North State Journal Vol. 9, Issue 1

the BRIEF this week

Trump, Haley, Harris

visiting NC this weekend

Greensboro

Former President Donald Trump announced he will hold a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum on Saturday, March 2, ahead of next Tuesday’s North Carolina primary election.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, coming o a 20-point loss in her home state of South Carolina last week, is holding two events in the Tarheel State: a Charlotte rally on March 1 and a Raleigh event the following day at 12:30 p.m.

After the two Republican presidential candidates announced their visits, White House o cials said Vice President Kamala Harris would make a stop in the state on Friday in Durham. She will be joined by Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Gov. Roy Cooper as part of the Biden administration’s “Investing in America” tour.

NSJ STAFF

US Army is slashing thousands of jobs in major revamp to prepare for future wars

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Army is slashing the size of its force by about 24,000, or almost 5%, and restructuring to be better able to ght the next major war, as the service struggles with recruiting shortfalls that made it impossible to bring in enough soldiers to ll all the jobs.

According to an Army document, the service is “signi cantly overstructured” and there aren’t enough soldiers to ll existing units.

The decision re ects the reality that for years the Army hasn’t been able to ll thousands of empty posts.

While the Army as it’s currently structured can have up to 494,000 soldiers, the total number of active-duty soldiers right now is about 445,000.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Letter containing white powder sent to Donald Trump Jr.’s home

Miami

Emergency crews responded Monday after a letter containing an unidenti ed white powder was sent to the Florida home of Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former President and GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.

A person familiar with the matter said that results on the substance were inconclusive, but o cials do not believe it was deadly.

Trump Jr. opened the letter, which also contained a death threat, and emergency responders wearing hazmat suits responded.

NC Supreme Court rehears arguments on Leandro ruling

6th District GOP candidates feud over Petty, other endorsements

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — An endorsement by NASCAR legend Richard Petty of a North Carolina 6th District Congressional candidate making the rounds on social media and in campaign mailers is not current: it’s from 2022, according to members of the Petty family. A video of Petty endorsing Christian Castelli was rst posted to Castelli’s Facebook campaign page on Aug. 24, 2022.

That same video began appearing on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, on the Facebook page of the “First Freedoms Foundation,” a Washington, D.C.based PAC.

On Castelli’s o cial campaign page, the same Petty video is found at the end of his 2024 endorsements list. The same video is also found in the 2022 endorsements list.

North State Journal received a statement from the Petty family via Rebecca Petty Mo tt in the evening hours of Feb. 24 refuting any endorsement for the March 5 primary.

“Richard Petty has not endorsed any candidate for the 2024 Republican primary,” the Petty family statement says. “Richard is a life-long conservative and has always been heavily involved in Republican politics but he has not made any primary endorsements in this election.”

In response to a North State Journal inquiry about Mo tt’s statement, Castelli said in a phone interview that he didn’t think the Petty camp understood the situation.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS See

The campaign itself has also touted the endorsement in direct mail to Republican primary voters in the district.

“Well, they don’t know much about politics,” said Castelli. “I’ve been in this primary for a very long time, and when he renewed, I guess they think we’re in the primary window now in the next two weeks, they renewed their endorsement of me months ago. It was like six

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — At a discretionary review hearing on Feb. 22, the North Carolina Supreme Court again heard oral arguments regarding the long-running Leandro education funding case.

The hearing lasted around 80 minutes. A decision by the court is pending and the next date the court is scheduled to issue decisions is March 22.

The 2022 ruling upheld a trial court order for three state government entities to transfer $677 million out of the state’s coffers to cov-

er two years of the WestEd-produced “Comprehensive Remedial Plan.” The original plan total called for over $5.4 billion in new additional statewide spending over five years. The previous court, which had a Democratic majority (4-3), issued its ruling just ahead of the November 2022 elections. The ruling bypassed state constitution provisions designating the legislature as the entity with authority to disperse funds. In the November election, Republicans won all of the

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A 50-year-old Head Start program has had a multi-generational impact on migrant farmworker families and their children.

Maria Garza, the CEO of the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project (ECMHSP), shared with North State Journal the impact of what the organization does and how it has made a “big di erence” in the lives of migrant farmworker families.

ECMHSP is a nonpro t established in 1974 through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization has 43 campuses in ten states, including North Carolina, which provide “holistic, high-quality early childhood education services” for approximately 3,500 farmworker children “between 6 weeks to 6 years old.”

