North State Journal Vol. 9, Issue 19

Bienvenue en Charlotte

The Hornets drafted French forward Tidjane Salaun with the sixth overall pick in last week’s NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-9 Salaun was one of ve players from France selected, including Atlanta Hawks’ rst overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.

For more, turn to NSJ Sports

the

Perry resigns from state Senate

Raleigh

State Sen. Jim Perry (R-Kingston) resigned Tuesday after he previously announced he would not seek reelection.

“It is a special privilege to serve in the North Carolina Senate,” Perry, the Senate majority whip, said in a press release announcing his resignation. “I am incredibly thankful to have been chosen for this wonderful honor and life experience.”

Perry was in his second full term in the Senate, having been appointed in 2019 to replace retiring Sen. Louis Pate. State Republicans selected him to serve as majority whip in 2021.

Before his time in the Senate, Perry was a business executive in the dental industry. His business and health care background meshed well with his committee assignments in the Senate, which included chairing the Senate Finance Committee. He also served on the Commerce and Insurance, Health Care, Redistricting, and Rules committees.

“I am thankful to my family for enduring the demands of serving in the North Carolina General Assembly over the course of my three terms,” said Perry. He had cited family as a driving factor in his decision to not seek reelection.

“I am entering a season of life where I will need more time to support those closest to me,” he said.

Perry said in December 2023 that he intended to return to the private sector after his term ended. He had been injured in a hunting accident last fall but said in a December statement that his “personal health is ne” and the incident was “not the basis for my decision.”

“Jim has been a valuable member of our caucus since his rst day in the Senate,” Senate Pro Tempore Phil Berger said at the time of Perry’s announcement in December. “His tireless work ethic and willingness to dig into the details have made a lasting impact on health care and nance policy in the state.”

NC House passes ‘gas station heroin’ bill unanimously

“I rst learned about the dangers of tianeptine from families in my district whose kids have become addicted to it. This is an important bill to protect our kids from accessing this dangerous substance.”

Rep. Erin Paré (R-Wake)

The bill would add tianeptine to the controlled substance list

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina House unanimously passed a bill that would add the drug tianeptine, often referred to as “gas station heroin,” to the state’s controlled substance.

Tianeptine is an antidepressant-type drug with opioid-like e ects that requires a prescription in most European nations but not in the United States.

Rep. Erin Paré (R-Wake), one of House Bill 903’s primary sponsors, said during her oor remarks that the FDA rst started warning about the dangers of the drug in 2018. She said tianeptine is linked to a rise in overdose deaths across the country and that use of the substance can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures and serious health problems.”

“And, sadly, families right here in North Carolina are dealing with this growing problem with their kids,” Paré said.

She added that “at least eight states so far have moved to ban tianeptine,” and North Carolina should be next.

See HEROIN, page A2

Tillis, Budd raise concerns over NC Medicaid pilot program

About $110 million has been spent on Healthy Opportunity Pilot, a program some legislators say is rife with failures

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd have called for a review of the state’s Medicaid Reform Section 1115 Waiver Demonstration by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, citing concerns about the program’s cost-e ectiveness and operational issues. In a letter dated June 12, to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, the senators highlighted specific problems with the Healthy Opportunity Pilot (HOP) program and its associated technology platform, NCCARE360.

“Despite signi cant investment from NCDHHS that was speci cally allocated to HOP, it has become apparent … that NCCARES360 is failing to meet the day-to-day needs of (participants.)”

Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd

Per the letter, the HOP program was set up as a way to “test and evaluate the impact of providing select evidence-based, non-medical interventions to high-need Medicaid bene ciaries using Medicaid dollars.” Up to $650 million in Medicaid

funding for the HOP pilots was authorized over a ve-year period that ends Oct. 31. NCCARE360 is the “ rst statewide network that unites health care and human services organizations with a shared technology that enables a coordinated, community-oriented, person-centered approach for delivering care” in North Carolina. The platform’s website says it is a “strong public-private partnership” between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation with an implementation team made up of United Way of North Carolina/NC 211, Expound Decision Systems, and Unite Us. While the senators expressed their commitment to ensuring e ective use of federal and state resources, they also questioned the program’s high costs and reported operational challenges. The letter says the HOP program, designed to address health care and social needs in North Carolina, has spent approximately $110 million to serve 13,000 North Carolinians, amounting to more than $8,400 per person.

See MEDICAID, page A8

34 counties receive America 250 celebration grants

Just under $900,000 in grants were awarded for 2024-25

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has announced 34 counties are recipients of just under $900,000 in grants aimed at commemoration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) said in a release that the grant projects include “new cultural events, physical and digital exhibits, historical markers, and more all inspired by North Carolina’s revolutionary history and the themes of America 250 NC.”

“These America 250 grants will serve as catalysts for local

participation in the nationwide commemoration of our nation’s founding,” said DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson. “We look forward to working with communities across the state to build a memorable and meaningful celebration for all North Carolinians.”

According to the grant tracking map on the America 250 NC website, the grants were issued for Alamance, Avery, Bertie, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Camden, Chatham, Chowan, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Davidson, Forsyth, Gaston,

Gates, Guilford, Halifax, Haywood, Hertford, Hoke, Johnston, Jones, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Onslow, Orange, Pasquotank, Pender, Pitt, Rockingham, Wake and Watauga counties.

The America 250 community and county grants awarded span several projects to celebrate America 250 in the state. Grant applications for the 2025-26 scal year will open in August. Guidance for counties to participate in future grant applications can be found at america250.nc.gov/grants.

For more information on America 250 and events across the state visit america250.nc.gov.

AP PHOTO

Members of Catawba County’s Newton-Conover High School Band participate in American Bicentennial parade in Washington, D.C., on July 3, 1976. North Carolina is planning for the United States’ 250th anniversary in two years with the America 250 initiative.

JULIA NIKHINSON / AP PHOTO

One of our Lord’s counsels to his followers is, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”

We cannot judge others fairly. For example, we do not know what the causes of the faults might be which we would condemn in others. Some people’s in rmities are hereditary. Or there may be something in their circumstances or experiences, which is the cause of the peculiarities we are disposed to censure. We do not know what hidden troubles people have — what secret sorrows.

Longfellow somewhere says, “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we would nd in each man’s life sorrow and su ering enough to disarm all hostility.” If we knew all that God knows of people’s lives, our censure would turn to pity.

We are in danger of misjudging the acts and character of others, also, because we can see only a fragment of their life. There are two sides to most things and people, and we usually see but one.

One Christmas the poet Whittier received from a friend a ower pressed between two panes of glass. One side showed only a blurred mass of leaves and stems, without beauty. The other side revealed all the loveliness of the ower as it lay beneath the glass. Mr. Whittier hung his gift in his window and turned the beautiful side inward. Those who passed outside saw only “a grey disk of clouded glass,” and wondered that the poet hung such an unsightly thing in his window. But he, sitting within, saw all the exquisite loveliness of the ower. Other things besides pressed owers have two sides, and Whittier writes:

“Deeper musings come to me, My halfimmortal ower, from thee;

Man judges from a partial view; None ever yet his brother knew.

The eternal Eye that sees the whole May better read the darkened soul, And nd to outward sense denied, The ower upon its inmost side.”

Too often we see only the blurred side of people — and most people have a blurred

side. Behind their rough exterior, however, may be a true heart, gentle and kindly.

We know a man out in the world among men, and he seems harsh, stern, ungentle. But some day we see him at home where his sick child su ers, and there he is another man — thoughtful, patient and caring. It would have been most unjust if we had made up our judgment of him from the outside view only.

A young man was severely criticized by his companions for his miserliness. He was receiving a good salary but lived in a pinched way, without even the plain comforts which he could easily have a orded — his fellowclerks thought. He never spent a penny for luxuries and avoided the expenses which other young men thought necessary. That was one side of the young man’s life, and there were those who judged him by it.

But there was another side. He had an only sister — they were orphans — who

was a great su erer. She was con ned to her room and bed, a helpless invalid. This brother provided for her. That was the reason he lived so cheaply, saving and doing without things for himself. He made personal sacri ces, that his sister might have comforts. That was the other side of the character, the one side of which had seemed so unattractive to the young man’s friends.

There are countless cases of this kind. We see a person’s actions and form an unfavorable opinion — not knowing the true motive or reason for the actions.

The Pharisees judged Jesus and condemned him bitterly for eating with publicans and sinners — and showing himself the friend of these outcast classes. They saw him only in the light of their own prejudice, and they inferred that he was not a godly man, or he would not have chosen such companions. But we know that he went among these despised and fallen ones, that he might save them. The judgment of his enemies was wrong, because it was passed upon only a fragment of the truth. Our own imperfections also un t us for judging fairly. One who has no art taste cannot be a fair critic of works of art. We, with our marred and imperfect moral nature, cannot judge righteously the work and character of another.

The very faults we condemn in our neighbors — oft-times exist in ourselves in even graver form. Jesus teaches this when he says, “Why do you behold the mote that is in your brother’s eye — but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3. We are not t to be judges of others, because we have the same faults which we see in them.

Besides, while we are looking after the faults of others — we are in danger of neglecting the care of our own life.

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

General Assembly overrides 3 Cooper vetoes

Lawmakers have overridden all 22 of Cooper’s vetoes this biennium

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — All three of Governor Roy Cooper’s vetoes issued during the legislative short session have been successfully overridden by the legislature. The vetoes overridden include House Bill 198, DOT Legislative Changes; House Bill 237, Various Criminal and Election Law Changes; and House Bill 834, Juvenile Justice Modi cations.

House Bill 198 is an agency bill submitted by the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) that includes changes to various contracts, turnpike fees, extension of the Build NC Bond Act and the Outdoor Advertising Control Act, which is the section the governor carved out in his veto.

The changes to the act expand the areas and authority for outdoor advertising owners to remove vegetation around their signs, both with and without permits, while making some procedural changes to the permitting process. The act expands the area around existing sign locations where owners can cut vegetation up to 300 feet on either side without a permit, increased from 200 feet previously.

“Ever since taking o ce, the governor has put political posturing over sound pub -

HEROIN from page A1

All 110 members present for the June 12 vote passed the measure, which now awaits Senate action.

“I rst learned about the dangers of tianeptine from families in my district whose kids have become addicted to it,” Paré said in a statement following the bill’s passage. “This is an important bill to protect our kids from accessing this dangerous substance.”

Tianeptine is sometimes called “gas station heroin” because it often appears in products sold in gas stations under names

Sen.

override three vetos by Gov. Roy Cooper. the word | Don’t

lic policy,” Senate Transportation Committee Chairwoman Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell) said in a statement on the override of House Bill 198. “That was on full display with his veto of House Bill 198, which kowtows to the Green New Deal liberals in Washington. This bill, which implements recommendations from his own agency, will help the long list of stakeholders that are impacted by our transportation infrastructure.”

House Bill 834 modi es the Raise the Age law by altering the de nition of juvenile delinquent and requiring 16- and 17-year-olds who commit certain serious felonies to be sent

like Pegasus, Neptune’s Fix or Zaza. Some of these products claim to be a supplement that will boost energy or brain functioning. Tianeptine can also go by other names, such as tianeptine sulfate, tianeptine sodium powder, tianna, tianna green, tianna red and tianna white. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, side effects can include agitation, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, sweating, slowed or stopped breathing, and it is considered a highly addictive substance.

In the U.S., items containing tianeptine are often labeled

automatically to Superior Court instead of juvenile court.

Between Jan. 1 and June 26 of this year, there have been at least 19 juveniles being charged or sought for murder or attempted murder in North Carolina.

“There are thugs on the streets who wear masks so they can get away with harassing, and sometimes attacking the public and police,” Sen. Danny Earl Britt Jr. (R-Robeson) said of the override of Juvenile Justice Modi cations. “The governor sought to continue encouraging this behavior with his veto of House Bill 237, but the legislature was never going to let that happen.”

as dietary supplements and can be bought with no age restrictions and without an ID or prescription. That has been a means for companies to widely sell the products containing tianeptine despite the drug receiving no approvals from the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA has warned about tianeptine’s dangers when using it as an “opioid alternative, or to self-treat anxiety or depression,” as well as the drug being linked to “serious harm, overdoses, and death.”

In 2023, the North Carolina House Select Committee on Substance Abuse looked at the prolif-

House Bill 237 contains changes to pandemic exemptions to laws prohibiting the wearing of masks by requiring those wearing a surgical mask for health reasons to temporarily remove it upon request by police or by a property owner for identi cation purposes.

The bill, now law, also enhances penalties for wearing masks to conceal one’s identity and prohibits certain governmental entities from imposing additional restrictions on religious institutions during emergencies. The new legislation introduces harsher penalties for certain individuals wearing masks during the commission of

eration of tianeptine in products found in gas stations and convenience stores, resulting in House Bill 563, which included regulation of the tianeptine and would have reclassi ed it as a Schedule 1 drug. The 2023 version of the bill did not advance past the Senate but has been resurrected during the 2024 short session.

The current version of House Bill 563 places tianeptine on the controlled substances schedule, along with the drugs xylazine and kratom. The bill would put restrictions on hemp-derived consumable products, such as banning them from school

crimes. If an individual is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony while using a mask to hide their identity, their o ense would be elevated by one class compared to the original crime.

It also imposes stricter penalties for blocking streets, escalating from a Class A1 misdemeanor to a Class H felony for repeat o enses.

Additionally, the willful obstruction of emergency vehicles constitutes a Class A1 misdemeanor. Protest organizers can face both civil and criminal liability if such obstruction results in injury or death.

The provisions on elections law changes seem targeted at allowing the Republican Governors Association’s Super PAC to contribute directly to the state GOP, matching what the Democratic Governors Association has been doing through its non-Super PAC arm.

During oor debates, Democrats staged a walkout opposing the changes, alleging they unfairly bene t Republicans for the 2024 elections.

While allowing more money from federal groups, the bill maintains existing donor disclosure requirements and bans on earmarking funds.

The changes allow federal Super PACs and 527 committees to contribute to state political parties as long as corporate/ union funds are kept separate. Federal committees only need to submit their existing FEC/ IRS reports to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, not new reports, and federal PACs can now donate to candidates during legislative sessions, subject to limits.

grounds and prohibiting the sale of hemp-derived items to persons under the age of 21.

The biggest feature of the revised bill is the inclusion of the “Compassionate Care Act,” which would make medical use of marijuana legal to obtain for quali ed patients with a debilitating medical condition via a regulated supply system of cannabis products.

House Bill 563 passed the Senate on June 24 by a vote of 3610 but is unlikely to move in the House. In the past few years, the Senate has successfully passed a medical marijuana bill only to have the measure die in a House committee.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Lilacs in a Window” by Mary Cassatt (circa 1880) is a painting in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

CHRIS SEWARD / AP PHOTO

Vickie Sawyer, pictured in 2023, was among the Republican legislators who voted to

Meet NC’s una liated congressional candidate

Shelane Etchison is a veteran who was among the rst to serve in an all-female Special Operations program

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — As the rst una liated Congressional candidate in modern North Carolina history, Shelane Etchison says her candidacy is about “breaking barriers.”

“What I like to tell voters is that we know that we’re not being served the way we’re supposed to be with our elected leaders in Washington,” said Etchison. “We’ve given them more than enough chances to prove that they can work together and actually start doing their jobs and working for the American people, and they keep failing us time and time and time again.

“This candidacy is all about breaking barriers. I’m the rst person ever in our state to get on the ballot ghting to get all the signatures we needed to get on the ballot and give the voters a choice.”

She said it’s now up to voters to “send that message loud and clear to the establishment that they are tired of the lack of results that they’re getting,” and that they can vote for a candidate like her.

After collecting around 12,000 signatures, some 8,000 were eventually veri ed, qualifying her to be on the 9th District Congressional ballot. Etchison’s campaign is being run by Thomas Mills, a longtime Democratic consultant

Shelane Etchison collected more than 10,000 signatures to become the state’s rst una liated candidate to get on the ballot in a congressional race.

“This candidacy is all about breaking barriers.”

Shelane Etchison, una liated candidate for N.C.’s 9th Congressional District

and founder of the website “Politics NC.”

The 9th District incumbent is Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican rst elected to that seat after redistricting in 2022. Prior to redistricting changes, he had been the representative for District 8 since 2012. Also running in the 9th District race is Democrat Nigel Bristow. Etchinson, a 38-year-old from the town of Vass in Moore

County, described her una liated candidacy in an interview with North State Journal as giving the voters more choices. She said more voters are registering as una liated, noting “people are dissatis ed,” and are “opting out of the status quo of the two main parties.”

“I’m not happy with the direction that’s going in,” Etchison said of the U.S. and its politics. “And so I decided I want to get into the mix politically, but I don’t want to be contributing to the problem. I want to help be the solution.”

Following the 9/11 terror attacks on the U.S., Etchison was commissioned as an o cer in the Army, a rst in her family. She spent 11 years in the military, mainly deployed in a Special Operations pilot program

of an all-female unit attached to the Army Rangers and Navy Seals in the Middle East. Her rst deployment was to Iraq and, later, in Syria where she worked closely with Kurdish female militias ghting ISIS.

“Pretty incredible experience,” she said. She added that her role in collecting intelligence “really helped bridge some divisions with special operators that were quite skeptical about women being there.”

Etchison said the border, debt and foreign wars are all major issues, but she pointed to something more fundamental as the biggest.

“I think our issues are much deeper than that,” she said. “It goes into trust in our institutions — trust that our democracy is fair and representative, and trust that the people we elect to represent us have our best interests at heart. I think that the lack of trust that we’re experiencing and the divisions that we’re experiencing actually are very, very real threats to the preservation of our country moving forward.”

Etchison said people on the campaign trail call her candidacy “refreshing” and “hopeful.”

“I hear a lot about people who are just exhausted and tired of the political in- ghting and the lack of results,” said Etchison. “There’s so many young people who just don’t feel like a ording a home or owning a home is in the cards. For them, they’re opting out of marriage and families.”

She also said she hears a lot about the border crisis.

“That’s a big issue. That’s something that you would think could be resolved and there’s consensus to resolving it,” said Etchison. “And it’s just really frustrating to voters that our Congress and our leaders just can’t get it together when it seems like such an obvious, noncontroversial problem that should be solved.

“You know, it’s honestly hard to keep up with the back and forth on the border. I think there’s merit to the argument that (the Biden administration’s) e ort is just ‘too little, too late’ when there were executive orders that were reversed when he rst got into o ce.

“My takeaway from all of this is it’s ‘politics as usual,’” she added.

She also said “people are very frustrated with a ordability issues” and “they’re working multiple jobs and still just barely scraping by — that’s not the American dream to them.”

Etchison is also a proponent of xing what she perceived is wrong with government, including backing term limits.

“What I really want to hit home is, ‘How do we right the wrongs of the system that’s not serving us?’” she said. “So that looks like tamping down on corruptive practices, whether that’s dark money in politics, whether that’s the revolving door of politicians and lobbyists, or term limits, for goodness sake.

Etchison also said she supports “independent redistricting commissions to help with the gerrymandering,” “being an advocate for open primaries” and “rank choice voting,” ideas pushed by Democrats.

“Those reforms are going to be able to get more kind of interest in moderate candidates available to voters,” Etchison said. “And they’re going to feel more represented and they’re going to like their options better than what they’re getting right now.”

Etchison received her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida, has an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a master’s in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

For more information on Etchison and her campaign, visit etchisonforcongress.com.

NC high school graduates set to soar in drone industry

A partnership between the state Department of Public Instruction and Zipline paves the way

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A groundbreaking partnership between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Zipline, the world’s largest autonomous delivery service, is paving the way for high school graduates to launch careers in the rapidly expanding drone industry.

The new program, set to begin in the 2024-25 school year, will create a pathway for students to pursue professional careers in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) operations. More

than 60 high schools across North Carolina that o er drone technology courses in their career and technical education departments will participate in the new initiative.

Trey Michael, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) director of career and technical education, emphasized the program’s alignment with the state’s educational goals. “The goal of Career and Technical Education in North Carolina is to open doors to successful and ful lling careers for our students through exposure and helping them develop academic, technical, and durable skills to use in the workplace,” Michael said in a press release. “This partnership prepares students for a viable career after gradua-

“This partnership prepares students for a viable career after graduation in a eld that is rapidly expanding globally.”

Trey Michael, director of career and technical education for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction

tion in a eld that is rapidly expanding globally.”

The program o ers a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience and knowledge in drone technolo-

gy. Participants will study the fundamentals of drones, legal requirements, simulations, drone ight training and mapping, among other essential skills. The program will o er students valuable skills and knowledge but also a direct path to potential employment with Zipline.

To qualify for the program, students must meet several criteria, including successful completion of the UAS pathway program, maintaining a speci ed GPA, and obtaining a written recommendation from a faculty member. Those who meet these requirements are guaranteed an interview with Zipline upon graduation.

Joseph Marshall, director of ight operations at Zipline, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.

“Zipline and NCDPI have set essential program requirements that will o er high school graduates cutting-edge aviation opportunities right after graduation,” said Marshall. “We are con dent that the pathway program will attract exceptional candidates and contribute to the advancement of the UAS industry.”

Zipline’s website boasts reaching 1 million deliveries worldwide of medical supplies, food and other products in 2024.

The partnership comes at a crucial time when the demand for skilled UAS operators and ight operations professionals is surging. According to a 2023 report by Market.Us, the drone delivery market is expected to have revenues under $34 billion by 2023.

ANDREW HARNIK / AP PHOTO

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard, right, tours an Innovation Exhibition in Nigeria 2021. Zipline and NCDPI have struck up a partnership that prepares high school students for careers in the drone industry.

COURTESY SHELANE ETCHISON

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Trump is no dictator

They watch the morning shows with Joe and Mika with the same sort of quizzical detachment as a person feels when they go to a circus to be entertained.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS: Please stop.

Please stop declaring Donald Trump will be a “dictator” if he wins the White House this fall. It makes you look silly ― and if there is one thing American politics doesn’t need today, it is more silliness.

For one thing, real dictators don’t wait for a second term to start imprisoning political opponents and killing innocent citizens. Hitler took power in 1933 and immediately started intimidating German Jewish citizenry and setting into motion the deadly apparatus to harass, imprison and ultimately annihilate 6 million Jews.

Do Democrats even know what real dictators do?

They censor people with whom they disagree. They intimidate the free press which writes about issues for the other side of the political spectrum. They use the coercive power of the government and its judicial process and policing authorities to harass and imprison their political enemies.

And then they kill and murder tens of millions of innocents just because they feel like it. Do some homework today and google “how many people did Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Mao, Idi Amin and Pol Pot murder” so you can get a feel for what a true murderous megalomaniacal dictator is really like.

If anything, the Biden administration, operating under the direction and imprimatur of former President Barack Obama and his cronies, has proven they are far more synonymous with the behavior of a dictator, short of mass murder, than any Republican president.

Does anyone need to be reminded of the massive “cancel culture” e orts that raised its venomous head after Obama and Biden were elected? Which party has indiscriminately

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

abused the power of the CIA and FBI, and appointed left-wing radical socialist DAs and judges to concoct a ruse like the Russian Collusion hoax? Which party has authorized raids on conservatives’ homes, including former President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate, with liberal media camera crews ready to lm every breathless second of it as if it were an episode of “Cops”?

Which party has supported violent demonstrations and blockades on roads and campuses for every issue from global warming to BLM to pro-Palestine “death to all Jews!” protests?

The Democratic Party of the United States of America.

How about IRS Commissioner Lois Lerner who, under the Obama White House and with full complicity of President Obama and his senior sta advisers, selectively denied applications for nonpro t status from anyone associated with the Tea Party, constitutional governance or conservative think tanks?

There was nothing random about her e orts. Liberal groups got nonpro t status approved as soon as they licked the postage stamps on the envelope in which they mailed their application.

One other thing dictators and their henchmen do is they accuse their political opponents of doing precisely the evil, unethical and unlawful things they are doing themselves or will do in the future. One reason why they are so worried about losing the White House this fall is they have discovered how easy it is to prosecute political opponents and throw them in jail ― just witness the dozens of Trump associates who have been sentenced, one for failing to properly ll out his Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) lobbying form.

However, never fear, liberal commentators

Biden’s debate performance an indictment of the media

Biden’s nightmarish debate performance was not just an indictment of his 3½ years in o ce but also of the mainstream media.

JOE BIDEN’S presidential debate performance last Thursday was probably one of the worst ones we’ve seen in modern history.

Biden, who in May issued a Clint Eastwoodesque “make my day” challenge to Donald Trump, looked lost and out of it before he even made it to the podium, and it went downhill from there, with Biden being robotic and hoarse throughout the debate and at times seen with his mouth hanging half open. He had multiple “senior moments” at the debate, something that could not happen to him considering how questions about his age and tness to lead have reached a fever pitch in recent months, with some polls noting clear majorities of Americans believe he’s too old to serve a second term.

For Biden’s conservative critics, it was con rmation of what they’ve been saying about him throughout his presidency because this is often how Biden looks during public speaking engagements, where his handlers take center stage in herding the media away like cattle, limiting the ability of the public to see what they see every single day. That said, the media, too, has played a role in trying to downplay questions about Biden’s mental acuity and cognitive health, asking him the age question on occasion, having him suggest it’s a nothingburger and then moving on.

But they’ve known. They’ve been aware of it all this time because it’s been impossible not to notice.

And yet they’ve acted as a shield of sorts for Biden because he bats for the “right” political team, the one they’re hoping prevents Trump from winning a second presidential term.

The few reporters who have dared to dig a little deeper into the age and cognitive questions have been ostracized by the Biden White House comms team, with the White House Correspondents’ Association doing little to nothing on their behalf.

Here’s how Newsmax reporter James Rosen described it:

“When I asked @POTUS on Jan. 19, 2022, ‘With utmost respect for your life accomplishments and the high o ce you hold,’ why the electorate harbored such profound concerns about his cognitive tness, it was considered rude, and I was blackballed in brie ngs for eight months.”

Even as recently as two weeks ago, the media were covering for Biden on this issue, falsely declaring that the latest round of video clips showing him looking confused and incoherent were “cheap fakes,” deceptively edited and lacking context.

For anyone not paying close attention to Biden before last Thursday, his disastrous debate appearance was a shock to the system. But not the media, who by and large have

and aides to President Biden and Obama and Hillary Clinton before him. You are not going to be rounded up and sent to prison if President Trump wins a second term.

For one thing, no one on the right cares what far-left liberals say, think or do any longer. They watch the morning shows with Joe and Mika and the evening talk shows with Rachel Maddow with the same sort of quizzical detachment as a person feels when they go to a circus to be entertained.

For another thing, conservatives think it is a complete waste of time to go after political hacks on the left when there are so many other real problems to face such as in ation, high interest rates, jobs and foreign threats from China, Russia and Iran.

The nal reason why Trump will not be a dictator if elected is simple: The Second Amendment. The moment 60-80 million legal gun owners ― who own close to 350 million rearms ― see Brown Shirt Storm Troopers goose-stepping down the street to drag people out of their homes and throw them into prison will be the moment even anti-gun activists will be glad someone is prepared to prevent a real dictator from taking over America.

Come up with some other reasons why America should keep the sad, dazed and confused Joe Biden in o ce if you will. Calling Trump a would-be dictator is not one of them.

Happy Independence Day.

looked the other way when questions about Biden’s stamina and health were raised by his Republican opposition.

This is the same press, I should remind folks, who used to trot out “medical experts” to speculate on then-President Trump’s mental health. They also once went nuts after Trump walked down a ramp slowly during a commencement address in 2020 and believed him holding a glass of water with two hands was a signal he was in poor health.

As far as I’m concerned, Biden’s nightmarish debate performance was not just an indictment of his 3½ years in o ce but also of the mainstream media, who had the opportunity long ago to bring this issue to light to let the American people decide where they stood on it. Instead, they acted as de facto guardians for the o cial White House spin on Biden’s mental and physical health problems.

Unfortunately for them, after the display Biden put on last Thursday, the people’s trust in the media, what little bit was left, may be irrevocably broken.

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

NC voters support public safety solutions

Reducing recidivism while strengthening our economy isn’t “soft on crime.”

ADVOCATING FOR evidence-based reforms in the criminal justice system is sometimes challenging.

Describing data-driven solutions in the face of media coverage of serious and violent crime is well summed up by the statement “narrative eats data for lunch.”

What we now know is that there is a pathway to being both tough on crime and making common-sense criminal justice reforms — by strengthening pathways to get people back to work so they become, or remain, contributors to their communities and our state.

Stated plainly, reducing recidivism while strengthening our economy isn’t “soft on crime.”

Our criminal justice system is driven by low-level, nonviolent felonies that end up siphoning people into the system for charges like administrative tra c o enses. For some, it is quite di cult to ever get out of the system. If you’ve ever attended tra c court, two questions probably come to mind.

One, how are we in an e cient and sustainable system when droves of ticketed drivers end up sitting in tra c court for hours waiting for their cases to be called? Secondly, if someone can’t a ord to pay court costs for an o ense such as expired registration, how will taking their license away ensure they can continue working to pay the court or even provide for themselves?

Our systems have been pushed to the breaking point, leaving courts, law enforcement and corrections o cers strapped to respond. Finding true public safety solutions requires making some easy xes, and consulting the decades of data we have available as to what is truly e ective in reducing crime.

Despite the political rhetoric, criminal justice reform has been an area that has continuously enjoyed bipartisanship. That is once again con rmed by recently released polling from the NC Chamber. The topics ranged from the general direction of North Carolina, broad criminal justice reform topics, and speci cally a few policies that have been circulating through the legislature over the last few years.

COLUMN | ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Turns out, voters are concerned about the economy and open to solutions that help get North Carolinians back to work. They recognize that a small, bad decision can saddle someone with a criminal record — sending a family or individual into a downward spiral of economic uncertainty and, potentially, more bad decisions. We have 1 million adults in North Carolina with a criminal record despite having been found not guilty or having had their charges dismissed.

As our state approaches another competitive and divisive election season, voters here continue to nd common ground on criminal justice reform. Respondents broadly support policies that clear a person’s criminal record (73%). Further, 71% of voters agree that automated record clearance for individuals whose cases were dismissed or found not guilty will remove employment barriers and save tax dollars.

A majority of voters (51%) support ending the practice of revoking driver’s licenses over unpaid nes and fees — perhaps that majority recognizes, unprompted, that taking away someone’s driver’s license makes it a whole lot harder to keep a job.

Unsurprisingly, in a day when folks are used to being able to do almost anything on their phones, North Carolina residents are big fans of modernizing our courts. On the topic of eCourts, 66% of voters support streamlining our court administrations, increasing access and accountability of records, and moving our system into the 21st century.

For legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle, this polling should o er comfort that common-sense reforms are supported by a majority of North Carolina voters. Removing barriers for individuals to get back to work, to start and/or provide for their families, and to continue being contributors to their local communities isn’t controversial at all — it just makes sense.

Tarrah Callahan is executive director of Conservatives for Criminal Justice Reform.

Lincoln and the Declaration of Independence

If this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle, I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it.

ON ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S inaugural journey to Washington, D.C., as presidentelect, he stopped in Philadelphia at the site where the Declaration of Independence had been signed.

One of the most famous statements in the speech was, “I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.” This hall also was the place where Lincoln’s body lay in state after his assassination in 1865, one of many stops his funeral train made before he was laid to rest in Spring eld, Illinois.

Philadelphia Feb. 22, 1861

I am lled with deep emotion at nding myself standing here, in this place, where were collected together the wisdom, the patriotism, the devotion to principle, from which sprang the institutions under which we live.

You have kindly suggested to me that in my hands is the task of restoring peace to the present distracted condition of the country. I can say in return, Sir, that all the political sentiments I entertain have been drawn, so far as I have been able to draw them, from the sentiments which originated and were given to the world from this hall.

I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence. I have often pondered over the dangers which were incurred by the men who assembled here, and framed and adopted that Declaration of Independence. I have pondered over the toils that were endured by the o cers and soldiers of the army who achieved that Independence.

I have often inquired of myself, what great principle or idea it was that kept

BE IN TOUCH

There’s a Charlottesville every week, and Joe Biden is fine with it

NOT LONG AGO, SNOPES, a left-wing “fact-checking” site, nally admitted that Donald Trump had never called the neo-Nazis who marched at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in 2017 “very ne people.”

For years, Democrats, including President Joe Biden, have repeated this false claim. Indeed, Biden, who’s been running for the presidency since 1987, ludicrously told the press in 2019 that the events in Charlottesville, and Trump’s alleged reaction, inspired him to run in 2020.

Well, there’s a new Charlottesville every week in America nowadays. They aren’t led by a few hundred Nazi cosplayers but thousands of Islamists and leftist fellow travelers whose goals are supported by numerous administration o cials, congressmen and newsrooms.

In the latest Charlottesville, a mob of pro-Hamas goons showed up in front of a synagogue in the heavily Jewish Pico-Robertson neighborhood in Los Angeles. They wore terror apparel, called for violence against Jews, allegedly beat up a Jewish woman and impeded people from worshipping. Unlike in November, when a 69-year-old Los Angeles Jewish man was killed after a pro-Hamas “protester” threw a megaphone at his head, no one died.

If reports are true, the Los Angeles Police Department ensured that pro-Hamas “protestors” were able to encircle the synagogue and kept Jewish worshippers and counter-protestors out. Only one person was arrested, charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly possessing a “spiked ag” — as one does at a peaceful protest. I wonder if it was a Hamas ag or a Hezbollah one?

Many in the media again framed the violence as a clash between anti-Israel and pro-Israel protesters — “Protesters clash outside synagogue in L.A.” or “Fights break out during dueling protests in Pico-Robertson” and so on.

But why do the pro-“Palestine” protestors show up in front of synagogues, Holocaust museums and the performances of Jewish comedians in the rst place? Why do they target Jewish students and Jewish businesses?

Pro-Israel protestors don’t show up in front of mosques. Nor do “peace protestors,” who never seem to object to the string of atrocities happening thousands of miles away in the Islamic world — which, unlike most claims regarding Gaza, aren’t concocted.

But back to Biden. His very presidency supposedly hinges on the events of Charlottesville, and yet outside the occasional perfunctory denunciations — where he usually reminds everyone of “Islamophobia” — he does nothing.

“I condemn the antisemitic protests,” Biden told reporters after anti-Jewish demonstrations at Columbia University a few months ago. “I also condemn those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians.”

this Confederacy so long together. It was not the mere matter of the separation of the Colonies from the motherland; but that sentiment in the Declaration of Independence which gave liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but, I hope, to the world, for all future time.

It was that which gave promise that in due time the weight would be lifted from the shoulders of all men. This is a sentiment embodied in the Declaration of Independence.

Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon that basis? If it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world, if I can help to save it. If it cannot be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful.

But if this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it.

Now, in my view of the present aspect of a airs, there need be no bloodshed and war.

There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say, in advance, that there will be no bloodshed unless it be forced upon the Government, and then it will be compelled to act in selfdefense.

My friends, this is wholly an unexpected speech, and I did not expect to be called upon to say a word when I came here. I supposed it was merely to do something toward raising the ag. I may, therefore, have said something indiscreet.

I have said nothing but what I am willing to live by and, if it be the pleasure of Almighty God, die by.”

From Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler et al. at Abraham Lincoln Online.

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

Boy, that sounds like the president is saying there are “very ne people” on both sides. Bidens’s odious moral relativism is to compare antisemitic, ke yeh-wearing terror cheerleaders and those who don’t “understand” — or accept — the rationalization for Hamas’ murder and rape of civilians.

The truth is Biden, who has repeated fake “genocide” casualty numbers to Muslim audiences, is scared to o end the pro-Hamas faction in his party. And it’s not just words. While Biden’s Justice Department is raiding the homes of prolife protestors who pray in front of abortion mills or trying to throw elderly anti-abortion activists into prison, it does nothing about the systemic, highly funded, violent antisemitic movement that has erupted on campuses.

While Attorney General Merrick Garland likens the actions of parents who are opposed to COVID restrictions and racist curriculums to “domestic terrorism” — there still hasn’t been a single incident to substantiate his action — he doesn’t have the same designation for pro-Hamas rioters who target synagogues and Jewish businesses.

While the Biden administration helps states deal with scary MAGA terrorists who embrace “anti-government or anti-authority violent extremism,” they do nothing about the DAs and AGs who let antisemites funded by Qatar do whatever they like.

Last week, the Manhattan district attorney let dozens of rioters (not protestors) who occupied and trashed Hamilton Hall o without any charges. This week, a Jewish couple was allegedly beaten at a Brooklyn elementary school graduation by an Arabic-speaking family — who taunted them with shouts of “Free Palestine!” “Gaza is Ours!” and “Death to Israel!” I’m sure the perpetrators have nothing to worry about in NYC. They are perched high on the Left’s victim class hierarchy. It would be nice if there was even a fraction of the anger or coverage of these new Charlottesvilles. But most Democrats aren’t o ended by all antisemites. If you insult George Soros, sure, you may be condemned in the pages of The New York Times. If a pro-Hamas mob beats down a Jewish woman, we’re lucky if the paper even reports on the incident. And every time there is a new Charlottesville, it not only a rms why Israel needs to exist — or that “anti-Zionism” and antisemitism are now indistinguishable — it tells us that Jews can’t rely on the contemporary Left to be on their side.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books — the most recent, “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

Harley Davidson on Saturday, July 13. The proceeds will bene t Wreaths Across America. Registration will start at 9 a.m., and it will be $20 per bike and $10 per passenger. There will also be door prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

NSJ

Jewish bystanders allegedly assaulted at local library

Buncombe County Three Asheville residents, including an elderly man, told local outlets they were assaulted during a speaking session at West Asheville Library on Saturday during an event called “Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance.” Two of the three attacked are Jewish, and they attended to learn about what was being taught in their community. One of the victims was livestreaming the event and ensuing “swarming” altercation, and viewers alerted authorities to the scene of the disruption.

WLOS

Famous stingray Charlotte dies of reproductive disease Henderson County Charlotte, the Hendersonville stingray that gained international fame earlier this year,

Drones to be standard for medical emergencies Forsyth County The Forsyth County Sheri ’s O ce shared a Facebook post this weekend announcing drones will soon be available in medical emergencies, ying automated external de brillators to cardiac arrest patients. According to the post, this quick response can increase the chances of survival. Residents can learn more and see the drone in person at information sessions held at various locations in Forsyth County. The rst will be on July 17 at 6 p.m. at Clemmons Branch Library in Clemmons.

February, Team ECCO went viral with the announcement that Charlotte was

despite having no males in the tank with her. Ultimately, it was decided the most likely hypothesis was parthenogenesis, which occurs when eggs develop on their own without fertilization and create a clone of the mother. However, after several months and no signs of Charlotte giving birth, her care team determined that a reproductive disease was the culprit instead. The aquarium will be temporarily closed to the public, according to social media.

Murphy t Manteo Jones & Blount

Salem Police Department. On Friday around 1:45 p.m., Winston-Salem o cers responded to a crash in a parking lot on Kimwell Drive. When they arrived, it was discovered that a pedestrian had been hit by a trailer backing up to a loading dock.

NSJ

Fantasia Barrino recognized by hometown High Point

Guilford County High Point native Fantasia BarrinoTaylor, better known by her stage name Fantasia, was honored in June by both the City of High Point and Guilford County. High Point revealed the newly named Fantasia Avenue, and Guilford County awarded her with a key to the county. Barrino, who rst rose to fame in 2004 on “American Idol,” has since won a Grammy, starred on Broadway, topped Billboard charts and appeared in the recent motion picture remake of “The Color Purple.”

WGHP

During the investigation, o cers learned that the pedestrian, identi ed as Joshua Mullis, was between a truck, trailer and the loading dock while the tractor was backing up. Mullis was hit by the trailer and brie y pinned between it and the loading dock. He was taken to a nearby hospital but died from his injuries. Mullis was a veteran who served one tour in Saudi Arabia. He left behind three young children and a wife, who is expecting his fourth child in September.

WFMY

for the area, including the Boviet Solar foreign direct investment project, as well as several local industry expansions “bringing new jobs and new capital investment to Greenville.”

NSJ

International Paper Foundation seeks applicants for community grants

Craven County

The International Paper New Bern Mill has announced its award of $73,000 in grants to nonpro t organizations in 2024. The International Paper Foundation awards grants for signature causes such as education, hunger, disaster relief, health and wellness. To apply, nonpro t organizations need to submit their applications by Sept. 6. Interested parties can download the application form at ipgiving.com.

Applicants must be a registered 501(c) (3) nonpro t organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant.

NSJ

NC redistricting lawsuit dismissed by trial judges

were among the lawsuit defendants.

“The issues raised by Plainti s are clearly of a political nature,” the order dated Thursday said. “There is not a judicially discoverable or manageable standard by which to decide them, and resolution by the Panel would require us to make policy determinations that are better suited for the policymaking branch of government, namely, the General Assembly.” Attorneys for the plainti s said Saturday they anticipate ling an appeal. In a written statement, the lawyers added the ruling that “the legislative manipulation of voters to create essentially preordained election results” is beyond the authority of courts to address in part creates a result that “if correct, is a devastating blow to the democratic process of elections in North Carolina.”

Spokespeople for state House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger did not respond Friday to a request for comment.

Head-on crash claims two lives near Swansboro Carteret County A fatal collision near the coast started the July Fourth holiday week. On Sunday morning, the State Highway Patrol responded to a three-car collision that resulted in the loss of two lives on N.C. 58 near Old Church Road in Carteret County. Steven Robert Shelton,

when

leading to a

another

with 60-year-old

Mangum of

who was traveling south. Following the initial collision, Shelton’s vehicle also collided with a Subaru Outback traveling south on N.C. 58. Mangum and her passenger, 59-year-old Tammy Witham of New Bern, passed away at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. Shelton was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for treatment. According

ery Foster, Angela Puckett and Ashley Gore reads that the 2023 opinion by the Supreme Court still controls the outcome in this case. That’s the argument also made by Republican legislative leaders who

The lawsuit is among four led in North Carolina to challenge congressional and legislative boundaries drawn by the GOPdominated General Assembly last fall for use in elections through 2030 that favor Republicans electorally. The other three, still pending, were led in federal court and focus on claims of illegal racial gerrymandering.

The “fair elections” lawsuit focuses on a handful of districts. Each of the three judges who heard the lawsuit are registered Republicans. Chief Justice Paul Newby, a Republican who wrote the prevailing opinion in the 2023 redistricting ruling, chooses three-judge panels to hear such cases.

In Raleigh visit, Biden concedes debate fumbles, plans to press on

Democrats across the country expressed concern that the president can’t beat Donald Trump in November following his struggles last Thursday

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Joe Biden worked forcefully last Friday to quell Democratic anxieties over his unsteady showing in his debate with former President Donald Trump as elected members of his party closed ranks around him in an e ort to shut down talk of replacing him atop the ticket.

Biden’s halting delivery and meandering comments, particularly early in the debate, fueled concerns from even members of his own party that at age 81 he’s not up for the task of leading the country for another four years. It created a crisis moment for Biden’s campaign and his presidency as members of his party irted with potential replacements, and donors and supporters couldn’t contain

NCCARE360 has reportedly failed to meet the needs of various stakeholders after receiving more than $24 million from NCDHHS, including at least $12.15 million for the pilots.

“Despite signi cant investment from NCDHHS that was speci cally allocated to HOP, it has become apparent through public comments and legislative testimony that NCCARES360 is failing to meet the day-to-day needs of participating human service organizations (HSOs), care managers, network leads, or prepaid health plans (PHPs),” wrote the senators.

The senators’ letter, along with feedback from stakeholders, outlined several critical issues such as nancial irregularities, including invoice tracking problems and payment mismanagement; and data security concerns, with reports of sensitive patient information being improperly shared.

“The Healthy Opportunity Pilots were designed with NCCARE360 at the center, and now the use of NCCARE360 poses the single biggest threat to the success of the Healthy Opportunities Pilots,” the feedback document’s conclusion states.

Additionally, the feedback cited a lack of basic functionality as a referral system along with compliance risks that could lead to nancial and legal consequences for participating organizations. Stakeholders want immediate action to protect patients, HSOs and other participants, and to ensure the program’s compliance and success.

their concern about his showing against Trump.

Biden appeared to acknowledge the criticism during last Friday’s rally in Raleigh, saying “I don’t debate as well as I used to.”

But he added, “I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done.” Speaking for 18 minutes, Biden appeared far more animated than he had the night before as he excoriated Trump for his “lies” and for waging a campaign aimed at “revenge and retribution.”

“The choice in this election is simple,” Biden said. “Donald Trump will destroy our democracy. I will defend it.”

He added, alluding to his candidacy, “When you get knocked

President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign rally last Friday in Raleigh.

down, you get back up.”

First lady Jill Biden, at a Friday evening fundraiser in New York City, said her husband told her after the debate, “I don’t know what happened. I didn’t feel that great.” But she seconded the president in stressing that he tells the truth and he bounces back from adversity.

Even before the debate, Biden’s age had been a liability with voters, and last Thursday night’s faceo appeared to reinforce the public’s deep-seated concerns before perhaps the largest audience he will garner in the four months until Election Day.

Privately, his campaign worked to tamp down concerns

An independent audit rm, Marshall Jones, concluded that the platform’s lack of controls could pose serious nancial and compliance risks to (HSOs) participating in the program.

As of June 26, the NCCARE360 website’s data showed it had not been updated since February 2023. Similarly, the news articles and press releases associated with NCCARE360 are out of date, with 2020 being the most recent entries.

