by Comcast, won 15 awards. Its comedy sketch show "Saturday Night Live" collected nine.

LOS ANGELES — Some 11.4 million Americans watched Sunday's prime-time Emmy Awards on television in a ceremony marked by jokes and jibes at President Donald Trump and where "Saturday Night Live" was the biggest winner.

Broadcaster CBS said on Monday that the 2017 audience was in line with that of last year, which attracted a record low of 11.3 million viewers.

Emmys host Stephen Colbert has ruthlessly attacked Trump on his "The Late Show," and many of the winners and presenters made barbed comments about Trump and his policies during Sunday's three-hour ceremony honoring the best of television.

NBC's satirical sketch show "Saturday Night Live" won nine Emmys, including statuettes for Trump impersonator Alec Baldwin, Melissa McCarthy's skits on former White House spokesman Sean Spicer, and Kate McKinnon's turns as losing presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and White House aide Kellyanne Conway.

Spicer, who resigned in July, also made a surprise appearance at Sunday's ceremony doing an impression of himself, and he later did the rounds of industry after-parties in Los Angeles.

MARIO ANZUONI | REUTERS

Stephen Colbert hosts the 2017 Emmy Awards.

FILM REVIEW

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ The sequel has gone and pushed the franchise’s cheeky brand of absurdity

By Peter Debruge Variety LOS ANGELES — As if the original "Kingsman" weren't cartoony enough, with its blade-legged Asian assassin and gratuitous exploding-heads finale, the sequel has gone and pushed the franchise's cheeky brand of absurdity even further. The goofiness begins with the resurrection of two important characters, whose unequivocal deaths we witnessed in the first movie. First, there's Charlie, a rival secret service recruit played by Edward Holcroft, who lost his head in that notorious fireworks montage, now back with a bionic arm and a new boss (more on that in a minute). And then there's Colin Firth's character, impeccably dressed spy-master Harry Hart, who took a point-blank bullet to the eye — and here lives to tell about it.

Firth was the second-best thing about the 2015 scally-spy movie, a super-stylized surprise hit from "Kick-Ass" director Matthew Vaughn that racked up a cool $414 million worldwide, and Harry’s death was a loss. But his return is a cheat, and it basically erases any sense of peril in "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," which begins with a demented new villain named Poppy (Julianne Moore, all smiles) blowing up all but two of the old Kingsman clan.

Are they really dead? Well, the geotargeted missiles certainly look accurate, but if Harry can walk away from a fatal head wound — and if Charlie can survive losing his head altogether — don't be surprised to see any or all of them resurface in a sequel. Later, when a major character blows himself up in their honor, not only does that ges-

ture seem like a waste (you want to tell him to wait, since Vaughn and co-writer Jane Goldman will surely find a way to bring them back, especially right-hand woman Roxy), but it also raises the question of whether he's really gone.

Basically, Vaughn is playing with gravity here: When you change the fundamental rules of action-movie storytelling as radically as the "Kingsman" series does, then these adventures may as well be taking place on the moon, where a normal human can jump tall buildings. It blurs the stakes and makes it impossible to know what, if anything, the risks of operating in such an otherwise-lethal world are.

Same goes for Harry's "retrograde amnesia": He may not be dead, but he's forgotten who he is, remembering only his youthful ambition to be a lepidopterist (or butterfly collector). Now his minders — Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges and Channing Tatum, cashing paychecks to play members of Kingsman's yankee counterpart, Statesman — need to recreate a past shock or trauma to "reboot" his brain. Did the movie need to kill off nearly everyone (except Mark Strong's Merlin, who's still there to provide tactical support) simply to introduce Statesman, which operates behind the cover of a successful whiskey brand, as opposed to Kingsman's posh Saville Row suit shop (the costumes are tip-top, as always).