The organization does not receive state or local dollars but instead is funded mainly by the federal government. Federal grant funding in 2022-23 totaled nearly $80 million and in 2023-24 the group received grants totaling $71 million.

ECMHSP serves multiple counties with o ces located in Angier, Bailey, Booneville, Newton Grove, Fountain, Ivanhoe and Rocky Point.

The organization will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and Garza said various events are being planned to celebrate.

“We are probably one of the very few Head Start agency providers or nonpro ts that are exclusively Head Start providers,” Garza said. She added they have not deviated from their original mission since the organization was founded.

“We don’t provide housing, we don’t provide health care,” said Garza. “We do cover and provide an array of comprehensive services - holistic services and approaches to the children that we serve - and health is

Rev. William Barber speaks during a protest in downtown Raleigh at the Leandro hearing at the N.C. Supreme Court on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024.

AP PHOTO

Former NASCAR driver Richard Petty, a team owner, walks along pit road during driver introductions before the two Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Fla.

We

This series explores the Ten Commandments through the words and admonishments of Arthur Pink.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). The virtues of purity are the basis of the domestic relations, and as the family is the foundation of human society, the class of duties here involved is second only to those which preserve man’s existence. Hence it is that, immediately following the commandment which declares the sacredness of human life, there is that precept that is a hedge about relationship of creaturehood, thus safeguarding the holy function of the procreation of life. Nothing is more essential for the social order than that the relationship upon which all others are subsequently based should be jealously protected against every form of attack. The commandment is a simple, unquali ed, irrevocable negative: “thou shalt not.” No argument is used, no reason is given, because none is required. This sin is so destructive and damning that the mere mention of its name is, in itself, su cient cause for this stern forbidding.

This commandment plainly intimates that God claims the body as well as the soul for His service. For a Christian, this sin is sacrilege. “Know you not that your body is the temple of the holy Spirit which is in you... ?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). If Christ was indignant when He saw the house of God turned into a den of thieves, how much more heinous in His sight must be that wickedness which debases the temple of the Holy Spirit.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” This prohibition is designed to guard the sanctity of the home, for strictly speaking “adultery” is a crime which none but a married person can commit--”fornication” being the name of it when done by one who is single. This commandment respects more especially the government of the a ections and passions, the keeping of our minds and bodies in such a chaste frame that nothing impure or immodest may de le us. It requires the proper discipline of those inclinations which God has implanted for the increase of the human species. Therefore we are to avoid everything that may be an occasion of this sin, using all proper means and methods to

his wife, and every wife, reciprocally, towards her husband; conducting themselves in such a manner as to do nothing un tting the decorum and temperance of marriage. For thus ought marriage contracted in the Lord to be regulated by moderation and modesty, and not to break out into the vilest lasciviousness. Such sensuality has been stigmatized by Ambrose with a severe but not unmerited censure, when he calls those who in their conjugal fellowship have no regard to modesty, the adulterers of their own wives” (Calvin).

Let no man atter himself with the idea that he cannot be charged with unchastity because he has abstained from the actual deed while his heart is a cesspool of de ling imaginations and desires. Because God’s Law is “spiritual” (Romans 7:14), it not only forbids the gross outward acts of lthiness, but it prohibits and condemns unchastity of heart as well--all unlawful imaginations and contemplations. As there is such a thing as heart murder, so there is heart adultery, and he who commits speculative impurity and prostitutes his thoughts and imaginations to the impure embraces of lust is guilty of transgressing this commandment.

prevent all temptations.

How God regards sins of impurity has been made clear by many passages in His Word. This sin, even on the part of an unmarried man, is called “great wickedness against God” (Genesis 39:9). Then how much more inexcusable and intolerable is it on the part of a married person. The temporal punishment meted out to it under the civil law of Israel was no less than death, the same that was meted out to murder.

To prevent this sin, God has instituted the ordinance of marriage. “To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2) . The sin of adultery is therefore the violation of the marriage covenant and vow, and so adds perjury to in delity. Though marriage is the appointed remedy for the sin of sexual impurity, that does not grant man the license to make a beast of himself.

“Let it not be supposed by married persons that all things are lawful to them. Every man should observe sobriety towards

Get in touch!

w w w

LEANDRO from page A1

Supreme Court and Court of Appeals seats on the ballot.