Tillis and Budd’s letter asks for a detailed response from Becerra by July 12 on various aspects of the program, including auditing mechanisms, data security measures and plans to address NCCARE360’s alleged de ciencies.

North State Journal reached

out to NCDHHS for comment on the senators’ letter and the reported issues with NCCARE36. The agency did not receive a copy of the letter sent to Becerra, but NCDHHS’s communications department did share additional information in its email response.

NCDHHS described HOP as a “ rst-of-its-kind innovative program” that is described as a “life changer” for thousands of North Carolina families,” and that “preliminary research also shows a signi cant savings in medical costs to the state of North Carolina from Healthy Opportunities Pilots participants.”

The agency indicated that more than 420,000 services were delivered and over 24,000 N.C. Medicaid bene ciaries

and keep donors and surrogates on board. Democratic lawmakers on Friday acknowledged Biden’s poor showing but tried to stop talk of replacing him as their standard-bearer and instead shift the focus to Trump’s attacks and falsehoods.

“Well, the president didn’t have a good night, but neither did Donald Trump with lie after lie and his dark vision for America,” Gov. Roy Cooper told The Associated Press on Friday, hours before he introduced the president in Raleigh. “We cannot send Donald Trump back to the White House. He’s an existential threat to our nation.”

Former President Barack Obama backed up his former vice president, posting on X that “Bad debate nights happen.” Alluding to his own poor showing in the rst debate of his reelection campaign in 2012, Obama continued, “Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself.”

He added: “Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November.”

have enrolled across 33 predominantly rural counties in the state since the program began two years ago.

“Preliminary research from the program’s independent evaluation shows the state is spending about $85 less per month in medical costs per Healthy Opportunities Pilots bene ciary,” NCDHHS said in its email response to North State Journal. “Those ndings also show participants avoided a signicant number of emergency department visits (an estimated reduction of six ED visits per 1,000 member-month) and research shows participants have a reduced risk of food insecurity, housing instability and lack of access to transportation. Further, the ndings showed that the longer a person was enrolled in the pilots the greater reduction of risk.”

NCDHHS pointed to an evaluation and summary report press release dated April 2 for additional information.

The April 2 press release gures di ered from NCDHHS’s previous statement on the number of services and beneciaries served, citing “more than 288,000 services” delivered and more than “20,000 NC Medicaid bene ciaries” have enrolled since HOP began providing services two years ago.

“Regarding the security concerns mentioned in the letter, the Department worked with Unite Us, who also manages the NCCARE360 website, in January to con rm that the security concerns about NCCARE360 were addressed,” said NCDHHS in its response.

O cers kill 3 coyotes after attack on 5-year-old

San Francisco

Wildlife o cers shot and killed three coyotes at the San Francisco Botanical Garden over the weekend after a coyote attacked a 5-year-old girl, authorities said Monday. Two coyotes were shot on Saturday and one was shot on Sunday, said Patrick Foy, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A coyote bit the 5-year-old on Friday while the girl was playing during a supervised summer camp visit at the garden within Golden Gate Park. The girl was treated for the bite wound at a hospital, her mother, Helen Sparrow, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

North Korea boasts of ‘super-large warhead’ Seoul, South Korea North Korea said Tuesday it had test- red a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying “a super-large warhead,” a claim quickly disputed by South Korean o cials and experts who speculate the North likely fabricated a successful test to conceal a botched launch. It’s the second time that South Korea has questioned North Korea’s claim on the development of new weapons in recent days, as the rivals are locked in heightened animosities over the North’s testing activities. The test apparently refers to the two ballistic missile launches that South Korea said North Korea performed Monday.

Floods, landslides caused heavy rains kill at least 16 Guwahati, India Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains have killed at least 16 people over the last two weeks in India’s northeast, where more than 300,000 have been displaced from their submerged homes, authorities said Tuesday. The Indian army and air force have been assisting with rescue e orts in Assam, one of the worst-hit states, where a military helicopter ew 13 shermen to safety early Tuesday after they were stranded for four days on a small island on the Brahmaputra, one of Asia’s largest rivers, o cials said. So far, more than 80 people across six northeastern states have died since the end of May due to oods and mudslides brought on by the rains, according to o cial gures.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AP PHOTO

U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis, pictured during a U.S. Senate hearing last month, and Ted Budd — both from North Carolina — wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asking for details about a Medicaid program in their home state.

MEDICAID

catastrophe

questions about when normal

How China will pay for this COVID-19

we begin to get back to normal

The 3 big questions nobody

The comfort

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

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

taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in added Reserve backup liquidity to the the U.S. dollar were not the reserve fund any of these emergency of rampant in ation and currency aberrant ways and decisions through Diplomacy has obviously not worked world of 21st century health, hygiene communist regimes never take the blame remorse, because that is not what take advantage of every weakness pushing until they win or the event happens such as the Chernobyl believe that event, not the Star Wars the dissolution of the Soviet Union Chernobyl. already talking about the possibility debt we owe them as one way to get they have caused the US. Don’t hold your “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected accountable in tangible nancial ways for expected to operate as responsible citizens of nation.

Cooper stated during know yet” if the asked as to the vague ones like “we of this state who undetermined thousands of cases asked and then questions about asked, there is people to treat those start getting back are people who sick. levels become a bad society were supposed course, is my family. I’m worried I will. After 2009 pandemic, of this brings up prefer not to repeat. most everyone has

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

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

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

WALTER E. WILLIAMS

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

Fixing college corruption

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

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

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

Sponsored by

Charlotte’s RXO acquires Coyote Logistics from UPS

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

Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

business & economy

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

Sponsored

by

The cases are among several this term in which the justices are wrestling with standards for free speech in the digital age

Not one little bit.

Charlotte-based RXO acquired Coyote Logistics, an asset-light freight brokerage business, last month from UPS for $1.025 billion. RXO hopes the acquisition will bolster its market position, expand its customer base and broaden its carrier network to make it the third-largest provider of brokered transportation in North America.

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

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RXO CEO Drew Wilkerson said the acquisition of Coyote will enhance the scale of the company’s brokerage business, providing customers with increased capacity across a wider array of power lanes. The deal is expected to bring signi cant synergies and various opportunities for revenue and earnings growth, ultimately bene ting RXO’s shareholders.

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Monday held o e orts by Texas and Florida to limit how Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube and other social media platforms regulate content posted by their users in a ruling that strongly defended the platforms’ free speech rights.

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

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

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

The transaction, which is anticipated to close by the end of 2024, was unanimously approved by RXO’s Board of Directors and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. RXO rea rmed its second-quarter adjusted EBITDA outlook and is expecting adjusted earnings between $24 million and $30 million. RXO is a leading provider of asset-light transportation solutions and o ers tech-enabled truck brokerage services.

under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the court that platforms, like newspapers, deserve protection from government’s intrusion in determining what to include or exclude from their space. “The principle does not change because the curated compilation has gone from the physical to the virtual world,” Kagan wrote in an opinion signed by ve justices. All nine justices agreed on the overall outcome.

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

While the details vary, both laws aimed to address long-standing conservative complaints that the social media companies were liberal-leaning and censored users based on their viewpoints, especially on the political right. The cases are among several this term in which the justices are wrestling with standards for free speech in the digital age.

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

Some papers accepted for publication in academic journals advocated training men like dogs and punishing white male college students for historical slavery by asking them to sit in silence on the oor in chains during class and to be expected to learn from the discomfort. Other papers

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

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

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

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

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

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization

Supreme Court punts on Florida, Texas social media regulations

Republican governors signed

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing?

That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

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

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

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

the Florida and Texas laws in the months following decisions by Facebook and Twitter, now X, to cut then-President Donald Trump o over his posts related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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

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

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

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

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

place for healthy public debate where information should be able to ow freely — but there is a dangerous movement by social media companies to silence conservative viewpoints and ideas,” Abbott said. “That is wrong, and we will not allow it in Texas.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The comfort and hope

Trade associations representing the companies sued in federal court, claiming that the laws violated the platforms’ speech rights. One federal appeals court struck down Florida’s statute, while another upheld the Texas law. However, both were on hold pending the outcome of the Supreme Court.

protects what we choose to say and what we choose not to say, support, or endorse. That is, the freedom of speech includes editorial judgment. This is true whether the speaker is a lone individual or a large media company,” he said. “Second, the government is not permitted to regulate speakers simply to produce what the government thinks would be a better, or more diverse, marketplace of ideas. In the end, what’s on o er in that marketplace is up to us.”

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

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

While the cases are complicated, said First Amendment expert and Notre Dame Law School professor Richard W. Garnett, the justices were clear on two things: “First, the First Amendment

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

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

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

When he signed the Florida measure into law, Gov. Ron DeSantis said it would provide “protection against the Silicon Valley elites.” When Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Texas law, he said it was needed to protect free speech in the new public square. Social media platforms “are a

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

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

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

President Joe Biden’s administration sided with the challengers. However, it cautioned the court to seek a narrow ruling that maintained the government’s ability to impose regulations to ensure competition, preserve data privacy and protect consumer interests. Lawyers for Trump led a brief in the Florida case that urged the Supreme Court to uphold state law. Free speech advocates hailed the ruling as a victory. “The court’s recognition that the government cannot control social media to impose its vision of what online speech should look like is crucial to protecting all of our right to speak our minds and access information on the internet,” said Vera Eidelman, sta attorney with the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project. Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at Free Press, applauded Kagan’s opinion on the Florida and Texas laws. However, Gus Hurwitz from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School called it a “bumpy win,” as the cases were sent back for further development. The justices seemed inclined to prevent the laws from taking e ect during February arguments, and some worried about the potential broad impact on other businesses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are celebrating the Easter season, re ect on this message and be comforted, God’s example and comfort all those in need this di cult time. Through faith and by helping con dent we will emerge out of this pandemic In this same spirit, I continue to be inspired neighbors helping neighbors. In Concord, a high school senior named money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to health care workers out of his own home.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed

Not one little bit.

economics at George Mason University.

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Ja

California law requires gun sale tracking; states split on mandating, prohibiting

The new regulations add to the expansive national divide on gun policy

By David A. Lieb

The Associated Press

A NEW CALIFORNIA law will require credit card networks like Visa and Mastercard to provide banks with special retail codes that can be assigned to gun stores to track their sales.

However, new laws in Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee and Wyoming will do the exact opposite, banning the use of speci c gun shop codes.

Some Democratic lawmakers hope the new retail tracking code will help nancial institutions ag suspicious gun-related purchases for law enforcement agencies, potentially averting mass shootings and other crimes. Lawmakers in Colorado and New York have followed California’s lead.

“The merchant category code is the rst step in the banking system saying, ‘Enough! We’re putting our foot down,’” said Hudson Munoz, executive director of the nonpro t advocacy group Guns Down America.

But many Republican lawmakers and gun-rights advocates fear the retail code could lead to unwarranted suspicion of gun buyers who have done nothing wrong. Over the past 16 months, 17 states with GOPled legislatures have passed measures prohibiting a rearms store code or limiting its use.

“We view this as a rst step by gun-control supporters to restrict the lawful commerce

Guests look on as Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside Foods, speaks during a pop-up tasting of the company’s “lab-grown” meat last week in Miami. Florida’s ban on lab-grown meat has gone into e ect.

A new national divide is emerging among states over whether to track sales by gun stores.

in rearms,” said Lawrence Keane, senior vice president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. This industry group backs laws that block the use of tracking codes.

The new laws add to the expansive national divide on gun policy. This past week, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis, citing a rising number of rearm-related deaths.

By contrast, Democratic-led New Mexico this year tightened laws for people who don’t have concealed-carry permits, requiring a seven-day waiting period for gun purchases, which is more than double the

three days for a federal background check.

States also have responded di erently to recent mass shootings. In Maine, where an Army reservist killed 18 people and wounded 13 others, the Democratic-led Legislature passed a variety of new gun restrictions. Following school shootings in Iowa and Tennessee, the Republican-led legislatures there took steps that could allow more trained teachers to bring guns into classrooms.

The surge of legislation targeting rearm store category codes addresses a behind-thescenes aspect of electronicnancial transactions. Based

in Geneva, the International Organization for Standardization sets thousands of voluntary standards for various elds, including business category codes, from bakeries to boat dealers to bookstores.

The codes can be used bynancial institutions to help identify fraud, money laundering or unusual purchasing patterns that are reported as suspicious activities to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Stores that sell guns have previously been grouped with other retailers in merchant category codes. Some have been classi ed as sporting goods

stores, others as miscellaneous and specialty retail shops. At the urging of New Yorkbased Amalgamated Bank, which worked with gun-control groups, the International Organization for Standardization adopted a new four-digit category code for gun and ammunition shops in 2022. Major credit card networks initially said they would implement it but backed o under pressure from conservative politicians and the gun industry.

Munoz, who helped lead the e ort to establish the rearms store code, noted credit cards were used to buy weapons and ammunition for some of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings.

A gun merchant code intends to spot suspicious patterns, like a person with little history of gun purchases who suddenly spends large amounts at multiple gun stores in a short period. Once alerted by banks, authorities could investigate, potentially thwarting a mass shooting, Munoz said.

California’s new law requires credit card networks to make the rearms code available to banks and other nancial institutions by Monday. Those entities then have several months to determine which of their business clients should be categorized as gun stores and assign them new codes by May 1. Visa recently updated its merchant data manual to add the rearms code to comply with California’s law.

Democratic-led legislatures in Colorado and New York also passed rearms code mandates this year that will kick in with California’s next May.

“If there were someone suspiciously purchasing a large number of rearms, right now it would be complicated to tell,” said California state Assemblymember Phil Ting, a Democrat who sponsored the new law. “You couldn’t tell if they were soccer, golf or basketballs.”

Florida

bans ‘lab-grown’

meat, product makers host Miami tasting party

A chef served chicken tostadas with avocado, chipotle crema and beet sprouts at the event

By David Fischer

The Associated Press

MIAMI — As Florida’s ban on “lab-grown” meat is set to go into e ect next week, one manufacturer hosted a last hurrah — at least for now — with a cultivated meat-tasting party in Miami.

California-based Upside Foods hosted dozens of guests last Thursday evening at a rooftop reception in the city’s Wynwood neighborhood, known for its street art, nightclubs and trendy restaurants.

“This is delicious meat,” Upside Foods CEO and founder Uma Valeti said. “And we just fundamentally believe that people should have a choice to

choose what they want to put on their plate.”

The U.S. approved selling what’s now “cell-cultivated” or “cell-cultured” meat for the rst time in June 2023, allowing Upside Foods and another California company, Good Meat, to sell cultivated chicken.

Earlier this year, Florida and Alabama banned the sale of cultivated meat and seafood grown from animal cells. Other states and federal lawmakers are also considering restricting this, arguing that the product could hurt farmers and pose a safety risk to the public. While Florida cattle ranchers joined Gov. Ron DeSantis when he signed the ban into law in May, Valeti said Florida o cials only contacted his company after passing the legislation.

“It’s pretty clear to us that the governor and the government have been misinformed,” Valeti said. “And all we’re asking for is a chance to have a direct con-

versation and say, ‘this is proven science, this is proven safety.’”

Cultivated products are grown in steel tanks using cells from a living animal, a fertilized egg or a storage bank. The cells are fed special water, sugar, fats and vitamins blends. Once they’ve grown, they’re formed into cutlets, nuggets and other shapes.

Chef Mika Leon, owner of Caja Caliente in Coral Gables, prepared the cultivated chicken for Thursday’s event, which invited members of the South Florida public to get their rst, and possibly last, taste of cultivated meat before Florida’s ban begins Monday. Leon served chicken tostadas with avocado, chipotle crema and beet sprouts.

“When you cook it, it sizzles and cooks like chicken, which is insane,” Leon said. “And then when you go to eat it, it’s juicy.”

Reception guest Alexa Arteaga said she could imagine culti-

vated meat being a more ethical alternative.

“The texture itself is a little bit di erent, but the taste was good,” Arteaga said. Besides the ethical issue of killing animals, Valeti said cultivated meat avoids many of the health and environmental problems created by the meat industry, such as deforestation, pollution and the spread of disease. He also noted that the meat his company produces does not come from a lab but from a facility more closely resembling a brewery or a dairy processing plant. The restrictions come, although cultivated meat and seafood still need to be cheaper to reach the market meaningfully. Two high-end U.S. restaurants brie y added the products to their menus, but it has yet to be available at any U.S. grocery stores. Companies have been working to reduce costs by scaling up production, but now they’re also trying to respond to bans with petitions and possible legal action.

Sean Edgett, Upside Foods chief legal o cer, said the company went through a yearslong process with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the

Food and Drug Administration before receiving approval. He said those federal regulations should supersede any state bans, which he believes are unconstitutional.

“We’re hopeful that if lawmakers can’t change their mind and turn things around back to an avenue of progress, the courts will step in and make that clear,” Edgett said.

Backers of the bans say they want to protect farmers and consumers from a product that has only been around for about a decade.

State Sen. Jay Collins, a Republican who sponsored the Florida bill, noted the legislation doesn’t ban research just the manufacturing and sale of cultivated meat. Collins said safety was his primary motivator, but he also wanted to protect Florida agriculture.

“Let’s not rush to replace something,” Collins said earlier this year. “It’s a billion-dollar industry. We feed many people nationwide in our cattle, beef, pork, poultry and sh industries.”

Valeti isn’t trying to replace any industry; he just wants to give people more options, he said.

TERESA CRAWFORD / AP PHOTO

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Cooper administration aims to incentivize hospitals, relieve patient medical debt

The plan would allow roughly 100 hospitals to receive even more money

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH —The North Carolina state government seek to eliminate potentially billions in medical debt from low- and middle-income residents by o ering a nancial incentive for hospitals to pay o unpaid bills and implement policies supporting future patients.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and his health chief unveiled a plan Monday that they want federal Medicaid regulators to approve soon. The plan would allow roughly 100 hospitals that recently began receiving enhanced federal Medicaid reimbursement funds to receive even more money.

But to qualify, an acutecare, rural or university-connected hospital would have to voluntarily do away with patients’ medical debt going back to early 2014 on current Medicaid enrollees — and on nonenrollees who make below certain incomes or whose debt exceeds 5% of their annual income.

These hospitals also would have to help low- and middle-income patients — for example, those in a family of four making no more than $93,600 — by providing deep discounts on medical bills incurred. The hospitals would have to enroll people automatically in charity care programs, agree not to sell their debt to collectors or tell credit reporting agencies about unpaid bills. Interest rates on medical debt also would be capped.

“It’s clear that by providing relief for medical debt, we give North Carolinians not just peace of mind, but truly a fresh start,” state Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley said at a news conference.

Other state and local governments have tapped into federal American Rescue Plan funds to help purchase and cancel residents’ debt for pen-

US wants

nies on the dollar. Kinsley said North Carolina’s proposed initiative would be di erent in creating a long-term debt solution.

North Carolina legislators last year created enhanced Medicaid reimbursement payments for hospitals — called the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program — alongside provisions that expanded Medicaid coverage in the state to working adults who couldn’t otherwise qualify for conventional Medicaid. Almost 500,000 people have enrolled since last December.

“Large judgments remain on the books that prevent people from buying a house or getting a credit card,” Cooper said. “The weight of medical debt still casts a long shadow. So rst we expanded Medicaid, and now we must reduce medical debt to help North Carolinians and our economy thrive.”

The proposal, which Kinsley said was a rst of its kind, doesn’t require a new state law and won’t cost the state any additional funds. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medic -

aid Services must approve the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program changes sought last week. Kinsley said in an earlier interview that he believes regulators will be “aggressive in their approval.”

The nancial possibilities for hospitals in debt programs that agree to debt alterations are rich enough to sweeten the deal. The state Department of Health and Human Services said hospitals participating would be eligible to share funds from a pot of up to $6.5 billion next year. Those who don’t can share $3.2 billion.

According to state DHHS, the debt relief wouldn’t begin immediately, but consumers would bene t in 2025 and 2026.

The e ort also depends on the willingness of the state’s hospitals to participate. The North Carolina Healthcare Association — which lobbies for nonpro t and for-pro t hospitals — said later Monday that the group and its members need more time to review the proposal.

“North Carolina hospitals

guilty plea from Boeing in crash cases, lawyers say

Legal experts believe a conviction could threaten Boeing’s status as a federal contractor

By David Koenig

The Associated Press

The U.S. Justice Department is pushing Boeing to plead guilty to criminal fraud in connection with two deadly plane crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners, according to several people who heard federal prosecutors detail a proposed o er Sunday.

Boeing will have until the end of the week to accept or reject the o er, including the giant aerospace company agreeing to an independent monitor overseeing its compliance with anti-fraud laws.

The case stems from the department’s determination that Boeing violated an agreement to resolve a 2021 conspiracy charge to defraud the U.S. government. At the time, prosecutors alleged that Boeing misled regulators who approved the 737 Max and set pilot-training requirements for the plane. The company blamed two relatively low-level employees for the fraud.

The Justice Department told relatives of some of the 346 people who died in the 2018 and 2019 crashes about the plea offer during a video meeting. The family members, who want Boeing to face a criminal trial and pay a $24.8 billion ne, reacted angrily. One said prosecutors were gaslighting the families; another shouted at them for several minutes when given a chance to speak.

“We are upset. They should just prosecute,” said Massachusetts resident Nadia Milleron, whose 24-year-old daughter, Samya Stumo, died in the second of two 737 Max crashes. “This is just a reworking of letting Boeing o the hook.”

Prosecutors told the families that if Boeing rejects the plea offer, the Justice Department will seek a trial, meeting participants said. According to a person familiar with the situation, Justice Department o cials presented the o er to Boeing during a meeting later Sunday.

The plea deal would prevent U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor from increasing Boeing’s conviction sentence, and some families plan to ask the Texas judge to reject the deal if Boeing agrees to it.

“The underlying outrageous piece of this deal is that it

doesn’t acknowledge that Boeing’s crime killed 346 people,” said Paul Cassell, one of the lawyers for victims’ families. “Boeing is not going to be held accountable for that, and they are not going to admit that that happened.”

Sanjiv Singh, a lawyer for 16 families who lost relatives in the October 2018 Lion Air crash o Indonesia, called the o er “extremely disappointing.”

Another lawyer representing families suing Boeing, Mark Lindquist, said he asked the head of the Justice Department’s fraud section, Glenn Leon, whether the department would add additional charges if Boeing turned down the plea deal. “He wouldn’t commit one way or another,” Lindquist said.

The meeting with crash victims’ families came weeks after prosecutors told O’Connor that

Boston Celtics up for sale

Boston The ownership group that controls the NBA champion Boston Celtics says it intends to sell all its team shares. In a statement, Boston Basketball Partners LLC said it plans to sell most of its shares in 2024 or early 2025. The balance of its shares would then close in 2028. Last month, the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals to capture the franchise’s 18th championship. Wyc Grousbeck, whose family leads the ownership group, is expected to remain the team’s NBA governor until the sale is complete. One of the NBA’s original and storied brands, the Celtics were valued at $4.7 billion last year by Forbes.

Biden’s gas export delay on hold, judge rules

Lake Charles, La.

and health systems are committed to the care and well-being of all North Carolinians, and we recognize that medical debt is a concern for many,” the association said in a news release, citing hospital e orts for “providing safe, high-quality care to all, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Republican State Treasurer Dale Folwell has questioned the commitment of the state’s largest nonpro t hospital systems to treating poor patients at free or reduced rates. Representatives of patient advocacy groups at the news conference praised Cooper’s e ort. The proposal gives “patients the ability to focus on what’s most important, which is their health, instead of worrying about when the debt collector is going to call again and demand payment,” Dave Almeida with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society said.

DHHS said a group called Undue Medical Debt, which has assisted other governments with buying medical debt and erasing it, would also work on the plan.

the American aerospace giant breached the January 2021 deal that had protected Boeing from criminal prosecution in connection with the crashes, the second occurred in Ethiopia less than ve months after the one in Indonesia.

Some legal experts believe a conviction could jeopardize Boeing’s status as a federal contractor. The company has extensive contracts with the Pentagon and NASA.

However, federal agencies can grant waivers to companies convicted of felonies to keep them eligible for government contracts. Lawyers for the crash victims’ families expect that Boeing would be given a waiver.

Boeing paid a $244 million ne as part of the 2021 settlement of the original charge. A person familiar with the matter who spoke anonymously about an ongoing case said the Justice Department will likely seek another penalty similar to the one in the new plea o er.

The deal would include a monitor to oversee Boeing, but the company would put forward three nominees and have the Justice Department pick one or ask Boeing for additional names. Participants said that the family members on the call particularly hated the provision.

Lindquist, a former prosecutor, said o cials made clear during an earlier meeting that individuals — even CEOs — can be more sympathetic defendants than corporations. For example, the o cials pointed to the 2022 acquittal on fraud charges of Boeing’s chief technical pilot for the Max.

It is unclear what impact a plea deal might have on other investigations into Boeing, including those following the blowout of a panel called a door plug from the side of a Boeing Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines ight in January.

A Louisiana judge says the Biden administration can’t delay consideration of projects that export lique ed natural gas while a legal challenge plays out in federal court. U.S. District Judge James Cain Jr. issued his ruling Monday, granting a preliminary injunction that puts the Biden administration’s delay on hold. He sided with 16 states that sued the federal government earlier this year, saying the states will likely succeed. He cited evidence submitted by the plainti s that showed a loss of revenues and deferred investments in natural gas projects. The administration said late Monday that it was disappointed with the ruling.

Redbox DVD rental owner les for Chapter 11

New York Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, the parent of DVD rental operator Redbox, has led for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The bankruptcy ling comes after months of nancial struggles for the company. Chicken Soup for the Soul has accumulated nearly $1 billion in debt, the Chapter 11 ling submitted Friday in Delaware bankruptcy court shows. The ling also discloses that Chicken Soup for the Soul owes millions to more than 500 creditors, ranging from big names in the entertainment world like Sony Pictures and Warner Bros to major retailers like Walmart.

NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 28

Beginning Cash $2,363,228,683 Receipts (income) $311,267,744 Disbursements $161,536,669 Cash Balance $2,512,974,889

GARY D. ROBERTSON / AP PHOTO

NCHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley, center, speaks while Dave Alameida with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, right, and Gov. Roy Cooper look on Monday. The Cooper administration unveiled a medical debt plan it wants federal Medicaid regulators to approve.

TED S. WARREN / AP PHOTO

The U.S. Justice Department plans to propose that Boeing plead guilty to fraud in connection with two deadly plane crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e matches opulence with e ciency plug and play

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

NEW YORK CITY — There’s a moment while cruising over the Manhattan Bridge in all-electric silence when you realize that you don’t need a fully electric car to enjoy (nearly) all the perks of an EV.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e showcases again why a plug-in hybrid is perhaps the perfect vehicle for the mid-2020s.

This version of Mercedes’ popular midsize SUV o ers an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, enough to cover most daily commutes without burning a drop of fuel. It’s a signi cant improvement over previous plug-in e orts from luxury automakers, which often struggled to deliver even 20 miles of electric driving.

The 2024 GLE 450e splits the di erence between the smaller GLC and the gargantuan GLS in Mercedes’ alphabet soup lineup. Think of it as a competitor to the BMW X5, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC60.

As tested, my Twilight Blue Metallic GLE 450e was priced at $90,990 and came loaded with nearly every option imaginable. The AMG Line exterior package gives it a sporty air, while the Pinnacle trim adds goodies like the excellent Burmester surround sound system and augmented video for navigation.

But it’s what’s under the hood that really matters. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pairs with an electric motor to deliver a combined 381 horsepower and a whopping 479 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough grunt to move this 5,600-pound SUV

from 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, which is plenty zippy.

More importantly, the 23.3 kWh battery pack allows for signi cant electric-only driving. During my test drive from Brooklyn to Manhattan, I was able to complete the entire journey without the gas engine ever ring up. The car estimated 12 miles of range remaining when I started with just 7.4 miles to go. I made it with electrons to spare.

In an interesting twist for a plug-in hybrid, the GLE 450e comes equipped with DC fast charging capability. It can charge at up to 50 kW, allowing you to top up the battery in about 30 minutes. While this feature

might seem super uous for a vehicle with a gas engine backup — actually, it’s totally unnecessary, and I doubt most folks will ever use it — it is kind of cool.

Inside, the GLE 450e is pure Mercedes luxury. Two 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, running the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system. The implementation of wireless Apple CarPlay is excellent, taking full advantage of the widescreen display.

Ambient lighting bathes the cabin in a customizable glow, lending a discotheque vibe to the otherwise traditional luxury aesthetic. It’s an interesting juxtaposition of old-world craftsman-

ship and cutting-edge tech that somehow works.

The massaging seats o er a variety of programs to keep you relaxed on long drives, but one of my favorite features is the “seat kinetics” function, which subtly adjusts your seating position during long drives to reduce fatigue. It’s the kind of thoughtful touch that makes a Mercedes into a Mercedes.

But my favorite needless feature has to be the heating and cooling cupholders. With the press of a button, you can keep your co ee hot or your iced latte cold. It’s the kind of over-the-top feature that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.

The Burmester sound system is a standout, though I discovered an interesting quirk: For the best audio quality, you’ll want to plug your phone in via USB rather than relying on the wireless connection. It’s a small price to pay for audiophile-grade sound (and it’s worth it).

On the road, the GLE 450e o ers a supremely comfortable ride. The adaptive air suspension soaks up bumps with ease, while the electric drivetrain provides smooth, instant torque. When the gas engine does kick in, it’s nearly imperceptible.

Mercedes’ latest driver assistance tech is on full display here. The “Intelligent Drive” system combines adaptive cruise control with advanced lane-centering for a near-autonomous highway driving experience. Unlike some competitors, it allows for seamless driver intervention without fully disengaging. It’s not all roses, however. The GLE 450e’s hefty curb weight is evident in corners, and the brake pedal feel can be a bit spongy — a common trait in plug-in hybrids. It’s also pricey but not out of range with its competition.

But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional package. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e manages to be both a cutting-edge plugin hybrid and a traditional luxury SUV. It’s equally at home silently gliding through city tra c or cruising down the autobahn at triple-digit speeds.

For buyers looking to dip their toes into electri cation without sacri cing the comfort and capability of a premium SUV, the GLE 450e makes a compelling case. It’s a bridge to an all-electric future that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to nd a parking spot in Manhattan. At least I won’t have to worry about nding a gas station. Maybe they’ll even charge it up for me.

Local stars taken in NBA Draft, B4

Hurricanes take 6 Russians among 10 picks at draft

MLS

Houston beats Charlotte FC, 1-0

Houston Ibrahim Aliyu scored an early goal for Houston and goalkeeper Steve Clark made it stand up in a 1-0 victory Saturday over Charlotte FC. Houston scored the lone goal in the 5th minute when Aliyu got his fth goal of the season. Clark nished with four saves. Kristijan Kahlina stopped three shots for Charlotte (9-7-5).

NBA

Hawks trade Gri n to Rockets in 3-team deal including Heat

Atlanta The Atlanta Hawks traded forward AJ Gri n to the Houston Rockets for the No. 44 pick in last week’s draft. The Hawks then swapped secondround picks with Miami, moving up one spot to No. 43. The trade of Gri n, a 2022 rst-round pick out of Duke clears playing time for top draft pick Zaccharie Risacher.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

NCAA council votes to remove cannabis from banned drug list

Indianapolis The NCAA Division I Council voted to remove cannabis products from the banned drug substance list. The council said cannabis products don’t provide a competitive advantage and its focus in on the health wellbeing of student athletes rather than punishment for using cannabis.

MLB Former pitcher Miller hired by players’ union as special assistant

New York

Former pitcher Andrew Miller has been hired by the Major League Baseball Players Association as special assistant for strategic initiatives. Miller, the 2006 ACC pitcher of the year with UNC, pitched in the major leagues from 2006 -21 and was a two-time All-Star.

Carolina traded down three times and stocked up on Europeans in Las Vegas

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

LAS VEGAS — It was a weekend of trades for the Carolina Hurricanes — just not the big, splashy ones many expected.

The Hurricanes and new GM Eric Tulsky jumped around the draft board throughout two days at Sphere in Las Vegas, making three draft pick trades during the weekend and accumulating extra selections.

The trading started at the end of Friday’s rst round when Carolina sent pick No. 27 to the Chicago Blackhawks for a pair of second round selections, Nos. 34 and 50, and they traded down twice more to stockpile picks, nishing with 10 in this year’s draft and third-rounder

Hurricanes

Carolina also re-signed Jordan Martinook and added William Carrier

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — Free agency opened for the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday at noon. It seems like it opened for the rest of the NHL days earlier. Rumored interest from other teams for two of Carolina’s top unrestricted free agents circulated ahead of and during last weekend’s NHL Draft in Las Vegas. Defenseman Brett Pesce, a 2013 Hurricanes draft pick who had played nearly 700 regular season and playo games with Carolina over the past nine seasons, was all but signed by the Devils before the doors to Sphere even opened Friday for the rst round of the draft. On Monday, that became ofcial, with Pesce signing a sixyear, $33 million contract with the division rival Devils.

Pesce’s departure wasn’t particularly surprising. The 29-year-old is the type of player Carolina has tried to avoid

from Chicago for next year.

About those draft picks: The Hurricanes selected ve defensemen and ve forwards while using six picks on Russians.

“It really just depends on how the list goes,” Darren Yorke, Hurricanes assistant general manager and head of amateur scouting, said of selecting six Russians — Carolina used ve of its 10 picks last year on Russians as well, “and the way it went this year, it ended up be

ing a lot of players from Russia.”

After not making a pick Friday, Carolina’s chance came early and often Saturday.

The rst of them was Czech defenseman Dominik Badinka. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed blueliner established himself as a regular in the Swedish Hockey League last season, scoring a goal with three assists in 33 games with Malmo.

“I’m a big fan of Brent Burns,” Badinka said minutes after he was drafted. The fresh-faced

“We were able to get Badinka and get some more ammo for later in the draft.”

Darren Yorke, Hurricanes assistant GM, on the team trading out of the rst round for two second-rounders

Badinka said, however, he’s not quite ready to grow a beard like the Hurricanes’ defender.

“It’s not growing now,” he said with a laugh. “But maybe in 10 years.”

Badinka has proven to be adaptable, switching from forward to defense at 14 years old and playing in his home country of Czechia, Finland and Sweden over the last three years.

The Hurricanes were glad they were still able to get Badinka after trading down.

“We saw a situation where we

giving long-term, big-money deals to because of concerns about how the contract would age. That’s especially true for a player who logs the tough minutes and has a history of shoulder injuries. The one that hurt was Jake Guentzel.

The Carolina braintrust ar-

rived in Las Vegas with a proposal from Guentzel’s representatives on an extension: eight years, $64 million. The Hurricanes informed Ben Hankinson, Guentzel’s agent, Thursday morning that they would meet those demands and o ered any structure that would satisfy the 29-year-

made a bet, and it worked out great for us,” Yorke said. “So we were able to get Badinka and get some more ammo for later in the draft.”

With the other pick acquired after trading its rst-rounder, Carolina used the 50th overall pick to select Russian left wing Nikita Artamonov.

The 5-foot-11, 187-pound forward played last season in the KHL and scored seven goals with 23 points as an 18-yearold.

“He’s playing in a very good league, and it’s very challenging to produce the way he did,” Yorke said. “So you have this incredibly energy-driven player that can play a bunch of di erent styles. He can get in on the forecheck, he can go and make plays.”

The Hurricanes followed that with a pair of defensemen in Rounds 3 and 4.

Noel Fransen, a 6-foot, 183-pounder from Sweden, led his country’s junior league in goals and points by a defenseman.

“I want to bring o ense to the D corps,” Fransen said after being drafted 69th overall. “That’s mostly what I want to bring to Carolina. … I will do everything to play there

See HURRICANES, page B4

old forward that the team acquired ahead of last season’s trade deadline. New GM Eric Tulsky had said before the start of Friday’s rst round, while the team waited on Guentzel’s answer, that the Hurricanes were willing to make an exception on the aforementioned reluctance to give lengthy and expensive contract players approaching 30 years old because “he’s a great t.”

“We see him as somebody who we’re willing to stretch for and try to keep him here,” Tulsky said.

After giving Guentzel time to mull the o er, Carolina saw Thursday turn to Friday and then Saturday without an answer. During the end of the second day of the draft — curiously around the same time the Tampa Bay Lightning cleared cap space by dealing away defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and forward Tanner Jeannot — the Hurricanes were informed Guentzel would not be re-signing with Carolina.

Looking to salvage something for the player for which

CORY LAVALETTE / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin — pictured with wife Kylie, daughter Emersyn and son Charlie — meets with the media after signing an eight-year contract extension with Carolina.

CORY LAVALETTE / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Hurricanes drafted 10 players in the 2024 NHL Draft, trading down and selecting defenseman Dominik Badinka, center, in the rst round, defenseman Alexander Siryatsky, left, in the fourth round, and QMJHL sniper Justin Poirier, right, in the fth round, along with seven others.

TRENDING

Ashley Sanchez:

The North Carolina Courage forward scored in the 19th minute to give the NWSL team a 1-0 over the Spirit in Washington, D.C. It was the rst road win of the season for the Courage after going winless in seven previous trips. The Courage are 7-7-1 on the year. It also snapped a six-game unbeaten streak for the Spirit.

Akshay Bhatia:

The North Carolina resident three-putted on the nal hole, costing him the Rocket Mortgage Classic and giving Cam Davis a one-shot victory. Davis tied Bhatia with a birdie on 17. That proved to be enough when Bhatia’s 4-foot par attempt on the 18th missed low and left. He shot 72 after leading each of the rst three rounds. The 22-year-old Bhatia was seeking his third PGA Tour title and second this year.

Sean Sullivan:

A member of the UNC women’s basketball sta since 2021, Sullivan accepted an assistant coaching position at Iowa. Sullivan was director of player personnel, development and recruiting operations with the Tar Heels for two seasons and was promoted to assistant last season. Sullivan also worked at Pittsburgh and Penn State. He also will hold the title of general manager with the Hawkeyes.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“He loved the draft. It was like Christmas.”

Clippers president Lawrence Frank on the late Jerry West (pictured). The team left an empty seat in his honor in its draft war room. West was a Clippers adviser for seven years.

“Why wouldn’t being buried under the eld be a great way to be close to your team forever?”

Regent Barbara Weitz suggesting the University of Nebraska could raise revenue by allowing fans to have their cremated remains put under the football eld. The regents rejected the idea.

PRIME NUMBER

21

The number that incoming UNC freshman Jackie Taylor will wear for the Tar Heels volleyball team. It’s the same number her late father, Sean Taylor, wore as an NFL safety for Washington. Jackie was 18 months old when her father was killed in a home invasion in 2007.

NASCAR

Joey Logano won the rain-delayed race at Nashville Superspeedway in a NASCAR Cup Series-record fth overtime Sunday night, stretching his fuel enough to reach the nish line rst. Logano held o a charge by Tyler Reddick, then beat Zane Smith, Reddick, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher to the line in the race that started nearly six hours earlier and went 31 laps longer than the scheduled 300.

Hall of Fame announcer Dick Vitale announced his cancer has returned. The 85-year-old had three previous battles with the disease. He was treated for melanoma, lymphoma and vocal cord cancer. A biopsy of a lymph node in his neck showed cancer. He was scheduled for surgery this week.

OLYMPIC

Zac Gallen returned from a hamstring strain that sidelined him a month to pitch one-hit ball over six innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The former Tar Heels pitcher left his previous outing May 30 after one batter. Gallen threw 77 pitches, 50 for strikes, walked one and struck out seven.

Cooper Flagg’s summer will include some time playing against the U.S. Olympic team. The Duke signee was the lone collegian among the 15 players announced as members of the USA Basketball men’s select team that will train alongside the squad the Americans are sending to the Paris Olympics. Brandon Miller of the Hornets was also selected to the team.

MARK J. TERRILL / AP PHOTO

CHRIS MACHIAN / AP PHOTO WADE PAYNE / AP PHOTO

KEVIN M. COX / AP PHOTO

Local athletes compete for Olympic bids in track and eld

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

NORTH CAROLINA had its footprints all over the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, last week.

From June 21 to Sunday, numerous athletes from the state and local collegiate athletes competed for an opportunity to represent the United States in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Very few made their Olympic dreams come true in the trials, but some came close and will have to wait until the Olympic team is selected on Sunday to know their fate.

Raleigh native and Wake eld High School graduate Veronica Fraley earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team for the discus throw. Fraley nished third in the women’s discus thrownal with her best attempt falling at a distance of 62.54 meters. For Fraley, she had a successful month of June. Earlier in the month, she won the 2024 NCAA discus national title as a graduate student at Vanderbilt with a throw of 63.66 meters. Fraley holds the school record for discus (63.66 meters) and shot put (18.29 meters).

In 2021, coming o her nal season at Clemson where she spent the rst two years of her college career, Fraley competed

in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, nishing 10th overall.

Although she spent the most recent track and eld season at Roberts Wesleyan, former Duke pole vaulter Brynn King qualied for the U.S. Olympic Team after nishing third in the women’s pole vault nal. King cleared a career-best 4.73 meters (15 feet, 6.25 inches) to punch her ticket to Paris.

UNC distance runner Parker Wolfe fell just short of outright qualifying for the Olympics after nishing third in the men’s 5,000-meter nals with a time of 13 minutes, 10.75 seconds.

Wolfe, the ACC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year and 2024 NCAA national champion for the 5,000-meter run, was just over a second shy of the sec-

“It’s de nitely a big con dence boost that I can hang with those guys, and hopefully I can race them again in Paris.”

Parker Wolfe

ond-place nish needed to qualify in the trials race.

“I had a feeling I could hang with these guys, and you just have to do it on the day,” Wolfe said to reporters after the race. “It’s de nitely a big con dence boost that I can hang with those guys, and hopefully I can race them again in Paris.”

Veronica Fraley competes in the women’s discus throw nal during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials. The NC State product earned a spot on Team USA.

sixth in the men’s 400-meter hurdles nals with a time of 50.61 seconds. As of Sunday, Saddler’s Olympic status is not yet nal.

Former NC State athlete Erika Kemp ran a 32:21.84 in the women’s 10,000 nal to earn an eighth-place nish. Another former NC State athlete, Green Hope High School alumnus Elly Henes, nished ninth in the women’s 10,000-meter nal with a time of 32:25.17. Katelyn Tuohy, a former NC State athlete, competed in the women’s 5,000-meter nal and nished 12th with a time of 15:33.40.

Cam Murray, who also went to NC State, made it to the nal round of the men’s 110-meter hurdles and nished sixth with a time of 13.15. Former Wolfpack runner Andrew Colley raced in the men’s 10,000-meter nal and nished eighth with a time of 28:05.05.

UNC alum Madison Wiltrout, a 2023 graduate, also came close to qualifying for the Olympics after nishing third in the women’s javelin nal. Wiltrout threw a personal-best distance of 61.17 meters, but it was just over a meter short of a guaranteed Olympic spot.

Wolfe and Wiltrout’s Olympic aspirations are still alive, but they’ll have to wait until Sunday to know if they’ll make the team.

UNC also had junior Ethan Strand competing in the men’s 1,500-meter nal, but he nished 12th with a time of 3:39.08 and did not qualify for the Olympics.

Craig Saddler II, a senior at UNC, went overseas to compete for a spot on the Great Britain Olympic Team, and he nished

Michael Dickson, a former North Carolina A&T runner, nished seventh in the men’s 110-meter hurdles nals with a time of 13.21 seconds. NC A&T also had former athlete Trevor Stewart competing in the men’s 400-meter semi nals and former athlete Cambrea Sturgis running in the women’s 200-meter semi nals and women’s 100 semi nals. However, neither of them quali ed for the U.S. Olympic Trials nal round.

ECU senior Sydni McMillan reached the women’s 100 hurdles semi nals, but she came in 21st place and short of the nals with a time of 13.51.

Campbell senior Dominique Alexander, a Millbrook High School graduate, advanced to the men’s 100-meter semi nals where he nished in 24th place with a time of 10.27 seconds.

Albemarle’s Akala Garrett, now running at the University of Texas, made the nals of the 400 hurdles but missed a spot on the team with a time of 55.01.

Hornets come away with 2 players in NBA Draft

Charlotte selected Tidjane Salaun and KJ Simpson

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — With head of basketball ops Je Peterson and coach Charles Lee now steering the ship of the revamped Charlotte Hornets, the team walked away with two new players from last week’s 2024 NBA Draft.

As the Hornets went on the clock for the sixth overall pick in the draft, the team selected 6-foot-9 forward Tidjane Salaun, who has played professionally over the last two seasons for Cholet Basket in France’s LNB Pro A league.

“I’m grateful. Thank you to everybody. I’m just happy to be here. I’m just ready to work and start up for the rst day of Summer League,” Salaun said in an introductory press conference following the draft. “I will bring all of my energy out on the court.”

With a 7-foot-2 wingspan and unique playing style dictated by his rapid motor, the 18-yearold is the youngest member of his draft class and is viewed as a long-term investment for the Hornets.

Salaun averaged 14 points, six rebounds and two steals per 36 minutes last season for Cholet as his performances trended up

DEFENSE from page B1

they surrendered Michael Bunting, three prospects and a draft pick, Carolina on Sunday dealt the rights to Guentzel to Tampa Bay for a third round pick in next year’s draft.

Guentzel signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Lightning.