So, if Harry's the second-best thing about "Kingsman," what's the first, you ask? Well, that would be Eggsy himself, as played by model-handsome Welsh actor Taron Egerton, whose jawline is so sharp you could practically chop wood with it. He's not terribly convincing as an action hero, and even less so in dramatic scenes, but he sure is purty to look at. While not shy on carnage, the earlier "Kingsman" focused on Eggsy's transforma-

Taron Egerton stars in Twentieth Century Fox’s “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.”

GILES KEYTE | TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION

tion from a streetwise hood into a dapper young super-spy — basically, the movie was "My Fair Lady" meets James Bond, as Eggsy learned to dress smart, talk properly and save the world, taking his shirt off just often enough to remind what the movie was really selling.

Egerton's chin seems even squarer now, as if that were possible, and he's aging faster than the two-year interval would suggest, meaning it will be increasingly hard for future installments to play the boyish-charm card. Here, we find him agreeing to meet the king and queen of Sweden for dinner, since his girlfriend (the entirely bland Hanna Alstrom) happens to be their daughter — which, one supposes, puts this Kingsman in line to the Swedish throne. Narratively speaking, nothing about their romance works, although it's cute to see Vaughn try something new, as it completely alters the dynamic we're accustomed to when spies are asked to seduce super-babes for queen and country: In this case, Eggsy must call Princess Tilde to ask permission before planting a tracking device (which must be inserted into a mucous membrane) into a vixen's most private of parts.

But let's back up. The reason any

of this is happening is that Poppy, the world's most successful drug dealer — whom Moore interprets as Martha Stewart crossed with a demonic 1950s housewife, and whose base is a Mayan ruin she has updated with American-style movie theater and soda hop — wants to legalize her wares. To force the policy upon the president, she introduces an ingredient into her product that will infect and ultimately kill every drug user in the world unless they get her antidote in time — which makes no sense, and which the president seems to believe would be doing him a favor, effectively ending the war on drugs in one fell swoop. (Vaughn clearly assumes most of his audience does drugs, normalizing the behavior by revealing Eggsy's girlfriend and Channing Tatum's character as potential victims, if they don't act fast.)

Silly doesn't even begin to describe this plot, which also involves killer robot dogs and an extended Elton John cameo — basically, an excuse to dust off his most flamboyant costumes and to score over-the-top action scenes to "The Bitch Is Back" (Poppy's theme, but also sorta Elton's, once he busts out the kung fu) and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting." There's also

Charlie with his bionic arm, a Statesman agent named Whiskey (Pedro Pascal) with an electric lasso and a few too many scenes in which people get put into Poppy's industrial meat-grinder ... and then cooked ... and then eaten.

It is all aggressively stylized, abusively fast-paced and ear-bleedingly loud, relying so heavily on CGI that nothing — not one thing — seems to correspond to the real world. That might have been different had the 2016 U.S. presidential election turned out differently, since the idea seems to have been for Emily Watson, who appears as the Hillary Clinton-coiffed chief of staff to Bruce Greenwood's American president, to play the commander in chief herself.

That, at least, would have pitted a female president against a strong female villain (an overgenerous way of describing Poppy, who's like one of the perky Red Lobster zombies from Robin Comisar's twisted "Great Choice" short), whereas this is just bonkers and might actually serve best as a send-up of past spy movies. It's not like anyone has ever accused James Bond of being realistic, but the "Kingsman" series has gotten so outlandish that "Moonraker" suddenly looks plausible by comparison.

North State Journal for Wednesday, September 20, 2017

B8

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North Carolina Arts, History & Nature

Fall in One Place Autumn is a perfect time to celebrate everything North Carolina has to offer, from the gorgeous weather to local foods to traditional music. From the annual tradition of the North Carolina State Fair to Wide Open Bluegrass to local county fairs and festivals, North Carolina has it all, all in one place.

Explore our complete list of Fall Festivals and Fairs across the state.

#allinoneplaceNC

NC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

dncr.nc.gov/allinoneplace