Two key points were heard by the justices at the hearing: case jurisdiction and funding authority.

State legislative leaders and their lawyers have contested the idea that Judge James Ammons, the most recent judge appointed to the case, had jurisdiction to mandate statewide spending.

Democratic justices Anita Earls and Allison Riggs cited past court decisions they believe support authorization of a statewide remedy versus a narrower focus on Hoke County or the handful of districts that have joined the case.

Matthew Tilley, the lawyer representing House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) and Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) argued against statewide orders.

“This is not a contest between those who want to fund education and those who don’t,” argued Tilley.

“Instead the case is about whether the trial court, when presented with only district-specific claims, had jurisdiction to issue a sweeping statewide order… or state -

“Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

This commandment forbids degrees to the sin prohibited, as looking in order to lust. Its force is, You shall in no way injure your neighbor’s chastity or tempt to impurity.

Unclean conduct before marriage on the part of man or woman is a wrong done against the marriage to be. Though this commandment is expressed in the form of a negative prohibition, yet positively it enjoins all the opposite duties, such as cleanliness of the body, lling the mind with holy objects, setting our a ection on things above, and spending our time in pro table occupations.

Arthur W. Pink, born in Nottingham, England, in 1886, pastored churches in Colorado, California, Kentucky, and South Carolina. He moved to Sydney, Australia, and then returned to England in 1934. Pink relocated to Lewis, Scotland, in 1940 and remained there until his death in 1952 at the age of 66.

Cory Lavalette tapped as new North State Journal senior editor

North State Journal

RALEIGH — North State Journal managing editor and sports editor Cory Lavalette has been named North State Journal’s new senior editor beginning with the statewide newspaper’s ninth volume, “State of Innovation.” “I’m excited for this new challenge,” Lavalette said. “As one of North State Journal’s original employees back in 2016, I’ve seen our statewide newspaper defy odds to ourish while growing to include several community publications across the state. I can’t wait to add to our

wide orders…that required the comprehensive remedial plan,” Tilley told the justices. “A plan which dictates virtually every aspect of education policy and funding - not just for the districts that were plaintiffs, but for all 115 school districts across the state, effectively removing those decisions from the political and democratic process.”

The state’s education budget has been increased by the legislature each year over the past decade and already is the largest appropriation at around 40% of the state’s annual $30 billion budget.

Lawyers on the plaintiffs’ side say Ammons’ statewide order has to be upheld to support the state constitution of “a sound basic education.”

The phrase “sound basic education,” is often misunderstood as being part of the North Carolina Constitution under Article I, Section 15 and Article IX, Section 2.

The constitutional Article cited throughout Leandro’s history actually reads, “The people have a right to the privilege of education, and it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right.”

The origin of the phrase traces back to a 1997 state Supreme Court ruling that al -

award-winning tradition and tell more great stories across North Carolina.”

Matt Mercer, North State Journal’s editor in chief over the past four years, departs at the end of February.

“Matt and Cory have been pivotal to North State Journal’s growth over the past four years,” North State Journal publisher Neal Robbins said. “I know Matt will continue to do great things during the next phase of his career, and he leaves North State Journal on a strong footing.”

“Cory knows North State Journal from every possible an-

“This is not a contest between those who want to fund education and those who don’t.”

Matthew Tilley, attorney for legislative defendants

lowed the Leandro case to proceed to trial. The court wrote that all students should have the “opportunity to receive a sound basic education.”

Melanie Dubis, an attorney representing several school districts, said children are still not reading and doing math at grade level. She said students today would “become the third generation of children since this lawsuit was filed to pass through our state school system without the benefit of relief if this court takes away from them.” Following Dubis’ arguments, none of the justices raised the issue of pandemic learning loss complicating the matter or the millions of

gle, and I am con dent in his ability to lead us into a new, innovative phase of our growth as North Carolina’s primary source of statewide news,” added Robbins. With the elevation of Lavalette to senior editor, longtime reporter and local sports editor Shawn Krest will add the title of sports editor. In addition to leading coverage of prep sports across the outlet’s local editions, Krest will also be responsible for the newspaper’s award-winning sports coverage of collegiate and professional sports in the Tarheel State.

dollars districts received from the state and federal government to address the matter.

Supporters of the prior ruling, including Gov. Roy Cooper, believe the judiciary has the power and duty to fix constitutional issues in education.