The Hurricanes could be forgiven if they were frustrated with the proceedings, especially considering other teams are not supposed to negotiate with pending free agents until noon on Monday.

“Of course, we can’t talk to other teams’ free agents ahead of time,” Tulsky said Monday afternoon. “Teams and agents are both doing what they can

toward the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Charlotte is now hoping the Frenchman can improve his 33% mark from 3-point range to closer to 40%, a task that league draft scouts have noted as a possibility due to his pure shooting motion.

“When I was young, I didn’t watch the NBA and didn’t expect to be in the NBA,” Salaun said. “I’ll continue to work. Just yesterday, I was working with the coach on my shot, and I shoot a lot. I think I’m going to be better with my con dence after that process.”

In the second round, the Hornets drafted former Colorado star KJ Simpson with the No. 42 pick. The 21-year-old West Hills, California, native, was a FirstTeam All-Pac-12 honoree, averaging 19.7 points per game this past season for the Bu aloes as a junior.

Regarded as one of the top point guards in his conference for most of his collegiate career, Simpson now gives the Hornets a potential plug-and-play weapon and a reliable decision-maker on both ends of the oor.

“Right when I got drafted, it felt like a dream come true,” Simpson said. “You think about this as a kid and now that itnally happened. Everybody saw my raw emotions right when it happened, and that’s just who I am. Honestly, I still feel the same way and I still feel on top

to gauge the market and gure out what the right ts are. That’s part of the job and something that you have to do to keep up in this game.”

That left Carolina with plenty of work to do Monday and beyond, but the team lled some of those holes by adding free agent defensemen Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere along with forwards William Carrier, Eric Robinson and Tyson Jost.

Walker and Gostisbehere — the latter played in Carolina at the end of the 2022-23 season after coming over in a trade at that year’s deadline — step in for Pesce and Brady Skjei, who signed in Nashville.

“We ask a lot of our defenseman with the pressure that we apply skating up and down the ice

of the world. I also can’t wait to get ready to work and be ready to go after it with this team and this unbelievable opportunity.”

Following the draft, Peterson and Lee joined Salaun and Simpson at a podium as the four were asked about their draft experiences, the reaction within the organization, and how this draft will a ect the team going forward.

“This is a special day being able to add Tidjane, KJ and their families to our organization here in Charlotte with us. It doesn’t get better than this,” Peterson said. “Tidjane and KJ were two players that we targeted prior to

and covering all over the zone, and we feel he can do that very e ectively,” Tulsky said of the 29-year-old Walker, who signed a ve-year, $18 million contract. Gostisbehere received a threeyear, $9.6 million deal.

While Robinson and Jost signed one-year contracts as depth players, Carrier — a 6-foot-2, 218-pound forward who played the past seven seasons with Vegas — received a six-year, $12 million deal.

Tulsky said all three forwards can play the “two-way, high-pressure game that the Hurricanes have come to be known for.”

Carolina also re-signed forward Jordan Martinook to a three-year, $9.15 million extension.

“As we start to bring a new brand of basketball to Charlotte, these guys embody what Hornets’ DNA is going to look like.”

Hornets coach Charles Lee on the team’s draft picks

the draft even starting. Any time that you can add two players of that caliber and two guys with the character they have is extremely exciting. I can’t wait for

The team also assured there wouldn’t be any overtures to franchise defenseman Jaccob Slavin, signing the alternate captain to an eight-year, $51.69 million contract that should ensure his No. 74 will one day be raised to the rafters at PNC Arena.

“Honestly, I love this organization,” Slavin said at a press conference Monday. “I love the city. It’s an amazing organization to be a part of, and to be a Cane, hopefully, for life is extremely exciting.”

Tulsky and the front o ce still have more pending business. The team rst needs to decide what it will do with restricted free agent Martin Necas, whose name was involved in trade

the fans to be able to watch them and see what we saw during the draft process.”

Lee, who became the Hornets’ 12th head coach in team history after signing a four-year contract in May, said the team’s scouting department — as deployed for Charlotte’s two new picks — has made him even more excited about his new job.

“Watching lm of both of these two players, you have to be excited with their competitive nature,” Lee said. “As we start to bring a new brand of basketball to Charlotte, these guys embody what Hornets’ DNA is going to look like.”

While it’s not immediately evident how much Salaun and Simpson will factor in the Hornets’ 2024-25 season, the two could nd themselves in Greensboro soon as members of the Swarm developmental G League team.

“When you talk about the type of people they are and also the way they play the game, both are very unsel sh,” Lee continued. “KJ just talked about his raw emotion. When I watched him play on lm, that’s how he plays — with passion and joy. We need that, and I can already feel from Tidjane, the same type of energy. He’s got an infectious spirit to him. After spending time with both of them and their families, I can see why they’re such great young men and talented basketball players.”

talks at the draft but his rights remained with the Hurricanes as the calendar ipped to July.

Carolina could still shop Necas or try and mend fences with the talented but disgruntled winger, especially now that it doesn’t have an $8 million cap hit dedicated to Guentzel. But Necas and his agent, Mike Deutsch, have indicated to the team that the speedy 25-yearold from Czechia would prefer a fresh start elsewhere.

The Hurricanes are still exploring options at forward, where they also lost Teuvo Teravainen (Chicago) and Stefan Noesen (New Jersey) and have about $16 million in cap space to use with three RFA regulars — Necas, Seth Jarvis and Jack Drury — to sign.

Veronica Fraley, a Raleigh native, punched her ticket to Paris for discus

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

JEAN-FRANCOIS BADIAS / AP PHOTO

Tidjane Salaun, left, drives with the ball during a Betclic Elite game against Strasbourg in March. The Hornets made the French standout the No. 6 overall pick in the draft.

Local talent does well at NBA Draft

Multiple players were drafted and even more received invitations to summer camps

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

THE 2024 NBA DRAFT took place last week, and while Europeans players took much of the spotlight, quite a few local products were picked up over the two-day, two-round event.

Here’s a look at which guys got to hear their names called and also a few who earned invitations to the NBA Summer League.

Rob Dillingham

Kentucky (Hickory)

The Kentucky freshman and Hickory native was the highest local talent drafted last week, going eighth overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“It’s just a blessing to even be here because you work your whole life and you never know if you’re even going to make it,” Dillingham said during his post-draft interview. “So when you nally get there, it’s like a blessing.”

And, honestly, it’s a really good t for the standout.

The Wolves, who traded up to take Dillingham, made it to the Western Conference Final this season and have star talent like Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony Towns to surround Dillingham.

“Playing with Anthony Ed-

wards and the whole Timberwolves is really just a blessing because I get to learn from a lot of veterans and players that are real good,” Dilligham said. “Them helping me is just a plus for me.”

Jared McCain, Duke

Duke’s Jared McCain went right about where projected as the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 16th overall pick.

McCain has the opportunity to create a fearsome backcourt duo with Philly star Tyrese Maxey, and adding in his shooting ability will also help to create even more space on the oor

for 2022-23 NBA MVP Joel Embiid.

“I’m just excited to learn from both (Maxey) and (Embiid),” McCain said. “They’re obviously elite scorers, so I think I can space the oor and create space for them. I’m just excited to get to know them and learn as much as possible from them. I’m just excited to embrace the challenge, embrace the process and just have fun with it. It’s just a blessing to even be here.”

Kyle Filipkowski, Duke

Duke’s Kyle Filipkowski shockingly fell out of the rst round of the draft, but he at least didn’t have to wait too long

Duke guard Jared McCain poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 16th by the Philadelphia 76ers during the rst round of the NBA Draft.

I ended up in the right spot.

That’s what matters most to me. It doesn’t matter what pick I am because that’s only one night and that night’s already over, so I’m just super excited.”

Harrison Ingram, UNC

The hard work that UNC’s Harrison Ingram put in this year paid o as he was one of the 58 players selected when he heard his name called by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round.

Now he gets to join an upand-coming Spurs team led by last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Victor Wembanyama.

“It’s hard to put this all into words,” Ingram said. “When you’re a little kid, you dream of this moment, of hearing your name called. And to stay in Texas with a program like San Antonio with just so much history with Tim Duncan, Coach Popovich. I mean … this is just crazy.”

into the second as the Utah Jazz picked him up with the second pick of the day.

“It fuels me for sure,” Filipowski said about falling out of the rst round. “I feel like that’s kind of the way my whole life has gone with being underrated or under appreciated with certain stereotypes about how I may come o . It de nitely puts that chip on my shoulder, and I’m just looking forward to using this as motivation.

“Obviously on draft night, there’s a lot of mixed emotions in it and nerves and anxiety and, of course, it’s hard to wait a long time and not hear your name called. But to be honest, I’m just happy that I feel like

ABS Challenge system expansion may mean Robo Umps in MLB soon

Durham Bulls and other minor league managers on how the system works

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

IN LATE MAY, the Durham Bulls trailed Memphis, 5-4, in the bottom of the ninth inning. With two outs, Junior Caminero took a two-strike pitch that might have been a bit outside.

No dice. The home plate umpire signaled strike three with a punchout motion. The reliever who threw the pitch clapped his hand against his glove and strode triumphantly o the mount. Game over.

Or was it? Caminero turned and faced the ump and patted his hand on his helmet.

That’s when ABS took over. It stands for Automatic Balls and Strikes, but it’s better known as the Robo Ump. It uses Hawkeye camera technology — the same thing the tennis tour uses to determine if balls are in or out — to measure the strike zone.

On the stadium scoreboard, a graphic showed the pitch, which drifted o the plate by a fraction of an inch. The umpire’s strike call was changed to a ball, and Caminero took his place back in the batter’s box. The crowd, energized by the unexpected drama, stopped waiting for postgame reworks to begin and came to life.

The next pitch danced in the low and outside corner of the strike zone — or did it? The ump punched again. The pitcher stormed o the mound a second time, and Caminero again patted his helmet.

For the second straight time, he was right. Another ball, and he stepped back into the box to continue the game. The crowd noise swelled to its loudest of the day. Two pitches later, Caminero grounded out to end things de nitively. However, the backto-back ninth-inning challenges gave a glimpse as to what we may see in MLB, perhaps as soon as 2026.

Baseball has been slowly mov-

HURRICANES from page B1

one day and lift the Cup.”

He’s a teammate of Joel Nystrom, a defenseman Carolina took in the seventh round in 2021.

“(He’s) an incredibly o ensively gifted player (who was) able to do almost what he wanted when he’s playing the Swedish junior league,” Yorke said. Carolina at No. 124 then took 6-foot-2, 159-pound Alexander

Siryatsky, the second of six Russians the team would take on the day.

“The development that he had over the last 12 months is incredible,” Yorke said.

Siryatsky had ve goals and 19 points in 36 games in the MHL and played three games with the KHL squad last season. Yorke called 5-foot-11, 173-pound Oskar Vuolett, the 133rd pick out of Sweden, “a really high-end o ensive player.

ing toward using technology to call balls and strikes, and, much like the pitch clock that debuted in MLB last year to rave reviews, it’s been testing and tweaking the system in the minor leagues for the past few seasons.

For the last year and a half, there have been two competing systems: For Tuesday through Thursday games, the minors

Vuollet led his junior team in scoring with 29 goals — thanks to a lethal shot — and 61 points, and he also saw time in Sweden’s top league.

“For two years in a row, all he’s done has been able to produce at the junior level,” Yorke said.

The Hurricanes then took a chance on one of the draft’s sliding players, selecting right wing Justin Poirier at No. 156 in the fth round.

have used a fully automated system, where the ump got the call from ABS through an earpiece and simply reported the result with his or her call. (Note: This didn’t stop angry pitchers or batters from arguing with the umpire when they didn’t like the automated result.) On the weekends, they used the challenge system, where the umps called the game, but ABS was available for challenges. As of last week, however, the fully automated system was put on the back burner, and all Triple-A games are now challenge games.

“I think it’s better,” said Bulls manager Morgan Ensberg, who played several years in the major leagues. “That it’s in the players’ hands versus just a black-andwhite computer.”

The system adds a new level of strategy to a game that is generally slow to make big changes. Teams are limited to the number of challenges they can use. Each team had been allowed three unsuccessful challenges a game, but with the expansion of the challenge system came a reduction to two challenge losses per team per game. (Since Caminero won both of his challenges, they didn’t count against the Bulls’ total for that game.)

“You have to be a little more strategic about when you use it since you don’t have that extra one to play with,” Ensberg said. “You’re hoping that it’s (available) during a critical part of the game.”

That’s especially crucial since the decision of when to challenge is out of the managers’ hands. They must be requested by the pitcher, catcher or batter within a few seconds of the call being made.

The minor league managers

Poirier was the rst 17-yearold QMJHL player since Sidney Crosby to score 50 goals in a season but was agged by teams for being just 5-foot-8.

“It’s my rst motivation,” Poirier said of showing the teams that passed on him what they missed.

“Since I was young, my size — I’m not the biggest boy, but I play big. So I’m going to try to prove them wrong, prove the other teams wrong and be happy to be here with Carolina.”

Summer League

While only 58 players were drafted this year, that’s not the only opportunity to make a team.

Many teams also extend invites to play in the NBA Summer League, and quite a few local players received invitations and the chance to show their stu .

The following prospects will participate in the NBA Summer League: NC State: DJ Burns (Cavaliers), DJ Horne (Spurs), Mohamed Diara (Lakers); UNC: Armando Bacot (Jazz), Cormac Ryan (Thunder); UNC Asheville: Drew Pember (Hornets)

who shared their thoughts on challenges denied using a “red light/green light” system (similar to the one used for decades on stolen bases) to give certain players permission to challenge, but not others. They know who should be challenging, though.

“We tried to limit our pitchers making that call just because their heads are kind of bobbing all over the place when they’re throwing,” Contreras said, “and they’re gonna always think that they’re throwing strikes anyway.”

“(Kameron) Misner and (Austin) Shelton,” Ensberg said, mentioning the Bulls’ current home run leader, as well as someone who has spent time with the MLB Rays. “They’re very accurate. You miss by half inches, they can see it. It’s hard for people to wrap their minds around. They think it’s not possible, but it’s absolutely possible. That is the reason why they’re here. Because they really do see the ball and where it is exactly.”

If that sounds clinical and detached, that’s exactly what it takes to have a successful challenge.

“The biggest thing you got to do is not let your emotions kind of dictate the challenge call,” said Lehigh Valley IronPigs manager Anthony Contreras. “Sometimes we’ll run out of challenges because the ones that are utilizing it just because their emotions get the best of them. They get ticked o about a call, they challenge, but they’re still wrong.”

All managers can do is remind players about when is a good — and bad — time to tap the helmet and request a challenge. And if someone chooses a bad time?

“Just make fun of them a little bit,” Contreras said. “Guys know when they do an emotional call with a challenge. They know that it got the best of them, and we’re going to make light of it and move on to the next one.”

If things continue on the current path, that next one might just be in the big leagues.

Yorke said Poirier was “probably a little undervalued because, unfortunately, he’s just he’s not very tall. But all he does is score.”

Carolina then closed with four Russians: big defensemen Timur Kol and Roman Shokhrin, along with hard-shooting winger Fyodor Avramov in the sixth round, and heady forward Andrey Krutov with their nal pick. “I know that this club loves Russian players,” Kol said.

JULIA NIKHINSON / AP PHOTO

SHAWN KREST / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Comic actor of ‘Roseanne,’ ‘Clue’ Martin Mull dies at 80

Other comedians and actors were often his biggest fans

By Andrew Dalton

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Martin

Mull, whose droll, esoteric comedy and acting made him a hip sensation in the 1970s and later a beloved guest star on sitcoms including “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” has died, his daughter said Friday. He was 80.

Mull’s daughter, TV writer and comic artist Maggie Mull, said her father died at home on Thursday after “a valiant ght against a long illness.”

Mull, a guitarist and painter, came to national fame with a recurring role on the Norman Lear-created satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and the starring role in its spino , “Fernwood Tonight.”

“He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and doing Red Roof Inn commercials,” Maggie Mull said in an Instagram post. “He would nd that joke funny. He was never not funny. My dad will be deeply missed by his wife and daughter, friends and coworkers, fellow artists and comedians and musicians, and — the sign of a truly exceptional person — by

Martin Mull, pictured in 2018, was a beloved guest star on the sitcoms “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development.” He died last Friday at 80.

many, many dogs.” Known for his blonde hair and well-trimmed mustache, Mull was born in Chicago, raised in Ohio and Connecticut and studied art in Rhode Island and Rome.

His rst foray into show business was as a songwriter, penning the 1970 semi-hit “A Girl Named Johnny Cash” for singer Jane Morgan.

He would combine music and comedy in an act he brought to hip Hollywood clubs in the 1970s.

“In 1976, I was a guitar player and sit-down comic appearing at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip when Norman Lear walked in and heard me,” Mull told The Associated Press in 1980. “He cast me as the wife beater on ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.’ Four

months later, I was spun o on my own show.”

His time on the Strip was memorialized in the 1973 country rock classic “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy,” where the Riders of the Purple Sage and music luminaries Kris Kristo erson and Rita Coolidge give him a shoutout.

“I know Kris, Rita and Marty Mull are hangin’ at the Troubadour,” the song says. On “Fernwood Tonight” (sometimes styled as “Fernwood 2 Night”), he played Barth Gimble, the host of a local talk show in a midwestern town and twin to his “Mary Hartman” character. Fred Willard, a frequent collaborator with similar comic sensibilities, played his sidekick. It was later revamped as “America 2 Night” and set in Southern California.

He would be a natural talk show host as a substitute for Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show.”

Mull often played slightly sleazy, somewhat slimy and usually smarmy characters, as he did as Teri Garr’s boss and Michael Keaton’s foe in 1983’s “Mr. Mom.” He also played Colonel Mustard in the 1985 movie adaptation of the board game Clue, which, like many things Mull appeared in, has become a cult classic.

The 1980s also brought what many thought was his best work, “A History of White People in America,” a mockumentary that rst aired on Cinemax. Mull co-created the show and starred as a “60 Minutes”-style reporter investigating all things milquetoast and mundane. Willard was again a co-star.

Singer, author, satirist, gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman dies at 79

Kinky Friedman performs in Paris, Texas, in 2012.

Texas independent gubernatorial candidate

Kinky Friedman poses at a NASCAR Busch Series event at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2006.

He wrote and starred in 1988’s “Rented Lips” alongside Robert Downey Jr., whose father, Robert Sr., directed. In an X post-Friday, his costar Jennifer Tilly said that Mull was “such a witty, charismatic and kind person.”

In the 1990s, he was best known for his recurring role on several seasons of “Roseanne.” He played a warmer, less sleazy boss to the title character, and was an openly gay man whose partner was played by Willard, who died in 2020. Mull also appeared on Gary Shandling’s hit HBO series about a late-night talk show, “The Larry Sanders Show.”

Mull would later play private eye Gene Parmesan on “Arrested Development,” a cult-classic character on a cult-classic show. He was nominated for an Emmy, his rst, in 2016 for a guest run on “Veep.”

“What I did on ‘Veep’ I’m very proud of, but I’d like to think it’s probably more collective, at my age, it’s more collective,” Mull told the AP after his nomination. “It might go all the way back to ‘Fernwood.’”

Other comedians and actors were often his biggest fans.

“Martin was the greatest,” “Bridesmaids” director Paul Feig said on X. “So funny, so talented, such a nice guy. I was lucky enough to act with him on ‘The Jackie Thomas Show’ and treasured every moment of being with a legend. ‘Fernwood Tonight’ was so in uential in my life.”

Mull is survived by musician Wendy Haas, his wife since 1982, and his daughter.

Friedman earned a cult following and reputation as a provocateur throughout his career across musical and literary genres

By Jim Vertuno The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Singer, songwriter, satirist and novelist Kinky Friedman, who led the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, toured with Bob Dylan, sang with Willie Nelson, and dabbled in politics with campaigns for Texas governor and other statewide o ces, has died. Friedman, 79, died Thursday at his family’s Texas ranch near San Antonio, close friend Kent Perkins told The Associated Press. Friedman had su ered from Parkinson’s disease for several years, Perkins said.

“He died peacefully. He smoked a cigar, went to bed and never woke up,” said Perkins, who was working as an actor when he met Friedman at a party 50 years ago when both were signed to Columbia Records and movie contracts.

“We were the only two people with tuxedos and cowboy hats. Two Texans gravitating toward each other,” Perkins said. “He was the last free person on earth. ... He had an irreverence about him. He was a fearless writer.”

Often called “The Kinkster” and the original “Wooly Bully,” Friedman, who wore sideburns, a thick mustache and a cowboy hat, earned a cult following and reputation as a provocateur throughout his career in musical and literary genres.

In the 1970s, his satirical country band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys wrote songs with titles such as “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed.” Friedman joined part of Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976.

By the 1980s, Friedman turned to writing books, publishing novels often featuring a ctionalized version of himself, including “Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola” and “Armadillos and Old Lace.” He avoided the internet, didn’t send text messages and wrote his books and columns for Texas Monthly with a typewriter.

Friedman’s run at politics brought his brand of irreverence to the serious world of public policy. In 2006, Friedman ran for governor as an independent in a ve-way race that included incumbent Republican Rick Perry. Friedman launched his campaign against the backdrop of the Alamo.

“We’re gypsies on a pirate ship, and we’re setting sail for the Governor’s Mansion,” Friedman said at the campaign launch. “I’m calling for the unconditional surrender of Rick Perry.”

Some saw the campaign as another Friedman joke, but he insisted it was serious. His platform called for legalizing medical marijuana, boosting public education spending through casino gambling and supporting same-sex marriage. Campaign slogans included “How hard could it be?” and “He ain’t Kinky, he’s my governor.”

“Humor is what I use to attack the windmills of politics as usual,” Friedman said. Perry won reelection in 2006, and Friedman nished last. However, he did not give up politics and unsuccessfully ran for state agriculture commissioner as a Democrat in 2010 and 2014.

Sometimes, Friedman would ask Perkins to pick up fried chicken when he went to town. He fed it to his dogs, smoked a cigar and smiled. A few days ago, Perkins visited Friedman and saw fantastic-looking rice and beef stew dishes. He reached for a plate, and the cook stopped him. The food was for the dogs.

“That’s just so Kinky,” Perkins said.

Born in Chicago, Richard Samet Friedman grew up in Texas. The family’s Echo Hill ranch, where Friedman died, ran a camp for children of parents killed serving in the military.

Funeral services were pending, Perkins said.

WILLY SANJUAN/ AP PHOTO

SAM CRAFT / THE PARIS NEWS VIA AP

DONNA MCWILLIAM / AP PHOTO

‘A

Quiet Place’ prequel earns

big,

Costner’s Western struggles at last week’s box o ce

“Inside Out 2” continues to be a summer powerhouse

By Lindsey Bahr

The Associated Press

“A QUIET PLACE: Day One” is making noise at the box o ce. According to studio estimates, the prequel earned an estimated $53 million on Sunday in its rst weekend in North America.

It’s both a franchise-best and signi cantly more than expected. Going into the weekend, prerelease tracking had “Day One” pegged for a $40 million debut. However, audiences were more enthusiastic to see the action-horror starring Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn and released by Paramount. The same could not be said for Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1,” which opened to $11 million.

The “Quiet Place” victory wasn’t enough to snag the coveted rst-place spot on the charts. That honor again went to Disney and Pixar’s juggernaut, “Inside Out 2,” which added an estimated $57.4 million in its third weekend in theaters and crossed $1 billion globally.

“Inside Out 2” continues to be a box o ce phenomenon. In just three weeks of release, it’s earned nearly $470 million in North America and $545.5 million internationally, bringing its global total to $1.01 billion. The sequel is the only 2024 release to cross the billion-dollar mark, and it did it in just 19 days, a record for an animated lm.

“The lm’s stunning global success once again illustrates that audiences the world over will respond to compelling, entertaining movies and want to enjoy them on the big screen,” said Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, in a statement.

“A Quiet Place: Day One,” directed by Michael Sarnoski and rated PG-13, is also fast approaching a vital threshold. Including the $45.5 million from international showings in 59 markets, the $67 million pro-

duction has already made $98.5 million.

“There’s a lot of love for the ‘A Quiet Place’ franchise,” said Chris Aronson, the head of domestic distribution for Paramount. “We listened to the fans who wanted to expand the universe.”

In a rare feat for a third lm, it opened higher than both “A Quiet Place” ($50.2 million opening in April 2018) and “A Quiet Place: Part II” ($47.5 million opening in May 2021). John Krasinski, who wrote and directed the rst two, continued serving as a producer.

“It’s one of those rare horror franchises that has generated incredible goodwill with audiences and critics alike,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore.

Playing on 3,708 screens in the U.S. and Canada, nearly 40% of

its domestic earnings came from “premium screens,” including IMAX and other large formats. It entered the marketplace with primarily positive reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes); Audiences gave it a B+ CinemaScore and four out of ve stars on PostTrak.

“We put together a compelling package, but I think it also shows people want to go to the movies,” Aronson said. “The marketplace works when there are choices and something for everybody.”

The start for “Horizon,” meanwhile, was sluggish. Though older audiences, the ones most likely to support a Western epic, don’t typically rush out to see lms on opening weekend the way people often do for horrors and superheroes, the road ahead will not be easy: Reviews have not been great, and it got an un-

derwhelming B- CinemaScore.

The stakes are also slightly di erent for “Horizon,” a $100 million production that Costner nanced and partnered with Warner Bros. to distribute. It opened in 3,334 locations.

A decades-old passion project, he mortgaged property in Santa Barbara, California, to fund it and exited “Yellowstone” to see it through. In a bold, unconventional strategy, “Chapter 2” arrives in theaters on Aug. 16.

The top 10 shows show audiences favor franchises and “known commodities” over originals. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which has already been in theaters for four weeks, was right behind “Horizon.”

“If you can’t nd something that appeals to you at the multiplex right now, you’re not look-

‘Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1’ overstu ed, high hopes for second chapter

The writer/director/actor Kevin Costner’s universe is both fatalistic and inevitable

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press

A SCENE DEEP into Kevin Costner’s new Western is when he and a woman ee bad guys on horseback. They pause at a jaw-dropping vista, and he turns to her: “You just gotta keep going,” he tells her.

That should be the slogan of “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1,” the initial threehour salvo in what could morph into a four-part epic about the West that could tax even the biggest cowboy fan.

Give Costner — co-writer, director, producer — his due. This is a labor of love he’s been thinking about since the 1980s, and he has skin in the game: To fund the lm, he took out a mortgage on his 10-acre home in Santa Barbara, California. Well, one of his homes, at least.

“Chapter 1” — “Chapter 2” is to be released in August, and parts three and four depend on whether folks keep going — is a sprawling, often unwieldy pacesetter, introducing dozens of characters in di erent parts of the West who, one has to assume, will interact at some point. If they survive, that is.

It’s a spectacularly unsubtle movie, from the opening moment when a group of ants on a dirt hill are crushed by a surveyor’s wooden stake. If there’s any doubt about what we must feel, listen to John Debney’s ponderous score, with its

“Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter I” opened in theaters last week.

criminal overuse of cellos.

Costner scrambles the plot — crafted by him and Jon Baird — almost immediately by o ering a climactic battle scene within the rst half hour, one in which a small white settlement in Arizona’s San Pedro Valley (thanks, southern Utah!) is sneak-attacked by Apaches during an innocent dance. It’s a slaughter, and it lasts way too long — savagery on one side, noble victims on the other. Mothers are struck by arrows while carrying their babies, and unarmed musicians

are killed without a thought. “Ready, son?” asks a dad to his teenage son, handing him a rie and facing certain death. “I think so, Dad,” comes the spirited reply. In the aftermath, a mother cradles the corpse of her son and talks to it. This slaughter shoots o a few story strands. Some survivors (like spunky new widow Sienna Miller and her daughter) nd shelter at a U.S. Army camp led by an achingly honorable lieutenant, played by Sam Worthington. Another story arc sees bounty hunters search for

the Apaches who attacked the settlement, seeking pro t and revenge.

“Horizon” also shows the internal divisions within the Apaches, with the chief’s hothead son and new father (Owen Crow Shoe) ready to keep ghting. “Their sons will hunt you,” the chief warns. “I won’t sing for your victory today.” We learn that the white settlement violated agreements meant to calm the West.

Costner’s universe is both fatalistic and inevitable. Both sides may be right and wrong,

ing hard enough,” Dergarabedian said.

1. “Inside Out 2,” $57.4 million

2. “A Quiet Place: Day One,” $53 million

3. “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1,” $11 million

4. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” $10.3 million

5. “Kalki 2898 AD,” $5.4 million

6. “The Bikeriders,” $3.3 million

7. “The Gar eld Movie,” $2 million

8. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” $168.1 million

9. “Jatt & Juliet 3,” $1.5 million

10. “Kinds of Kindness,” $1.5 million

but there will always be another round of savagery. “There’s no one on Earth going to stop these wagons from coming,” an exasperated Army o cer says at one point.

After an hour, Costner himself arrives as a quiet, strong loner who enters a Wyoming Territory settlement with the hope of a nice drink and some lady company and yet who leaves on the run, protecting a sex worker (Abbey Lee) and a boy in her care from psychotic horsemen.

Two hours into the movie comes another set of characters, with Costner’s menu now entirely out of whack. It’s a wagon train led by Luke Wilson (never a cowboy, ever) facing some class issues — a well-o , oblivious couple are among the working-class muscle — and some Peeping Toms. It’s all too much, but add to it a dash of anti-Chinese xenophobia, some budding romances and horri c scalping.

Director of photography J. Michael Muro doesn’t romanticize anything, grinding the action in the West’s smoke, heat and chicken-pecked dust, so much so that you might taste the grit in your teeth. It helps that Costner has positioned everyone on the top of a picturesque hillside, showing o their pro les.

Part of the problem with Chapter 1 is that the editing could be better besides overstu ng it with too many characters. Viewers will need help with violent cuts in which Costner jumps the action forward months within the same chapter without any clues.

Yet Costner is still an impressive director with an eye for the natural beauty of the American West and a soft spot for loners.

“Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” is a giant swing that cannot stand alone, but we owe it to him to ride beside him a little more.

GARETH GATRELL / PARAMOUNT PICTURES VIA AP

Joseph Quinn, left, and Lupita star in “A Quiet Place: Day One.”

WARNER BROS. PICTURES VIA AP

in memory

John Julian Pugh, formerly of Asheboro, died June 22, 2024, in Wilmington, N.C.

Julian was a kind, talented and creative spirit whose presence will be deeply missed. Born Dec 16, 1982, he was an active child, playing soccer, baseball, basketball and already showing his talent and visual expertise by making videos. At Asheboro High School he captained the crosscountry team, making All-Conference and Regional in 2001. Julian was also a pro cient wrestler, once pinning a former state champion from long-time rival Eastern Randolph High School. Julian loved the outdoors and earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2000 with a video for Randolph County Tourism. Julian was a talented musician, rst playing percussion in North Asheboro Middle and Asheboro High School bands and later in Elon University marching and concert bands. Julian was also a talented guitarist. He wrote dozens of original songs and mastered numerous covers of popular bands such as Led Zeppelin,

Radiohead, Tool, and The Flaming Lips, and occasionally performed at small events and open mic nights. After graduating from AHS in 2001, Julian earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 2006 from Elon, with a concentration in lm. His great talent was videography and lm, and he had an exceptional eye for camera angles, as well as skill in script writing and lm editing. He used his communication talent in many of the jobs he held. Whether at a lm studio, restaurant, or in manufacturing, he knew how to work with all types of people and often used his talents to improve the work ow.

As a youth, Julian was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Asheboro, serving as an acolyte and crucifer. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Francis and Harriet Manley of Asheville, and John and Maxine Pugh of Asheboro. He is survived by his parents,

deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, Firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of September, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 27th day of June, 2024 Alicia Kidd Administrator/Executor 524 Donovan Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 4127799799 Of the Estate of Irene M Cruz, Deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Stephanie Ann Davis, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before October 4, 2024, (which is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 4th day of July, 2024 Kimberly Dawn Corley Administrator of the Estate 103 Villa Drive Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311

EXECUTOR NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 24-E-512 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of Raquel H. Dubreuil, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 1710 Belvue Drive, Forest Hill, Maryland 21050, on or before September 20, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 20th day of June, 2024. Jacinto Arnold Lord Executor of the Estate of Raquel H. Dubreuil, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 06/20/2024, 06/27/2024, 07/04/2024 and 07/11/2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Ethel Evans, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before September 13, 2024, (which is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 13th day of June 2024

Shelly McNeil Administrator of the Estate 65 Marsh Creek Dr Garner, NC 27529

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #24 E 958 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Joseph Randolph Nunnery Jr, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 22nd day of September, 2024, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment the undersigned. This is the 20th day of June, 2024. Administrator of the Estate of Joseph Randolph Nunnery Jr. 228 Gnarled Oaks Drive Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Mary Joan Pugh and Alan Pugh, both of Asheboro, and brother, Worth Pugh, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. Also surviving are uncles Richard Pugh (Betty) of Asheboro, Frank Manley of Kansas City, Mo., Joe Manley of New York State, and Jim Manley of Swannanoa; aunts Catherine Banks (Earl) of Suwanee, Ga., and Margaret Perez (Joe) of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and a multitude of cousins.

The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Asheboro, with a reception following at the church. Memorials may be made to the Piedmont Land Conservancy and the N.C. Zoo Society.

Pugh Funeral Home of Asheboro is in charge of arrangements.

Julian was a kind soul, fun-loving, hardworking, multi-talented, creative, personable, and most of all courageous. He will be missed. He already is.

Godspeed, Julian.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JOSEPH LEE PAGE

Cumberland County Estate File No. 24 E 914

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Joseph Lee Page, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Elijah Garrett, Executor, at 3102 Harrison Hollow Ln, Herndon, VA 20171, on or before the 28th day of September, 2024 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above.

This the 20th day of June, 2024. Elijah Garrett Executor of the Estate of Joseph Lee Page Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311

Run dates: June 27, July 4, July 11 and July 18, 2024

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 22E743 State of North Carolina

Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of James Robert Strickland, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 1370 Live Oak Methodist Church Road, White Oak, North Carolina 28399, on or before September 20, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 20th day of June, 2024.

Edward Junior Strickland Executor of the Estate of James Robert Strickland, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 06/20/2024, 06/27/2024, 07/04/2024 and 07/11/2024

NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate le # 24E1034 State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Lewis Edward Thompson Jr.,deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of October 2024, {which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice} or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 4th day of July, 2024. Shirley Ann Thompson Administrator/Executor 1106 Magnolia Church Road Stedman NC 28391 Executor of the Estate of Lewis Edward Thompson Jr., Deceased

NOTICE

State of North Carolina In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 24 E 955 Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of David Edward Vaughn, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of September, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 20th day of June, 2024.

Lauren Vaughn Executor 3916 Middle St. Address Hope Mills, NC 28348 City, State, Zip Of the Estate of David Edward Vaughn, Deceased (For Publication: 6/20/24, 6/27/24, 7/4/24, 7/11/24)

John Julian Pugh

Dec. 16, 1982 – June 22, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the ESTATE OF JENNIFER ELIZABETH VAHAMIKOS (aka Jennifer Vahamikos Guerra) (Estate File 24-E-568), Deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate to exhibit them to the

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36412

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 46

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kristen Terry (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Kristen Terry) to Christina M. Collier, Trustee(s), dated April 25, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 7489, at Page 161 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales,

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

Publish: June 20, 2024, June 27, 2024, July 4, 2024, July 11, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Donald Ray Davis aka Donald Ray Davis Sr., late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned Djuana Davis Young at P.O. Box 1134 Oxford, NC 27565 on or before the 02th day of October 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

quali

of

rms, and

Executor of the

undersigned

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of

P.O. Box 5994, Greensboro, North Carolina 27435, on or before the 20th day of September 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 20th day of June 2024.

Shila Johnson Mabe Executor of the Estate of Patricia Bassett James AKA Patricia Louise James Jonathan M. Parisi Attorney at Law Spangler Estate Planning P.O. Box 5994 Greensboro, NC 27435

Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 116 of Pleasant Oaks, Phase 3, as same is shown on a map thereof recorded in Map Book 73, Page 9-11 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 366 Pleasant View, Concord, NC 28025. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA 24 SP 109

RANDOLPH COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James K. Pounders and Susan P. Pounders to J. Phil Cox, Trustee, which was dated January 16, 2001 and recorded on January 26, 2001 in Book 1696 at Page 1764, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the Note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of trust, and the holder of the Note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale, July 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 13, containing 2.063 acres, of Brookgreen Subdivision, Section one, as shown on plat recorded in Plat Book 49, Page 21, Randoph County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2382 Greenbrook Rd., Trinity, NC 27370 A Certi ed Funds Check deposit (No Personal Checks, No Cash) of

There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other prior encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are James K. Pounders and Susan P. Pounders. An Order for Possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §45-21.29, in favor of the purchaser and against the parties in possession of the property, by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the Notice of Sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least ten (10) days, but not more than ninety (90) days, after the sale date contained in the Notice of Sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [N.C.G.S. §45-21.16A(B)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee or substitute trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee or substitute trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee Benjamin A. Barco, Attorney Crawford & von Keller, PLLC 1017 Ashes Drive, Suite 106 Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: (910) 363-1637 Fax: (910) 363-1650

amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Lamont Davis and spouse, Marcia Davis and Daja Davis, an unmarried woman, as Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90

auction at the usual place of sale at the Cabarrus County courthouse at 11:00AM on July 11, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Ryan Smithson and Stacie Smithson, dated December 20, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $127,500.00, and recorded in Book 7975 at Page 95 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 82 Paddington Drive SW, Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID: 55395873080000 Present Record Owners: Ryan Smithson and Stacie L. Smithson The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Ryan Smithson and Stacie L. Smithson. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens

at 12:00 PM on July 17, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 1074 as shown on plat of Moss Creek Village, The Estates, Map 3, recorded in Map Book 51 at Page 08 in the Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Public Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 9865 Ravenscroft Lane Northwest, Concord, North Carolina.

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

form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit

pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge

NEW HANOVER

RANDOLPH WAKE

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 381 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Edgar J. Enriquez (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Edgar J. Enriquez) to Coastal Federal Financial Group, LLC, Trustee(s), dated April 21, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 11098, at Page 0467 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 355

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Emma G. Haynes (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Emma G. Haynes, Heirs of Emma G. Haynes: Robin Haynes a/k/a Robin Daniel Haynes, Richard Haynes a/k/a Richard Paul Haynes, Jr., Ron Haynes a/k/a Ron Duvale Haynes) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated November 29, 2012, and recorded in Book No. 09057, at Page 0360 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County,

releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 2921 Peacock St, Hope Mills, NC 28348. A certi ed check only (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00),

designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 8, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 34, in a subdivision known as T.M. Green Land, and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 7, Page 60, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 534 Pearl Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 15, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 9499-82-2697

Land Situated in the City of Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland in the State of NC.

Being all of Lot No. 342, in a Subdivision known as Summerhill, Section 6, Part 1, per Plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 41, Page 62, Cumberland County Registry North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 906 Bashlot Place, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Commonly known as: 906 Bashlot Place, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING known and designated as Lot Number 12, as shown on the Map of Kimberly Village, as recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 159, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 354 Lori Lane, Winston Salem, North Carolina. Parcel ID Number: 13013C0000012 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party

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

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

pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater,

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

“AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of ve percent (5%)

owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of David

the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3028 Wedgedale Drive, Durham, NC 27703 Tax Parcel ID: 131789

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

A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 4521.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its

The rockets’ red glare

After signing the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Today, 248 years later, these United States are still striving to live up to what Lincoln called “the last best hope of Earth.” Happy Fourth.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NCDMV fees rise, new card surcharges

NC residents face higher costs for DMV services, beginning this month, as the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) rolls out fee increases and introduces surcharges when paying with a card. The card surcharge, enabled by a new provision in the state budget, will see fees added to all NCDMV in-person (1.22%), online (1.85%) and kiosk transactions (2%) when paying with a credit or debit card starting July 1.

Simultaneously, the NCDMV implemented its state-mandated quadrennial fee adjustments. Approximately 90 license and registration-related fees will increase by 19.18%, a number based on in ation over the past four years:

• Regular driver’s license: $1 per year increase ($5 more for a ve-year license)

• Learner’s permit and provisional license: $4 increase

• Duplicate license: $2.75 increase

• Passenger vehicle registration: Rises from $38.75 to $46.25

Fourth of July safety tips

With reworks and grills common accessories for July Fourth frivolity, NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey o ers the following advice to avoid needing to call your insurance agent this year:

•

Grilling

Oakboro celebrates Fourth of July festivities for 66th year

Oakboro police chief to step down July 28

T.J. Smith, who served the town for nearly eight years, plans to pursue new opportunities

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

OAKBORO — Town of Oak-

boro Police Chief T.J. Smith announced on Monday afternoon that he has submitted his resignation and will serve hisnal day with the department on July 28. Smith has been the town’s police chief since Aug. 1, 2016.

“When I had the privilege to become the Oakboro police chief almost eight years ago, I did so to build a sense of community among all the residents, to create genuine connections

with everyone I encountered on the job, and to construct one of the most well-respected and effective police departments in the region. As I re ect on my time here, I feel con dent that I have done so,” Smith said in a social media post.

Now pursuing new career opportunities, Smith stated that he decided to make a change professionally and to use his talents “to reach a different audience”

“I am grateful for the support, love, respect, and everlasting relationships the people of Oakboro and Stanly County have provided me,” Smith continued. “This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but after many prayers, conversations, and reections, I know it is the path

The annual celebration holds a full week’s worth of events

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

OAKBORO — In an annual set of festivities that has brought in attendees from all across North Carolina, the Oakboro Fourth of July Celebration returned this week for its 66th year of Independence Day events.

The full slate of parades, rides, pageants, talent shows, live bands and reworks began on June 28 and runs through Independence Day.

“Let the 66th Oakboro Festival commence! We hope to see you guys the next several days,”

Oakboro Police Chief T.J. Smith stated in a social media post for the event. “I love Oakboro and our amazing traditions.”

Oakboro Fire & Rescue has hosted the Oakboro celebration ever since 1958.

The Oakboro Fire Department estimates that on certain occasions in the past, anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 people have traveled to Oakboro to participate in the Independence Day events.

Over time, the celebration has become one of Stanly County’s most anticipated yearly traditions.

“It’s that time of year again, and we have an amazing lineup scheduled for your enjoyment,” event planners posted in an on-

COURTESY PHOTO Town of Oakboro Police Chief T.J. Smith

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Jesse Deal, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

David

1201

Biden proposes excessive heat rule for workplaces

Employers would have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization

By Suman Naishadham

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace, warning — as tens of millions of people in the U.S. are under heat advisories — that high temperatures are the country’s leading weather-related killer. If nalized, the measure would protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure on the job — establishing the rst major federal safety standard of its kind. Those a ected by excessive heat in the workplace include farmworkers, delivery and

construction workers, landscapers and indoor workers in warehouses, factories and kitchens.

“The purpose of this rule is simple,” a senior White House administration o cial told reporters. “It is to signi cantly reduce the number of worker-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses su ered by workers who are exposed to excessive heat ... while simply doing their jobs.”

Under the proposed rule, employers would be required to identify heat hazards, develop emergency response plans related to heat illness, and provide training to employees and supervisors on the signs and symptoms of such illnesses. They would also have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization — or the building of tolerance to higher temperatures — for new workers. Penalties for heat-related vio-

lations in workplaces would increase signi cantly, in line with what workplaces are issued for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules, a senior White House administration o cial said.

An estimated 2,300 people in the U.S. died from heat-related illness in 2023. Workers with prolonged exposure to extreme heat are among the most vulnerable to related health risks, such as heatstroke and other illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Labor Department has been developing a standard for how workplaces deal with heat since 2021, with OSHA having held meetings last year to hear about how the proposed measures could a ect small businesses. The AFL-CIO union federa-

tion praised the Biden administration’s rule. “If nalized, this new rule would address some of the most basic needs for workers’ health and safety,” said AFLCIO President Liz Shuler.

Heat protection laws in the U.S. have faced steady industry opposition, including from chambers of commerce and other business associations. Many say a blanket mandate would be di cult to implement across such a wide range of industries. California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota and Washington are the only states with workplace standards for heat exposure. Some regulations have recently come under attack by Republicans. Over the past year, Florida and Texas, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, passed legislation preventing local governments from requiring heat protections for outdoor workers. If nalized, the Biden administration’s rule would override state measures, and states with existing procedures to deal with heat would have to institute measures that are at least as stringent as the nalized federal rule.

We stand corrected

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

from page 1

line advertisement. “We cannot wait to see your smiling faces! We would also like to thank our wonderful sponsors and hope you will pay them a visit.”

Sponsors for the 2024 Oakboro Fourth of July Celebration include Union Power Cooperative, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, Uwharrie Bank, and Waste Management.

The week’s lineup of events began with a community worship service at the Oakboro District Park pavilion, followed by the opening of the rides provided by the B&K Carnival Company.

This past Saturday, the Little Miss Fourth of July Pageant took place, and talent shows were held on Monday and Tuesday nights.

The annual Oakboro Fourth of July parade on Thursday morning will be followed by patriotic ceremonies, a speech by Oakboro Mayor Chris Huneycutt, and the Miss Stanly County Fire Queen Pageant.

The events are slated to conclude on Thursday evening with a reworks show set for 11:30 p.m.

Each night featured free live music acts performing on the Union Power Stage, including The Entertainers, Ryan Perry, Cassette Rewind, The Embers (featuring Craig Woolard), Taylor Richardson, and festival headliner Too Much Sylvia.

“This celebration puts us on the map — we have people who come from multiple counties away,” Shea Morton, the assistant re chief and chairman of the Fourth of July Celebration Committee for the Oakboro Fire Department, told SCJ.

“There’s even a lady from Florida who came across us about 12 years ago, and now she makes the drive every year.”

Oakboro’s festivities will return next summer for their 67th incarnation, as July 4 falls on a Friday. Information regarding the annual celebration can be found at oakboro4th.com.

CRIME LOG

June 26

• Rico Millard Crump, 29, was arrested for tra cking in opium or heroin.

• Ti any Renae Hatley, 30, was arrested for tra cking in methamphetamine.

• Braxton Demille Phifer, 30, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance.

• Brian Lee Phillips, 42, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II

CHIEF from page 1

ity of the Oakboro Police Department. He added that he and his family will stay in the local community and learn how to support it “in a di erent capacity.”

“The people of Oakboro have taught me invaluable and immeasurable lessons on what it means to truly serve others. It is my goal to transfer the knowledge and skills I have gained from my current position to a broader population,” Smith

controlled substance.

• Sharieck Refay Reese, 38, was arrested for selling or delivering a Schedule II controlled substance.

• Fredrick Douglas Rush, 34, was arrested for resisting a public o cer.

• Xavier Markieth Wall, 23, was arrested for selling or delivering a Schedule II controlled substance.

June 27

• Gary Montreal Jones, 31, was arrested for

said. “Thank you for the opportunity to serve this town for nearly eight years as your police chief. I can never express how much this opportunity has meant to me and how special Oakboro and its citizens are to me.”

Prior to his seven-plus years with the Oakboro Police Department, Smith served for a year with the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce before beginning an eight-year stint as a member of the Locust Police Department; he also served on

misdemeanor larceny.

• Bryonna May Richards, 26, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.

June 28

• Caleb Hollar, 21, was arrested for a felony probation violation.

June 30

• Zenario Marcello Bailey, 24, was arrested for obtaining property under false pretenses.

President Joe Biden speaks during a visit to the D.C. Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

the Town of Oakboro Board of Commissioners for a year before joining the town’s police department.

Smith was the 2019 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service, an honor given to individuals and groups that make a signi cant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Later that same year, he was named Veteran of the Year through the Hometown Heroes recognition program.

July 1

• Justin Oneil Baker, 32, was arrested for injuring or tampering with a vehicle.

• Jameyeka Ja’najma Bramhan, 32, was arrested for simple assault.

• Cedrick Deon Lee, 21, was arrested for resisting a public o cer.

• Brittany Annie Quick, 24, was arrested for simple assault.

• Heather Ann Ridenhour, 36, was arrested for possessing a stolen motor vehicle.

“The people of Oakboro have taught me invaluable and immeasurable lessons on what it means to truly serve others.”

Oakboro Police Chief T.J. Smith

OAKBORO

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Paid family leave: A key to success in post-Dobbs world

We can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families.

MOST OF US REMEMBER

WHERE we were when the ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was announced in June 2022.

Roe v. Wade was no more, and after the initial urry of news reports, much of America wondered: “What’s next?”

The historic ruling is now seen as one that has further divided a nation that was already split on abortion and many other issues.

While emotions and opinions run high — for good reason — this “postDobbs” world provides incredible opportunities to work together to ensure that all women and families have the support they need to welcome precious children into this world.

Paid family leave is one such opportunity. It’s an issue that has common ground for conservatives and liberals alike, as there are good people on both sides of the aisle who want to see women and families succeed.

Did you know that a staggering 23% of all mothers go back to work within

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

two weeks of giving birth? Think about that statistic for a moment. Almost one-fourth of American women don’t even have two weeks to bond with their baby at home, and they return to work without having physically, emotionally or mentally recovered from birth. This goes against not only medical advice but, in my opinion, basic pro-family values.

Paid family leave bene ts both parents and babies. Studies show that early bonding is crucial for the longterm mental health and resilience of children, and women with at least 12 weeks of paid leave report fewer depressive symptoms and better overall mental health.

Can we have a strong federal paid leave policy and be nancially responsible? Yes! The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement one another, as parents with paid leave stay connected to the workforce and have reduced reliance on public assistance. It’s a “win-win” for not only families but society as a whole.

Is this really the best we can do?

His voice was weak and hoarse. A cold. If that were all, it would not have been so bad. That was the least of it. It wasn’t just a stutter.

IT WAS PAINFUL TO WATCH.

Two men vying for the most important job in the world. And neither of them making the cut.

Trump was Trump — just as expected, bragging and blustering, lying and threatening, refusing to say he would accept the results of the election, defending the Jan. 6 rioters. It is no exaggeration to say he is a threat to our democracy as we know it. Even in the face of a dramatically diminished opponent, he could not find his way to grace, to the high road, to optimism, to a message larger than spitefully attacking immigrants and the “me me me” we have come to expect.

A younger and more vigorous Joe Biden could have eaten him for lunch. This time, he was lunch. His voice was weak and hoarse. A cold. If that were all, it would not have been so bad. That was the least of it. It wasn’t just a stutter. He visibly lost his train of thought in the first minutes of the debate. He choked on questions he should have hit out of the park. How could he get bogged down trying to explain Roe v. Wade? Why didn’t he just say that killing live born babies is homicide in all 50 states? Why let

Trump get away with that? Who cares that he was once — a very long time ago — the youngest one in the room when he is now, so very painfully, the oldest? How could he not be prepared for that most obvious question? How could he not have a clear and direct answer ready for black voters?

Biden, by all reports, spent days and days preparing for this debate. He was working with a very experienced staff. This was not a staffing problem. I am sure his debate book was stuffed with clear and concise answers. There was not a single question, I am certain, that they did not anticipate; there were no trick questions or hidden agendas. He should have been surprised by nothing. Instead, he struggled with everything. Even on the questions where he won on points — where he did have better answers than his ducking and deflecting opponent — his performance was halting and tentative.

Being president is a hard and demanding job. Biden came across as much diminished from the candidate he was four years ago. This Biden showed his age and the scars of four years in the hottest seat on the planet. It was hard to imagine that

North Carolina has taken some important steps in the past year to support families. Thanks to the robust e orts of SB20 to support mothers both during pregnancy and after birth, state employees now have paid family leave along with other robust policies to support mothers, babies and families. On the federal level, I’m grateful for the leadership of Sen. Thom Tillis in spearheading a bipartisan working group on paid family leave and also for Sen. Ted Budd and his steadfast support for pro-family policies on Capitol Hill.

Parenting brings unique joys and challenges, especially in today’s uncertain nancial climate. Together, we can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families as they welcome the next generation — one baby at a time — and create a brighter future for all.

Julie Scott Emmons is the southeast regional director of government a airs for Human Coalition.

this Biden could have defeated strong opponents, as he did four years ago to win the nomination. If this were a primary debate, he would have lost the primary. The reason no credible Democrat ran against him this time is because of the conventional wisdom that he or she would have lost but would have mortally wounded the incumbent in the process. Sometimes conventional wisdom is wrong. Will someone tell him? Of course they will. Plenty of someones. The post-debate headlines say it all.

“President Biden Struggles as Trump Blusters.” Democratic leaders were reportedly talking about replacing Biden at the top of the ticket before the debate had even ended. The question is whether Biden, who is known for his stubborn belief in his own resilience, will listen. Every delegate to the convention is pledged to support Joe Biden. They were all approved by Joe Biden. Will he officially release them? What or who can convince him to do that? It would be the ultimate act of presidential leadership.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

COLUMN | JULIE EMMONS

STANLY SPORTS

Albemarle graduate competes in Olympic trials

Akala Garrett was a Bulldog for her senior year of high school

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — Two years ago, Akala Garrett became a world champion track athlete at the age of 17 as she won a pair of gold medals at the World Junior Championships.

Over the weekend, the former Albemarle High School state champion — now a rstteam All-American and rising sophomore at the University of Texas — achieved her rst U.S. Olympic Team Trials appearance in Eugene, OR, as the youngest competitor in the eld.

Garrett nished third in the third heat of the semi nals of the women’s 400-meter hurdles on Saturday, qualifying in time to advance to Sunday’snals.

“This isn’t nothing but God. I’m so thankful, with that not being my best race. God said you will move on,” Garrett said in a social media post after Saturday’s event. “He is so amazing because it’s crazy that I’m a freshman in the Olympic Trials nal. I literally couldn’t stop crying when I found out — someone pinch me. Let’s go have fun and show everyone who God is! Love you guys, I’m so thankful for the encouragement I’m getting.”

A day later, Garrett nished seventh out of nine participants in the nals with a time of 55.01, coming up short of se -

curing a spot in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.

“It was hard, but it was fun, and that’s all that matters,” she said in a reaction video on Sunday night. “Thanks for all the support!”

Back in the summer of 2022, Garrett transferred to Albemarle from Charlotte’s Harding High for her senior season of high school. Already a seven-time NCHSAA 4A state champion across indoor and outdoor track, she left an impact on the Bulldogs as she led them to a strong performance at the 2023 NCHSAA 1A/2A Indoor Track state meet; Garrett set new 1A state meet records in four di erent events, assisting Albemarle to a second-place nish in the overall team standings. In total, she accumulated 16

state titles as a high schooler. Her collegiate athletic career so far picked up right where she left o in Stanly County.

This past April, Garrett earned her rst Big 12 weekly honor at the 64th annual Mt. SAC Relays as the only freshman ranked in the top-20 of the NCAA. Additionally, her 400m hurdles time moved her to No. 8 on the University of Texas All-Time Performer List.

A month later, she became the Big 12 400m hurdles champion with the second-fastest time in UT history (54.73), later notching the rst-place spot in the 600-yard at her rst Big 12 Championships.

The Texas women’s team nished at the top of the conference standings, besting Texas Tech and Oklahoma State by a wide margin.

Payton Watson

West Stanly, softball

Payton Watson is a rising junior on the West Stanly softball team.

The out elder was third on the Colts with a .369 batting average, second with six stolen bases and blasted a teamhigh ve home runs. Her 31 hits, 23 RBIs and .559 slugging percentage were also among team leaders.

Watson has accumulated postseason awards, getting named to the Rocky River AllConference team and also earning all-district. Last week, she capped that by being named to the 2A AllState team by the North Carolina Softball Coaches Association.

Jury orders NFL to pay nearly $4.8B in ‘Sunday Ticket’ case for violating antitrust laws

The NFL plans to appeal a decision that would cost each team $449.6 million

By Joe Reedy The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — A jury in U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.

The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class. Since damages can be tripled under federal antitrust laws, the NFL could end up being liable for $14.39 billion.

The lawsuit covered 2.4 mil-

lion residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses in the United States who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an in ated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by o ering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.

The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then possibly the Supreme Court.

Should the NFL end up paying damages, it could cost each of the 32 teams approximately $449.6 million.

“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class ac-

“Justice was done. It was a great day for consumers.”

plainti s attorney Bill Carmody

tion lawsuit,” the league said in a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free over-the-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.

“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit.”

The trial lasted three weeks and featured testimony from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

“Justice was done. The verdict upholds protection for the consumers in our class. It was a great day for consumers,” plainti s attorney Bill Carmody said.

During his closing remarks, Carmody showed an April, 2017, NFL memo that showed the league was exploring a world without “Sunday Ticket” in 2017, where cable channels would air Sunday afternoon out-of-market games not shown on Fox or CBS.

The jury of ve men and

three women deliberated for nearly ve hours before reaching its decision.

Judge Philip S. Gutierrez is scheduled to hear post-trial motions on July 31, including the NFL’s request to have him rule in favor of the league because the judge determined the plainti s did not prove their case.

Payment of damages, any changes to the “Sunday Ticket” package and/or the ways the NFL carries its Sunday afternoon games would be stayed until all appeals have been concluded.

The league maintained it had the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plainti s said that only covers over-theair broadcasts and not pay TV.

The lawsuit was originally led in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th Circuit, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ATHLETICS

Akala Garrett competes in a hurdles event for the University of Texas.

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA James intends to sign new deal with Lakers

LeBron James is not opting into what would have been a $51.4 million contract for this coming season and will instead seek a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The move is among those coming just ahead of the NBA’s free agency period, which formally opened at 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, though at least $1.2 billion in contracts have already been agreed upon because of new rules that allowed teams to speak with their own players earlier than usual.

MLB

11 people injured when Brewers’ ballpark escalator malfunctions

Milwaukee Eleven people were injured when an escalator malfunctioned at American Family Field in Milwaukee following the Brewers’ loss to the Chicago Cubs. The issue occurred Saturday. Brewers’ spokesperson Tyler Barnes says six people were hospitalized with non-lifethreatening injuries and ve others were treated at the ballpark. The escalator’s malfunction resulted “in an increased downward speed.” Other details were not immediately available. Saturday’s 5-3 loss ended the Brewers’ winning streak at ve games.

CRICKET

India wins T20 World Cup after holding o South Africa by 7 runs in gripping nal Bridgetown, Barbados India pulled o a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in the nal of the Twenty20 World Cup. South Africa, playing its rst ever nal, needed a run-a-ball 30 to win on the back of Heinrich Klaasen’s belligerent 52 o 27 balls. But Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, who shared seven wickets between them, roared back in the death overs to restrict South Africa at 169-8. Kohli’s rst halfcentury at tournament anchored India to 176-7. India won its second T20 World Cup but its rst world title in 13 years.

SOCCER

American winger Weah’s suspension extended to 2 games for red card against Panama New York

The suspension of American winger Tim Weah was extended to two games by South American soccer’s governing body for punching Panama’s Roderick Miller during their Copa American group stage. Weah received a red card in the 18th minute of the United States’ 2-1 loss, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. The Confederation of South American Football says Weah been suspended for a second game and ned $3,000 by a judge of its disciplinary commission. The money is to be deducted from the U.S. Soccer Federation’s payment from CONMEBOL for television, participation and/or prize money.

Logano wins at Nashville for 1st Cup Series victory of year

The race went to a record fth overtime

By Teresa M. Walker The Associated Press

LEBANON, Tenn. — Joey Logano felt he couldn’t get to the nish line fast enough with his No. 22 Ford sputtering and nearly out of gas.

First, he had to hold o the driver with the fastest car to win the rain-delayed race that seemingly wouldn’t end Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway in a NASCAR Cup Series-record fth overtime.

Logano had a pack of pursuers on his bumper and knew he had to make one more move to block Tyler Reddick in Turn 4. Then Logano went “bonkers” after making it over the line rst at the Ally 400. “De nitely as close as you can cut it for sure,” Logano said

about stretching his fuel almost to the last drop.

Logano held o Reddick’s charge in Turn 1 on the nal lap and again in Turn 4. He then beat Zane Smith, Reddick, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher to the line in the race that started nearly six hours earlier and went 31 laps longer than the 300 that were scheduled.

The fuel light in Logano’s Ford came on going into Turn 3 after the engine sputtered on the backstretch, and Logano — who ran the last 110 laps without stopping on the 1.33-mile concrete oval — said it stumbled across the line. All the caution laps helped stretch a tank expected to last 85 laps at best.

“It’s a much-needed win for sure,” a smiling and relieved Logano said about his rst victory this year and 33rd of his career. If the nish wasn’t thrilling enough, the mayhem continued. Chase Briscoe ran out of

“De nitely as close as you can cut it for sure.”

Joey Logano

fuel. Daniel Suarez and Martin Truex Jr. made contact, spinning Truex into the wall. Chase Elliott spun o Turn 4 and into the grass.

Smith wasn’t happy at nishing second, though he said he wouldn’t do anything di erent after the rookie’s best Cup nish.

“I felt like I chose the right lane, and it’s crazy how much di erent these cars drive with cleaner air,” Smith said. “Just proud of our strategy there.

Reddick was upset with himself on pit road, convinced he let his second victory of the year slip through his ngers.

“All the good cars ran out of

Duke’s Flagg headlines list of potential 2025 NBA lottery prospects

Two other Duke freshmen, and one at UNC, are among the potential NBA picks to watch

By Aaron Beard AP Basketball Writer

INCOMING DUKE freshman Cooper Flagg joins a touted Rutgers rookie duo as possible headliners for next summer’s draft, though multiple top international prospects are in the mix, too. Here’s an early list of potential lottery prospects for 2025:

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward is the nation’s topranked recruit who picked Duke over UConn in October after reclassifying from the 2025 class. He’s got an allaround skillset with elite potential o ensively and defensively. O ensively he can handle the ball like a guard and can nish inside from multiple angles. He’s a transition weapon who runs the oor well and is an excellent passer.

2. Airious “Ace” Bailey, Rutgers

The 6-8, 185-pound forward is the highest-ranked recruit in Rutgers’ history.

3. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

The 6-6, 180-pound guard who shared MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American game is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper.

Forward Cooper Flagg (32), an incoming Duke freshman and potential top pick in next year’s NBA Draft, drives the lane during the McDonald’s All-American boys’ basketball game earlier this year.

4. Nolan Traore, France

The 6-4, 184-pound guard is a scoring playmaker and the latest French teenager headed for high draft status. Traore, 18, drew recruiting interest from programs like Duke, Arkansas, Alabama and Gonzaga but told ESPN earlier this month he would remain in France.

5. Hugo Gonzalez, Spain

The 18-year-old is a 6-6, 200-pound wing from Spain with shooting range and the ability to attack o the dribble.

6. V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor Edgecombe is a 6-5, 180-pound guard who o ers rim-attacking athleticism for

highlight nishes with twoway potential.

7. Khaman Maluach, Duke

There’s high-end potential with the 7-2, 250-pound South Sudanese center from the NBA Academy Africa. He’s still developing after playing the sport for only the past ve years, but he runs the oor well, protects the rim, has shown shooting touch to go with a 7-5 wingspan.

8. Tre Johnson, Texas Johnson is a 6-6, 190-pound combo guard known as a shot-maker and big-time scorer.

9. Jalil Bethea, Miami

The 6-4, 170-pound guard scores o the dribble, hits

fuel, and we were in position to pass the 22,” Reddick said about Logano. “He hadn’t been good all day long, and I didn’t get the job done.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole and took the lead with seven laps left in regulation, was two laps from winning when Austin Cindric’s crash set up the chaotic nish. Hamlin nished 12th after pitting in overtime to avoid running out of fuel.

“It certainly stinks,” Hamlin said.

A thunderstorm that forced NASCAR to halt the race at 137 laps for 1 hour, 21 minutes washed o the traction that had built up. As a result, several cars got loose and crashed into the wall or slid into the grass. That helped set up a thrilling race after Christopher Bell won the rst two stages before crashing.

Hamlin took the lead going high into Turn 1, and Chastain went to the apron trying to hold him o and wobbled. That was enough for Hamlin to pass Chastain’s Chevrolet in what turned out to be only the rst late lead change of a race that featured repeated crashes on restarts.

from deep and showed o his athleticism by winning the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest.

10. Liam McNeeley, UConn

The 6-7 wing forward is a top10 recruit for the two-time reigning national champions.

11. Egor Demin, BYU

The 6-9 forward from Russia has size and can score in transition or o the catch.

12. Rocco Zikarsky, Australia

The 7-3 center signed with the National Basketball League as part of its “Next Stars” program for elite prospects.

13. Zvonimir Ivisic, Arkansas

The 7-2, 235-pound sophomore from Croatia followed coach John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas.

14. Noa Essengue, France

The 6-8, 194-pound French forward has versatile skills.

Others to watch

• Isaiah Evans: The 6-6 wing is a McDonald’s All-American and skilled scorer headed to Duke as part of the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

• Ian Jackson: The 6-5, 185-pound guard is headed to North Carolina with potential as a scorer and defender after scoring 21 points in the McDonald’s All-American game.

• Jarin Stevenson: The 6-11, 210-pound sophomore could see a larger role after Alabama’s rst Final Four trip. He ashed potential last year, notably with 19 points and ve 3s in the Elite Eight against Clemson.

KEVIN M. COX/ AP PHOTO

Joey Logano (22) crosses the nish line to win

Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Nashville.

Bolivian president orchestrated a ‘self-coup,’ political rival claims

Former President Evo Morales says Luis Arce is trying to curry favor

with voters

By Megan Janetsky

The Associated Press

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Former Bolivian President Evo Morales on Sunday accused his political ally-turned-rival President Luis Arce of deceiving the Bolivian people by staging a “selfcoup” last week to earn political points among the electorate, marking a sharp downturn in an already fraught relationship.

Morales was initially among the country’s most powerful voices to say that approximately 200 members of the military who marched on Bolivia’s government palace alongside armored vehicles on Wednesday had attempted a “coup d’état.”

“We are convinced that democracy is the only way to resolve any di erence and that institutions and the rule of law must be respected,” Morales wrote in a post on the social media platform X on the day of the military action. “We reiterate the call for all those involved in this riot to be arrested and tried.”

But on Sunday, Morales joined others who believe Arce himself orchestrated a “selfcoup” to win the sympathy of Bolivians at a time when his popularity is extremely low.

Arce “disrespected the truth, deceived us, lied, not only to the Bolivian people but to the whole world,” Morales said in a local broadcast program on Sunday.

post Sunday on X.

Shortly after the comments, Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo responded in an interview with state television with a slight aimed at Morales, saying, “According to Evo, if there aren’t deaths, there is no coup d’état.”

Morales still wields a great deal of power in Bolivia, especially among coca growers and unions, while Arce has faced simmering discontent as the country reels from an economic crisis.

Morales, once Arce’s friend, resigned as president in 2019 amid unrest after he ran for an unconstitutional third term and ed into exile, an incident he insists was a coup. He threw his support behind Arce in the country’s 2020 election as candidate for his Movement for Socialism, known by its Spanish acronym MAS.

But their relationship soured when the leader returned from exile and Morales later announced he planned to run against Arce to be MAS’s candidate in the upcoming 2025 elections. Their ghts have grown increasingly bitter as Morales has blocked much of Arce’s legislative agenda in Congress.

“We’ve been politically attacked,” Arce told The Associated Press in an interview Friday. But “we haven’t attacked” back.

Morales is throwing his support behind an accusation made by former Gen. Juan José Zuñiga, who allegedly led the coup attempt. Morales said Zuñiga informed colleagues and family of his plan before carrying it out, and that while in custody he told authorities that Arce had “betrayed” him.

That theory was quickly adopted by Arce’s political enemies.

“The president told me: ‘The situation is very screwed up, very critical. It is necessary to prepare something to raise my popularity,’” Zúñiga quoted the Bolivian leader as saying.

“At some point the truth will be known,” a handcu ed Gen. Juan José Zúñiga told reporters while being transferred to prison Saturday. Morales called for an independent investigation into the Wednesday military action in a

The feud has angered many Bolivians, and Morales’ Sunday comments were not likely to help.

Morales said in the local radio program “Kausachun Coca” that he felt the incident damaged the image of Bolivia and its military. He also apologized for expressing solidarity with Arce.

French voters propel National Rally to strong lead

Marine Le Pen’s party got about a third of the votes in the rst round of voting

The Associated Press

PARIS — The far-right National Rally leaped into a strong lead Sunday in France’s rst round of legislative elections, polling agencies projected, bringing the party closer to being able to form a government in round two and dealing a major slap to centrist President Emmanuel Macron and his risky decision to call the surprise ballot.

When he dissolved the National Assembly on June 9 following a stinging defeat at the hands of the National Rally in French voting for the European Parliament, Macron gambled that the anti-immigration party with historical links to antisemitism wouldn’t repeat that success.

But it didn’t work out that way. With French polling agencies projecting that the Nation-

al Rally and its allies got about one-third of the national vote on Sunday, Macron’s prime minister warned that France could end up with its rst farright government since World War II if voters don’t come together to thwart that scenario in round two next Sunday.

“The extreme right is at the doors of power,” Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said. He twice described National Rally policy pledges as “disastrous” and said that in the second-round ballot, “not one vote should go to the National Rally.”

French polling agencies’ projections put Macron’s grouping of centrist parties a distant third in the rst-round ballot, behind both the National Rally and a new left-wing coalition of parties that joined forces to keep it from winning power.

Winning a parliamentary majority would enable National Rally leader Marine Le Pen to install her 28-year-old protege, Jordan Bardella, as prime minister and would crown her yearslong rebranding e ort to

make her party less repellent to mainstream voters. She inherited the party, then called the National Front, from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who has multiple convictions for racist and antisemitic hate speech.

Still, the National Rally isn’t there yet. With another torrid week of campaigning to come before the decisive nal voting Sunday, the election’s ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

Addressing a jubilant crowd, Le Pen called on her supporters and voters who didn’t back her party in the rst round to push it over the line and give it a commanding legislative majority. That scenario would force Bardella and Macron into an awkward power-sharing arrangement. Macron has said he will not step down before his term expires in 2027. Only the second round will make clear whether Le Pen’s party and its allies get the absolute majority they would need to comfortably form a government and then start to implement their promises to dis-

mantle many of Macron’s key policies and foreign policy platforms. That would include stopping French deliveries of longrange missiles to Ukraine in the war against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The National Rally has historical ties to Russia.

The far right’s more confrontational approach to the European Union, its plans to roll back Macron’s pension reforms and National Rally promises to boost voters’ spending power without clearly detailing how it would pay for the pledge could also spook European nancial markets.

Some polling agency projections indicated that in the bestcase scenario for the far right, the National Rally and its allies could collectively clear the bar of 289 seats needed for a secure majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

But, depending on how the second round shakes out, the far right could also fall short and leave no single bloc with a clear majority, polling agencies projected. Predictions are di -

cult because of the two-round voting system.

Already on Sunday night, the far-right’s rivals were working on arrangements to pull some of their candidates out of the race in round two in an e ort to concentrate votes against the National Rally.

Turnout was at least 66%, according to polling estimates, which would make it the highest for a rst-round legislative election in 27 years.

Many French voters are frustrated with in ation and other economic concerns, as well as Macron’s leadership, seen as arrogant and out-of-touch with their lives. The National Rally party has tapped that discontent, notably via online platforms such as TikTok.

Foremost for many voters were the rising cost of living and immigration, which the National Rally campaigned heavily on. The National Rally has questioned the right to citizenship for people born in France, and it wants to curtail the rights of French citizens with dual nationality. Critics say that undermines human rights and is a threat to France’s democratic ideals.

THIBAULT CAMUS / AP PHOTO

JUAN KARITA / AP PHOTO

Bolivia President Luis Arce speaks after an interview at the government palace in La Paz last Friday, two days after Army troops stormed the palace in what Arce called a coup attempt. Critics are asserting Arce staged the revolt to curry favor with voters.

(Taylor) Drye

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Kathleen Long

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Doris Jones Coleman

Je rey Lee Shaver

February 21, 1932 –June 30, 2024

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Kathleen Morris Long, 92, of Albemarle passed away on June 30, 2024, in her home. Her funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in the Family Life Center of West Albemarle Baptist Church with Rev. Adam Hatley. The family will receive friends in the Family Life Center from 10 AM until 11 AM before the hour of the service. Burial will be in Fairview Memorial Park.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Gar eld.

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

Born February 21, 1932, in Stanly County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Joe Morris and Bessie Mae Blalock Morris. She was a lifelong member of West Albemarle Baptist Church and owned and operated Long’s Jewelers. Before owning her jewelry store with her husband Jerry, she was an employee of the Jewel Box in Albemarle. She was a former Sunday School Teacher at West Albemarle and was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for many years. She was also instrumental in helping her husband Jerry on the many Boards he served on including Hospice and Bank of Stanly. Kathleen loved her community and gave back throughout her life. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time in the mountains of NC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her rst husband Vert Noah, and her second husband Jerry Long. Survivors include her four children, Cynthia Lowder of Millingport, Michael Noah (Debbie) of New London, Je rey Noah (Robin) of Albemarle, and Linda Loftin of Charlotte, nine grandchildren Kevin Lowder and Kyle Lowder, Allan Noah, and Daniel Noah, and Ashlee McKeon, Margaret Anspach, Beverly Almond, Bradley Frodge and Brent Frodge, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, The American Cancer Society, or to West Albemarle Baptist Church, 336 Church Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

The family wishes to express special thanks to caregivers Connie Dennis and Brenda Whitley, and to the sta of Tillery Compassionate Care.

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.

May 25, 1962 – June 29, 2024

Je rey Lee Shaver, 62, of Albemarle passed away on June 29, 2024. His visitation will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 6 until 8 PM at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle. A private family service will be held separately.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheri ’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

Born May 25, 1962 in Stanly County, NC he was the son of the late Robert Lee Shaver and Evelyn Burris Shaver. He was the owner of Je Shaver and Sons, LLC. He was a sherman and loved hunting and working.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

Roy Junior “R.J.” Furr

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

June 5, 1939 – June 28, 2024

Roy Junior "R.J." Furr, 85, of Stan eld, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

Barbara “Jean” Ewing Laton

March 2, 1935 – June 28, 2024

Barbara “Jean” Ewing Laton, 89, of Albemarle, passed away Friday,June 28, 2024 at St. Andrews Assisted Living Center in Concord, NC.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

He is survived by his wife Vicky Lambert Shaver of the home, two sons Jeremy Lee Shaver (Leslie) of New London and Brandon Eugene Shaver (Samatha) of Albemarle, siblings Ernie Shaver (Collette) of Locust, Brenda Page (Wayne) of Albemarle, Pat Helms of Albemarle, Jerry “Moe” Morris (Sharlene) of Albemarle, and Tammy Thompson (Darrell) of Albemarle, and four grandchildren Parker, Emma, Morgan, and Maggie.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

R.J. was born June 5, 1939 in Stanly County, NC, to the late Roy Lee Furr and the late Dessie Grace Love Furr. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine "Kitty Sue" Furr; son, Ricky Allen Furr; and sister, Doris Barbee Renfro.

R.J. retired from Charlotte Pipe and Foundry after more than 35 years. In his early years, R.J. served with the Locust Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed shing, hunting, and watching NASCAR. R.J. never knew a stranger. He was a kindhearted, humble, and good man. Most of all, R.J. dearly loved his family. He will be forever loved and greatly missed.

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

Survivors include son, Jimmy (Nancy) Furr of Stan eld; daughter, Tammy (Je ) Black of Concord; 3 grandchildren, Jayme (Teresa) Furr of Locust, Lynzie (Eric) Broome of Concord, and Megan Black (Josh) Furr; 1 great-granddaughter, Rachel Furr; and granddogs, Axel, Addy and Lily.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm, Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Hartsell Funeral Home Midland. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm in the Jack Hartsell Memorial Chapel at the funeral home, o ciated by Elder Monty Soots. Burial will follow at the Locust Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 607 W. Main Street, Locust. Memorial donations may be made to your local humane society.

Darrick

Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Furr family.

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

Jean was born March 2, 1935 in Stanly County, NC to the late Dwight Sloan Ewingand the late Helen “Louise” York Hammond. She was also preceded in death by husband, Thomas “Tommy” Laton, and son, Mark Laton.

drag boat and stock car races in the 1990s, and following her favorite professional teams and athletes in the NBA, PGA, and NASCAR. She and husband, Tommy, loved hosting family and friends at Charlotte Motor Speedway every May and October for the NASCAR races from the mid-1990s through the late-2000s. During the family’s time as owners of Concord Speedway, it was rare for her to miss those Saturday night races with Tommy and son, David. Known to be the outspoken type, she never failed to let people know where she stood, especially where sports and family were concerned.

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long ght in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away ghting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Survivors include sons, David Laton (Betty Laton) of Albemarle, NC and Gary Laton (Kristi Laton) of Mount Pleasant, NC; grandchildren, Derrick Laton (Natalie Laton)of Miami, FL, Brian Laton (Jenny Laton) of Lake Forest, CA, and Pressley Laton (KC Banner) of Blowing Rock, NC.

When John purchased his rst Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

A Badin High School and Pfei er University alumna, Jean competed as a multisport college athlete in the early-1950s, basketball having been her favorite. After graduating from Pfei er, she began her career working in payroll at Alcoa in Badin, NC, transitioned into the role of homemaker in 1958 when her rst son was born, and proceeded to raise her three boys while balancing the family’s knack for keeping many irons in the re. In true Laton fashion, she never shied away from work, whether it was her time working at Whitley’s Luncheonette, followed by managing their family-owned restaurant, the Bar-B-Q Shack, during the mid-1970s in East Albemarle, running the snack bar at the Stanly County Country Club, manning their booth every year at the Stanly County Fair, or providing transportation for her sons’ candy apple delivery routes throughout town and surrounding areas. Her love of sports never faded, supporting her grandsons at their basketball games through their high school years, pulling for her son, Gary, during numerous

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men. John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Rich eld, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; ve great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

Fiercely proud of her family, Jean loved spending time with them, telling anyone she could about what everyone had going on in their lives. Forever sharing stories from earlier years, she absolutely loved a good laugh and had a wonderfully dry sense of humor. Before moving into St. Andrews Assisted Living Center in November 2022, she enjoyed spending her time outside watching boats pass by from the back porch whether at her home on Lake Tillery or Sunset Beach, constantly listening to Elvis Presley albums and sharing a mutual love of music with her granddaughter, planting owers and working in the yard, and constantly redecorating. Her friends and caretakers at St. Andrews certainly can attest that her love of decorating never stopped, always decking out her room with lights and whatever decorations she could get her hands on for whichever holiday was coming up next. When she wasn’t in decorating mode or watching her favorite digital picture frame’s slideshow of her family, she enjoyed spending her days in the activity room with her friends making art and playing bingo, always sure to help others play along. Jean was a member of Highland Baptist Church in New London as well. Her family and friends will greatly miss her giving nature and tenacious spirit, yet they nd peace knowing she is reunited with other loved ones.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

The family wishes to thank the sta at St. Andrews Assisted Living Center in Concord who cared for her over the last year-and-a-half. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to VIA Health Partners in memory of Jean.

The family has decided to hold a private service. While the family appreciates your support, they request privacy at this time.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was sel ess, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Laton family.

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, out ts for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

STATE & NATION

Top Democrats concerned Biden campaign ignoring impact of debate

A private call between the DNC, Biden surrogates and party leaders has heightened concern around the presidential race

By Steve Peoples

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A sense of concern is growing inside the top ranks of the Democratic Party that leaders of Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee are not taking seriously enough the impact of the president’s troubling debate performance last week.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison and Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held a Saturday afternoon call with dozens of committee members across the country, a group of some of the most inuential members of the party. They largely ignored Biden’s weak showing Thursday night or the avalanche of criticism that followed.

Multiple committee members on the call, most granted anonymity to talk about the private discussion, described feeling like they were being gaslighted — that they were be -

ing asked to ignore the dire nature of the party’s predicament.

The call, they said, may have worsened a widespread sense of panic among elected ocials, donors and other stakeholders.

Instead, the people said, Harrison o ered what they described as a rosy assessment

The footage appears to show the boy pointing a replica gun at police

By Philip Marcelo and Stefanie Dazio

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Video released late Saturday shows an o cer in central New York fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy who had been tackled to the ground after he ran from police and pointed a replica handgun at them.

The teen was killed a little after 10 p.m. Friday in Utica after o cers in the city about 55 miles east of Syracuse stopped two youths in connection with an armed robbery investigation, police said.

The youths, both 13, matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects and were in the same area at around the same time the day after, police said.

The body camera video released by police captures an ofcer saying he needs to pat them down to ensure they don’t have any weapons in their possession. Immediately one of the

two, identi ed by police as Nyah Mway, runs away. Authorities froze frames of the video where a running Mway appears to point the gun at the pursuing o cers. Police also edited the video to insert a red circle around the weapon to show it to viewers.

The o cers believed it was a handgun, police said, but it was later determined to be a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine.

“During a ground struggle” with the teen, one of the o cers red a single shot that struck the boy in the chest, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said.

The teen was given “immediate” rst aid by the o cers and taken to Wynn Hospital, where he died, the chief said.

The replica gun carried by the teen “is in all aspects a realistic appearing rearm with GLOCK markings, signatures, detachable magazine, and serial numbers,” Lt. Michael Curley, a police spokesperson, said via email. “However ultimately it res only pellets or BB’s.”

A bystander video posted to Facebook shows one of the ofcers chasing after Mway and tackling him to the ground. It

of Biden’s path forward. The chat function was disabled and there were no questions allowed.

“I was hoping for more of a substantive conversation instead of, ‘Hey, let’s go out there and just be cheerleaders,’ without actually addressing a very serious issue that unfolded on

American television for millions of people to see,” said Joe Salazar, an elected DNC member from Colorado, who was on the call. “There were a number of things that could have been said in addressing the situation. But we didn’t get that. We were being gaslit.”

Many donors, party strategists and rank-and- le DNC members are publicly and privately saying they want the 81-year-old Biden to step aside to allow the party to select a younger replacement at the Democratic National Convention in August. As of now, though, Biden’s closest allies insist he remains well-positioned to compete against Republican Donald Trump and have given no indication they will push him to end his campaign.

Those best positioned to replace him — Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among them — reiterated their support for Biden after the debate.

Many are anxiously awaiting the rst major round of post-debate public polling to determine their next steps.

Polls from CNN and 538/Ipsos conducted soon after the debate found that most debate watchers thought Trump out-

performed Biden. But the two men’s favorability ratings remained largely unchanged, just as they did in the aftermath of Trump’s conviction on charges in New York that he illegally participated in a hush money scheme to in uence the 2016 election.

In a subsequent appearance on MSNBC, Harrison downplayed the signi cance of the conference call, which he said was part of a regularly scheduled communication “to talk about the state of the race” and the upcoming national convention with the DNC’s many elected members across the country.

Biden and his campaign have sought to project con dence in the days since last Thursday’s debate in which the president, who already faced serious concerns about his physical and mental stamina, o ered a performance punctuated by repeated stumbles, uncomfortable pauses and a quiet speaking style that was often di cult to understand.

Just after Saturday’s DNC call, the Biden campaign released a memo from senior adviser Jen O’Malley Dillon insisting that the debate had no tangible impact on the election.

“On every metric that matters, data shows it did nothing to change the American people’s perception, our supporters are more red up than ever, and Donald Trump only reminded voters of why they red him four years ago and failed to expand his appeal beyond his MAGA base,” O’Malley Dillon wrote.

also shows the o cer punching the teen as two other o cers arrive. A gunshot rings out as the teen is on the ground and the ofcers quickly stand up.

The o cer who red his gun was identi ed as Patrick Husnay, a six-year veteran of the agency. Husnay and O cers Bryce Patterson and Andrew Citriniti were placed on administrative leave with pay.

The police body camera video shows a chaotic scene.

Mway points the replica handgun at the o cers while he runs from them. The o cers scream “gun!” to each other as they run. Patterson then tackles and punches Mway, and as the two are wrestling on the ground,

Husnay opens re. O cers initially thought Nyah Mway may have shot himself, and Patterson says, “I don’t know if he shot me.” It is not clear whether he is referring to Mway or his fellow o cer. Patterson was not struck.

Bystanders scream at the police throughout the recordings, and at one point an o cer yells back: “We’re trying to save him right now!”

The other youth was detained in the back of a police vehicle and was not involved in the shooting.

During his “public safety statement,” a brief interview typically done in the aftermath of a police shooting to ensure there is no additional threat, Husnay

Police investigate the scene of last Friday night’s shooting in Utica, New York, early last Saturday. An o cer shot and killed a teen eeing while pointing a replica gun, police said Saturday.

said he red one round “straight towards the ground.” He did not know whether Mway had red at the o cers but said he thought the weapon was a 22-caliber handgun.

The police department released the body camera videos following a public outcry as the shooting roiled Utica, a city with a population of 65,000. It is home to more than 4,200 people from Myanmar, according to The Center, a nonpro t that helps to resettle the refugees.

Mway, who local media reports said was an 8th grader at Donovan Middle School, was identi ed as a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at LaGuardia International Airport last Saturday in New York.

The rockets’ red glare

After signing the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Today, 248 years later, these United States are still striving to live up to what Lincoln called “the last best hope of Earth.” Happy Fourth.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NCDMV fees rise, new card surcharges

NC residents face higher costs for DMV services, beginning this month, as the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) rolls out fee increases and introduces surcharges when paying with a card. The card surcharge, enabled by a new provision in the state budget, will see fees added to all NCDMV in-person (1.22%), online (1.85%) and kiosk transactions (2%) when paying with a credit or debit card starting July 1.

Simultaneously, the NCDMV implemented its state-mandated quadrennial fee adjustments.

Approximately 90 license and registration-related fees will increase by 19.18%, a number based on in ation over the past four years:

• Regular driver’s license: $1 per year increase ($5 more for a ve-year license)

• Learner’s permit and provisional license: $4 increase

• Duplicate license: $2.75 increase

• Passenger vehicle registration: Rises from $38.75 to $46.25

Fourth of July safety tips

With reworks and grills common accessories for July

Fourth frivolity, NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey

o ers the following advice to avoid needing to call your insurance agent this year:

Fireworks safety tips:

• Never let children use reworks unsupervised

• Use reworks outdoors in clear areas

• Have water nearby for emergencies

• Light only one rework at a time

Grilling safety tips:

• Use grills outdoors only

• Keep grills away from buildings

• Maintain a 10-foot child-free zone

WSFCS heads into summer again hoping to ll vacancies

The district currently has 290 vacancies, an improvement on 2023’s 367 openings

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM – With the school system heading into summer, sta ng needs received top billing at the Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Board of Education Tuesday meeting last week. Though the district has hundreds of vacancies, it’s doing much better than last year, according to an update from the district’s HR department.

From May 1 to June 20, WSFCS had 477 separations — 296 resignations and 181 retirements. On the other side of

the coin, 287 employees have been recommended for employment, and 41 have been cleared to start

In total, WSFCS has 290 vacancies, 185 of which are for classroom teachers and 100 of which are classi ed vacancies. That number is down from 367 vacancies at the same time last year when 294 of those were for classroom teachers.

“I can’t say it’s golden, but overall, we’re doing much better this year,” said Chief Human Resource O cer Chris Weikart. “Just to put it into perspective, we have about 4,000 teachers roughly. So 185 out of 4,000 is a pretty high percentage for this point in the year. We’re really excited, but we still have a lot of work to do.”

In other business, the board approved the acceptance of the

“I

can’t say it’s golden, but overall, we’re doing much better this year.”

WSFCS Chief Human Resource O cer Chris Weikart

Magnet Schools Assistant Program Grant that the US Department of Education awarded to WSFCS.

“It’s a ve-year grant that totals $14.6 million and will fund 15.5 positions, four of which will be in the central o ce and 11.5 positions will be at the schools,” said Chief Financial O cer Thomas Kranz. “This grant has ve speci c goals that it’s trying to achieve.”

Biden proposes excessive heat rule for workplaces

Employers would have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization

By Suman Naishadham The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace, warning — as tens of millions of people in the U.S. are under heat advisories — that high temperatures are the country’s leading weather-related killer. If nalized, the measure would protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure on

the job — establishing the rst major federal safety standard of its kind. Those a ected by excessive heat in the workplace include farmworkers, delivery and construction workers, landscapers and indoor workers in warehouses, factories and kitchens.

“The purpose of this rule is simple,” a senior White House administration o cial told reporters. “It is to signi cantly reduce the number of worker-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses su ered by workers who are exposed to excessive heat ... while simply doing their jobs.”

Under the proposed rule, employers would be required to identify heat hazards, devel-

op emergency response plans related to heat illness, and provide training to employees and supervisors on the signs and symptoms of such illnesses. They would also have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization — or the building of tolerance to higher temperatures — for new workers.

Penalties for heat-related violations in workplaces would increase signi cantly, in line with what workplaces are issued for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules, a senior White House administration o cial said.

An estimated 2,300 people in the U.S. died from heat-related illness in 2023. Workers

The grant’s goals are to increase racial and socio-economic diversity, academic achievement, parent and family support, rigorous professional development and training opportunities for teachers and sta , and full implementation of the International Baccalaureate program in the WSFCS proposed magnet schools. Per the agenda, the grant project will “help create new international Baccalaureate/ Dual Language immersion programs at Konnoak Elementary and Flat Rock Middle Schools as well as breathe new life into the magnet programs at Paisley IB and Parkland IB schools. As each Project Revitalize school creates a deep

See WSFCS, page 2

with prolonged exposure to extreme heat are among the most vulnerable to related health risks, such as heatstroke and other illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Labor Department has been developing a standard for how workplaces deal with heat since 2021, with OSHA having held meetings last year to hear about how the proposed measures could a ect small businesses.

The AFL-CIO union federation praised the Biden adminis-

See OSHA, page 2

Forsyth SPORTS

Jury orders NFL to pay nearly $4.8B in ‘Sunday Ticket’ case for violating antitrust laws

The NFL plans to appeal a decision that would cost each team $449.6 million

By Joe Reedy The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — A jury in

U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.

The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class. Since damages can be tripled under federal antitrust laws, the NFL could end up being liable for $14.39 billion.

The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses in the United States who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an in ated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by o ering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.

The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell arrives at federal court in Los Angeles. Goodell testi ed in the class-action lawsuit led by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers.

go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then possibly the Supreme Court.

Should the NFL end up paying damages, it could cost each of the 32 teams approximately $449.6 million.

“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free overthe-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.

“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit.”

The trial lasted three weeks and featured testimony from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

“Justice was done. The verdict upholds protection for the consumers in our class. It was a great day for consumers,” plainti s attorney Bill Carmody said.

During his closing remarks, Carmody showed an April, 2017,

NFL memo that showed the league was exploring a world without “Sunday Ticket” in 2017, where cable channels would air Sunday afternoon out-of-market games not shown on Fox or CBS.

The jury of ve men and three women deliberated for nearly ve hours before reaching its decision.

Judge Philip S. Gutierrez is scheduled to hear post-trial motions on July 31, including the NFL’s request to have him rule in favor of the league because the judge determined the plainti s did not prove their case.

Payment of damages, any changes to the “Sunday Ticket” package and/or the ways the NFL carries its Sunday afternoon games would be stayed until all appeals have been concluded.

The league maintained it had the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plainti s said that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.

The lawsuit was originally led in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th Circuit, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Sydney Horton

West Forsyth, softball

Sydney Horton is a rising senior on the West Forsyth softball team.

The Titans went 24-4 this season, and Horton was the most dominant player on one of the area’s most successful teams.

She led the Central Piedmont conference with a .595 average, 1.025 slugging percentage, six home runs, 42 RBIs, 52 runs, 43 stolen bases and .676 on-base percentage. Her steals, runs and RBI totals also led the state’s 4A West division.

This is nothing new for Horton, she was named the Central Piedmont player of the year for the second straight season, then followed it up by repeating as District 5’s 4A player of the year. Most recently, the North Carolina Softball Coaches Association named her the state player of the year at 4A for the second straight season.

Wimbledon 2024: Here’s how to watch on TV, betting odds and more you should know

Play began Monday at the All England Tennis Club

The Associated Press

WIMBLEDON, England — Get ready for Wimbledon with a guide that tells you everything you need to know about how to watch the grass-court Grand Slam tennis tournament, what the betting odds are, what the schedule is, who the defending champions are and more:

How to watch Wimbledon on TV

• Tennis Channel, ESPN

Betting favorites for Wimbledon

Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner are listed as the favorites to win the singles championships at the All England Club, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The third-seeded Sabalenka — a twotime Australian Open champion and twice a semi nalist at Wimbledon — is a +333 money-line pick, ahead of No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek (+400), 2022 champion Elena Rybakina (+650) and No. 2 Coco Gau (+700). The top-seeded Sinner is listed at +150, ahead of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (+225) and Novak Djokovic (+325), with a big drop-o to the next choice, No. 7 seed Hubert Hurkacz (+1200).

Basic facts about Wimbledon

The site is the All England Club. The surface is grass courts. Women play best-of-three-set matches; men play best-of- veset matches. Unlike the other three Grand Slam tennis tournaments, there are no night sessions; a curfew prevents play past 11 p.m. The event lasts 14 days, including play now on

the middle Sunday, which until 2022 was not used for competition except on four occasions when rain created a backlog of matches. There are retractable roofs on Centre Court and No. 1 Court.

The top seeds at Wimbledon

Iga Swiatek is the top-seeded woman. Jannik Sinner is the top-seeded man.

How is Novak Djokovic’s knee doing ahead of Wimbledon?

Novak Djokovic, who has won seven of his 24 Grand Slam titles at the All England Club, said Saturday his surgically repaired right knee feels good and he expects to be able to compete at a high level. He got hurt on June 3 at the French Open and had an operation two days later.

The Wimbledon schedule

• July 3-4: Second Round (Women and Men)

• July 5-6: Third Round (Women and Men)

• July 7-8: Fourth Round (Women and Men)

• July 9-10: Quarter nals (Women and Men)

• July 11: Women’s Semi nals

• July 12: Men’s Semi nals

• July 13: Women’s Final

• July 14: Men’s Final

Wimbledon’s defending champions

Marketa Vondrousova earned her rst Grand Slam title a year ago at the All England Club, defeating Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-4 to become the rst unseeded woman to win Wimbledon. Carlos Alcaraz got past Novak Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 for his rst trophy at Wimbledon and second at a major (a total he recently raised to three by winning the French Open). Djokovic

had won four consecutive titles at the All England Club and seven overall.

Prize money at Wimbledon

Total prize money at Wimbledon in 2024 is rising to a record 50 million pounds, which is about $64 million — an increase of nearly 12% from last year. The two singles champions each will receive 2.7 million pounds, about $3.45 million.

Numbers to know about Wimbledon

7 — The number of women who have won Wimbledon in the last seven years: Marketa Vondrousova, Elena Rybakina, Ash Barty, Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, Garbiñe Muguruza, Serena Williams. 12 — The number of British men in the Wimbledon singles draw this year, the most since there were 14 in 1978.

What was said at Wimbledon?

“Oh, man, I wish a year ago, me after that match could see me now. That was a tough moment for me.” — Coco Gau , who lost in the rst round at Wimbledon in 2023 but then went on to win the next Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open.

“I don’t see myself holding back. I don’t see myself calculating or being a bit more cautious in the movement. I don’t see that happening. Really, I go all in. I go full out. I mean, that’s the way I’ve been playing my entire career.” — Novak Djokovic, who will play Wimbledon less than a month after having knee surgery.

KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH / AP PHOTO Novak Djokovic of Serbia sits in his chair as ground sta look on during a training session on Court 2 at Wimbledon. The Wimbledon Championships began on July 1.

DAMIAN DOVARGANES / AP PHOTO

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA James intends to sign new deal with Lakers

LeBron James is not opting into what would have been a $51.4 million contract for this coming season and will instead seek a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The move is among those coming just ahead of the NBA’s free agency period, which formally opened at 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, though at least $1.2 billion in contracts have already been agreed upon because of new rules that allowed teams to speak with their own players earlier than usual.

MLB 11 people injured when Brewers’ ballpark escalator malfunctions

Milwaukee Eleven people were injured when an escalator malfunctioned at American Family Field in Milwaukee following the Brewers’ loss to the Chicago Cubs. The issue occurred Saturday. Brewers’ spokesperson Tyler Barnes says six people were hospitalized with non-lifethreatening injuries and ve others were treated at the ballpark. The escalator’s malfunction resulted “in an increased downward speed.” Other details were not immediately available. Saturday’s 5-3 loss ended the Brewers’ winning streak at ve games.

CRICKET

India wins T20 World Cup after holding o South Africa by 7 runs in gripping nal Bridgetown, Barbados India pulled o a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in the nal of the Twenty20 World Cup. South Africa, playing its rst ever nal, needed a run-a-ball 30 to win on the back of Heinrich Klaasen’s belligerent 52 o 27 balls. But Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, who shared seven wickets between them, roared back in the death overs to restrict South Africa at 169-8. Kohli’s rst halfcentury at tournament anchored India to 176-7. India won its second T20 World Cup but its rst world title in 13 years.

SOCCER

American winger Weah’s suspension extended to 2 games for red card against Panama New York

The suspension of American winger Tim Weah was extended to two games by South American soccer’s governing body for punching Panama’s Roderick Miller during their Copa American group stage. Weah received a red card in the 18th minute of the United States’ 2-1 loss, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. The Confederation of South American Football says Weah been suspended for a second game and ned $3,000 by a judge of its disciplinary commission. The money is to be deducted from the U.S. Soccer Federation’s payment from CONMEBOL for television, participation and/or prize money.

Logano wins at Nashville for 1st Cup Series victory of year

The race went to a record fth overtime

By Teresa M. Walker The Associated Press

LEBANON, Tenn. — Joey Logano felt he couldn’t get to the nish line fast enough with his No. 22 Ford sputtering and nearly out of gas.

First, he had to hold o the driver with the fastest car to win the rain-delayed race that seemingly wouldn’t end Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway in a NASCAR Cup Series-record fth overtime.

Logano had a pack of pursuers on his bumper and knew he had to make one more move to block Tyler Reddick in Turn 4. Then Logano went “bonkers” after making it over the line rst at the Ally 400. “De nitely as close as you can cut it for sure,” Logano said

about stretching his fuel almost to the last drop.

Logano held o Reddick’s charge in Turn 1 on the nal lap and again in Turn 4. He then beat Zane Smith, Reddick, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher to the line in the race that started nearly six hours earlier and went 31 laps longer than the 300 that were scheduled.

The fuel light in Logano’s Ford came on going into Turn 3 after the engine sputtered on the backstretch, and Logano — who ran the last 110 laps without stopping on the 1.33-mile concrete oval — said it stumbled across the line. All the caution laps helped stretch a tank expected to last 85 laps at best.

“It’s a much-needed win for sure,” a smiling and relieved Logano said about his rst victory this year and 33rd of his career. If the nish wasn’t thrilling enough, the mayhem continued. Chase Briscoe ran out of

“De nitely as close as you can cut it for sure.”

Joey Logano

fuel. Daniel Suarez and Martin Truex Jr. made contact, spinning Truex into the wall. Chase Elliott spun o Turn 4 and into the grass. Smith wasn’t happy at nishing second, though he said he wouldn’t do anything di erent after the rookie’s best Cup nish.

“I felt like I chose the right lane, and it’s crazy how much di erent these cars drive with cleaner air,” Smith said. “Just proud of our strategy there.

Reddick was upset with himself on pit road, convinced he let his second victory of the year slip through his ngers.

“All the good cars ran out of

Duke’s Flagg headlines list of potential 2025 NBA lottery prospects

Two other Duke freshmen, and one at UNC, are among the potential NBA picks to watch

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

INCOMING DUKE freshman Cooper Flagg joins a touted Rutgers rookie duo as possible headliners for next summer’s draft, though multiple top international prospects are in the mix, too.

Here’s an early list of potential lottery prospects for 2025:

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward is the nation’s topranked recruit who picked Duke over UConn in October after reclassifying from the 2025 class. He’s got an allaround skillset with elite potential o ensively and defensively. O ensively he can handle the ball like a guard and can nish inside from multiple angles. He’s a transition weapon who runs the oor well and is an excellent passer.

2. Airious “Ace” Bailey, Rutgers

The 6-8, 185-pound forward is the highest-ranked recruit in Rutgers’ history.

3. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

The 6-6, 180-pound guard who shared MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American game is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper.

4. Nolan Traore, France

Forward Cooper Flagg (32), an incoming Duke freshman and potential top pick in next year’s NBA Draft, drives the lane during the McDonald’s All-American boys’ basketball game earlier this year.

The 6-4, 184-pound guard is a scoring playmaker and the latest French teenager headed for high draft status. Traore, 18, drew recruiting interest from programs like Duke, Arkansas, Alabama and Gonzaga but told ESPN earlier this month he would remain in France.

5. Hugo Gonzalez, Spain

The 18-year-old is a 6-6, 200-pound wing from Spain with shooting range and the ability to attack o the dribble.

6. V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor

Edgecombe is a 6-5, 180-pound guard who o ers rim-attacking athleticism for highlight nishes with twoway potential.

7. Khaman Maluach, Duke There’s high-end potential with the 7-2, 250-pound South Sudanese center from the NBA Academy Africa. He’s still developing after playing the sport for only the past ve years, but he runs the oor well, protects the rim, has shown shooting touch to go with a 7-5 wingspan.

8. Tre Johnson, Texas Johnson is a 6-6, 190-pound combo guard known as a shot-maker and big-time scorer.

9. Jalil Bethea, Miami

The 6-4, 170-pound guard scores o the dribble, hits from deep and showed o

fuel, and we were in position to pass the 22,” Reddick said about Logano. “He hadn’t been good all day long, and I didn’t get the job done.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole and took the lead with seven laps left in regulation, was two laps from winning when Austin Cindric’s crash set up the chaotic nish. Hamlin nished 12th after pitting in overtime to avoid running out of fuel.

“It certainly stinks,” Hamlin said.

A thunderstorm that forced NASCAR to halt the race at 137 laps for 1 hour, 21 minutes washed o the traction that had built up. As a result, several cars got loose and crashed into the wall or slid into the grass. That helped set up a thrilling race after Christopher Bell won the rst two stages before crashing.

Hamlin took the lead going high into Turn 1, and Chastain went to the apron trying to hold him o and wobbled. That was enough for Hamlin to pass Chastain’s Chevrolet in what turned out to be only the rst late lead change of a race that featured repeated crashes on restarts.

his athleticism by winning the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest.

10. Liam McNeeley, UConn

The 6-7 wing forward is a top10 recruit for the two-time reigning national champions.

11. Egor Demin, BYU

The 6-9 forward from Russia has size and can score in transition or o the catch.

12. Rocco Zikarsky, Australia

The 7-3 center signed with the National Basketball League as part of its “Next Stars” program for elite prospects.

13. Zvonimir Ivisic, Arkansas

The 7-2, 235-pound sophomore from Croatia followed coach John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas.

14. Noa Essengue, France

The 6-8, 194-pound French forward has versatile skills.

Others to watch

• Isaiah Evans: The 6-6 wing is a McDonald’s All-American and skilled scorer headed to Duke as part of the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

• Ian Jackson: The 6-5, 185-pound guard is headed to North Carolina with potential as a scorer and defender after scoring 21 points in the McDonald’s All-American game. • Jarin Stevenson: The 6-11, 210-pound sophomore could see a larger role after Alabama’s rst Final Four trip. He ashed potential last year, notably with 19 points and ve 3s in the Elite Eight against Clemson.

KEVIN M. COX/ AP PHOTO

Joey Logano (22) crosses the nish line to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Nashville.

Bolivian president orchestrated a ‘self-coup,’ political rival claims

Former President Evo Morales says Luis Arce is trying to curry favor

with voters

By Megan Janetsky

The Associated Press

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Former Bolivian President Evo Morales on Sunday accused his political ally-turned-rival President Luis Arce of deceiving the Bolivian people by staging a “selfcoup” last week to earn political points among the electorate, marking a sharp downturn in an already fraught relationship.

Morales was initially among the country’s most powerful voices to say that approximately 200 members of the military who marched on Bolivia’s government palace alongside armored vehicles on Wednesday had attempted a “coup d’état.”

“We are convinced that democracy is the only way to resolve any di erence and that institutions and the rule of law must be respected,” Morales wrote in a post on the social media platform X on the day of the military action. “We reiterate the call for all those involved in this riot to be arrested and tried.”

But on Sunday, Morales joined others who believe Arce himself orchestrated a “selfcoup” to win the sympathy of Bolivians at a time when his popularity is extremely low.

Arce “disrespected the truth, deceived us, lied, not only to the Bolivian people but to the whole world,” Morales said in a local broadcast program on Sunday.

post Sunday on X. Shortly after the comments, Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo responded in an interview with state television with a slight aimed at Morales, saying, “According to Evo, if there aren’t deaths, there is no coup d’état.”

Morales still wields a great deal of power in Bolivia, especially among coca growers and unions, while Arce has faced simmering discontent as the country reels from an economic crisis.

Morales, once Arce’s friend, resigned as president in 2019 amid unrest after he ran for an unconstitutional third term and ed into exile, an incident he insists was a coup. He threw his support behind Arce in the country’s 2020 election as candidate for his Movement for Socialism, known by its Spanish acronym MAS.

But their relationship soured when the leader returned from exile and Morales later announced he planned to run against Arce to be MAS’s candidate in the upcoming 2025 elections. Their ghts have grown increasingly bitter as Morales has blocked much of Arce’s legislative agenda in Congress.

“We’ve been politically attacked,” Arce told The Associated Press in an interview Friday. But “we haven’t attacked” back.

Morales is throwing his support behind an accusation made by former Gen. Juan José Zuñiga, who allegedly led the coup attempt. Morales said Zuñiga informed colleagues and family of his plan before carrying it out, and that while in custody he told authorities that Arce had “betrayed” him.

That theory was quickly adopted by Arce’s political enemies.

“The president told me: ‘The situation is very screwed up, very critical. It is necessary to prepare something to raise my popularity,’” Zúñiga quoted the Bolivian leader as saying.

“At some point the truth will be known,” a handcu ed Gen. Juan José Zúñiga told reporters while being transferred to prison Saturday. Morales called for an independent investigation into the Wednesday military action in a

The feud has angered many Bolivians, and Morales’ Sunday comments were not likely to help.

Morales said in the local radio program “Kausachun Coca” that he felt the incident damaged the image of Bolivia and its military. He also apologized for expressing solidarity with Arce.

French voters propel National Rally to strong lead

Marine Le Pen’s party got about a third of the votes in the rst round of voting

The Associated Press

PARIS — The far-right National Rally leaped into a strong lead Sunday in France’s rst round of legislative elections, polling agencies projected, bringing the party closer to being able to form a government in round two and dealing a major slap to centrist President Emmanuel Macron and his risky decision to call the surprise ballot.

When he dissolved the National Assembly on June 9 following a stinging defeat at the hands of the National Rally in French voting for the European Parliament, Macron gambled that the anti-immigration party with historical links to antisemitism wouldn’t repeat that success.

But it didn’t work out that way. With French polling agencies projecting that the Nation-

al Rally and its allies got about one-third of the national vote on Sunday, Macron’s prime minister warned that France could end up with its rst farright government since World War II if voters don’t come together to thwart that scenario in round two next Sunday.

“The extreme right is at the doors of power,” Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said. He twice described National Rally policy pledges as “disastrous” and said that in the second-round ballot, “not one vote should go to the National Rally.”

French polling agencies’ projections put Macron’s grouping of centrist parties a distant third in the rst-round ballot, behind both the National Rally and a new left-wing coalition of parties that joined forces to keep it from winning power.

Winning a parliamentary majority would enable National Rally leader Marine Le Pen to install her 28-year-old protege, Jordan Bardella, as prime minister and would crown her yearslong rebranding e ort to

make her party less repellent to mainstream voters. She inherited the party, then called the National Front, from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who has multiple convictions for racist and antisemitic hate speech. Still, the National Rally isn’t there yet. With another torrid week of campaigning to come before the decisive nal voting Sunday, the election’s ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

Addressing a jubilant crowd, Le Pen called on her supporters and voters who didn’t back her party in the rst round to push it over the line and give it a commanding legislative majority. That scenario would force Bardella and Macron into an awkward power-sharing arrangement. Macron has said he will not step down before his term expires in 2027. Only the second round will make clear whether Le Pen’s party and its allies get the absolute majority they would need to comfortably form a government and then start to implement their promises to dis-

mantle many of Macron’s key policies and foreign policy platforms. That would include stopping French deliveries of longrange missiles to Ukraine in the war against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The National Rally has historical ties to Russia.

The far right’s more confrontational approach to the European Union, its plans to roll back Macron’s pension reforms and National Rally promises to boost voters’ spending power without clearly detailing how it would pay for the pledge could also spook European nancial markets.

Some polling agency projections indicated that in the bestcase scenario for the far right, the National Rally and its allies could collectively clear the bar of 289 seats needed for a secure majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

But, depending on how the second round shakes out, the far right could also fall short and leave no single bloc with a clear majority, polling agencies projected. Predictions are di -

cult because of the two-round voting system.

Already on Sunday night, the far-right’s rivals were working on arrangements to pull some of their candidates out of the race in round two in an e ort to concentrate votes against the National Rally. Turnout was at least 66%, according to polling estimates, which would make it the highest for a rst-round legislative election in 27 years.

Many French voters are frustrated with in ation and other economic concerns, as well as Macron’s leadership, seen as arrogant and out-of-touch with their lives. The National Rally party has tapped that discontent, notably via online platforms such as TikTok.

Foremost for many voters were the rising cost of living and immigration, which the National Rally campaigned heavily on.

The National Rally has questioned the right to citizenship for people born in France, and it wants to curtail the rights of French citizens with dual nationality. Critics say that undermines human rights and is a threat to France’s democratic ideals.

THIBAULT CAMUS / AP PHOTO

JUAN KARITA / AP PHOTO

Bolivia President Luis Arce speaks after an interview at the government palace in La Paz last Friday, two days after Army troops stormed the palace in what Arce called a coup attempt. Critics are asserting Arce staged the revolt to curry favor with voters.

STATE & NATION

Top Democrats concerned Biden campaign ignoring impact of debate

A private call between the DNC, Biden surrogates and party leaders has heightened concern around the presidential race

By Steve Peoples The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A sense of concern is growing inside the top ranks of the Democratic Party that leaders of Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee are not taking seriously enough the impact of the president’s troubling debate performance last week.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison and Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held a Saturday afternoon call with dozens of committee members across the country, a group of some of the most inuential members of the party. They largely ignored Biden’s weak showing Thursday night or the avalanche of criticism that followed.

Multiple committee members on the call, most granted anonymity to talk about the private discussion, described feeling like they were being gaslighted — that they were be -

ing asked to ignore the dire nature of the party’s predicament. The call, they said, may have worsened a widespread sense of panic among elected ocials, donors and other stakeholders.

Instead, the people said, Harrison o ered what they described as a rosy assessment

Video shows central NY o cer fatally shooting 13-year-old on ground

The footage appears to show the boy pointing a replica gun at police

By Philip Marcelo and Stefanie Dazio

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Video released late Saturday shows an o cer in central New York fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy who had been tackled to the ground after he ran from police and pointed a replica handgun at them.

The teen was killed a little after 10 p.m. Friday in Utica after o cers in the city about 55 miles east of Syracuse stopped two youths in connection with an armed robbery investigation, police said.

The youths, both 13, matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects and were in the same area at around the same time the day after, police said.

The body camera video released by police captures an ofcer saying he needs to pat them down to ensure they don’t have any weapons in their possession. Immediately one of the

two, identi ed by police as Nyah Mway, runs away. Authorities froze frames of the video where a running Mway appears to point the gun at the pursuing o cers. Police also edited the video to insert a red circle around the weapon to show it to viewers.

The o cers believed it was a handgun, police said, but it was later determined to be a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine.

“During a ground struggle” with the teen, one of the o cers red a single shot that struck the boy in the chest, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said.

The teen was given “immediate” rst aid by the o cers and taken to Wynn Hospital, where he died, the chief said.

The replica gun carried by the teen “is in all aspects a realistic appearing rearm with GLOCK markings, signatures, detachable magazine, and serial numbers,” Lt. Michael Curley, a police spokesperson, said via email.

“However ultimately it res only pellets or BB’s.”

A bystander video posted to Facebook shows one of the ofcers chasing after Mway and tackling him to the ground. It

of Biden’s path forward. The chat function was disabled and there were no questions allowed.

“I was hoping for more of a substantive conversation instead of, ‘Hey, let’s go out there and just be cheerleaders,’ without actually addressing a very serious issue that unfolded on

American television for millions of people to see,” said Joe Salazar, an elected DNC member from Colorado, who was on the call. “There were a number of things that could have been said in addressing the situation. But we didn’t get that. We were being gaslit.”

Many donors, party strategists and rank-and- le DNC members are publicly and privately saying they want the 81-year-old Biden to step aside to allow the party to select a younger replacement at the Democratic National Convention in August. As of now, though, Biden’s closest allies insist he remains well-positioned to compete against Republican Donald Trump and have given no indication they will push him to end his campaign.

Those best positioned to replace him — Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among them — reiterated their support for Biden after the debate.

Many are anxiously awaiting the rst major round of post-debate public polling to determine their next steps.

Polls from CNN and 538/Ipsos conducted soon after the debate found that most debate watchers thought Trump out-

performed Biden. But the two men’s favorability ratings remained largely unchanged, just as they did in the aftermath of Trump’s conviction on charges in New York that he illegally participated in a hush money scheme to in uence the 2016 election.

In a subsequent appearance on MSNBC, Harrison downplayed the signi cance of the conference call, which he said was part of a regularly scheduled communication “to talk about the state of the race” and the upcoming national convention with the DNC’s many elected members across the country.

Biden and his campaign have sought to project con dence in the days since last Thursday’s debate in which the president, who already faced serious concerns about his physical and mental stamina, o ered a performance punctuated by repeated stumbles, uncomfortable pauses and a quiet speaking style that was often di cult to understand.

Just after Saturday’s DNC call, the Biden campaign released a memo from senior adviser Jen O’Malley Dillon insisting that the debate had no tangible impact on the election.

“On every metric that matters, data shows it did nothing to change the American people’s perception, our supporters are more red up than ever, and Donald Trump only reminded voters of why they red him four years ago and failed to expand his appeal beyond his MAGA base,” O’Malley Dillon wrote.

also shows the o cer punching the teen as two other o cers arrive. A gunshot rings out as the teen is on the ground and the ofcers quickly stand up.

The o cer who red his gun was identi ed as Patrick Husnay, a six-year veteran of the agency. Husnay and O cers Bryce Patterson and Andrew Citriniti were placed on administrative leave with pay.

The police body camera video shows a chaotic scene.

Mway points the replica handgun at the o cers while he runs from them. The o cers scream “gun!” to each other as they run. Patterson then tackles and punches Mway, and as the two are wrestling on the ground,

Husnay opens re. O cers initially thought Nyah Mway may have shot himself, and Patterson says, “I don’t know if he shot me.” It is not clear whether he is referring to Mway or his fellow o cer. Patterson was not struck.

Bystanders scream at the police throughout the recordings, and at one point an o cer yells back: “We’re trying to save him right now!”

The other youth was detained in the back of a police vehicle and was not involved in the shooting.

During his “public safety statement,” a brief interview typically done in the aftermath of a police shooting to ensure there is no additional threat, Husnay

Police investigate the scene of last Friday night’s shooting in Utica, New York, early last Saturday. An o cer shot and killed a teen eeing while pointing a replica gun, police said Saturday.

said he red one round “straight towards the ground.” He did not know whether Mway had red at the o cers but said he thought the weapon was a 22-caliber handgun.

The police department released the body camera videos following a public outcry as the shooting roiled Utica, a city with a population of 65,000. It is home to more than 4,200 people from Myanmar, according to The Center, a nonpro t that helps to resettle the refugees.

Mway, who local media reports said was an 8th grader at Donovan Middle School, was identi ed as a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at LaGuardia International Airport last Saturday in New York.

KENNY LACY JR. /

the stream

Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills, Emma Roberts blasts

Discovery Channel’s annual “Shark Week” kicks o on Sunday

The Associated Press

THIS WEEK, Eddie Murphy and the gang return in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” on Net ix, Emma Roberts gets accepted to NASA in “Space Cadet” on Prime, and The Criterion Channel delivers a series for neo-noir fans.

MOVIES TO STREAM

After nearly 30 years of ts and starts, the fourth Beverly Hills Cop movie is nally upon us. Eddie Murphy reprises his role as Axel Foley in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which debuts on Net ix on Wednesday. Judge Reinhold and John Ashton also return but get some fresh blood in a detective played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Captain (Kevin Bacon). Taylour Paige also joins the ensemble as Axel’s daughter. The original “Beverly Hills Cop,” which launched Murphy to stardom in 1984, is also streaming on Net ix now. Emma Roberts is “living her best Florida life” when she remembers her dream of being an astronaut in “Space Cadet.” Unbeknownst to her, a friend (“Hacks” castmate Poppy Liu) embellishes her resume, and she’s accepted into a competitive NASA training program. It aspires to be a kind of “Legally Blonde” meets “Private Benjamin” (who wouldn’t dream of such heights) and will be available to stream on Prime Video starting Thursday. The Criterion Channel continues to o er the best and most thoughtful movie libraries, thoughtfully curated and grouped into fun themes that refresh on the rst of each month. Monday brings a neonoir series (“Out of Sight,” “L.A. Con dential,” and two “Bad Lieutenants” among them), one on pop Shakespeare including Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet,” with Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio, and Michael Almereyda’s “Hamlet” with Ethan Hawke, and a selection of Nicolas Roeg lms, including the Donald Sutherland classic “Don’t Look Now.” The channel will also host the animated “Chicken For Linda” streaming premiere.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Country music star Zach Bryan released a new studio album, “The Great American Bar Scene,” on the Fourth of July. The 18 tracks — 17 songs and a poem — were previewed at bars

o

that AP recently named one of the sum-

mer songs. That song exempli es Bryan’s speci c skillset — little more than an acoustic guitar, harmonica and raspy, speci c storytelling that reveals universal truths. “The kids are in town for a funeral,” he sings. “So pack the car and dry your eyes.” He’s an expert at writing a novel in a few words, so prepare to take notes.

SHOWS TO STREAM

The beloved animated children’s series “Bluey,” about a family of dogs, will roll out super-short episodes this summer, between one and three minutes long. The rst seven minisodes begin airing Wednesday on Disney+, and a second batch will be released later this year. Summer is for sharks. Discovery Channel’s annual “Shark Week” kicks o on Sunday with John Cena as host. The network has 21 hours of original programming hosted by Cena to sink your teeth into. “Shark Week” will also stream on Max. Former reality star Hannah Berner, a cast member on Bravo’s “Summer House,” is ready to debut her rst comedy special. “We Ride At Dawn” drops on Net ix on Sunday. Berner is also the co-host of the popular podcast “Giggly Squad” with former “Summer House”

cast member Paige DeSorbo.

Season three of the Emmy-winning series “The Bear” dropped all ten episodes last Thursday. The show follows Jeremy Allen White as Carmy, a ne-dining chef who opens his restaurant in Chicago. Ayo Edebiri and Ebon MossBachrach co-star. All three have won Emmy Awards for their performances. White says that if season two of the show was about what happens if you get what you want (like the restaurant of your dreams), season three asks, what do you want?

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

While TikTok gets most of the headlines, Chinese video games have found more of a Western audience over the last few years. At the wave’s crest is Shanghai-based MiHoYo, developers of the fantasy role-playing game Genshin Impact and the sci- epic Honkai: Star Rail. The studio’s new adventure, Zenless Zone Zero, takes place in an urban wasteland under attack by creatures from alternate dimensions. Like MiHoYo’s previous hits, ZZZ is free to play — though you’re certainly encouraged to spend cash on collectibles around the city. The game was released Thursday on PlayStation 5, PC, iOS and Android.

around the U.S. and Canada before streaming on Independence Day. The album features “Purple Gas,” a duet with Ca-

nadian up-and-comer Noeline Hofmann, and “Pink Skies,” a folksy tearjerker

“Shark Week,” left, returns this weekend, and the animated children’s series “Bluey” will have seven “minisodes” this summer.

NETFLIX VIA AP

Eddie Murphy, center, returns as Axel Foley in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” with John Ashton, left, and Judge Reinhold, right.

RICHARD SHOTWELL / AP PHOTO

Jeremy Allen White attends the premiere of “The Bear,” which has returned with all 10 episodes of Season 3 available on Hulu.

Randolph

The rockets’ red glare

After signing the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Today, 248 years later, these United States are still striving to live up to what Lincoln called “the last best hope of Earth.” Happy Fourth.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NCDMV fees rise, new card surcharges

NC residents face higher costs for DMV services, beginning this month, as the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) rolls out fee increases and introduces surcharges when paying with a card.

The card surcharge, enabled by a new provision in the state budget, will see fees added to all NCDMV in-person (1.22%), online (1.85%) and kiosk transactions (2%) when paying with a credit or debit card starting July 1.

Simultaneously, the NCDMV implemented its state-mandated quadrennial fee adjustments. Approximately 90 license and registration-related fees will increase by 19.18%, a number based on in ation over the past four years:

• Regular driver’s license: $1 per year increase ($5 more for a veyear license)

• Learner’s permit and provisional license: $4 increase

• Duplicate license: $2.75 increase

• Passenger vehicle registration: Rises from $38.75 to $46.25 Fourth of July safety tips

With reworks and grills common accessories for July Fourth frivolity, NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey o ers the following advice to avoid needing to call your insurance agent this year:

Fireworks safety tips:

• Never let children use reworks unsupervised

• Use reworks outdoors in clear areas

• Have water nearby for emergencies

• Light only one rework at a time

Grilling safety tips:

• Use grills outdoors only

• Keep grills away from buildings

• Maintain a 10-foot child-free zone around grills

• Never leave grills unattended

Delayed streetscape to enhance Asheboro’s infrastructure

O cials have been adjusting plans regarding the project in downtown

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The streetscape project in downtown Asheboro is still in the works, something that o cials said should improve e ciency and spruce up an area of the social and business district.

Trevor Nuttall, Asheboro’s community development director, said a state grant is assisting with the project, much of which is focused on and around Trade Street.

“It’s very complex and very expensive,” Nuttall said. “It will make it look a whole lot

better. It’s a project that has had various turns and something that will de nitely make things look better and func

tion better.”

Nuttall said it will enhance the utility environment by replacing aged underground lines and replacing or removing overhead lines.

“We know the infrastructure is at the end of its lifespan,” said Addie Corder, executive director of Downtown Asheboro Inc.

Asheboro has received a $1.5 million state grant for downtown infrastructure. Asheboro o cials have been regularly monitoring the total amount of additional funding needed.

“It has taken longer than we wanted, but I think we have gained some partners.”

Trevor Nuttall, Asheboro’s community development director

“It’s not a new idea,” Nuttall said. “It’s what we started 20plus years ago. It really became a need. Really, the need and the funding lined up.” By spring, about 65 percent of the design work had been completed. The project was originally expected to start by March, but that was pushed back. The upgrades involve collaboration with Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. Nuttall

said Duke Energy is absorbing some of the cost because it bene ts the company to reduce the number of overhead lines.

He said that Duke Energy has been very cooperative and responsive in dialogues regarding the project.

“It has taken longer than we wanted, but I think we have gained some partners,” Nuttall said.

Corder said there have been numerous design elements under consideration.

“We’re nishing with exactly what that is going to look like,” she said.

In addition to utility lines, sidewalks should be repaved and upgraded. The plans even involve relocating the area

page 2

RCSS receives two child nutrition grants

The Board of Education approved the acceptance of The Dairy Alliance Youth Wellness Program and Local Food for Schools grants

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Schools Board of Education met last Thursday for an end-of-year wrap-up and the acceptance of several grants related to child nutrition. The rst was The Dairy Alliance Youth Wellness Program Grant from The Dairy Alliance for cafeteria equipment. The grant provides a refrigerated milk merchandiser for Providence Grove High School and a refrigerated milk dispenser for Uwharrie Ridge Six-

Twelve in order to “maximize student access and consumption of cold milk.”

The total value of the equipment provided by the grant is just under $8,000

The second grant, at just over $8,500, includes additional funding through the Local Food for Schools grant.

In February 2023, RCSS was initially awarded nearly $58,000 from the Local Food for Schools (LFS) grant.

The LFS grant is a USDA grant that aims to build a resilient local food chain by supporting “food assistance purchases of domestic local foods for distribution to schools.”

In non-food-related business, the RCSS board was presented with the quarterly student assignment report.

The report showed that RCSS had a net negative of 42 students, meaning they were

releasing more students than had been enrolled. However, Superintendent Stephen Gainey pointed out that this was an area of growth for the school system.

“When we started down this road in the rst quarter of 2014-15, that number was negative 153, meaning that we were releasing 153 more students than were coming in on admissions,” Gainey said. “So there’s been a lot of work over the last 11 years.”

The report also showed the Virtual Academy, whose enrollment the board had emphasized was an important focus point, with a current enrollment of 97.

“By now, there’s a good chance it’s over 100,” Gainey said. “We’re ahead of where we were at this time last year.”

In addition, the board also recognized the Southwestern

Randolph High School varsity softball team which won the 2-A state championship in June.

“When you’re 50 years old, you’ll still be a state champion. When you’re 80 years old, you’ll still be a state champion,” Gainey said. “There’s a lot of athletes in the state that wish they could themselves be state champions and they’re proud of you for what you’ve done to continue to promote high school sports.”

The Randolph County Schools Board of Education will next meet July 15.

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Bob Sutton, Randolph Editor

Ryan Henkel, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown,

David

Paw-Paw’s Place on Dixie Drive closes

The restaurant is down to one location, with expanded hours possible

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — After less than three years, Paw-Paw’s Place has closed its East Dixie Drive location in Asheboro.

Mitchell Simmons, the third-generation owner of PawPaw’s Place, said it’s a matter of making it all click. He said PawPaw’s Place’s Fayetteville Street location will expand its hours.

“It was a lot of things,” he said. “It all worked out in the end.”

That leaves the Fayetteville

CRIME LOG

June 24

• Stephon Omar Silas, 28, of Randleman, was arrested by the Randleman PD for assault on a female.

• Michael Steven Sturgill, 52, of Archdale, was arrested by the Randolph SO for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

June 25

• Harvey Sanford Boone, 40, of Trinity, was arrested by the Randolph SO for domestic violence protective order violation.

• Jodi Rae Hall, 44, of Seagrove, was arrested by the Randolph SO for disorderly conduct.

• Antwain Adais Person, 30, of Asheboro, was arrested by the Asheboro PD for injury to real property.

We stand corrected

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

• Juan Cesar Polanco-Frias, 36, of Asheboro, was arrested by the Asheboro PD on multiple charges including felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a license, and multiple counts of communicating threats, assault inflicting serious injury, and false imprisonment.

Street location open for breakfast and lunch until evening hours are added, Simmons said. He said the Fayetteville Street location o ered supper for a couple of years, so now it will return to that format.

“I’m basically moving my evening crew from the Dixie location,” Simmons said.

The Fayetteville Street venue is smaller than the Dixie Avenue venue, so there are fewer sta members there. Simmons said obtaining workers is always a challenge, but his core sta members provide stability.

Simmons said regular diners at the Dixie Drive restaurant, where only lunch and

June 27

• Benjamin Hunter Bowman, 22, of Ramseur, was arrested by the Randleman PD on a failure to appear warrant for a misdemeanor charge and for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

June 28

• Cesar Vijil Ramos, 20, of Asheboro, was arrested by the Randolph SO for statutory rape of a child 15 years old or younger.

June 29

• Daniel Lee Hutchins, 32, of Asheboro, was arrested by the Asheboro PD for second-degree trespass.

• Gretchen Shaylyn Patterson, 34, of Hickory, was arrested by the Randolph SO for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, and assault with a deadly weapon on emergency personnel.

• Travis Cleve Pierce, 46, of Asheboro, was arrested by the Randolph SO for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

dinner were served, indicated they’re willing to make the switch to the other site, which is encouraging. The Paw-Paw’s Place menu won’t change, so customers can count on the same staples to choose from, Simmons said.

Simmons has been cleaning out the Dixie Drive building that had been home to the second location. It closed on June 14 after serving its last customers.

“I’ve been moving stu around,” he said, expecting to be out of that location by the end of June.

Paw-Paw’s Place added the Dixie Drive location in the fall of 2021. It replaced the Dixie III, which had been in operation for 39 years before its closing in September 2021.

For now, the Paw-Paw’s Place on Fayetteville Drive is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

June 30

• Crissie Michelle Peak, 40, of High Point, was arrested by the Asheboro PD for possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession with intent to sell or deliver synthetic cannabinoid.

• Maurice Leval Williams, 19, of Greensboro, was arrested by the Randolph SO for possession of a stolen firearm.

July 1

• Brittany Nicole Bruce, 31, of Asheboro, was arrested by the Asheboro PD for simple assault and interfering with emergency communication.

• Michael Lee Henthorn, 31, of Burlington, was arrested by the Randolph SO for assault inflicting serious injury.

• Gilbert Martin Lewis, 34, of Archdale, was arrested by the Randolph SO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and assault on a female.

• Dustin Scott Marion, 36, of Sophia, was arrested by the Randolph SO for felony conspiracy.

The scene on Trade Street, where a refurbishment project should improve the aesthetics.

where trash cans are placed when ready for collection and building a new collection area.

Once the project’s pace picks up, Corder said the goal is “to make it as least intrusive as possible” for businesses in that area.

Nuttall said that has been part of the planning process.

Randolph Guide

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

July 11

Asheboro ZooKeepers Baseball 7 p.m.

The homestanding ZooKeepers host the High PointThomasville HiToms at 7 p.m. at McCrary Park. Just seven home games remain in the ZooKeepers’ 2024 season.

July 12

Asheboro Rock’n the Park

6:30 p.m.

Doug Brewin’s Tribute to Alan Jackson will perform with opening act Zinc Kings. Admission is free. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the music at Asheboro’s Bicentennial Park.

July 18-20

NC Peach Festival

Join us for the NC Peach Festival in Candor, the “Peach Capital of NC.” It’s a fun- lled family event with train rides on the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway, music, food and beverage vendors, amusement rides, Reptile 101, petting zoo, in atables, kids’ activities, handcrafters, helicopter rides and, of course, homemade peach ice cream and more peaches. “It’s Like Coming Home!” Presented by Mountaire Farms, this is a rain or shine event. Fitzgerald Park 145 S. Depot St. in Candor. More information at NCPeachFestival.com

July

25

Csar’s Birthday

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ruptions?” he said. “There’s de nitely some things we are mindful of.”

Discussions are also being held with Duke Energy to ensure that property owners in the business district aren’t negatively impacted by reconnection billings or other similar fallouts.

“How do we minimize dis-

The arrival of Full Moon Oyster Bar on one side of Trade Street has increased tra c. The project was in the plan-

ning stages well before the restaurant opened.

The nearby Asheboro Recreation Center also impacts the amount of vehicle and pedestrian tra c in that area.

One goal is to blend that small segment of downtown with other revitalized areas.

“Finish up what we started,”

Nuttall said. “It doesn’t match what else is around that area, going back at least 10 years.” STREETS

Celebrate one of the N.C. Zoo’s most famous inhabitants — Csar the elephant. This year, the oldest African male elephant will turn 50. Each year the keepers throw Csar a birthday party with treats and special balloons.

Guide THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Paid family leave: A key to success in post-Dobbs world

We can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families.

MOST OF US REMEMBER

WHERE we were when the ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was announced in June 2022.

Roe v. Wade was no more, and after the initial urry of news reports, much of America wondered: “What’s next?”

The historic ruling is now seen as one that has further divided a nation that was already split on abortion and many other issues.

While emotions and opinions run high — for good reason — this “postDobbs” world provides incredible opportunities to work together to ensure that all women and families have the support they need to welcome precious children into this world.

Paid family leave is one such opportunity. It’s an issue that has common ground for conservatives and liberals alike, as there are good people on both sides of the aisle who want to see women and families succeed.

Did you know that a staggering 23% of all mothers go back to work within

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

two weeks of giving birth? Think about that statistic for a moment. Almost one-fourth of American women don’t even have two weeks to bond with their baby at home, and they return to work without having physically, emotionally or mentally recovered from birth. This goes against not only medical advice but, in my opinion, basic pro-family values.

Paid family leave bene ts both parents and babies. Studies show that early bonding is crucial for the longterm mental health and resilience of children, and women with at least 12 weeks of paid leave report fewer depressive symptoms and better overall mental health.

Can we have a strong federal paid leave policy and be nancially responsible? Yes! The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement one another, as parents with paid leave stay connected to the workforce and have reduced reliance on public assistance. It’s a “win-win” for not only families but society as a whole.

Is this really the best we can do?

His voice was weak and hoarse. A cold. If that were all, it would not have been so bad. That was the least of it. It wasn’t just a stutter.

IT WAS PAINFUL TO WATCH.

Two men vying for the most important job in the world. And neither of them making the cut. Trump was Trump — just as expected, bragging and blustering, lying and threatening, refusing to say he would accept the results of the election, defending the Jan. 6 rioters. It is no exaggeration to say he is a threat to our democracy as we know it. Even in the face of a dramatically diminished opponent, he could not find his way to grace, to the high road, to optimism, to a message larger than spitefully attacking immigrants and the “me me me” we have come to expect.

A younger and more vigorous Joe Biden could have eaten him for lunch. This time, he was lunch. His voice was weak and hoarse. A cold. If that were all, it would not have been so bad. That was the least of it. It wasn’t just a stutter. He visibly lost his train of thought in the first minutes of the debate. He choked on questions he should have hit out of the park. How could he get bogged down trying to explain Roe v. Wade? Why didn’t he just say that killing live born babies is homicide in all 50 states? Why let

Trump get away with that? Who cares that he was once — a very long time ago — the youngest one in the room when he is now, so very painfully, the oldest? How could he not be prepared for that most obvious question? How could he not have a clear and direct answer ready for black voters?

Biden, by all reports, spent days and days preparing for this debate. He was working with a very experienced staff. This was not a staffing problem. I am sure his debate book was stuffed with clear and concise answers. There was not a single question, I am certain, that they did not anticipate; there were no trick questions or hidden agendas. He should have been surprised by nothing. Instead, he struggled with everything. Even on the questions where he won on points — where he did have better answers than his ducking and deflecting opponent — his performance was halting and tentative.

Being president is a hard and demanding job. Biden came across as much diminished from the candidate he was four years ago. This Biden showed his age and the scars of four years in the hottest seat on the planet. It was hard to imagine that

North Carolina has taken some important steps in the past year to support families. Thanks to the robust e orts of SB20 to support mothers both during pregnancy and after birth, state employees now have paid family leave along with other robust policies to support mothers, babies and families.

On the federal level, I’m grateful for the leadership of Sen. Thom Tillis in spearheading a bipartisan working group on paid family leave and also for Sen. Ted Budd and his steadfast support for pro-family policies on Capitol Hill.

Parenting brings unique joys and challenges, especially in today’s uncertain nancial climate. Together, we can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families as they welcome the next generation — one baby at a time — and create a brighter future for all.

Julie Scott Emmons is the southeast regional director of government a airs for Human Coalition.

this Biden could have defeated strong opponents, as he did four years ago to win the nomination. If this were a primary debate, he would have lost the primary. The reason no credible Democrat ran against him this time is because of the conventional wisdom that he or she would have lost but would have mortally wounded the incumbent in the process. Sometimes conventional wisdom is wrong. Will someone tell him? Of course they will. Plenty of someones. The post-debate headlines say it all.

“President Biden Struggles as Trump Blusters.” Democratic leaders were reportedly talking about replacing Biden at the top of the ticket before the debate had even ended. The question is whether Biden, who is known for his stubborn belief in his own resilience, will listen.

Every delegate to the convention is pledged to support Joe Biden. They were all approved by Joe Biden. Will he officially release them? What or who can convince him to do that? It would be the ultimate act of presidential leadership.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

COLUMN | JULIE EMMONS

RandolpH SPORTS

Atkins, four others picked for CPL All-Star Game

The ZooKeepers will have three pitchers on the West team roster

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Third baseman Hunter Atkins of the Asheboro ZooKeepers is one of the team’s ve selections for the upcoming Coastal Plain League AllStar Game.

Atkins, a third baseman from Randleman, will join second baseman Sal Laimo and pitchers Mason Manriquez, Noah Samol and Dylan Dickert on the West team. The CPL All-Star activities will be held Sunday and Monday in Forest City. Atkins began this week with a team-best .306 batting average in 23 games. He had knocked in 20 runs and drawn 15 walks.

Atkins redshirted the 2024 with UNC Greensboro and entered the transfer portal following the season.

Laimo, who plays for Barton, is from Philadelphia.

Manriquez, who plays for South Florida, is from Wellington, Fla. Samol is from Mason, Ohio, spending a season in pro-

grams at both Georgia Tech and Clemson. Dickert, from Knoxville, Tenn., has played for Middle Georgia State.

All the Asheboro players selected have been designated as reserves for the All-Star Game. A Home Run Derby and other contests are slated for Sunday with the All-Star Game on Monday. • Chase Heath and Samol were picked from the Asheboro team to participate on the Coastal Plain League select team in an exhibition last weekend against USA Baseball’s collegiate touring team. The game was at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary. The USA Baseball entry won 5-2. Heath, a catcher who’s from Central Missouri, drew a walk as a pinch hitter. Samol, who plays for Clemson, threw a hitless inning in relief with one walk and one strikeout.

Recent results

The Zookeepers had a strong nishing stretch last weekend to build momentum, but they lost 4-3 on Monday night to the host High Point-Thomasville HiToms. Heath and Yariel Diaz both drove in three runs in Friday night’s 15-5 road win over the

Martinsville Mustangs in a game that ended after seven innings because of the mercy rule. Owen Blackledge added two runs batted in and Heath scored four runs.

Peter Mullen was the winning pitcher in relief.

The ZooKeepers kept the offense going Saturday night, topping visiting High Point-Thomasville 8-1 at McCrary Park. Davis Germann drove in two runs and Hunter Atkins scored two runs.

Nic Schutte threw six innings for the victory, giving up one run on two hits with seven strikeouts with a walk. It ended up as a combined two-hitter after Caleb Cockerham logged two innings and Spencer Floyd pitched the ninth. Asheboro pitchers had 12 total strikeouts.

Earlier last week, Asheboro won 14-13 at Martinsville with Heath, Diaz and Nick Capozzi all homering, Atkins belting two triples and Ryan Kennel, Heath and Atkins all scoring three runs.

The ZooKeepers’ 13-10 home win over the Forest City Owls saw Devin Parks smack a home run, Laimo getting four hits and Germann scoring four runs.

There also was a 6-1 home loss to the HiToms with the only run for Asheboro coming on Heath’s home run.

PJ

Nic Schutte res a pitch for the Asheboro ZooKeepers during last week’s victory against High Point-Thomasville.

Adams can still pitch for Post 45

The former Asheboro player aims to make the best of his limited role

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The role for Connor Adams with Randolph County Post 45 is going to be different.

After surgery for a wrist injury, he’ll be content with having a way to contribute.

Adams, who’s in his third season with Post 45, has torn cartilage in his left wrist. That means he wasn’t able to bat when the American Legion season began, but he could still pitch.

“That’s what I’m best at anyway – pitching,” Adams said. “I feel more comfortable pitching.”

Adams completed his senior high school season for Asheboro in the spring, when he was named Pitcher of the Year in the Mid-Piedmont Conference.

Adams, who also plays as an out elder, hasn’t been able to grip a bat. For the Blue Comets, that reduced his plate appearances, but he still went to the mound.

He said a cortisone shot helped only so much during the high school season. He said the ailment worsened when he dove into a base.

By mid-June, Adams has had

a cast on his left hand since surgery, so that took him entirely out of the Post 45 lineup.

“Now he can’t get the glove over his cast,” Post 45 manager

Ronnie Pugh said recently. Adams, 6-foot and 175 pounds, was active in high school. As a junior, in addition to baseball, he participated in track and eld as a long jumper and 400-meter runner. He said he intends to attend Brunswick Community College to play baseball. He was back on the mound during the past weekend, perhaps a key development for the Randolph County team. A positive aspect of Adams’ injury set-

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Caleb Shelton

Southwestern Randolph track and eld

Shelton capped his high school career by competing in the Class 2A state meet for track and eld. He quali ed as a high jumper, nishing 11th in the meet in Greensboro.

Shelton was the only entrant from Southwestern Randolph in this year’s state meet.

He had success in other events as well during the past season. He competed in some competitions as a triple jumper.

He was an All-Piedmont Athletic Conference selection in track and eld as a sophomore and senior. This year, he was the conference runner-up in the high jump behind eventual state champion Chase Farlow of Randleman and third in the league in the triple jump. Shelton also played football for the Cougars as a linebacker.

** During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.

backs could unfold for Post 45.

“It will be a fresh arm whenever he gets back,” Pugh said.

American Legion updates

Post 45 failed to reach the Area 3 playo s, falling 4-2 to Davidson County Post 8 in Monday night’s must-win game at McCrary Park. That leaves Randolph County in third place in the North Division, with the top two teams advancing.

The Area 3 playo s begin this week. Post 45 will have a potentially long layo before it plays in next month’s Southeast Regional, which it quali es for as the host team.

Post 45 had a two-game winning streak end with Saturday’s 7-3 road loss to High Point Post 87. Brett Smith took the pitching defeat, while Grat Dalton drove in two runs for Randolph County.

That result came a night after Post 45 defeated visiting High Point 7-2 behind Austin Lemons’ pitching and Pierce Leonard’s three runs batted in.

** Liberty Post 81 has missed the Area 3 playo s, with its season ending with Sunday’s 5-1 loss to Davidson County.

Post 81 (9-12, 1-8 Area 3) ended the season with a nine-game losing streak after not elding a senior-level team last year.

Ledbetter, Duggins lead Challengers at Caraway

A big race week at the speedway concludes Saturday night

Randolph Record

SOPHIA — Gary Ledbetter had mixed results in Challengers features Saturday night at Caraway Speedway, where the track began a busy stretch of race nights. In the division’s rst race, Ledbetter edged Brody Duggins in the 20-lap event, with Bryson Pickard placing third and Todd Garren in fourth.

Dalton Ledbetter crossed the line rst in the second feature, but that result was wiped out because of a technical infraction and so Duggins was declared the winner, while Gary Ledbetter was third, followed by Allen Vance and Pickard. In the twin UCARs features, Jeremy Moose captured both races. He held o Ron Mock in the rst race. Moose appeared

to be the runner-up in the division’s nightcap, but initial race winner Tito Clapp’s tires weren’t approved and so he was stripped of that victory and Moose moved into the top spot and Mock was second.

In Mod 4s, Miles Tucker earned his rst victories at the track by winning both races. Je Linkous and Rudy Hartley held the second and third spots, respectively, in both races. One of the track’s big cards of the year was scheduled for Wednesday night with the Firecracker 265. That was slated to include the annual visit from the CARS Tour series plus Daytona 500 champion William Byron entered behind the wheel. Byron also won in the NASCAR Cup Series this spring at Martinsville Speedway among his three 2024 victories on the circuit. Then on the weekend, the track will hold the Rusty Harpe Memorial. The Challengers will be involved in a special 71-lap feature Saturday night.

WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD

Southwestern Randolph high jumper Caleb Shelton looks on during the state track and eld championships in May in Greensboro.

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD Connor Adams

Piedmont Athletic Conference all-conference

Student athletes from the region were honored in seven sports

Randolph Record HERE’S A LIST of the Piedmont Athletic Conference’s major award winners and all-conference selections for spring sports:

BASEBALL

Player of the Year: Seth Way (Randleman)

Pitcher of the Year: Jake Riddle (Randleman)

Coach of the Year: Jake Smith (Randleman)

All-conference

Randleman: Tate Andrews, Caden Lasley, Jake Riddle, Braxton Walker, Seth Way.

Uwharrie Charter Academy: Tory Carver, Trey Kennedy, Brett Smith, Caleb Stickle.

Wheatmore: Caleb Coggins, Clay Hill, Parker Kines.

Trinity: Gage Gri ths, Brody Little, Andon Simmons, Ethan Willard

Southwestern Randolph: Brady Arm eld, Jonah Campbell, Lake Lunsford Providence Grove: Jayten Beasley, Andrew Thomas. Eastern Randolph: Samuel Asbill.

BOYS’ GOLF

Golfer of the Year: Ryan Marshall (Wheatmore)

Coach of the Year: Pete Kilcullen (Wheatmore)

All-conference

Wheatmore: Ryan Marshall

Uwharrie Charter Academy: Coen Branson, Brodie Lambeth, Will Thompson

Trinity: Bo Earnhardt

Southwestern Randolph: Brayden Chapman, Reece Poe Providence Grove: Brady Collins, Cooper Wright Eastern Randolph: Tyler Gee

GIRLS’ SOCCER

O ensive Player of the Year: Ellie Garrison (Wheatmore)

Defensive of the Year: Brooke Ingram (Providence Grove)

Coach of the Year: Eddie Tuck (Providence Grove)

All-conference

Wheatmore: Natalie Bowman, Shea Driggers, Ellie Garrison, Lucy Lockwood, Maggie Messner, Kynnedi Routh, Kaitlyn Vazquez

Providence Grove: Caroline DuVall, Anaeli Ponte Garza, Brooke Ingram, Sarah Majors, Taryn Waugh

Uwharrie Charter Academy: Lilly Charlesworth, Kendal Jarrell, Jazmin Palma, Laken Sexton

Randleman: Emily Jaramillo

Avila, Kendall Fortson, Kendall Goss

Trinity: Darrah Anthony, Deanna Cobb, Bryn Holden

Southwestern Randolph: Macy

Allred, Lucy Gri n

Eastern Randolph: Cora Sparrow

SOFTBALL

Player of the Year: Addie Flinchum (Eastern Randolph) Pitcher of the Year: Mollie Bulla (Uwharrie Charter Academy)

Coach of the Year: Haven Marine (Uwharrie Charter Academy)

All-conference

Uwharrie Charter Academy: Mollie Bulla, Kenzie Hill, Aubrey Kaufman, Katelyn West Southwestern Randolph: Macie Crutch eld, Alyssa Harris, Madelyn Smith, Maddie Strider, Nautica Parrish. Randleman: Addyson Dees, Kinzie Ivey, Kaylie St. John. Eastern Randolph: Logann Beaver, Addie Flinchum, Ayanna Mears, Ziera Watson. Providence Grove: Ruby Caudle, Devon Kelly, Callie Lambert. Wheatmore: Carmen Turgeon

Trinity: Karrington Batten

BOYS’ TENNIS

Player of the Year: Silas Jessup (Wheatmore)

Coach of the Year: Krista Gurgainus (Southwestern Randolph)

All-conference

Uwharrie Charter Academy:

Aiden Allred, Colton Bryant, Cadence Butler, Cole Koenig, Evan Morrin

Trinity: Cohen Crotts, Trey Graves, Dominic Payne

Wheatmore: Silas Jessup, Avery Plummer

Providence Grove: Tucker Batten

Southwestern Randolph: Rodolfo Fiscal, Asher Perkins

BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD

Most Valuable Track Athlete: Chase Farlow (Randleman)

Most Outstanding Runner: Zach Hazelwood (Wheatmore)

Asheboro hires baseball coach from Bunker Hill

The new coach has made several stops coaching high school baseball

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Brad Rudisill has been hired as the next baseball coach at Asheboro High School, anxious to reap the bene ts of the area’s rich youth baseball environment.

Rudisill has been on the Bunker Hill baseball sta for the past three seasons, including the past two as head coach. He said he’s impressed with the commitment and facilities, both on campus and at McCrary Park, connected to Asheboro’s baseball program.

“They didn’t leave any stone unturned,” he said. “Just a lot of commitment to excellence. The people were really passionate about Asheboro.”

He lls the vacancy left with the resignation of Brett Hoogkamp after the past season. The Blue Comets went 9-17 this year.

Rudisell, 35, said there’s importance that comes with oseason work “in building that culture.”

His coaching background includes time as pitching coach for Montreat College and head coach at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, S.C. Then he spent four seasons in charge at Class 4A school Davie County, with his 2018 team going 22-4.

Bunker Hill, a Class 2A school with underclassmen dominating the roster, went 9-12 and 6-14 the past two seasons.

Rudisill said he became more in tune with Asheboro and the

area’s baseball prowess through a connection with rst-year Providence Grove coach Shane Worth.

“I had always known of Randolph County and the baseball there and Randleman and what they’ve done,” Rudisell said. “You hear about the good talent in this area. To be in an area that really supports baseball, everything is building up to having success.”

When Rudisill became Davie County’s coach, he replaced Bobby Byerly. That vacancy came when Byerly took a position as middle school athletics director at Uwharrie Ridge in Randolph County.

Rudisill played in high school at Bandys and then went to Rockingham Community College to play baseball. He graduated from Appalachian State. He was an assistant coach in South Pointe’s football program while at that school.

Like at Bunker Hill, Rudisell will teach exceptional children at Asheboro. At previous stops, he was a physical education teacher. He’ll live in High Point.

High Point Rockers chairman Williard dies

Most Outstanding Field

Event Participant: Ty Moton (Randleman) Coach of the Year: Marty Collinson (Randleman)

All-conference

Randleman: Kevin Allred, Jonathan Blankenship, Tristan Chriscoe, Jedidiah Dake, Chase Farlow, Amari Ferdna, Jaden Martinez, Ty Moton, Bryson Nall, Jay Richards, Luke Richardson. Wheatmore: Danny Craig, Zach Hazelwood, Devonte Jenkins, Dakota Ludwick, Daylan Ludwick, Sa’Cory Maryland, Peyton McDevitt. Providence Grove: Nick Jennings, Jackson Rhyne, Christian Swaim, Ashton Taylor. Trinity: Memphis Chap, Andrew Cox, Riley Foster, Giovanni Jaimes, Mitchell Marin-Pulido, Tommy Smithers. Southwestern Randolph: Caleb Shelton. Eastern Randolph: James Jones.

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD

Most Valuable Track Athlete: Gracie Beane (Randleman) Outstanding Runner: Jensen

Auman (Providence Grove)

Co-Outstanding Field Event Participants: Mirianna Corea (Eastern Randolph), Kensley Fox (Trinity)

Coach of the Year: Brett Andrews (Providence Grove)

All-conference

Providence Grove: Jensen

Auman, Laurel Bernhardt, Aaliyah Burpee, Reese Davis, Karis Ferguson, Aubrey Goodman, Abby Lewis, Kenzie Mundy, Haylee Sodlink, Mailey

Way.

Southwestern Randolph: Zuyanah Crawford, Ay-Janai

Doggett, Jordin George, Gracie

Hodgin, Kiersten Littell, Coley

Shi et.

Randleman: Gracie Beane, Janiya Brooks. Wheatmore: Olivia Hildreth, Kahmarii McNeil.

Trinity: Kinsley Fox, Kayla Franklin, Sarabeth Johnson. Eastern Randolph: Mirianna Corea.

The team has mourned the loss of a key gure in the club’s history

Randolph Record

HIGH POINT — High Point Rockers team chairman Coy Williard Jr. died during the weekend following a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

The Rockers wore patches with “Coy” on their jerseys during Sunday’s 5-1 victory against the visiting Charleston Dirty Birds at Truist Point. Some members of the Williard family were in attendance at the game. A moment of silence was observed prior to the game.

Williard died Sunday at age 79. He was presented a cere -

monial key to the City of High Point during a ballpark presentation last year.

“Our players felt his presence here today,” Rockers manager Jamie Keefe said following Sunday’s game.

Starting pitcher Ben Braymer didn’t allow a hit to the Dirty Birds until there were two outs in the fth inning. He nished with nine strikeouts in six innings.

The Rockers had been contending for the South Division’s rst-half title until Gastonia Baseball Club clinched that playo berth Friday night.

Bolstered by Ben Aklinski and Zander Wiel who entered this week with 13 home runs apiece, High Point will nish the rst half of the season with the third-best record in the league.

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Seth Way of Randleman was dubbed the top baseball player in the PAC.

COURTESY PHOTO

Brad Rudisell

Addie Flinchum of Eastern Randolph produced a special softball season.

Asheboro’s Parks claims Super Senior victory

An unexpected playo propelled the golfer to the CGA title

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

CHARLIE PARKS of Ashe-

boro won the Carolinas Super Senior Championship’s 70-and-older division last week at Cutter Creek Golf Club in Snow Hill.

“I always love to play and I’m playing pretty good right now,” Parks said.

Parks shot rounds of 71 and 67 for a total of 7-under-par 138. Then he defeated Evan Long of Charlotte and Doug Owens of Albemarle on the rst playo hole, when the contenders played the par-5 18th hole again. Parks was six shots behind Owens after the rst round of the two-day event.

“I was just trying to move up

and get a better nish,” Parks said.

Parks birdied both par-3 holes during his 3-under mark on front side of the nal round and recorded a birdie on the 16th hole.

He didn’t have a three-putt in the last round.

In the playo , Parks reached the green in two shots and used two putts for the birdie. After an eagle attempt from about 40 feet, he had just 2½ feet left.

“I wanted it to be over as quickly as possible,” Parks said.

“Playing out in this heat is tough. I knew I was going to hit the driver, and I knew that if I hit it well then I would have a good chance at making birdie. … Gambling o the tee kind of paid o .”

It was an unexpected turnaround in fortunes. When Parks, 75, completed the second round, he put his golf clubs in his vehicle.

“I thought I was done for the day,” he said.

This marked the rst Caroli-

nas Golf Association individual title for Parks, who has teamed with Owens for past senior-level four-ball victories. Parks, who played college golf for North Carolina State, and Owens are both members of Pinewood Country Club in Asheboro.

“That’s the ironic thing is that we’ve been teammates,” Parks said.

There were 56 entrants in the division. Until a practice round for the tournament, Parks had never played at the course.

Parks, a former sales representative for ball bearings, is a ve-time winner of the Asheboro City Amateur. He’s also a member at Asheboro Municipal Golf Course.

“I’m retired so I play quite a bit,” he said.

In the 65-and-older division, Pat Thompson of Asheville won with 7-under 137 (70, 67) after claiming the rst playo hole vs. Concord’s Robert Shoaf (70, 67).

Wimbledon 2024: Here’s how to watch on TV, betting odds and more you should know

Play began Monday at the All England Tennis Club

The Associated Press

WIMBLEDON, England — Get ready for Wimbledon with a guide that tells you everything you need to know about how to watch the grass-court Grand Slam tennis tournament, betting odds, the schedule, who the defending champions are and more: How to watch Wimbledon on TV

• Tennis Channel, ESPN

Betting favorites for Wimbledon

Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner are listed as the favorites to win the singles championships at the All England Club, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The third-seeded Sabalenka — a twotime Australian Open champion and twice a semi nalist at Wimbledon — is a +333 money-line pick, ahead of No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek (+400), 2022 champion Elena Rybakina (+650) and No. 2 Coco Gau (+700). The top-seeded Sinner is listed at +150, ahead of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (+225) and Novak Djokovic (+325), with a big drop-o to the next choice, No. 7 seed Hubert Hurkacz (+1200).

Basic facts about Wimbledon

The site is the All England Club. The surface is grass courts. Women play best-of-three-set matches; men play best-of- veset matches. Unlike the other three Grand Slam tennis tournaments, there are no night sessions; a curfew prevents play past 11 p.m. The event lasts 14 days, including play now on the middle Sunday, which until 2022 was not used for competition except on four occasions

when rain created a backlog of matches. There are retractable roofs on Centre Court and No. 1 Court.

The top seeds at Wimbledon

Iga Swiatek is the top-seeded woman. Jannik Sinner is the top-seeded man.

How is Novak Djokovic’s knee doing ahead of Wimbledon?

Novak Djokovic, who has won

seven of his 24 Grand Slam titles at the All England Club, said Saturday his surgically repaired right knee feels good and he expects to be able to compete at a high level. He got hurt on June 3 at the French Open and had an operation two days later.

The Wimbledon schedule

• July 3-4: Second Round (Women and Men)

• July 5-6: Third Round (Women and Men)

• July 7-8: Fourth Round (Women and Men)

• July 9-10: Quarter nals (Women and Men)

• July 11: Women’s Semi nals

• July 12: Men’s Semi nals

• July 13: Women’s Final

• July 14: Men’s Final

Wimbledon’s defending champions Marketa Vondrousova earned her rst Grand Slam title a year ago at the All England Club, defeating Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-4 to become the rst unseeded woman to win Wimbledon.

Carlos Alcaraz got past Novak Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 for his rst trophy at Wimbledon and second at a major (a total he recently raised to three by winning the French Open). Djokovic had won four consecutive titles at the All England Club and seven overall.

Prize money at Wimbledon

Total prize money at Wimbledon in 2024 is rising to a record 50 million pounds, which is about $64 million — an increase of nearly 12% from last year. The two singles champions each will receive 2.7 million pounds, about $3.45 million.

Numbers to know about Wimbledon

7 — The number of women who have won Wimbledon in the last seven years: Marketa Vondrousova, Elena Rybakina, Ash Barty, Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, Garbiñe Muguruza, Serena Williams.

12 — The number of British men in the Wimbledon singles draw this year, the most since there were 14 in 1978.

What was said at Wimbledon?

“Oh, man, I wish a year ago, me after that match could see me now. That was a tough moment for me.” — Coco Gau , who lost in the rst round at Wimbledon in 2023 but then went on to win the next Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open.

“I don’t see myself holding back. I don’t see myself calculating or being a bit more cautious in the movement. I don’t see that happening. Really, I go all in. I go full out. I mean, that’s the way I’ve been playing my entire career.” — Novak Djokovic, who will play Wimbledon less than a month after having knee surgery.

CAROLINAS GOLF ASSOCIATION PHOTO

Charlie Parks of Asheboro came away as the winner in a playo in last week’s tournament.

KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH / AP PHOTO

Novak Djokovic of Serbia sits in his chair as ground sta look on during a training session on Court 2 at Wimbledon. The Wimbledon Championships began on July 1.

Vivian Staton Wright

July 5, 1943 – June 1, 2024

Vivian M. Staton Wright, 80, of Asheboro, died Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Terra Bella Asheboro.

Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Dr. Rob Roberts o ciating. Burial followed at Randolph Memorial Park.

Vivian was born on July 5, 1943, in Pender Co., daughter of the late M. Clyde Staton and Sudie Butler Staton.

Vivian retired from Fairfax County school system in 2006 after 25 years of service. She was a member of Oakhurst Baptist Church. Vivian enjoyed sewing, crafts, painting, cooking and going to plays. She was a member of Extension and Community Association.

Vivian is survived by her husband, Larry Wright of the home; son, Je Wright and wife Denise of Catlett, VA; sisters, Shirley Hanner of Pleasant Gardens, and Joan Rodgers and husband Grover III of Charlotte.

The family received friends prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter, 4600 Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209, or to Medi Home Health & Hospice, Attn: Nicole Goode, 1007 Lexington Avenue, Thomasville NC 27360.

Condolences may be made online at www. ridgefuneralhome.com.

Joan Ann Harrison Moran

December 27, 1940 –June 30, 2024

Joan Ann Harrison Moran, age 83, of Asheboro passed away on June 30, 2024 at her home.

Mrs. Moran was born in Randolph County on December 27, 1940 to Joseph Paul and Gracie Singleton Harrison. Ann was employed with Asheboro Elastic for 15 years and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her husband, William Carl Moran, brother, Joseph Eugene Harrison, and sister, Betty Jean. Ann was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved working in her vegetable gardens. She is survived by her son, David Moran of the home; daughter, Cathy Caton of Missouri; grandchildren, Tim Kennington, Jr. and Crystal Zismor; and 3 great grandchildren.

Ann’s body will lie in repose on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 1:00-5:00 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro.

Per Ann’s request, funeral services will be private.

Vickie Lynn Woodard

March 29, 1971 – June 29, 2024

Vickie Lynn Woodard, age 53 of Asheboro, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Randolph Hospice House.

Vickie was born on March 29, 1971 in Sylvia, North Carolina to Nancy Adkins and John B Messer. Vickie was known for putting her family and friends rst. She loved to go out and have a good time, ride horses, and take care of things at the farm. Cutting the grass was her meditation, and she enjoyed reading books, especially those by Stephen King. A clean house was a must for her, and she was known as the taxi driver for her grandkids.Vickie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is preceded by her Sister, Tonya Trogdon and Brother Little John Messer.

Vickie is survived by her Husband, Tony Woodard Jr. of the home; Mother, Nancy Adkins; Father, John B Messer; Daughters, Casey Woodard and Karri Woodard; Grandchildren, Tristin Pugh, Trevor Pugh, and Kylee Pugh; Great Nephews, Brantley Hyatt, Cayden Hyatt, and Matthew Hyatt, and good close friend Junior Davis. She is leaving behind many Sistersin-laws, Brothers-in-laws and various nieces and nephews and close and dear friends

The Family will be receiving Friends and Visitors at the residence on Pisgah Rd from the June 29th to the 30th.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 2:45

PM Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman, 600 S Main St, Randleman. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM.

James David Hanner

November 8, 1923 –June 30, 2024

James David Hanner, 100, of Randleman passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

The family will receive friends Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 1:00 - 1:50 PM at First Methodist Church in Randleman, 301 S. Main Street. Funeral services will start at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery, 119 W. River Drive, Randleman, NC, 27317. Military Honors will be provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard. Pugh Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hanner family.

Betty Wilson

May 6, 1939 – June 24, 2024

Elizabeth Ann Virginia Boliske Wilson, fondly known as Betty, or her favorite: Nana, passed away peacefully June 24, 2024. Born in Hamilton, Ohio May 6, 1939, to Mary and Ike Boliske. Betty Ann graduated from Notre Dame High School where she excelled academically, played and coached volleyball but was best known for keeping the nuns on their toes. She was very proud to have attended and graduated from the three year nursing program as a registered nurse from the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati. Her nursing career spanned more than 65 years. Betty began her career in the operating room, taught nursing at the Hamlet School of Nursing, was a NASCAR in eld nurse, served as Director of nursing at Bladen County Hospital, Fort Hamilton Hospital, and several nursing care facilities along the way. She was also instrumental in starting the rst Hospice in Butler County Ohio. Her last nursing adventure, at the age of 82, was sharing her classical nursing skills with the CNA students she taught At Randolph Community College.

Betty Ann earned her Curved Bar in Girl Scouts, served as a leader to her oldest daughter's troop and a leader in her granddaughters' troop, where she became known as Nana to all. Nana loved watching the "old classic" movies, was a social butter y "back in the day", enjoyed days at the beach, and sharing "this day in history" facts with all.

She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Betty was a member of St John's Lutheran Church, Asheboro.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, brother Rick Boliske, husband Frank Wilson, and son in law Charles "Chuck" Pickrel.

Left behind to carry on her memory are her daughters Michelle Pickrel and Gidget and husband Kenny Kidd, grandchildren: Christopher "Scooter" and wife Danielle White, Richard White and ancé Savannah Bryson, Mary Elizabeth Kidd, and Wilson Kidd, great grandchildren: Garrett White and Lawson White.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, June 29, 2024 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 505 S. Park Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.

In lieu of owers, the family requests a donation be made to the Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation. These funds will be used to support a student pursuing a CNA/ Nursing career.

Linda Barker

November 9, 1948 –June 28, 2024

Rolla Linda Barker, age 75, of Randleman passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024 at The Randolph Hospice House. She was born November 9, 1948 in Morganton, North Carolina the daughter of the late Rollo Barker and Elda Barker. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Rosemary Latham, Heather Gilbert, Juanita Latham and Bobby Gilbert; and a host of other beloved family and friends. The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.

Jimmy Davis

July 16, 1936 – June 28, 2024

James "Jimmy" David Davis, age 87, of Sophia passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on June 28, 2024 while surrounded by his family. He was born July 16, 1936 in Asheboro, North Carolina the son of the late David Davis and Faye Farlow Davis. He is also preceded in death by his son, Marty Davis; and brothers, Jerry Davis and Farlow Davis. Jimmy loved working on his farm, he had a deep passion for working the land and farming livestock. He enjoyed the outdoors and hunting with his beagles. Jimmy was a man of faith, loved the Lord and enjoyed spending time with his family. A man of good moral character, Christian values, he devoted his life to hard work and caring for those he loved. He was a former member of the New Market Civitans and member of Marlboro Friends Meeting Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 69 years, Betty Gill Davis; son Tony Davis and wife Keta; grandchildren, Jamie Davis (Ti any), Jennifer Motsinger (Thomas), and Amber Hyler (James); great grandchildren, Kash Davis, Piper Davis, Colby Motsinger, and Owen Hyler; sister, Jane Mullins (Gary); and a host of other beloved family and friends.

A graveside service will be held 11 AM Wednesday on July 3, 2024 at Marlboro Friends Meeting Church Cemetery, 2668 Marlboro Church Road, Sophia NC 27350.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Rev. C. Wayne Tucker

June 16, 1935 – June 27, 2024

Rev. Carson Wayne Tucker, 89, of High Point, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Archdale, with Pastor Richard Callahan o ciating. Burial will follow at Whynot Cemetery, Seagrove, with military honors provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Born in Guilford Co., NC, on June 16, 1935, Rev. Tucker was the son of the late William Carson and Julia Linda Austin Tucker. He was a graduate of Piedmont Bible College and served as a Baptist pastor in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. He also served as a missionary, mainly in the Northwest areas of the country. Planting and building churches was very important to him, having started ve across Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

Rev. Tucker deeply and dearly loved his family and the Lord. He was a wonderful husband and dad. In his spare time he enjoyed being in the outdoors hunting and shing. Being very patriotic, Rev. Tucker proudly served in the US Army. He loved his country. In addition to his parents, Rev. Tucker was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Kenneth Tucker, and sister and brother in law, Linda and Harold Sexton. Rev. Tucker is survived by his wife, Elgie Tucker of the home; daughter, Amy Elizabeth Tucker Arnold (John) of Archdale; son, Leslie Wayne Tucker (Amanda) of Asheboro; sister, Joanie Shaw (Milford) of Denton; brother, Douglas Tucker (Kay) of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Jacqueline Tucker, Zachary Tucker, Bradley Arnold (Ashlyn), Aysia Arnold Connors (Caleb), Tucker Arnold (Bethany), Nicholas Arnold, Carson Arnold; and great granddaughters, Ivy Arnold and Melody Arnold.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the church prior to the funeral service.

pen STATE & NATION

Top Democrats concerned Biden campaign ignoring impact of debate

A private call between the DNC, Biden surrogates and party leaders has heightened concern around the presidential race

By Steve Peoples The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A sense of concern is growing inside the top ranks of the Democratic Party that leaders of Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee are not taking seriously enough the impact of the president’s troubling debate performance last week.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison and Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held a Saturday afternoon call with dozens of committee members across the country, a group of some of the most inuential members of the party. They largely ignored Biden’s weak showing Thursday night or the avalanche of criticism that followed.

Multiple committee members on the call, most granted anonymity to talk about the private discussion, described feeling like they were being gaslighted — that they were be -

ing asked to ignore the dire nature of the party’s predicament. The call, they said, may have worsened a widespread sense of panic among elected ocials, donors and other stakeholders.

Instead, the people said, Harrison o ered what they described as a rosy assessment

Video shows central NY o cer fatally shooting 13-year-old on ground

The footage appears to show the boy pointing a replica gun at police

By Philip Marcelo and Stefanie Dazio

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Video released late Saturday shows an o cer in central New York fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy who had been tackled to the ground after he ran from police and pointed a replica handgun at them.

The teen was killed a little after 10 p.m. Friday in Utica after o cers in the city about 55 miles east of Syracuse stopped two youths in connection with an armed robbery investigation, police said.

The youths, both 13, matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects and were in the same area at around the same time the day after, police said.

The body camera video released by police captures an ofcer saying he needs to pat them down to ensure they don’t have any weapons in their possession. Immediately one of the

two, identi ed by police as Nyah Mway, runs away. Authorities froze frames of the video where a running Mway appears to point the gun at the pursuing o cers. Police also edited the video to insert a red circle around the weapon to show it to viewers.

The o cers believed it was a handgun, police said, but it was later determined to be a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine.

“During a ground struggle” with the teen, one of the o cers red a single shot that struck the boy in the chest, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said.

The teen was given “immediate” rst aid by the o cers and taken to Wynn Hospital, where he died, the chief said.

The replica gun carried by the teen “is in all aspects a realistic appearing rearm with GLOCK markings, signatures, detachable magazine, and serial numbers,” Lt. Michael Curley, a police spokesperson, said via email.

“However ultimately it res only pellets or BB’s.”

A bystander video posted to Facebook shows one of the ofcers chasing after Mway and tackling him to the ground. It

of Biden’s path forward. The chat function was disabled and there were no questions allowed.

“I was hoping for more of a substantive conversation instead of, ‘Hey, let’s go out there and just be cheerleaders,’ without actually addressing a very serious issue that unfolded on

American television for millions of people to see,” said Joe Salazar, an elected DNC member from Colorado, who was on the call. “There were a number of things that could have been said in addressing the situation. But we didn’t get that. We were being gaslit.”

Many donors, party strategists and rank-and- le DNC members are publicly and privately saying they want the 81-year-old Biden to step aside to allow the party to select a younger replacement at the Democratic National Convention in August. As of now, though, Biden’s closest allies insist he remains well-positioned to compete against Republican Donald Trump and have given no indication they will push him to end his campaign.

Those best positioned to replace him — Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among them — reiterated their support for Biden after the debate.

Many are anxiously awaiting the rst major round of post-debate public polling to determine their next steps.

Polls from CNN and 538/Ipsos conducted soon after the debate found that most debate watchers thought Trump out-

performed Biden. But the two men’s favorability ratings remained largely unchanged, just as they did in the aftermath of Trump’s conviction on charges in New York that he illegally participated in a hush money scheme to in uence the 2016 election.

In a subsequent appearance on MSNBC, Harrison downplayed the signi cance of the conference call, which he said was part of a regularly scheduled communication “to talk about the state of the race” and the upcoming national convention with the DNC’s many elected members across the country.

Biden and his campaign have sought to project con dence in the days since last Thursday’s debate in which the president, who already faced serious concerns about his physical and mental stamina, o ered a performance punctuated by repeated stumbles, uncomfortable pauses and a quiet speaking style that was often di cult to understand.

Just after Saturday’s DNC call, the Biden campaign released a memo from senior adviser Jen O’Malley Dillon insisting that the debate had no tangible impact on the election.

“On every metric that matters, data shows it did nothing to change the American people’s perception, our supporters are more red up than ever, and Donald Trump only reminded voters of why they red him four years ago and failed to expand his appeal beyond his MAGA base,” O’Malley Dillon wrote.

also shows the o cer punching the teen as two other ocers arrive. A gunshot rings out as the teen is on the ground and the o cers quickly stand up.

The o cer who red his gun was identi ed as Patrick Husnay, a six-year veteran of the agency. Husnay and O cers Bryce Patterson and Andrew Citriniti were placed on administrative leave with pay.

The police body camera video shows a chaotic scene.

Mway points the replica handgun at the o cers while he runs from them. The o cers scream “gun!” to each other as they run. Patterson then tackles and punches Mway, and as the two are wrestling on the ground,

Husnay opens re. O cers initially thought Nyah Mway may have shot himself, and Patterson says, “I don’t know if he shot me.” It is not clear whether he is referring to Mway or his fellow o cer. Patterson was not struck.

Bystanders scream at the police throughout the recordings, and at one point an o cer yells back: “We’re trying to save him right now!”

The other youth was detained in the back of a police vehicle and was not involved in the shooting.

During his “public safety statement,” a brief interview typically done in the aftermath of a police shooting to ensure there is no additional threat, Husnay

Police investigate the scene of last Friday night’s shooting in Utica, New York, early last Saturday. An o cer shot and killed a teen eeing while pointing a replica gun, police said Saturday.

said he red one round “straight towards the ground.” He did not know whether Mway had red at the o cers but said he thought the weapon was a 22-caliber handgun.

The police department released the body camera videos following a public outcry as the shooting roiled Utica, a city with a population of 65,000. It is home to more than 4,200 people from Myanmar, according to The Center, a nonpro t that helps to resettle the refugees.

Mway, who local media reports said was an 8th grader at Donovan Middle School, was identi ed as a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at LaGuardia International Airport last Saturday in New York.

KENNY LACY JR. /

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

The United States declares independence from England

Sandra Day O’Connor became the rst woman appointed to the Supreme Court

The Associated Press

JUNE 27

“This Week” looks back at the key events from this week in history.

JULY 4

1776: The Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

1802: The United States Military Academy o cially opened at West Point, New York.

1817: Construction of the Erie Canal began in Rome, New York.

1855: The rst edition of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” was published.

1939: Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees delivered his famous farewell speech in which he called himself “the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”

1960: The current 50-star version of the U.S. ag was adopted.

JULY 5

1687: Isaac Newton rst published his “Principia Mathematica,” a three-volume work setting out his mathematical principles of natural philosophy.

1811: Venezuela became the rst South American country to declare independence from Spain.

1865: The Secret Service Division of the U.S. Treasury Department was founded in

The 1876 engraving “Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776” remembers American independence.

Washington, D.C., to suppress counterfeit currency.

1937: Hormel introduced a canned meat product called Spam; more than 9 billion cans have been sold since.

1946: The modern bikini, designed by Frenchman Louis Reard, was rst modeled in Paris.

1954: Elvis Presley recorded his rst single, “That’s All Right,” at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.

1996: Dolly the sheep, the rst mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell by scientists at the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, was born.

JULY 6

1483: England’s King Richard III was crowned.

1944: An estimated 168 people died in a re that broke out during a performance in the

main tent of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut.

1945: President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order establishing the Medal of Freedom.

JULY 7

1985: At age 17, Boris Becker became the youngest person to win Wimbledon.

1981: President Ronald Reagan appointed Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court, making her the rst woman to serve on the highest court in the United States.

JULY 8

1889: The Wall Street Journal was published for the rst time.

1497: Vasco da Gama set o on a voyage to India from Lisbon with four ships. He later reached the city of Calicut in southern India and became the rst European to set foot in India by way of the sea.

JULY 9

1981: Donkey Kong was released by Nintendo, which introduced the famous character Mario as Jumpman in this popular arcade game.

1962: Andy Warhol debuted his iconic “Campbell’s Soup Cans” at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles, popularizing Pop Art in the United States.

1958: The Lituya Bay megatsunami hit Lituya Bay in Alaska. The wave was 1,720 feet high, the highest recorded in history.

1877: The rst Wimbledon tennis championship was held.

AP PHOTO

Sandra Day O’Connor speaks before a Senate hearing on her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 9, 1981. J. TRUMBULL, W.L. ORMSBY / IMAGE

Beloved character actor Bill Cobbs dies at 90

Cobbs acted in such lms as “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum”

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Bill Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, died June 25 at 90.

A Cleveland, Ohio, native, Cobbs acted in such lms as “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum.” He made his rst bigscreen appearance in a eeting role in 1974’s “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” He became a lifelong actor with some 200 lm and TV credits. The lion’s share of those came in his 50s, 60s, and 70s, as lmmakers and TV producers repeatedly turned to him to imbue small but pivotal parts with a skinny, worn soulfulness.

Cobbs appeared on television shows, including “The Sopranos,” “The West Wing,” “Sesame Street” and “Good Times.” He was Whitney Houston’s manager in “The Bodyguard” (1992), the mystical clock man of the Coen brothers’ “The Hudsucker Proxy” (1994) and the doctor

of John Sayles’ “Sunshine State” (2002). He played the coach in “Air Bud” (1997), the security guard in “Night at the Museum” (2006) and the father in “The Gregory Hines Show.”

Cobbs rarely got signi cant parts that stood out and won awards. Instead, he was a familiar and memorable everyman who impressed audiences. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program for the series “Dino Dana” in 2020.

Wilbert Francisco Cobbs, born June 16, 1934, served eight years in the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school in Cleve-

land. In the years after his service, Cobbs sold cars. One day, a customer asked him if he wanted to act in a play. Cobbs rst appeared on stage in 1969. He began to act in Cleveland theater and later moved to New York, where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, acting alongside Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.

Cobbs later said acting resonated with him as a way to express the human condition, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement in the late ’60s.

“To be an artist, you have to have a sense of giving,” Cobbs said in a 2004 interview. “Art is somewhat of a prayer, isn’t it?

Jilted woman driven to madness in ‘The Vixen

The novel grows increasingly chilling

By Bruce Desilva The Associated Press

OLIVIA, a literature professor whose eld of study is Dante, is madly in love with her husband, Andy. But ve years after they married, she caught him cheating with a woman named Amber. At rst, he denied the a air, but soon after, he led for divorce and declared his intention to marry his paramour.

It’s no accident that the narrator of Carol LaHines’s second novel, “The Vixen Amber Halloway,” is a literature professor named Ophelia. That was also the name of a woman who had her heart broken and was driven to madness by the title character in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

When we rst meet LaHines’s Ophelia, she is being interviewed by a prison psychologist. Ophelia’s heart has been broken, too, and it is evident that it has

Amber Halloway’

led her to do something terrible. Her eld of study, we soon learn, was Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy,” a 14th-century narrative poem about the horrifying wages of sin. Obsessed with her work, Ophelia had no time for dating, so she was well into her 30s when a friend xed her up with Andy, a medical equipment salesman. Although they had little in common, they fell in love and married. But ve years later, she discovered he was cheating with a young woman named Amber. At rst, he denied the a air, but not long after, he led for divorce and declared his intention to marry his paramour.

“I have a hole in my heart the size of a shotgun wound,” Ophelia says. Quoting Dante, she adds, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”

This is not the rst time Ophelia has been abandoned. When she was a child, her mother ran o with a car salesman, leaving the girl to be raised by her inconsolable, suicidal father.

“Time is not linear,” she says, “but a tripwire, events we keep stumbling over again and again, nettles in the brain, thorns in the heart.”

So Ophelia trolls Amber on the internet, spying on her and Andy for months, and even kills their dog. The novel grows increasingly chilling as Ophelia recounts her growing obsession, towering rage and descent into madness, eventually leading her to do something far worse.

“Who has not experienced the haphazard cruelties of love?” she asks. “Who has not wished, fervently desired, for the new love interest to be simply gone, erased from your life?...”

LaHines’s writing borders on the lyrical when Ophelia recalls the joyful early years of her marriage, but when she confesses her sins, her voice is stilted and often emotionless.

In the end, her descent into delusion is complete.

“One day, you and I will be together,” she addresses the absent Andy. “Your hand rmly in my grasp.”

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Veteran character actor Bill Cobbs, photographed in 2010, died June 25 at age 90.

famous birthdays this week

Ringo turns 83, Eva Marie Saint hits 100, Huey Lewis is 74

The Associated Press

July 4: Actor Eva Marie Saint is 100. Actor Ed Bernard (“Police Woman,” “The White Shadow”) is 85. Actor Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu in “It’s a Wonderful Life”) is 84. Singer Annette Beard of Martha and the Vandellas is 81. TV personality Geraldo Rivera is 81.

July 5: Musician Huey Lewis is 74. Actor Edie Falco (“Nurse Jackie,” “The Sopranos”) is 61. Rapper RZA of WuTang Clan is 55.

July 6: Singer Gene Chandler is 84. Country singer Jeannie Seely is 84. Actor Burt Ward (“Batman”) is 79. Actor Fred Dryer is 78. Actor Sylvester Stallone is 78. Actor Geoffrey Rush is 73.

July 7: Musician Ringo Starr is 83. Actor Shelley Duvall is 74.

July 8: Chef Wolfgang Puck is 74. Actor Anjelica Huston is 72. Actor Kevin Bacon is 65. Actor Billy Crudup is 55. Musician Beck is 53. Actor Je rey Tambor is 79. Actor Jonelle Allen (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”) is 75. Children’s singer Ra is 75.

July 9: Actor Tom Hanks is 67. Singer Courtney Love is 59. Musician Jack White is 48. Actor Chris Cooper is 72. TV personality-turned-musician John Tesh is 71. Country singer David Ball is 70. Business leader Kevin O’Leary (“Shark Tank”) is 69. Actor Fred Savage is 47.

July 10: Singer Arlo Guthrie is 76. Singer Jessica Simpson is 43. Actor William Smithers (“Dallas,” ″Peyton Place”) is 96. Singer Mavis Staples is 84. Banjo player Bela Fleck of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones is 65.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, pictured in 2023, turns 83 on Sunday.

AP PHOTO

Eva Marie Saint, who turned 100 on Thursday, is pictured at the 30th Academy Awards ceremony in 1958.

CARLOS OSORIO / AP PHOTO

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck turns 74 on Monday.

the stream

Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills, Emma Roberts blasts o

Discovery Channel’s annual “Shark Week” kicks o on Sunday

The Associated Press

THIS WEEK, Eddie Murphy and the gang return in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” on Net ix, Emma Roberts gets accepted to NASA in “Space Cadet” on Prime, and The Criterion Channel delivers a series for neo-noir fans.

MOVIES TO STREAM

After nearly 30 years of ts and starts, the fourth Beverly Hills Cop movie is nally upon us. Eddie Murphy reprises his role as Axel Foley in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which debuts on Net ix on Wednesday. Judge Reinhold and John Ashton also return but get some fresh blood in a detective played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Captain (Kevin Bacon). Taylour Paige also joins the ensemble as Axel’s daughter. The original “Beverly Hills Cop,” which launched Murphy to stardom in 1984, is also streaming on Net ix now. Emma Roberts is “living her best Florida life” when she remembers her dream of being an astronaut in “Space Cadet.” Unbeknownst to her, a friend (“Hacks” castmate Poppy Liu) embellishes her resume, and she’s accepted into a competitive NASA training program. It aspires to be a kind of “Legally Blonde” meets “Private Benjamin” (who wouldn’t dream of such heights) and will be available to stream on Prime Video starting Thursday. The Criterion Channel continues to o er the best and most thoughtful movie libraries, thoughtfully curated and grouped into fun themes that refresh on the rst of each month. Monday brings a neonoir series (“Out of Sight,” “L.A. Con dential,” and two “Bad Lieutenants” among them), one on pop Shakespeare including Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet,” with Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio, and Michael Almereyda’s “Hamlet” with Ethan Hawke, and a selection of Nicolas Roeg lms, including the Donald Sutherland classic “Don’t Look Now.” The channel will also host the animated “Chicken For Linda” streaming premiere.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Country music star Zach Bryan released a new studio album, “The Great American Bar Scene,” on the Fourth of July. The 18 tracks — 17 songs and a poem — were previewed at bars

around

that AP recently named one of the sum-

mer songs. That song exempli es Bryan’s speci c skillset — little more than an acoustic guitar, harmonica and raspy, speci c storytelling that reveals universal truths. “The kids are in town for a funeral,” he sings. “So pack the car and dry your eyes.” He’s an expert at writing a novel in a few words, so prepare to take notes.

SHOWS TO STREAM

The beloved animated children’s series “Bluey,” about a family of dogs, will roll out super-short episodes this summer, between one and three minutes long. The rst seven minisodes begin airing Wednesday on Disney+, and a second batch will be released later this year. Summer is for sharks. Discovery Channel’s annual “Shark Week” kicks o on Sunday with John Cena as host. The network has 21 hours of original programming hosted by Cena to sink your teeth into. “Shark Week” will also stream on Max. Former reality star Hannah Berner, a cast member on Bravo’s “Summer House,” is ready to debut her rst comedy special. “We Ride At Dawn” drops on Net ix on Sunday. Berner is also the co-host of the popular podcast “Giggly Squad” with former “Summer House”

cast member Paige DeSorbo.

Season three of the Emmy-winning series “The Bear” dropped all ten episodes last Thursday. The show follows Jeremy Allen White as Carmy, a ne-dining chef who opens his restaurant in Chicago. Ayo Edebiri and Ebon MossBachrach co-star. All three have won Emmy Awards for their performances. White says that if season two of the show was about what happens if you get what you want (like the restaurant of your dreams), season three asks, what do you want?

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

While TikTok gets most of the headlines, Chinese video games have found more of a Western audience over the last few years. At the wave’s crest is Shanghai-based MiHoYo, developers of the fantasy role-playing game Genshin Impact and the sci- epic Honkai: Star Rail. The studio’s new adventure, Zenless Zone Zero, takes place in an urban wasteland under attack by creatures from alternate dimensions. Like MiHoYo’s previous hits, ZZZ is free to play — though you’re certainly encouraged to spend cash on collectibles around the city. The game was released Thursday on PlayStation 5, PC, iOS and Android.

the U.S. and Canada before streaming on Independence Day. The album features “Purple Gas,” a duet with Ca-

nadian up-and-comer Noeline Hofmann, and “Pink Skies,” a folksy tearjerker

“Shark Week,” left, returns this weekend, and the animated children’s series “Bluey” will have seven “minisodes” this summer.

NETFLIX VIA AP

Eddie Murphy, center, returns as Axel Foley in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” with John Ashton, left, and Judge Reinhold, right.

RICHARD SHOTWELL / AP PHOTO

Jeremy Allen White attends the premiere of “The Bear,” which has returned with all 10 episodes of Season 3 available on Hulu.

HOKE COUNTY

The rockets’ red glare

After signing the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Today, 248 years later, these United States are still striving to live up to what Lincoln called “the last best hope of Earth.” Happy Fourth.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NCDMV fees rise, new card surcharges

NC residents face higher costs for DMV services, beginning this month, as the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) rolls out fee increases and introduces surcharges when paying with a card.

The card surcharge, enabled by a new provision in the state budget, will see fees added to all NCDMV in-person (1.22%), online (1.85%) and kiosk transactions (2%) when paying with a credit or debit card starting July 1.

Simultaneously, the NCDMV implemented its state-mandated quadrennial fee adjustments. Approximately 90 license and registration-related fees will increase by 19.18%, a number based on in ation over the past four years:

• Regular driver’s license: $1 per year increase ($5 more for a ve-year license)

• Learner’s permit and provisional license: $4 increase

• Duplicate license: $2.75 increase

• Passenger vehicle registration: Rises from $38.75 to $46.25

Fourth of July

safety tips

With reworks and grills common accessories for July

Fourth frivolity, NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey

o ers the following advice to avoid needing to call your insurance agent this year:

Fireworks safety tips:

• Never let children use reworks unsupervised

• Use reworks outdoors in clear areas

• Have water nearby for emergencies

• Light only one rework at a time

Grilling safety tips:

• Use grills outdoors only

• Keep grills away from buildings

• Maintain a 10-foot child-free zone

Commissioners put hold on new townhomes over water issues

The matter was tabled until water can be allocated to the development

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Commissioners met Monday to consider a 56-acre townhome development, among other matters.

The board considered a request for a special use permit to build townhomes on 56.1 acres of property located at Scull Road for the Drake Landing development.

The plan calls for six six-unit homes, one ve-unit home, and one four-unit home, totaling 45 individual units.

“We’re talking about density right here and whether or not we’re okay with adding the net increase of 18 homes here,” said Commissioner Allen Thomas.

The property had been pre -

viously rezoned rezoned in December of last year from RA20 to R-8.

While the planning board unanimously recommended the granting of a special use permit, the Regional Land Use Advisory Commission recommended denial due to the periodic exposure to noise levels over 115 decibels due to large-caliber weapons training at nearby Fort Liberty.

Concerns were raised about water not yet being allocated to the site, but according to Commissioner Tony Hunt, that is an issue that should be alleviated soon.

“We realize that and because of the issue we’re having now with the growth being way more than what anyone ever anticipated, not only on the eastern side of the county but now on the western side of the county,” Hunt said. “At our last utility meeting, our sta has almost all of that new process put together and it’s coming to us hopefully at our next

meeting. This just happened to get processed before that.”

Following the hearing, the board voted to table the matter until the water allocation issue is sorted.

“We want to make sure that everyone who lives here will always be able to go and turn on their faucets and have water,” said Chairman James Leach. “We protect them rst, and then after that, we consider selling water to others, and this is a drought right now. We have to consider that. We don’t know what the summer will bring and we have to be careful with that so that all of our citizens will have water to drink and to take a shower.”

“I don’t want anybody to go home and panic tonight,” Hunt responded. “This won’t affect commercial growth where we have somebody building a store or a Hardee’s or something out in the Rock sh area or something like that. This will not a ect that development to continue on. We’re

talking about these big developments like this that have 100, 200, 300, 400 homes. That really takes a big e ect on the water allocation in that area.”

In other business, the board approved the hiring of Ko Tang Cha-Moses as the county’s new nance director.

“I needed someone that works on all of our journals and everything else that goes along with nance,” said County Manager Letitia Edens. “Finance is a big deal now because Yellow Book is really extensive now in what they require, and it changes every year.”

Cha-Moses was a senior manager at Martin Starnes & Associates, who had done the audits for Hoke County.

“She is a true auditor, and that is what we need,” Edens said. “We need someone that really knows auditing and knows what to look for in our books to ensure that we’ve brought some-

See BOARD, page 2

Biden proposes excessive heat rule for workplaces

Employers would have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization

By Suman Naishadham The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace, warning — as tens of millions of people in the U.S. are under heat advisories — that high temperatures are the country’s leading weather-related killer.

If nalized, the measure would protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure on the job — establishing the

rst major federal safety standard of its kind. Those a ected by excessive heat in the workplace include farmworkers, delivery and construction workers, landscapers and indoor workers in warehouses, factories and kitchens.

“The purpose of this rule is simple,” a senior White House administration o cial told reporters. “It is to signi cantly reduce the number of worker-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses su ered by workers who are exposed to excessive heat ... while simply doing their jobs.”

Under the proposed rule, employers would be required to identify heat hazards, develop emergency response plans related to heat illness, and pro -

vide training to employees and supervisors on the signs and symptoms of such illnesses. They would also have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization — or the building of tolerance to higher temperatures — for new workers.

Penalties for heat-related violations in workplaces would increase signi cantly, in line with what workplaces are issued for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules, a senior White House administration o cial said.

An estimated 2,300 people in the U.S. died from heat-related illness in 2023. Workers with prolonged exposure to extreme heat are among the most

vulnerable to related health risks, such as heatstroke and other illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Labor Department has been developing a standard for how workplaces deal with heat since 2021, with OSHA hav-

See OSHA, page 2

one in that can train ournance department, train our department heads so that we know what we’re doing and that we’re doing the right thing all the time.”

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet July 15.

ing held meetings last year to hear about how the proposed measures could a ect small businesses.

The AFL-CIO union federation praised the Biden administration’s rule. “Ifnalized, this new rule would address some of the most basic needs for workers’ health and safety,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

Heat protection laws in the U.S. have faced steady industry opposition, including from chambers of commerce and other business associations. Many say a blanket mandate would be di cult to implement across such a wide range of industries.

California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota and Washington are the only states with workplace standards for heat exposure. Some regulations have recently come under attack by Republicans. Over the past year, Florida and Texas, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, passed legislation preventing local governments from requiring heat protections for outdoor workers.

If nalized, the Biden administration’s rule would override state measures, and states with existing procedures to deal with heat would have to institute measures that are at least as stringent as the nalized federal rule.

THURSDAY

TUESDAY

NC girl, 8, dies after mother left her in hot car while at work

her child died from being left in a hot car, police said. The 8-year-old girl was transported to a local hospital after being found in critical condition in a vehicle in Charlotte on Wednesday evening but later died from a heat-related medical emergency, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The child’s mother was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse by willful act causing serious injury.

The 36-year-old woman is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $250,000 bond, jail records show.

The woman told police she left her daughter in the car while she went to work, according to an arrest a davit. Before she left, she said she kept the air running in the car, but the child may have turned it o because she was cold.

The last time the woman heard from her daughter was via text about an hour and a half before she returned to the car, authorities said. That’s when she discovered the child lying on the backseat oorboard unresponsive.

Using a hammer, police said the woman busted the back window to reach her daughter. She then drove to the hospital but stopped at a nearby business to get help, authorities said. Someone called 911 to report the emergency, police said.

After emergency responders took the child to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, the girl was pronounced dead early Thursday morning.

The woman told police she shouldn’t have left her child in the car and that she knew it was 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 degrees Celsius) outside, according to the a davit. She was appointed a public defender to represent her, according to court records. Her next scheduled hearing is on July 17.

There have been nearly 1,000 child hot car deaths since 1998, according to the National Highway Tra c Safety Administration. The administration recommends leaving cars locked when no one is inside and never leaving a child alone in a car to prevent deaths.

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THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Paid family leave: A key to success in post-Dobbs world

We can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families.

MOST OF US REMEMBER

WHERE we were when the ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was announced in June 2022.

Roe v. Wade was no more, and after the initial urry of news reports, much of America wondered: “What’s next?”

The historic ruling is now seen as one that has further divided a nation that was already split on abortion and many other issues.

While emotions and opinions run high — for good reason — this “postDobbs” world provides incredible opportunities to work together to ensure that all women and families have the support they need to welcome precious children into this world.

Paid family leave is one such opportunity. It’s an issue that has common ground for conservatives and liberals alike, as there are good people on both sides of the aisle who want to see women and families succeed.

Did you know that a staggering 23% of all mothers go back to work within

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

two weeks of giving birth? Think about that statistic for a moment. Almost one-fourth of American women don’t even have two weeks to bond with their baby at home, and they return to work without having physically, emotionally or mentally recovered from birth. This goes against not only medical advice but, in my opinion, basic pro-family values.

Paid family leave bene ts both parents and babies. Studies show that early bonding is crucial for the longterm mental health and resilience of children, and women with at least 12 weeks of paid leave report fewer depressive symptoms and better overall mental health.

Can we have a strong federal paid leave policy and be nancially responsible? Yes! The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement one another, as parents with paid leave stay connected to the workforce and have reduced reliance on public assistance. It’s a “win-win” for not only families but society as a whole.

Is this really the best we can do?

His voice was weak and hoarse. A cold. If that were all, it would not have been so bad. That was the least of it. It wasn’t just a stutter.

IT WAS PAINFUL TO WATCH.

Two men vying for the most important job in the world. And neither of them making the cut.

Trump was Trump — just as expected, bragging and blustering, lying and threatening, refusing to say he would accept the results of the election, defending the Jan. 6 rioters. It is no exaggeration to say he is a threat to our democracy as we know it. Even in the face of a dramatically diminished opponent, he could not find his way to grace, to the high road, to optimism, to a message larger than spitefully attacking immigrants and the “me me me” we have come to expect.

A younger and more vigorous Joe Biden could have eaten him for lunch. This time, he was lunch. His voice was weak and hoarse. A cold. If that were all, it would not have been so bad. That was the least of it. It wasn’t just a stutter. He visibly lost his train of thought in the first minutes of the debate. He choked on questions he should have hit out of the park. How could he get bogged down trying to explain Roe v. Wade? Why didn’t he just say that killing live born babies is homicide in all 50 states? Why let

Trump get away with that? Who cares that he was once — a very long time ago — the youngest one in the room when he is now, so very painfully, the oldest? How could he not be prepared for that most obvious question? How could he not have a clear and direct answer ready for black voters?

Biden, by all reports, spent days and days preparing for this debate. He was working with a very experienced staff. This was not a staffing problem. I am sure his debate book was stuffed with clear and concise answers. There was not a single question, I am certain, that they did not anticipate; there were no trick questions or hidden agendas. He should have been surprised by nothing. Instead, he struggled with everything. Even on the questions where he won on points — where he did have better answers than his ducking and deflecting opponent — his performance was halting and tentative.

Being president is a hard and demanding job. Biden came across as much diminished from the candidate he was four years ago. This Biden showed his age and the scars of four years in the hottest seat on the planet. It was hard to imagine that

North Carolina has taken some important steps in the past year to support families. Thanks to the robust e orts of SB20 to support mothers both during pregnancy and after birth, state employees now have paid family leave along with other robust policies to support mothers, babies and families.

On the federal level, I’m grateful for the leadership of Sen. Thom Tillis in spearheading a bipartisan working group on paid family leave and also for Sen. Ted Budd and his steadfast support for pro-family policies on Capitol Hill.

Parenting brings unique joys and challenges, especially in today’s uncertain nancial climate. Together, we can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families as they welcome the next generation — one baby at a time — and create a brighter future for all.

Julie Scott Emmons is the southeast regional director of government a airs for Human Coalition.

this Biden could have defeated strong opponents, as he did four years ago to win the nomination. If this were a primary debate, he would have lost the primary. The reason no credible Democrat ran against him this time is because of the conventional wisdom that he or she would have lost but would have mortally wounded the incumbent in the process. Sometimes conventional wisdom is wrong. Will someone tell him? Of course they will. Plenty of someones. The post-debate headlines say it all.

“President Biden Struggles as Trump Blusters.” Democratic leaders were reportedly talking about replacing Biden at the top of the ticket before the debate had even ended. The question is whether Biden, who is known for his stubborn belief in his own resilience, will listen.

Every delegate to the convention is pledged to support Joe Biden. They were all approved by Joe Biden. Will he officially release them? What or who can convince him to do that? It would be the ultimate act of presidential leadership.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

COLUMN | JULIE EMMONS

HOKE SPORTS

Hoke 12U baseball to play for state title

8U softball goes unbeaten

North State Journal sta Softball and baseball

A PAIR OF TEAMS from Hoke County Parks and Recreation found success on the diamond last month.

The 8U softball team went undefeated, beating opposition from across Hoke County and Hope Mills. The Wolfpack put a cap on a perfect season in June.

In baseball, the county still has a team playing, howev-

er. The Hoke County All Stars won the 2024 Diamond Youth Baseball District 11 championship for 12U.

The Hoke All Stars beat the Coats All Stars in the championship game. Now, Hoke moves on to the state tournament. They’ll travel to Mount Holly to try to win the North Carolina 12U crown. Games start on July 13, and a champion will be crowned on July 19.

Basketball

Hoke’s boys’ team has been staying active in the summer season. The Bucks sent a squad

to the Fred Lynch Invitational in Wilmington, two weeks ago. Hoke fell to Wilson Prep in the opener by a 65-64 score, with rising senior Tyler Hines scoring 13 for the Bucks.

They bounced back with a 78-54 win over Purnell Swett, with rising junior Josiah Jacobs pouring in 20 points. Hoke then fell to eventual champion Marvin Ridge by a 61-39 margin, with junior-tobe Savion Kingston scoring 12.

On day two, rising junior Jeremiah Harper scored 15, but it wasn’t enough in a 64-50 loss to Hoggard. North Brunswick then topped the Bucks, 43-32, with Jacobs leading the way with 7 points.

Jacobs was recognized as a “player of the day” for day one of the event, as well as a “tournament standout”.

Hoke then had a successful three-game run at the Sandhills Summer Jamboree the following week.

East Hoke Middle School, football

Davon Bronson is a rising eighth grader at East Hoke Middle School.

Nicknamed “Tank,” Bronson does a little bit of everything for the Eagles. He plays both o ensive and defensive line and even lines up at fullback on occasion. He helped lead East Hoke to the Middle School championship game at the end of last season.

His performance earned him a spot in the North Carolina All-State Middle School game earlier this summer.

Jury orders NFL to pay nearly $4.8B in ‘Sunday Ticket’ case for violating antitrust laws

The NFL plans to appeal a decision that would cost each team $449.6 million

By Joe Reedy

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — A jury

in U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing outof-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.

The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class. Since damages can be tripled under federal antitrust laws, the

NFL could end up being liable for $14.39 billion.

The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses in the United States who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an in ated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by o ering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.

The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then possibly the Supreme Court. Should the NFL end up paying damages, it could cost each

of the 32 teams approximately $449.6 million.

“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free over-the-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.

“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case

are baseless and without merit.”

The trial lasted three weeks and featured testimony from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

“Justice was done. The verdict upholds protection for the consumers in our class. It was a great day for consumers,” plainti s attorney Bill Carmody said.

During his closing remarks, Carmody showed an April, 2017, NFL memo that showed the league was exploring a world without “Sunday Ticket” in 2017, where cable channels would air Sunday afternoon out-of-market games not shown on Fox or CBS.

The jury deliberated for nearly ve hours before reaching its decision.

Judge Philip S. Gutierrez is scheduled to hear post-trial motions on July 31, including the NFL’s request to have him rule in favor of the league because the judge determined the plainti s did not prove their case.

Payment of damages, any changes to the “Sunday Ticket” package and/or the ways the NFL carries its Sunday afternoon games would be stayed until all appeals have been concluded.

The league maintained it had the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plainti s said that only covers over-theair broadcasts and not pay TV. The lawsuit was originally led in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th Circuit, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

HOKE PARKS & RECREATION SOCIAL MEDIA

The Hoke 8U softball stars display their trophies after nishing o an undefeated season.

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

James intends to sign new deal with Lakers

LeBron James is not opting into what would have been a $51.4 million contract for this coming season and will instead seek a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The move is among those coming just ahead of the NBA’s free agency period, which formally opened at 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, though at least $1.2 billion in contracts have already been agreed upon because of new rules that allowed teams to speak with their own players earlier than usual.

MLB 11 people injured when Brewers’ ballpark escalator malfunctions

Milwaukee Eleven people were injured when an escalator malfunctioned at American Family Field in Milwaukee following the Brewers’ loss to the Chicago Cubs. The issue occurred Saturday. Brewers’ spokesperson Tyler Barnes says six people were hospitalized with non-lifethreatening injuries and ve others were treated at the ballpark. The escalator’s malfunction resulted “in an increased downward speed.” Other details were not immediately available. Saturday’s 5-3 loss ended the Brewers’ winning streak at ve games.

CRICKET

India wins T20 World Cup after holding o South Africa by 7 runs in gripping nal Bridgetown, Barbados India pulled o a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in the nal of the Twenty20 World Cup. South Africa, playing its rst ever nal, needed a run-a-ball 30 to win on the back of Heinrich Klaasen’s belligerent 52 o 27 balls. But Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, who shared seven wickets between them, roared back in the death overs to restrict South Africa at 169-8. Kohli’s rst halfcentury at tournament anchored India to 176-7. India won its second T20 World Cup but its rst world title in 13 years.

SOCCER

American winger Weah’s suspension extended to 2 games for red card against Panama New York The suspension of American winger Tim Weah was extended to two games by South American soccer’s governing body for punching Panama’s Roderick Miller during their Copa American group stage. Weah received a red card in the 18th minute of the United States’ 2-1 loss, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. The Confederation of South American Football says Weah been suspended for a second game and ned $3,000 by a judge of its disciplinary commission. The money is to be deducted from the U.S. Soccer Federation’s payment from CONMEBOL for television, participation and/or prize money.

Logano wins at Nashville for 1st Cup Series victory of year

The race went to a record fth overtime

By Teresa M. Walker The Associated Press

LEBANON, Tenn. — Joey Logano felt he couldn’t get to the nish line fast enough with his No. 22 Ford sputtering and nearly out of gas. First, he had to hold o the driver with the fastest car to win the rain-delayed race that seemingly wouldn’t end Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway in a NASCAR Cup Series-record fth overtime. Logano had a pack of pursuers on his bumper and knew he had to make one more move to block Tyler Reddick in Turn 4. Then Logano went “bonkers” after making it over the line rst at the Ally 400. “De nitely as close as you can cut it for sure,” Logano said

about stretching his fuel almost to the last drop.

Logano held o Reddick’s charge in Turn 1 on the nal lap and again in Turn 4. He then beat Zane Smith, Reddick, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher to the line in the race that started nearly six hours earlier and went 31 laps longer than the 300 that were scheduled.

The fuel light in Logano’s Ford came on going into Turn 3 after the engine sputtered on the backstretch, and Logano — who ran the last 110 laps without stopping on the 1.33-mile concrete oval — said it stumbled across the line. All the caution laps helped stretch a tank expected to last 85 laps at best.

“It’s a much-needed win for sure,” a smiling and relieved Logano said about his rst victory this year and 33rd of his career. If the nish wasn’t thrilling enough, the mayhem continued. Chase Briscoe ran out of

“De nitely as close as you can cut it for sure.”

Joey Logano

fuel. Daniel Suarez and Martin Truex Jr. made contact, spinning Truex into the wall. Chase Elliott spun o Turn 4 and into the grass.

Smith wasn’t happy at nishing second, though he said he wouldn’t do anything di erent after the rookie’s best Cup nish.

“I felt like I chose the right lane, and it’s crazy how much di erent these cars drive with cleaner air,” Smith said. “Just proud of our strategy there.

Reddick was upset with himself on pit road, convinced he let his second victory of the year slip through his ngers.

“All the good cars ran out of

Duke’s Flagg headlines list of potential 2025 NBA lottery prospects

Two other Duke freshmen, and one at UNC, are among the potential NBA picks to watch

By Aaron Beard AP Basketball Writer

INCOMING DUKE freshman Cooper Flagg joins a touted Rutgers rookie duo as possible headliners for next summer’s draft, though multiple top international prospects are in the mix, too. Here’s an early list of potential lottery prospects for 2025:

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward is the nation’s topranked recruit who picked Duke over UConn in October after reclassifying from the 2025 class. He’s got an allaround skillset with elite potential o ensively and defensively. O ensively he can handle the ball like a guard and can nish inside from multiple angles. He’s a transition weapon who runs the oor well and is an excellent passer.

2. Airious “Ace” Bailey, Rutgers

The 6-8, 185-pound forward is the highest-ranked recruit in Rutgers’ history.

3. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

The 6-6, 180-pound guard who shared MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American game is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper.

Forward Cooper Flagg (32), an incoming Duke freshman and potential top pick in next year’s NBA Draft, drives the lane during the McDonald’s All-American boys’ basketball game earlier this year.

4. Nolan Traore, France

The 6-4, 184-pound guard is a scoring playmaker and the latest French teenager headed for high draft status. Traore, 18, drew recruiting interest from programs like Duke, Arkansas, Alabama and Gonzaga but told ESPN earlier this month he would remain in France.

5. Hugo Gonzalez, Spain

The 18-year-old is a 6-6, 200-pound wing from Spain with shooting range and the ability to attack o the dribble.

6. V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor

Edgecombe is a 6-5, 180-pound guard who o ers rim-attacking athleticism for

highlight nishes with twoway potential.

7. Khaman Maluach, Duke

There’s high-end potential with the 7-2, 250-pound South Sudanese center from the NBA Academy Africa. He’s still developing after playing the sport for only the past ve years, but he runs the oor well, protects the rim, has shown shooting touch to go with a 7-5 wingspan.

8. Tre Johnson, Texas Johnson is a 6-6, 190-pound combo guard known as a shot-maker and big-time scorer.

9. Jalil Bethea, Miami

The 6-4, 170-pound guard scores o the dribble, hits

fuel, and we were in position to pass the 22,” Reddick said about Logano. “He hadn’t been good all day long, and I didn’t get the job done.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole and took the lead with seven laps left in regulation, was two laps from winning when Austin Cindric’s crash set up the chaotic nish. Hamlin nished 12th after pitting in overtime to avoid running out of fuel.

“It certainly stinks,” Hamlin said.

A thunderstorm that forced NASCAR to halt the race at 137 laps for 1 hour, 21 minutes washed o the traction that had built up. As a result, several cars got loose and crashed into the wall or slid into the grass.

That helped set up a thrilling race after Christopher Bell won the rst two stages before crashing.

Hamlin took the lead going high into Turn 1, and Chastain went to the apron trying to hold him o and wobbled. That was enough for Hamlin to pass Chastain’s Chevrolet in what turned out to be only the rst late lead change of a race that featured repeated crashes on restarts.

from deep and showed o his athleticism by winning the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest.

10. Liam McNeeley, UConn

The 6-7 wing forward is a top10 recruit for the two-time reigning national champions.

11. Egor Demin, BYU

The 6-9 forward from Russia has size and can score in transition or o the catch.

12. Rocco Zikarsky, Australia

The 7-3 center signed with the National Basketball League as part of its “Next Stars” program for elite prospects.

13. Zvonimir Ivisic, Arkansas

The 7-2, 235-pound sophomore from Croatia followed coach John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas.

14. Noa Essengue, France

The 6-8, 194-pound French forward has versatile skills.

Others to watch

• Isaiah Evans: The 6-6 wing is a McDonald’s All-American and skilled scorer headed to Duke as part of the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

• Ian Jackson: The 6-5, 185-pound guard is headed to North Carolina with potential as a scorer and defender after scoring 21 points in the McDonald’s All-American game.

• Jarin Stevenson: The 6-11, 210-pound sophomore could see a larger role after Alabama’s rst Final Four trip. He ashed potential last year, notably with 19 points and ve 3s in the Elite Eight against Clemson.

KEVIN M. COX/ AP PHOTO

Joey Logano (22) crosses the nish line to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Nashville.

Bolivian president orchestrated a ‘self-coup,’ political rival claims

Former President Evo Morales says Luis Arce is trying to curry favor with voters

By Megan Janetsky

The Associated Press

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Former Bolivian President Evo Morales on Sunday accused his political ally-turned-rival President Luis Arce of deceiving the Bolivian people by staging a “selfcoup” last week to earn political points among the electorate, marking a sharp downturn in an already fraught relationship.

Morales was initially among the country’s most powerful voices to say that approximately 200 members of the military who marched on Bolivia’s government palace alongside armored vehicles on Wednesday had attempted a “coup d’état.”

“We are convinced that democracy is the only way to resolve any di erence and that institutions and the rule of law must be respected,” Morales wrote in a post on the social media platform X on the day of the military action. “We reiterate the call for all those involved in this riot to be arrested and tried.”

But on Sunday, Morales joined others who believe Arce himself orchestrated a “selfcoup” to win the sympathy of Bolivians at a time when his popularity is extremely low.

Arce “disrespected the truth, deceived us, lied, not only to the Bolivian people but to the whole world,” Morales said in

Bolivia President Luis Arce speaks after an interview at the government palace in La Paz last Friday, two days after Army troops stormed the palace in what Arce called a coup attempt. Critics are asserting Arce staged the revolt to curry favor with voters.

a local broadcast program on Sunday.

Morales is throwing his support behind an accusation made by former Gen. Juan José Zuñiga, who allegedly led the coup attempt. Morales said Zuñiga informed colleagues and fam-

ily of his plan before carrying it out, and that while in custody he told authorities that Arce had “betrayed” him.

“The president told me: ‘The situation is very screwed up, very critical. It is necessary to prepare something to raise my

popularity,’” Zúñiga quoted the Bolivian leader as saying.

That theory was quickly adopted by Arce’s political enemies.

“At some point the truth will be known,” a handcu ed Gen. Juan José Zúñiga told reporters

French voters propel National Rally to strong lead

Marine Le Pen’s party got about a third of the votes in the rst round of voting

The Associated Press

PARIS — The far-right National Rally leaped into a strong lead Sunday in France’s rst round of legislative elections, polling agencies projected, bringing the party closer to being able to form a government in round two and dealing a major slap to centrist President Emmanuel Macron and his risky decision to call the surprise ballot. When he dissolved the National Assembly on June 9 following a stinging defeat at the hands of the National Rally in French voting for the European Parliament, Macron gambled that the anti-immigration party with historical links to antisemitism wouldn’t repeat that success. But it didn’t work out that way. With French polling agencies projecting that the Nation-

al Rally and its allies got about one-third of the national vote on Sunday, Macron’s prime minister warned that France could end up with its rst farright government since World War II if voters don’t come together to thwart that scenario in round two next Sunday.

“The extreme right is at the doors of power,” Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said. He twice described National Rally policy pledges as “disastrous” and said that in the second-round ballot, “not one vote should go to the National Rally.”

French polling agencies’ projections put Macron’s grouping of centrist parties a distant third in the rst-round ballot, behind both the National Rally and a new left-wing coalition of parties that joined forces to keep it from winning power.

Winning a parliamentary majority would enable National Rally leader Marine Le Pen to install her 28-year-old protege, Jordan Bardella, as prime minister and would crown her yearslong rebranding e ort to

make her party less repellent to mainstream voters. She inherited the party, then called the National Front, from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who has multiple convictions for racist and antisemitic hate speech.

Still, the National Rally isn’t there yet. With another torrid week of campaigning to come before the decisive nal voting Sunday, the election’s ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

Addressing a jubilant crowd, Le Pen called on her supporters and voters who didn’t back her party in the rst round to push it over the line and give it a commanding legislative majority. That scenario would force Bardella and Macron into an awkward power-sharing arrangement. Macron has said he will not step down before his term expires in 2027.

Only the second round will make clear whether Le Pen’s party and its allies get the absolute majority they would need to comfortably form a government and then start to implement their promises to dis-

while being transferred to prison Saturday. Morales called for an independent investigation into the Wednesday military action in a post Sunday on X.

Shortly after the comments, Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo responded in an interview with state television with a slight aimed at Morales, saying, “According to Evo, if there aren’t deaths, there is no coup d’état.”

Morales still wields a great deal of power in Bolivia, especially among coca growers and unions, while Arce has faced simmering discontent as the country reels from an economic crisis.

Morales, once Arce’s friend, resigned as president in 2019 amid unrest after he ran for an unconstitutional third term and ed into exile, an incident he insists was a coup. He threw his support behind Arce in the country’s 2020 election as candidate for his Movement for Socialism, known by its Spanish acronym MAS.

But their relationship soured when the leader returned from exile and Morales later announced he planned to run against Arce to be MAS’s candidate in the upcoming 2025 elections. Their ghts have grown increasingly bitter as Morales has blocked much of Arce’s legislative agenda in Congress.

“We’ve been politically attacked,” Arce told The Associated Press in an interview Friday. But “we haven’t attacked” back.

The feud has angered many Bolivians, and Morales’ Sunday comments were not likely to help.

Morales said in the local radio program “Kausachun Coca” that he felt the incident damaged the image of Bolivia and its military. He also apologized for expressing solidarity with Arce.

mantle many of Macron’s key policies and foreign policy platforms. That would include stopping French deliveries of longrange missiles to Ukraine in the war against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The National Rally has historical ties to Russia.

The far right’s more confrontational approach to the European Union, its plans to roll back Macron’s pension reforms and National Rally promises to boost voters’ spending power without clearly detailing how it would pay for the pledge could also spook European nancial markets.

Some polling agency projections indicated that in the bestcase scenario for the far right, the National Rally and its allies could collectively clear the bar of 289 seats needed for a secure majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

But, depending on how the second round shakes out, the far right could also fall short and leave no single bloc with a clear majority, polling agencies projected. Predictions are di -

cult because of the two-round voting system. Already on Sunday night, the far-right’s rivals were working on arrangements to pull some of their candidates out of the race in round two in an e ort to concentrate votes against the National Rally.

Turnout was at least 66%, according to polling estimates, which would make it the highest for a rst-round legislative election in 27 years.

Many French voters are frustrated with in ation and other economic concerns, as well as Macron’s leadership, seen as arrogant and out-of-touch with their lives. The National Rally party has tapped that discontent, notably via online platforms such as TikTok.

Foremost for many voters were the rising cost of living and immigration, which the National Rally campaigned heavily on.

The National Rally has questioned the right to citizenship for people born in France, and it wants to curtail the rights of French citizens with dual nationality. Critics say that undermines human rights and is a threat to France’s democratic ideals.

JUAN KARITA / AP PHOTO

Joan Douglas Scarboro

February 24, 1937 –June 27, 2024

Mrs. Joan Scarboro, of Raeford, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at the age of 87.

Joan was born on February 24, 1937 in Hoke County, NC to the late Douglas and Dixie McLeod.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carroll Scarboro.

She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Laurinburg. Some of Joan's biggest passions were shing, sewing, gardening, and cooking. Luckily for her family, her gardening and cooking proved to be a very good combination, especially at family holiday gatherings.

Joan had a long career as a nurse. She knew from an early age that nursing was her calling. After high school, she enrolled in Watts School of Nursing in Durham. She worked as an RN for 25-30 years at a state hospital. She retired from the state, but continued to pursue her calling as a home health nurse for another 22 years.

Joan is survived by her children, Debra Scarboro Fox (Randall) and Brian Douglas Scarboro (Andrea); grandchildren, Clint, Spencer, Alexander, and Emily; great grandchildren, Joshua, Sarah, and Logan; and two sisters, Margaret McDonald and Catherine Nickalson.

A graveside service will be held at 5:00 pm in the Raeford City Cemetery on Friday, July 5, 2024, with Reverend Nathan Black o ciating.

In lieu of owers, please send contributions to the New Hope Baptist Church building fund 11480 Hasty Road, Laurinburg, North Carolina 28352.

Johnny Archie Smith

April 25, 1946 – June 26, 2024

Johnny Archie Smith, age 78, of Raeford, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

He was born in Cumberland County, NC on April 25, 1946 to the late Archie and Iris Smith.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Jody, Howard, Larry, and Carolyn.

He retired from Burlington Mills and the City of Raeford. Johnny is survived by his brothers, Donald Earl Smith of Raeford, NC. Tommy Smith and his wife Ruth of Raeford, NC and Roger Smith and his wife Tara of CA.

A visitation will be held at 4 pm Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Crumpler Funeral Home.

A graveside service will follow at 5 pm in the Raeford Cemetery.

Beloved character actor Bill Cobbs dies at 90

Cobbs acted in such lms as “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum”

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Bill Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, died June 25 at 90. A Cleveland, Ohio, native, Cobbs acted in such lms as “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum.” He made his rst big-screen appearance in a eeting role in 1974’s “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” He became a lifelong actor with some 200 lm and TV credits. The lion’s share of those came in his 50s, 60s, and 70s, as lmmakers and TV producers repeatedly turned to him to imbue small but pivotal parts with a skinny, worn soulfulness.

Cobbs appeared on television shows, including “The Sopranos,” “The West Wing,” “Sesame Street” and “Good Times.” He was Whitney Houston’s manager in “The Bodyguard” (1992), the mystical clock man of the Coen brothers’ “The Hudsucker Proxy” (1994) and the doc -

tor of John Sayles’ “Sunshine State” (2002). He played the coach in “Air Bud” (1997), the security guard in “Night at the Museum” (2006) and the father in “The Gregory Hines Show.”

Cobbs rarely got signicant parts that stood out and won awards. Instead, he was a familiar and memorable everyman who impressed audiences. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program for the series “Dino Dana” in 2020.

Wilbert Francisco Cobbs, born June 16, 1934, served eight years in the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school in Cleveland. In the years after his service, Cobbs sold cars. One day, a customer asked him if he wanted to act in a play. Cobbs rst appeared on stage in 1969. He began to act in Cleveland theater and later moved to New York, where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, acting alongside Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. Cobbs later said acting resonated with him as a way to express the human condition, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement in the late ’60s.

“To be an artist, you have to have a sense of giving,” Cobbs said in a 2004 interview. “Art is somewhat of a prayer, isn’t it?

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Veteran character actor Bill Cobbs, photographed in 2010, died June 25 at age 90.

STATE & NATION

Top Democrats concerned Biden campaign ignoring impact of debate

A private call between the DNC, Biden surrogates and party leaders has heightened concern around the presidential race

By Steve Peoples

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A sense of concern is growing inside the top ranks of the Democratic Party that leaders of Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee are not taking seriously enough the impact of the president’s troubling debate performance last week.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison and Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held a Saturday afternoon call with dozens of committee members across the country, a group of some of the most inuential members of the party. They largely ignored Biden’s weak showing Thursday night or the avalanche of criticism that followed.

Multiple committee members on the call, most granted anonymity to talk about the private discussion, described feeling like they were being gaslighted — that they were be -

ing asked to ignore the dire nature of the party’s predicament.

The call, they said, may have worsened a widespread sense of panic among elected ocials, donors and other stakeholders.

Instead, the people said, Harrison o ered what they described as a rosy assessment

Video shows central NY o cer fatally shooting 13-year-old on ground

The footage appears to show the boy pointing a replica gun at police

By Philip Marcelo and Stefanie Dazio

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Video released late Saturday shows an o cer in central New York fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy who had been tackled to the ground after he ran from police and pointed a replica handgun at them.

The teen was killed a little after 10 p.m. Friday in Utica after o cers in the city about 55 miles east of Syracuse stopped two youths in connection with an armed robbery investigation, police said.

The youths, both 13, matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects and were in the same area at around the same time the day after, police said.

The body camera video released by police captures an ofcer saying he needs to pat them down to ensure they don’t have any weapons in their possession. Immediately one of the

two, identi ed by police as Nyah Mway, runs away. Authorities froze frames of the video where a running Mway appears to point the gun at the pursuing o cers. Police also edited the video to insert a red circle around the weapon to show it to viewers.

The o cers believed it was a handgun, police said, but it was later determined to be a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine.

“During a ground struggle” with the teen, one of the o cers red a single shot that struck the boy in the chest, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said.

The teen was given “immediate” rst aid by the o cers and taken to Wynn Hospital, where he died, the chief said.

The replica gun carried by the teen “is in all aspects a realistic appearing rearm with GLOCK markings, signatures, detachable magazine, and serial numbers,” Lt. Michael Curley, a police spokesperson, said via email. “However ultimately it res only pellets or BB’s.”

A bystander video posted to Facebook shows one of the ofcers chasing after Mway and tackling him to the ground. It

of Biden’s path forward. The chat function was disabled and there were no questions allowed.

“I was hoping for more of a substantive conversation instead of, ‘Hey, let’s go out there and just be cheerleaders,’ without actually addressing a very serious issue that unfolded on

American television for millions of people to see,” said Joe Salazar, an elected DNC member from Colorado, who was on the call. “There were a number of things that could have been said in addressing the situation. But we didn’t get that. We were being gaslit.”

Many donors, party strategists and rank-and- le DNC members are publicly and privately saying they want the 81-year-old Biden to step aside to allow the party to select a younger replacement at the Democratic National Convention in August. As of now, though, Biden’s closest allies insist he remains well-positioned to compete against Republican Donald Trump and have given no indication they will push him to end his campaign.

Those best positioned to replace him — Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among them — reiterated their support for Biden after the debate.

Many are anxiously awaiting the rst major round of post-debate public polling to determine their next steps.

Polls from CNN and 538/Ipsos conducted soon after the debate found that most debate watchers thought Trump out-

performed Biden. But the two men’s favorability ratings remained largely unchanged, just as they did in the aftermath of Trump’s conviction on charges in New York that he illegally participated in a hush money scheme to in uence the 2016 election.

In a subsequent appearance on MSNBC, Harrison downplayed the signi cance of the conference call, which he said was part of a regularly scheduled communication “to talk about the state of the race” and the upcoming national convention with the DNC’s many elected members across the country.

Biden and his campaign have sought to project con dence in the days since last Thursday’s debate in which the president, who already faced serious concerns about his physical and mental stamina, o ered a performance punctuated by repeated stumbles, uncomfortable pauses and a quiet speaking style that was often di cult to understand.

Just after Saturday’s DNC call, the Biden campaign released a memo from senior adviser Jen O’Malley Dillon insisting that the debate had no tangible impact on the election.

“On every metric that matters, data shows it did nothing to change the American people’s perception, our supporters are more red up than ever, and Donald Trump only reminded voters of why they red him four years ago and failed to expand his appeal beyond his MAGA base,” O’Malley Dillon wrote.

also shows the o cer punching the teen as two other o cers arrive. A gunshot rings out as the teen is on the ground and the ofcers quickly stand up.

The o cer who red his gun was identi ed as Patrick Husnay, a six-year veteran of the agency. Husnay and O cers Bryce Patterson and Andrew Citriniti were placed on administrative leave with pay.

The police body camera video shows a chaotic scene.

Mway points the replica handgun at the o cers while he runs from them. The o cers scream “gun!” to each other as they run. Patterson then tackles and punches Mway, and as the two are wrestling on the ground,

Husnay opens re. O cers initially thought Nyah Mway may have shot himself, and Patterson says, “I don’t know if he shot me.” It is not clear whether he is referring to Mway or his fellow o cer. Patterson was not struck.

Bystanders scream at the police throughout the recordings, and at one point an o cer yells back: “We’re trying to save him right now!”

The other youth was detained in the back of a police vehicle and was not involved in the shooting.

During his “public safety statement,” a brief interview typically done in the aftermath of a police shooting to ensure there is no additional threat, Husnay

Police investigate the scene of last Friday night’s shooting in Utica, New York, early last Saturday. An o cer shot and killed a teen eeing while pointing a replica gun, police said Saturday.

said he red one round “straight towards the ground.” He did not know whether Mway had red at the o cers but said he thought the weapon was a 22-caliber handgun.

The police department released the body camera videos following a public outcry as the shooting roiled Utica, a city with a population of 65,000. It is home to more than 4,200 people from Myanmar, according to The Center, a nonpro t that helps to resettle the refugees.

Mway, who local media reports said was an 8th grader at Donovan Middle School, was identi ed as a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at LaGuardia International Airport last Saturday in New York.

KENNY LACY JR. /

MOORE COUNTY

After signing the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Today, 248 years later, these United States are still striving to live up to what Lincoln called “the last best hope of

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NCDMV fees rise, new card surcharges

NC residents face higher costs for DMV services, beginning this month, as the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) rolls out fee increases and introduces surcharges when paying with a card. The card surcharge, enabled by a new provision in the state budget, will see fees added to all NCDMV in-person (1.22%), online (1.85%) and kiosk transactions (2%) when paying with a credit or debit card starting July 1. Simultaneously, the NCDMV implemented its state-mandated quadrennial fee adjustments. Approximately 90 license and registration-related fees will increase by 19.18%, a number based on in ation over the past four years:

• Regular driver’s license: $1 per year increase ($5 more for a ve-year license)

• Learner’s permit and provisional license: $4 increase

• Duplicate license:

$2.75 increase

• Passenger vehicle registration: Rises from $38.75 to $46.25

Fourth of July safety tips

With reworks and grills common accessories for July Fourth frivolity, NC Insurance

Commissioner Mike Causey o ers the following advice to avoid needing to call your insurance agent this year:

Fireworks safety tips:

• Never let children use reworks unsupervised

• Use reworks outdoors in clear areas

• Have water nearby for emergencies

• Light only one rework at a time

Grilling safety tips:

• Use grills outdoors only

• Keep grills away from buildings

• Maintain a 10-foot child-free zone around grills

• Never leave grills unattended

Biden proposes excessive heat rule for workplaces

Employers would have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization

By Suman Naishadham The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace, warning — as tens of millions of people in the U.S. are under heat advisories — that high temperatures are the country’s leading weather-related killer.

If nalized, the measure would protect an estimated 36 million U.S. workers from injuries related to heat exposure on the job — establishing the rst major federal safety standard of its kind. Those a ected by excessive heat in the workplace include farmworkers, delivery and construction workers, landscapers and indoor workers in warehouses, factories and kitchens.

“The purpose of this rule is simple,” a senior White House administration o cial told reporters. “It is to signi cantly reduce the number of worker-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses su ered by workers who are exposed to excessive

heat ... while simply doing their jobs.”

Under the proposed rule, employers would be required to identify heat hazards, develop emergency response plans related to heat illness, and provide training to employees and supervisors on the signs and symptoms of such illnesses. They would also have to establish rest breaks, provide shade and water, and heat acclimatization — or the building of tolerance to higher temperatures — for new workers.

Penalties for heat-related violations in workplaces would increase signi cantly, in line with what workplaces are issued for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules, a senior White House administration o cial said.

An estimated 2,300 people in the U.S. died from heat-related illness in 2023. Workers with prolonged exposure to extreme heat are among the most vulnerable to related health risks, such as heatstroke and other illnesses, according to the Centers

Antisemitism bill signed by Cooper

A coalition of civil liberties and multifaith groups opposed the legislation

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday signed legislation that places an o cial denition of antisemitism into state law, which supporters say could help law enforcement determine whether someone should be charged under current hate crime prohibitions based on race, religion or nationality.

The measure came to Cooper’s desk after the Senate and House approved it in near-unanimous votes last

week. The bipartisan backing followed recent heated nationwide campus protests over the Israel-Hamas War and supporters’ concerns that some comments by pro-Palestinian demonstrators had crossed the line into being antisemitic.

The act adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s de nition of antisemitism, which is outlined as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” It also includes several examples of antisemitism, such as the denial of Jewish people’s right to self-determination and applying double standards to Israel’s actions.

“This legislation helps to make our state a more welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone.”

Gov. Roy Cooper

In a statement Monday, Cooper said the now-enacted “SHALOM Act” addresses rising antisemitism.

“While we protect the right to free speech, this legislation helps to make our state a more welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone,” the Democratic governor said.

A coalition of civil liberties and multifaith groups opposed the legislation, saying it could sti e protesters’ otherwise free speech, particularly

for Disease Control and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Labor Department has been developing a standard for how workplaces deal with heat since 2021, with OSHA having held meetings last year to hear about how the proposed measures could a ect small businesses. The AFL-CIO union federation praised the Biden administration’s rule. “If nalized, this new rule would address some of the most basic needs for workers’ health and safety,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

Heat protection laws in the U.S. have faced steady industry opposition, including from chambers of commerce and other business associations. Many say a blanket mandate would be di cult to implement across such a wide range of industries. California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota and Washington are the only states with workplace standards for heat exposure. Some regulations have recently come under attack by Republicans. Over the past year, Florida and Texas, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, passed legislation preventing local governments from requiring heat protections for outdoor workers.

If nalized, the Biden administration’s rule would override state measures, and states with existing procedures to deal with heat would have to institute measures that are at least as stringent as the nalized federal rule.

of words critical of Israel. Opponents demonstrated outside the governor’s mansion late last week urging that he veto the bill.

As of Monday afternoon, Cooper still had more than 20 bills on his desk sent to him by the General Assembly before lawmakers wrapped up their primary work session for the year. Cooper has a 10-day window on each bill to sign them into law or veto them. A bill becomes law if he takes no action within 10 days.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks during Tuesday visit to the D.C. Emergency Operations Center in Washington, D.C.

The rockets’ red glare

Earth.” Happy Fourth.

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

THURSDAY

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Ryan Henkel, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

David Guy, Advertising Manager

Published each Thursday as part of North State Journal

1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE:

919-663-3232

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Annual

NC 8-year-old dies after mother left her in hot car while at work

There have been nearly 1,000 child hot car deaths since 1998

The Associated Press A WOMAN faces an involuntary manslaughter charge in Charlotte after her child died from being left in a hot car, police said. The 8-year-old girl was transported to a local hospital after being found in critical condition in a vehicle in Charlotte on Wednesday evening but later died from a heat-related medical emergency, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The child’s mother was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse by willful act causing serious injury. The 36-year-old woman is

being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $250,000 bond, jail records show.

The woman told police she left her daughter in the car while she went to work, according to an arrest a davit. Before she left, she said she kept the air running in the car, but the child may have turned it o because she was cold.

The last time the woman heard from her daughter was via text about an hour and a half before she returned to the car, authorities said. That’s when she discovered the child lying on the backseat oorboard unresponsive.

Using a hammer, police said the woman busted the back window to reach her daughter. She then drove to the hospital but stopped at a nearby business to get help, authorities said. Someone called 911 to re-

port the emergency, police said.

After emergency responders took the child to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, the girl was pronounced dead early Thursday morning.

The woman told police she shouldn’t have left her child in the car and that she knew it was 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 degrees Celsius) outside, according to the a davit. She was appointed a public defender to represent her, according to court records. Her next scheduled hearing is on July 17.

There have been nearly 1,000 child hot car deaths since 1998, according to the National Highway Tra c Safety Administration. The administration recommends leaving cars locked when no one is inside and never leaving a child alone in a car to prevent deaths.

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

July 7, 8, and 13

Sandhills Bogeys Home Games

The Sandhills Bogeys host the Jacksonville Ospreys at 6 p.m. on July 7, the Sanford Spinners at 7 p.m. on July 8, and the Hope Mills Rock sh at 7 p.m. on July 13. All games are at Dempsey Diamond at Sandhills Bogeys Stadium 3395 Airport Rd. in Pinehurst.

July 18-20

NC Peach Festival

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

Get in touch

Moore County Edition of North State Journal

June 25

• Deja Nicole Smith, 28, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for possessing a controlled substance on prison/jail premises.

June 26

• James Patrick Britt, 33, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for possessing methamphetamine.

• Joshua Samuel Dee, 34, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for carrying a concealed gun.

• Christina Ann Johnson, 48, was arrested by the Southern Pines Police Department for possessing drug paraphernalia.

• Terance Levander Marshall, 32, was arrested by the Pinehurst Police Department for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

• Emery Lane Valentine, 29, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for domestic violence assault.

June 27

• Robert Fred Zimmerli, 35, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for felony probation violation.

June 28

• Adrienne Shanee Jett, 35, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for felony probation violation.

• Mitchell Evans McNeil, 33, was arrested by the Carthage Police Department for possessing a Schedule II controlled substance.

• Vichian Nmn Philaphone, 42, was arrested by the Stanley Police Department for felony possession of cocaine.

June 29

• Shannon Michelle Beard, 25, was arrested by the Aberdeen Police Department for possessing methamphetamine.

• Quincy Markey Green, 42, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for breaking and entering.

• Zechariah Wade Hatten, 29, was arrested by the Aberdeen Police Department for misdemeanor larceny.

June 30

• Thomas Lee Mims, 45, was arrested by the Vass Police Department for injury to real property.

• Nicole Amanda Picariello, 34, was arrested by the Aberdeen Police Department for obtaining property by false pretenses.

July 1

• Joseph Lee Barber, 57, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for attempting to tra c opioids by transport.

• Sean Michael Collins, 48, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for misdemeanor domestic violence.

• Javan Luke Overton, 37, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for negligent child abuse causing serious bodily injury.

• Larry Williams Stanton, 29, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for misdemeanor domestic violence.

• Justen Lawrence Waegner, 29, was arrested by the Moore County Sheri ’s O ce for rst-degree forcible rape.

Leah Faith Williams, 32, was • arrested by the Richmond County Sheri ’s O ce for misdemeanor larceny.

Join us for the NC Peach Festival in Candor, the “Peach Capital of NC.” It’s a fun- lled family event with train rides on the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway, music, food and beverage vendors, amusement rides, Reptile 101, petting zoo, in atables, kids’ activities, handcrafters, helicopter rides and, of course, homemade peach ice cream and more peaches. “It’s Like Coming Home!” Presented by Mountaire Farms, this is a rain or shine event. Fitzgerald Park 145 S. Depot St., in Candor. More information at NCPeachFestival.com

July 19Aug. 25

Judson Theatre Company Summer Theatre Festival

The Summer Theatre Festival is back for its third year with three exciting productions featuring professional actors from NYC and LA. This year’s lineup includes “They’re Playing Our Song” (July 19-28), “Mrs. Mannerly” (Aug. 2-11) and “Tell Me on A Sunday” (Aug. 16-25). More information at sandhillsbpac.com .

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

The heart of the ‘home of golf’ is under attack

It is called the “Shifted Pillow.”

THE SCENE APPROACHES, settle down, calm your nerves

Redirect your focus to the timing and the curves.

Mute the mobile, plant the mug, take a breath and get a grip

You are entering the circle, prepare to let her rip.

Ask a Michigander where he was born and immediately one hand will take the shape of a mitten and he will point to the exact location. Ask for directions in the Sandhills and you will begin at the Tra c Circle. Today the heart of the ‘Home of Golf” is under attack again.

A new plan, conceived by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, will be presented for public appraisal in midJuly. It is called the “Shifted Pillow.”

The estimated cost to construct the Continuous Flow Intersection is $56 million. Construction will begin after the 2029 U.S. Open, taking eight years to complete. Public hearings are scheduled for mid-July followed by a 30-day review. From this schedule one can infer that the NCDOT has anticipated the scheme to be so unpopular it must be revealed when residents of the Sandhills are at the beach.

The Pilot published a story on May 21, 2024, with a photo provided by NCDOT of the proposed Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) or Shifted Pillow. It looked busy but benign. Closer inspection of larger schematics reveals the devastating impact.

Six acres of pine forest will be felled. Midland Road, the rst four-lane divided highway in North Carolina, will increase to eight lanes on the east side of the

intersection. Midland on the west side will be accessed from Hwy 211 via a six-lane road using private property on Dalrymple Road captured through eminent domain. The CFI will have at least eight tra c lights. A video demonstration can be seen online at pinehurstcircle.org.

The tra c circle is 600 feet in diameter, encircling the historic longleaf and loblolly pine trees that have put us on the map. Following the original concept by Frederick Law Olmstead in 1895, 50,000 vehicles currently pass through this intersection daily. It is estimated by some that our population will increase by 75% in the next 25 years and will impact the congestion at the same rate. To date, there is a fenderbender every four to ve days; thankfully, no fatalities.

In 2018, the NCDOT conducted a series of charettes attended by residents and agencies trying to solve the tra c congestion. The Western Connector was revisited during this exercise to o oad tra c before it reached the circle. Destination-origin studies led to revisiting a 1990 bypass route from west Hwy 211 to U.S. 1, south of Aberdeen. Other options are available for bypassing the tra c circle from the east. Municipalities a ected by these recommendations have rejected these recommendations, saying they “will lead to the destruction of the rural countryside by attracting unwanted growth.” Not surprising.

The Village Council discussed this project on June 25, 2024. During the public comments period, many residents spoke with knowledge and passion, disapproving of the NCDOT-CFI.

Paid family leave: A key to success in post-Dobbs world

We can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families.

MOST OF US REMEMBER WHERE we were when the ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was announced in June 2022. Roe v. Wade was no more, and after the initial urry of news reports, much of America wondered: “What’s next?” The historic ruling is now seen as one that has further divided a nation that was already split on abortion and many other issues. While emotions and opinions run high — for good reason — this “post-Dobbs” world provides incredible opportunities to work together to ensure that all women and families have the support they need to welcome precious children into this world. Paid family leave is one such opportunity. It’s an issue that has common ground for conservatives and liberals alike, as there are good people on both sides of the aisle who want to see women and families succeed.

Did you know that a staggering 23% of all mothers go back to work within two weeks of giving birth? Think about

that statistic for a moment. Almost onefourth of American women don’t even have two weeks to bond with their baby at home, and they return to work without having physically, emotionally or mentally recovered from birth. This goes against not only medical advice but, in my opinion, basic pro-family values.

Paid family leave bene ts both parents and babies. Studies show that early bonding is crucial for the long-term mental health and resilience of children, and women with at least 12 weeks of paid leave report fewer depressive symptoms and better overall mental health.

Can we have a strong federal paid leave policy and be nancially responsible? Yes! The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement one another, as parents with paid leave stay connected to the workforce and have reduced reliance on public assistance. It’s a “win-win” for not only families but society as a whole.

North Carolina has taken some

Later in a working session, the council restated its position to oppose the radical renovation of the circle and return to common ground issues developed in 2023. Councilman Jack Farrell reminded the council that he has waited longer in line at Chick- l-A.

Pat Molamphy, a local resident and business owner, is also a board member of NCDOT. In a Pilot guest column in 2018, he wrote “the engineers were charged with designing improvements to the intersection, but their charge had one caveat: The circle had to remain intact.” This message still resonates.

Consider the recent U.S. Open. The USGA successfully navigated 250,000 visitors to the Home of Golf without incident. In a remarkable display of safety and sensitivity, the troopers, transportation agencies and residents allowed for a continuous ow of spectators to appreciate the Pinehurst experience.

The council was asked by friends of the circle to consider a resolution that concluded with three objectives: 1) retain the Pinehurst Tra c Circle; 2) conduct formal environmental impact studies; and 3) extend the public comment period to a period of 30 days beyond completion of all impact studies. A demonstration of support for the Village Council position and participation in the public hearings are the only signals available to in uence the NCDOT. Contact pinehurstcircle.org for more information.

Buckle up!

Connie Lovell lives in Pinehurst.

important steps in the past year to support families. Thanks to the robust e orts of SB20 to support mothers both during pregnancy and after birth, state employees now have paid family leave along with other robust policies to support mothers, babies and families.

On the federal level, I’m grateful for the leadership of Sen. Thom Tillis in spearheading a bipartisan working group on paid family leave and also for Sen. Ted Budd and his steadfast support for profamily policies on Capitol Hill.

Parenting brings unique joys and challenges, especially in today’s uncertain nancial climate. Together, we can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families as they welcome the next generation — one baby at a time — and create a brighter future for all.

Julie Scott Emmons is the southeast regional director of government a airs for Human Coalition.

COLUMN

MOORE SPORTS

Three area softball players earn all-state accolades

North Moore’s Clendenin and Russell, and Union Pines’ Norman were honored

North State Journal sta

THREE MOORE County athletes were named all-state players by the North Carolina Softball Coaches Association for the 2024 season.

The NCSCA released its allstate list on June 26. Two members of North Moore received all-state honors at the 1A classi cation, and one player from Union Pines was honored at 3A.

It’s the rst time a North Moore Mustang has made NCSCA all-state since 2015, when three seniors—Casey Turner, Kirstan McLeod and Holly Martindale, were honored. It’s the rst time since 2014 that North Moore has had a non-senior make all-state.

Union Pines saw a Viking earn all-state for the rst time since 2019, when junior Kaley Evans and sophomore Sa-

Sydney Russell, shown here pitching for the Chatham County Post 292 Heroes in summer Legion ball, was one of two North Moore softball players to earn all-state honors.

manthan Allred were honored.

Lexie Coxe was the last Union Pines senior to make all-state, in 2014.

In the 1A classi cation, North Moore’s two honorees were: Calissa Clendenin North Moore 2025 (Jr) C Sydney Russell North Moore 2025 (Jr) P, 2B, 3B, SS Clendenin and Russell were also the only two Mustangs named to NCSCA all-district last week for District 4. Clendenin batted .431, with 28 hits and 18 RBIs. She scored 22 runs and had a .584 slugging percentage while not making an error in the eld. Her .479 OBP and 10 doubles were tops on the team. She has been named all-conference in three sports— softball, volleyball and basketball and has also been named team MVP multiple times in the various sports.

The versatile Russell starred as a pitcher and position player for the Mustangs, leading the team in batting (.443) and ERA (2.70). She also had team highs in hits (31), runs (25), RBIs (27)

and triples (6) at the plate, as well as strikeouts (92) while pitching. She has also earned all-conference in multiple sports—volleyball and softball.

At the 3A classi cation, Union Pines’ representative on all-state was Nicole Norman Union Pines 2024 (Sr) C

Norman was one of four Vikings to make all-district last week. She was joined by senior third baseman Natalie Auman, senior out elder Corryn McCutchen and sophomore rst baseman Kileigh Cameron. She was the only one selected to allstate, however.

Norman led the Vikings in average (.451), slugging percentage (.780), hits (37), doubles (10) and elding (.986). She signed a letter of intent to play softball at the next level for Barton.

Pinecrest, the third public high school in the county, did not have a player selected to all-district or all-state. The last Patriots players chosen for NCSCA all-state were Jordan Blake and Hailey Sales, in 2017.

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Hogan Windish

Hogan Windish was born in Pinehurst and currently plays for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in the Texas League. He is a member of the Seattle Mariners organization after being drafted in the seventh round in 2022.

Windish, who played for Ashe County High and UNC Greensboro, hit 22 home runs last year in Class A, earning him a promotion for this season. He had a history-making game last Tuesday when he hit four home runs and drove in all of his team’s runs in a 9-4 win over Spring eld. Only one other player in baseball history — in the major or minor leagues — has ever driven in all nine of his team’s runs in a game. That was former Red Sox all-star Mike Greenwell in 1996. It was also the second four-homer game in team history and rst since 1998. It was the rst four-homer game in all of the minor leagues in more than two years.

Jury orders NFL to pay nearly $4.8B in ‘Sunday Ticket’ case for violating antitrust laws

The NFL plans to appeal a decision that would cost each team $449.6 million

By Joe Reedy The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — A jury in

U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.

The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class. Since damages can be tripled under federal antitrust laws, the NFL could end up being liable for $14.39 billion.

The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses in the United States who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an in ated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by o ering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.

The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then possibly the Supreme Court.

Should the NFL end up paying damages, it could cost each of the 32 teams approximately $449.6 million.

“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in

a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free overthe-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.

“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit.”

The trial lasted three weeks and featured testimony from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

“Justice was done. The verdict upholds protection for the consumers in our class. It was a great day for consumers,” plainti s attorney Bill Carmody said.

During his closing remarks, Carmody showed an April, 2017, NFL memo that showed the league was exploring a world without “Sunday Ticket” in 2017, where cable channels would air Sunday afternoon out-of-market

games not shown on Fox or CBS.

The jury of ve men and three women deliberated for nearly ve hours before reaching its decision.

Judge Philip S. Gutierrez is scheduled to hear post-trial motions on July 31, including the NFL’s request to have him rule in favor of the league because the judge determined the plainti s did not prove their case.

Payment of damages, any changes to the “Sunday Ticket” package and/or the ways the NFL carries its Sunday afternoon games would be stayed

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell arrives at federal court in Los Angeles. Goodell testi ed in the class-action lawsuit led by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers.

until all appeals have been concluded.

The league maintained it had the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plainti s said that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV. The lawsuit was originally led in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th Circuit, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

LINDSEY WASSON / AP PHOTO

DAMIAN DOVARGANES / AP PHOTO

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

James intends to sign new deal with Lakers

LeBron James is not opting into what would have been a $51.4 million contract for this coming season and will instead seek a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The move is among those coming just ahead of the NBA’s free agency period, which formally opened at 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, though at least $1.2 billion in contracts have already been agreed upon because of new rules that allowed teams to speak with their own players earlier than usual.

MLB 11 people injured when Brewers’ ballpark escalator malfunctions

Milwaukee Eleven people were injured when an escalator malfunctioned at American Family Field in Milwaukee following the Brewers’ loss to the Chicago Cubs. The issue occurred Saturday. Brewers’ spokesperson Tyler Barnes says six people were hospitalized with non-lifethreatening injuries and ve others were treated at the ballpark. The escalator’s malfunction resulted “in an increased downward speed.” Other details were not immediately available. Saturday’s 5-3 loss ended the Brewers’ winning streak at ve games.

CRICKET

India wins T20 World Cup after holding o South Africa by 7 runs in gripping nal Bridgetown, Barbados India pulled o a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in the nal of the Twenty20 World Cup. South Africa, playing its rst ever nal, needed a run-a-ball 30 to win on the back of Heinrich Klaasen’s belligerent 52 o 27 balls. But Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, who shared seven wickets between them, roared back in the death overs to restrict South Africa at 169-8. Kohli’s rst halfcentury at tournament anchored India to 176-7. India won its second T20 World Cup but its rst world title in 13 years.

SOCCER

American winger Weah’s suspension extended to 2 games for red card against Panama New York The suspension of American winger Tim Weah was extended to two games by South American soccer’s governing body for punching Panama’s Roderick Miller during their Copa American group stage. Weah received a red card in the 18th minute of the United States’ 2-1 loss, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. The Confederation of South American Football says Weah been suspended for a second game and ned $3,000 by a judge of its disciplinary commission. The money is to be deducted from the U.S. Soccer Federation’s payment from CONMEBOL for television, participation and/or prize money.

Logano wins at Nashville for 1st Cup Series victory of year

The race went to a record fth overtime

By Teresa M. Walker The Associated Press

LEBANON, Tenn. — Joey Logano felt he couldn’t get to the nish line fast enough with his No. 22 Ford sputtering and nearly out of gas. First, he had to hold o the driver with the fastest car to win the rain-delayed race that seemingly wouldn’t end Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway in a NASCAR Cup Series-record fth overtime. Logano had a pack of pursuers on his bumper and knew he had to make one more move to block Tyler Reddick in Turn 4. Then Logano went “bonkers” after making it over the line rst at the Ally 400. “De nitely as close as you can cut it for sure,” Logano said

about stretching his fuel almost to the last drop.

Logano held o Reddick’s charge in Turn 1 on the nal lap and again in Turn 4. He then beat Zane Smith, Reddick, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher to the line in the race that started nearly six hours earlier and went 31 laps longer than the 300 that were scheduled.

The fuel light in Logano’s Ford came on going into Turn 3 after the engine sputtered on the backstretch, and Logano — who ran the last 110 laps without stopping on the 1.33-mile concrete oval — said it stumbled across the line. All the caution laps helped stretch a tank expected to last 85 laps at best.

“It’s a much-needed win for sure,” a smiling and relieved Logano said about his rst victory this year and 33rd of his career. If the nish wasn’t thrilling enough, the mayhem continued. Chase Briscoe ran out of

“De nitely as close as you can cut it for sure.”

Joey Logano

fuel. Daniel Suarez and Martin Truex Jr. made contact, spinning Truex into the wall. Chase Elliott spun o Turn 4 and into the grass.

Smith wasn’t happy at nishing second, though he said he wouldn’t do anything di erent after the rookie’s best Cup nish.

“I felt like I chose the right lane, and it’s crazy how much di erent these cars drive with cleaner air,” Smith said. “Just proud of our strategy there.

Reddick was upset with himself on pit road, convinced he let his second victory of the year slip through his ngers.

“All the good cars ran out of

Duke’s Flagg headlines list of potential 2025 NBA lottery prospects

Two other Duke freshmen, and one at UNC, are among the potential NBA picks to watch

By Aaron Beard AP Basketball Writer

INCOMING DUKE freshman Cooper Flagg joins a touted Rutgers rookie duo as possible headliners for next summer’s draft, though multiple top international prospects are in the mix, too. Here’s an early list of potential lottery prospects for 2025:

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward is the nation’s topranked recruit who picked Duke over UConn in October after reclassifying from the 2025 class. He’s got an allaround skillset with elite potential o ensively and defensively. O ensively he can handle the ball like a guard and can nish inside from multiple angles. He’s a transition weapon who runs the oor well and is an excellent passer.

2. Airious “Ace” Bailey, Rutgers

The 6-8, 185-pound forward is the highest-ranked recruit in Rutgers’ history.

3. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

The 6-6, 180-pound guard who shared MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American game is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper.

Forward Cooper Flagg (32), an incoming Duke freshman and potential top pick in next year’s NBA Draft, drives the lane during the McDonald’s All-American boys’ basketball game earlier this year.

4. Nolan Traore, France

The 6-4, 184-pound guard is a scoring playmaker and the latest French teenager headed for high draft status. Traore, 18, drew recruiting interest from programs like Duke, Arkansas, Alabama and Gonzaga but told ESPN earlier this month he would remain in France.

5. Hugo Gonzalez, Spain

The 18-year-old is a 6-6, 200-pound wing from Spain with shooting range and the ability to attack o the dribble.

6. V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor

Edgecombe is a 6-5, 180-pound guard who o ers rim-attacking athleticism for

highlight nishes with twoway potential.

7. Khaman Maluach, Duke

There’s high-end potential with the 7-2, 250-pound South Sudanese center from the NBA Academy Africa. He’s still developing after playing the sport for only the past ve years, but he runs the oor well, protects the rim, has shown shooting touch to go with a 7-5 wingspan.

8. Tre Johnson, Texas Johnson is a 6-6, 190-pound combo guard known as a shot-maker and big-time scorer.

9. Jalil Bethea, Miami

The 6-4, 170-pound guard scores o the dribble, hits

fuel, and we were in position to pass the 22,” Reddick said about Logano. “He hadn’t been good all day long, and I didn’t get the job done.”

Denny Hamlin, who started on the pole and took the lead with seven laps left in regulation, was two laps from winning when Austin Cindric’s crash set up the chaotic nish. Hamlin nished 12th after pitting in overtime to avoid running out of fuel.

“It certainly stinks,” Hamlin said.

A thunderstorm that forced NASCAR to halt the race at 137 laps for 1 hour, 21 minutes washed o the traction that had built up. As a result, several cars got loose and crashed into the wall or slid into the grass.

That helped set up a thrilling race after Christopher Bell won the rst two stages before crashing.

Hamlin took the lead going high into Turn 1, and Chastain went to the apron trying to hold him o and wobbled. That was enough for Hamlin to pass Chastain’s Chevrolet in what turned out to be only the rst late lead change of a race that featured repeated crashes on restarts.

from deep and showed o his athleticism by winning the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest.

10. Liam McNeeley, UConn

The 6-7 wing forward is a top10 recruit for the two-time reigning national champions.

11. Egor Demin, BYU

The 6-9 forward from Russia has size and can score in transition or o the catch.

12. Rocco Zikarsky, Australia

The 7-3 center signed with the National Basketball League as part of its “Next Stars” program for elite prospects.

13. Zvonimir Ivisic, Arkansas

The 7-2, 235-pound sophomore from Croatia followed coach John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas.

14. Noa Essengue, France

The 6-8, 194-pound French forward has versatile skills.

Others to watch

• Isaiah Evans: The 6-6 wing is a McDonald’s All-American and skilled scorer headed to Duke as part of the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

• Ian Jackson: The 6-5, 185-pound guard is headed to North Carolina with potential as a scorer and defender after scoring 21 points in the McDonald’s All-American game.

• Jarin Stevenson: The 6-11, 210-pound sophomore could see a larger role after Alabama’s rst Final Four trip. He ashed potential last year, notably with 19 points and ve 3s in the Elite Eight against Clemson.

KEVIN M. COX/ AP PHOTO

Joey Logano (22) crosses the nish line to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Nashville.

Bolivian president orchestrated a ‘self-coup,’ political rival claims

Former President Evo Morales says Luis Arce is trying

to curry favor with voters

By Megan Janetsky

The Associated Press

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Former Bolivian President Evo Morales on Sunday accused his political ally-turned-rival President Luis Arce of deceiving the Bolivian people by staging a “selfcoup” last week to earn political points among the electorate, marking a sharp downturn in an already fraught relationship.

Morales was initially among the country’s most powerful voices to say that approximately 200 members of the military who marched on Bolivia’s government palace alongside armored vehicles on Wednesday had attempted a “coup d’état.”

“We are convinced that democracy is the only way to resolve any di erence and that institutions and the rule of law must be respected,” Morales wrote in a post on the social media platform X on the day of the military action. “We reiterate the call for all those involved in this riot to be arrested and tried.”

But on Sunday, Morales joined others who believe Arce himself orchestrated a “selfcoup” to win the sympathy of Bolivians at a time when his popularity is extremely low.

Arce “disrespected the truth, deceived us, lied, not only to the Bolivian people but to the whole world,” Morales said in a local broadcast program on Sunday.

Morales is throwing his support behind an accusation made by former Gen. Juan José Zuñiga, who allegedly led the coup attempt. Morales said Zuñiga

French voters propel

Marine Le Pen’s party got about a third of the votes in the rst round of voting

The Associated Press

PARIS — The far-right National Rally leaped into a strong lead Sunday in France’s rst round of legislative elections, polling agencies projected, bringing the party closer to being able to form a government in round two and dealing a major slap to centrist President Emmanuel Macron and his risky decision to call the surprise ballot. When he dissolved the National Assembly on June 9 following a stinging defeat at the hands of the National Rally in French voting for the European Parliament, Macron gambled that the anti-immigration party with historical links to antisemitism wouldn’t repeat that success. But it didn’t work out that way. With French polling agencies projecting that the Nation-

informed colleagues and family of his plan before carrying it out, and that while in custody he told authorities that Arce had “betrayed” him.

“The president told me: ‘The situation is very screwed up, very critical. It is necessary to prepare something to raise my popularity,’” Zúñiga quoted the Bolivian leader as saying.

National Rally

al Rally and its allies got about one-third of the national vote on Sunday, Macron’s prime minister warned that France could end up with its rst farright government since World War II if voters don’t come together to thwart that scenario in round two next Sunday.

“The extreme right is at the doors of power,” Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said. He twice described National Rally policy pledges as “disastrous” and said that in the second-round ballot, “not one vote should go to the National Rally.”

French polling agencies’ projections put Macron’s grouping of centrist parties a distant third in the rst-round ballot, behind both the National Rally and a new left-wing coalition of parties that joined forces to keep it from winning power.

Winning a parliamentary majority would enable National Rally leader Marine Le Pen to install her 28-year-old protege, Jordan Bardella, as prime minister and would crown her yearslong rebranding e ort to

That theory was quickly adopted by Arce’s political enemies.

“At some point the truth will be known,” a handcu ed Gen. Juan José Zúñiga told reporters while being transferred to prison Saturday. Morales called for an independent investigation into the Wednesday military action in a

to strong lead

make her party less repellent to mainstream voters. She inherited the party, then called the National Front, from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who has multiple convictions for racist and antisemitic hate speech.

Still, the National Rally isn’t there yet. With another torrid week of campaigning to come before the decisive nal voting Sunday, the election’s ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

Addressing a jubilant crowd, Le Pen called on her supporters and voters who didn’t back her party in the rst round to push it over the line and give it a commanding legislative majority. That scenario would force Bardella and Macron into an awkward power-sharing arrangement. Macron has said he will not step down before his term expires in 2027.

Only the second round will make clear whether Le Pen’s party and its allies get the absolute majority they would need to comfortably form a government and then start to implement their promises to dis-

mantle many of Macron’s key policies and foreign policy platforms. That would include stopping French deliveries of longrange missiles to Ukraine in the war against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The National Rally has historical ties to Russia.

The far right’s more confrontational approach to the European Union, its plans to roll back Macron’s pension reforms and National Rally promises to boost voters’ spending power without clearly detailing how it would pay for the pledge could also spook European nancial markets.

Some polling agency projections indicated that in the bestcase scenario for the far right, the National Rally and its allies could collectively clear the bar of 289 seats needed for a secure majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

But, depending on how the second round shakes out, the far right could also fall short and leave no single bloc with a clear majority, polling agencies projected. Predictions are di -

post Sunday on X. Shortly after the comments, Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo responded in an interview with state television with a slight aimed at Morales, saying, “According to Evo, if there aren’t deaths, there is no coup d’état.”

Morales still wields a great deal of power in Bolivia, especially among coca growers and unions, while Arce has faced simmering discontent as the country reels from an economic crisis.

Morales, once Arce’s friend, resigned as president in 2019 amid unrest after he ran for an unconstitutional third term and ed into exile, an incident he insists was a coup. He threw his support behind Arce in the country’s 2020 election as candidate for his Movement for Socialism, known by its Spanish acronym MAS.

But their relationship soured when the leader returned from exile and Morales later announced he planned to run against Arce to be MAS’s candidate in the upcoming 2025 elections. Their ghts have grown increasingly bitter as Morales has blocked much of Arce’s legislative agenda in Congress.

“We’ve been politically attacked,” Arce told The Associated Press in an interview Friday. But “we haven’t attacked” back.

The feud has angered many Bolivians, and Morales’ Sunday comments were not likely to help.

Morales said in the local radio program “Kausachun Coca” that he felt the incident damaged the image of Bolivia and its military. He also apologized for expressing solidarity with Arce.

cult because of the two-round voting system. Already on Sunday night, the far-right’s rivals were working on arrangements to pull some of their candidates out of the race in round two in an e ort to concentrate votes against the National Rally. Turnout was at least 66%, according to polling estimates, which would make it the highest for a rst-round legislative election in 27 years.

Many French voters are frustrated with in ation and other economic concerns, as well as Macron’s leadership, seen as arrogant and out-of-touch with their lives. The National Rally party has tapped that discontent, notably via online platforms such as TikTok.

Foremost for many voters were the rising cost of living and immigration, which the National Rally campaigned heavily on.

The National Rally has questioned the right to citizenship for people born in France, and it wants to curtail the rights of French citizens with dual nationality. Critics say that undermines human rights and is a threat to France’s democratic ideals.

JUAN KARITA / AP PHOTO

Bolivia President Luis Arce speaks after an interview at the government palace in La Paz last Friday, two days after Army troops stormed the palace in what Arce called a coup attempt. Critics are asserting Arce staged the revolt to curry favor with voters.

obituaries

Erich R Schulz

1938 – 2024

Erich R. Schulz of Pinehurst passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in the FirstHealth Hospice House at the age of 85.

Erich was born in Euclid, Ohio on August 16, 1938, to the late Erich P. and Josephine (Valjato) Schulz. He graduated from Euclid High School in 1956 and attended Miami University before joining the U.S. Army where he served as an MP.

After his military service, Erich worked as a bookkeeper and computer specialist at General Motors/Fisher Body, Black & Decker, and Champion Sportswear. He enjoyed playing golf, bocce, volleyball, traveling, and vintage automobiles, just to name a few.

Erich and his wife, Loretta (Yano), married on April 20, 1962, and have been members of The Pinehurst Country Club for over 40 years. He was also a member and past board member of the Tin Whistles Club.

Erich and Loretta have been members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinehurst for 37 years.

Erich is survived by his wife, Loretta; his children, Karen Belavich (Bu ) of Sandusky, Ohio, Erich M. (Rick) Schulz (Susan Davidson) of Gastonia, NC; his grandchildren, James (Jimi) and Lindsey Belavich of Sandusky, OH, Ceildgh and James (Jimmy) Papenfuss of Sandusky, OH, Erich J. Schulz and Jessie Stanich, Wickli e, OH, Elisabeth and Trevor Fender of Candler, NC; greatgrandchildren, Sabrina and Declan Johnson and Gemma and Archie Papenfuss; sister, Rosemary Wright, Euclid, OH; many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Erich is predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law, Andrew Garrick. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Robert David Brooks

September 13, 1955 –June 29, 2024

Robert David Brooks, known to his family and friends as Bob, was born on September 13, 1955, and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 29, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother.

Bob is survived by his wife of 44 years and high school sweetheart, Marlaine Brooks; his two sons, Robert (and his wife Lindsey) and David (and his ancé Liz); and his cherished granddaughters, Brynnleigh and Hadley. He is also survived by his mother, Margaret Healey, and his six siblings: Joseph, Michelle, Maureen, Michael, Melanie, and Daniel.

Bob devoted over 40 years of his life to the United States Postal Service, serving in numerous towns in northern New Jersey and later in North Carolina. His dedication led him to the role of Postmaster and eventually Post O ce Operations Manager (POOM). After retiring from the postal service, Bob found a second career as a real estate broker in Pinehurst, NC, and enjoyed driving cars for Clark Cadillac, fueled by his lifelong love of automobiles.

Born in Jersey City, and raised in Pequannock NJ, Bob spent over 27 years in Vernon, NJ, before relocating to Pinehurst, NC, in 2006. He was a beloved husband, a great father, and had settled into being a fantastic grandfather. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was a devout member of the Catholic Church.

Bob was predeceased by his father, Robert.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Funeral service will follow at Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines at 1:00 pm with Deacon Guy Berry o ciating. Entombment at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to FirstHealth Hospice House or The American Diabetes Foundation, re ecting Bob’s generous spirit and dedication to helping others. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, dedication, faith, and kindness will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched.

Herbert Charles Garner

May 27, 1938 – June 26, 2024

Herbert Charles Garner, age 86, of Cameron, NC passed away at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital on June 26, 2024. Charles was born in Harnett County, NC May 27, 1938 to Gilbert Garner and Macy Melton. He enjoyed gardening, shing and socializing with family and friends.

Charles is survived by his nephew, Ronnie Garner and his wife, Pam; late nephew’s wife, Sandi Garner; great nephew, Michael Garner; great great nieces, Heather, Kelly and Stacey; great great nephew, Jacob; 14 great great great nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, George, Wes, Albert and Lewis; sister, Alice; nephew, Randy Garner. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 12:00PM at Pineywood Cemetery in Cameron, NC. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines.

Gail Sally (Vatter) Devore

September 16, 1938 –June 25, 2024

Gail Sally (Vatter) Devore, 85 of Quail Haven Retirement Village in Pinehurst, passed on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Mrs. Devore was born September 16, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Byron Vatter and Katherine (Pinten) Vatter. She attended Redford High School in Detroit and went on to later attend Adrian College in Adrian Michigan. For over thirty years Mrs. Devore taught Home Economics in the Mentor Shore Jr. High School in Mentor, Ohio. She served as a life member of both the Geauga County Retired Teachers Association and the Ohio Retired Teachers Associations. She was also an active member of the Moore County Republican Women’s Club. She enjoyed playing bridge, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and knitting. She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, David Joseph Devore; a daughter, Constance L. Richter and husband Ralph Richter, Jr. MD. She was preceded in death by a sister, Kay Vardaris. and two brother-in-laws, George Devore and Thomas Devore. In lieu of owers memorials may be made to the Village Chapel in Pinehurst Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Brenda "Bu y" Tyndall Hinson

June 19, 1968 - June 25, 2024

Brenda “Bu y” Tyndall Hinson, 56, of Aberdeen, passed away peacefully at Firsthealth Hospice House on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Brenda was born on June 19, 1968 to two of the best people you could ever know, Ray and Glenna Tyndall.

She is survived by her mother, Glenna Tyndall, of Aberdeen; daughter, Maranda Hinson (Jessica) of Whispering Pines; two amazing grandchildren, who she loved more than anything in this world and wasn’t afraid to tell you just that, a grandson, Braylen, and a granddaughter, Alaina; sister, Dianne Poindexter, of Aberdeen; aunts, Betty (Red) of Shallotte, Opal of Aberdeen and Bonnie of Gastonia; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Brenda is proceeded in death by her father, Ray Tyndall; sister, Sharon Tyndall; and brother-in-law, Rex Poindexter.

At this time, the family is accepting guest at the home of her daughter in Whispering Pines. A graveside memorial service will be held at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen on Saturday, July 13th, 2024 at 2pm for family and friends.

The family would like to thank, from the bottom of their hearts, FirstHealth Neuro ICU team and FirstHealth Hospice House for everything they did during this di cult time there will never be enough words of gratitude each and every one who had a hand in her care were incredible. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

STATE & NATION

Top Democrats concerned Biden campaign ignoring impact of debate

A private call between the DNC, Biden surrogates and party leaders has heightened concern around the presidential race

By Steve Peoples

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A sense of concern is growing inside the top ranks of the Democratic Party that leaders of Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee are not taking seriously enough the impact of the president’s troubling debate performance last week.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison and Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held a Saturday afternoon call with dozens of committee members across the country, a group of some of the most inuential members of the party. They largely ignored Biden’s weak showing Thursday night or the avalanche of criticism that followed.

Multiple committee members on the call, most granted anonymity to talk about the private discussion, described feeling like they were being gaslighted — that they were be -

ing asked to ignore the dire nature of the party’s predicament.

The call, they said, may have worsened a widespread sense of panic among elected ocials, donors and other stakeholders.

Instead, the people said, Harrison o ered what they described as a rosy assessment

Video shows central NY o cer fatally shooting 13-year-old on ground

The footage appears to show the boy pointing a replica gun at police

By Philip Marcelo and Stefanie Dazio

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Video released late Saturday shows an o cer in central New York fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy who had been tackled to the ground after he ran from police and pointed a replica handgun at them.

The teen was killed a little after 10 p.m. Friday in Utica after o cers in the city about 55 miles east of Syracuse stopped two youths in connection with an armed robbery investigation, police said.

The youths, both 13, matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects and were in the same area at around the same time the day after, police said.

The body camera video released by police captures an ofcer saying he needs to pat them down to ensure they don’t have any weapons in their possession. Immediately one of the

two, identi ed by police as Nyah Mway, runs away. Authorities froze frames of the video where a running Mway appears to point the gun at the pursuing o cers. Police also edited the video to insert a red circle around the weapon to show it to viewers.

The o cers believed it was a handgun, police said, but it was later determined to be a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine.

“During a ground struggle” with the teen, one of the o cers red a single shot that struck the boy in the chest, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said.

The teen was given “immediate” rst aid by the o cers and taken to Wynn Hospital, where he died, the chief said.

The replica gun carried by the teen “is in all aspects a realistic appearing rearm with GLOCK markings, signatures, detachable magazine, and serial numbers,” Lt. Michael Curley, a police spokesperson, said via email. “However ultimately it res only pellets or BB’s.”

A bystander video posted to Facebook shows one of the ofcers chasing after Mway and tackling him to the ground. It

of Biden’s path forward. The chat function was disabled and there were no questions allowed.

“I was hoping for more of a substantive conversation instead of, ‘Hey, let’s go out there and just be cheerleaders,’ without actually addressing a very serious issue that unfolded on

American television for millions of people to see,” said Joe Salazar, an elected DNC member from Colorado, who was on the call. “There were a number of things that could have been said in addressing the situation. But we didn’t get that. We were being gaslit.”

Many donors, party strategists and rank-and- le DNC members are publicly and privately saying they want the 81-year-old Biden to step aside to allow the party to select a younger replacement at the Democratic National Convention in August. As of now, though, Biden’s closest allies insist he remains well-positioned to compete against Republican Donald Trump and have given no indication they will push him to end his campaign.

Those best positioned to replace him — Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among them — reiterated their support for Biden after the debate.

Many are anxiously awaiting the rst major round of post-debate public polling to determine their next steps.

Polls from CNN and 538/Ipsos conducted soon after the debate found that most debate watchers thought Trump out-

performed Biden. But the two men’s favorability ratings remained largely unchanged, just as they did in the aftermath of Trump’s conviction on charges in New York that he illegally participated in a hush money scheme to in uence the 2016 election.

In a subsequent appearance on MSNBC, Harrison downplayed the signi cance of the conference call, which he said was part of a regularly scheduled communication “to talk about the state of the race” and the upcoming national convention with the DNC’s many elected members across the country.

Biden and his campaign have sought to project con dence in the days since last Thursday’s debate in which the president, who already faced serious concerns about his physical and mental stamina, o ered a performance punctuated by repeated stumbles, uncomfortable pauses and a quiet speaking style that was often di cult to understand.

Just after Saturday’s DNC call, the Biden campaign released a memo from senior adviser Jen O’Malley Dillon insisting that the debate had no tangible impact on the election.

“On every metric that matters, data shows it did nothing to change the American people’s perception, our supporters are more red up than ever, and Donald Trump only reminded voters of why they red him four years ago and failed to expand his appeal beyond his MAGA base,” O’Malley Dillon wrote.

also shows the o cer punching the teen as two other o cers arrive. A gunshot rings out as the teen is on the ground and the ofcers quickly stand up.

The o cer who red his gun was identi ed as Patrick Husnay, a six-year veteran of the agency. Husnay and O cers Bryce Patterson and Andrew Citriniti were placed on administrative leave with pay.

The police body camera video shows a chaotic scene.

Mway points the replica handgun at the o cers while he runs from them. The o cers scream “gun!” to each other as they run. Patterson then tackles and punches Mway, and as the two are wrestling on the ground,

Husnay opens re. O cers initially thought Nyah Mway may have shot himself, and Patterson says, “I don’t know if he shot me.” It is not clear whether he is referring to Mway or his fellow o cer. Patterson was not struck.

Bystanders scream at the police throughout the recordings, and at one point an o cer yells back: “We’re trying to save him right now!”

The other youth was detained in the back of a police vehicle and was not involved in the shooting.

During his “public safety statement,” a brief interview typically done in the aftermath of a police shooting to ensure there is no additional threat, Husnay

Police investigate the scene of last Friday night’s shooting in Utica, New York, early last Saturday. An o cer shot and killed a teen eeing while pointing a replica gun, police said Saturday.

said he red one round “straight towards the ground.” He did not know whether Mway had red at the o cers but said he thought the weapon was a 22-caliber handgun.

The police department released the body camera videos following a public outcry as the shooting roiled Utica, a city with a population of 65,000. It is home to more than 4,200 people from Myanmar, according to The Center, a nonpro t that helps to resettle the refugees.

Mway, who local media reports said was an 8th grader at Donovan Middle School, was identi ed as a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at LaGuardia International Airport last Saturday in New York.

KENNY LACY