While the previous Democratic-controlled Supreme Court had ignored the state constitution on powers of the purse, in a statement, Cooper accused lawmakers of wanting the court to “dramatically re-interpret the constitution to remove the legislature’s legal obligation to invest in our public schools.”

“For Sen. Berger and Speaker Moore, this case is not about our children, it’s about their power,” said Cooper in the statement. “What a sad moment in our history when legislative leaders ask the N.C. Supreme Court to invalidate what a bipartisan court has affirmed for decades: the State Constitution gives our children the right to a sound basic education.”

“This is about children, not partisanship. Politicians did not pick the plan,” said a statement by the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses in support of upholding the 2022 ruling. “The Leandro plan is

“I can’t wait to add to

North

editor Cory Lavalette

based on research from independent experts and input from North Carolina educators, parents, and community leaders from across the state.”

The plan did have political influence, however. Plaintiffs in the case worked with WestEd and lawyers from the governor’s office on the Plan. It was also paid for in part by politically partisan groups.

Around $1.5 million of the $2.05 million cost of WestEd’s plan came from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Goodnight Educational Foundation, Spencer Foundation, Belk Foundation, and A.J. Fletcher Foundations. The bulk of the $1.5 million came from the governor’s cabinet agencies; $604,699 from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and $200,000 from the Department of Administration.

Prior to the start of the hearing, a protest began across the street on the Capitol grounds led by former NC NAACP President Rev. William Barber.

Barber characterized the review of the Leandro ruling as “an attempt at a hostile takeover,” while describing the Republican majority of the court as well as Moore and Berger as “extremists.”

Farmer, businessman and former commissioner Baucom seeks NC’s 8th Congressional seat

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Allan Baucom, a successful farmer and businessman who has also served as a past chairman on the Union County Board of Commissioners, is seeking to win the March 5 Republican primary for North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District.

“This race ‘now’ is because we need to make changes in the direction that our federal government is going,” Baucom said when North State Journal asked why he was entering the contest this year.

The 74-year-old Baucom said he’s quali ed from a business, professional and life skills aspect to “help move this needle back in the direction that it needs to go back to where our founding fathers had intended it to be.”

The 8th district includes Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly, and Union Counties as well as portions of Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Robeson Counties. In addition to Baucom, GOP candidates vy-

be from family or whether it be from business,” said Baucom. “Therefore it leaves, oftentimes, people that we don’t necessarily want to be representative [or] to be an elected o cial that is running. In this situation, I am able to.”

“I can assure the people in this district always put them rst. And that I learned that from Jesse Helms,” said Baucom. “That the power of government - the power of this nation - resides in the voters. It does not reside in the elected o cials.”

He added “I rmly believe that I think that too often we have elected o cials that want to be served rather than to serve.”

ing for the nomination include John Bradford, Don Brown, Leigh Brown, Mark Harris and Chris Maples.

Speaking about why he was running, he said he is “in a position in life to where I can do this.”

“Lots of the people that I, and others, would like to be our representative are not positioned to where they can, whether it

“My approach is the oppositeis to serve and let’s take and put the power back to the people,” Baucom said.

Baucom said he’s built several businesses and farms in Union County over the years and noted that he has lived in the district “my entire life.”

“I was raised here and know the values of the people and know the concerns and the challenges across the district - not

just in one little segment - but across the district,” Baucom said. “I pay taxes here, I support organizations, I’m invested here.”

When asked what his top priority items would be if elected to the seat, Baucom said the border was number one.

“We got to stop the bleeding. We got to stop it immediately,” said Baucom. “I very much will be engaged with President Trump on the America First Agenda. To do that, we got to nd that tourniquet and we got to apply it.”

Baucom went on to say, “In that same vein with the border crisis, is let’s send all the illegal immigrants and migrants back to where they came from and then let’s develop an immigration policy that is good for the United States; Not a good one that’s good for Mexico or Guatemala or China…as we’re seeing the in ux [from there].”

The former commissioner expressed a desire to implement term limits to “drain this swamp.”

“Not just drain it, but let’s reclaim it,” said Baucom. “Let’s get

back to having the respect and that it should have that it used to have. Our Founding Fathers did not intend for someone to be elected and for it to become a career. And that’s all too often what is happening and on both sides of the aisle.”

He also said he has signed a pledge that he will endorse term limits and sponsor a term limit bill.

“I’ve pledged that I will serve no more than three terms when elected,” Baucom added.

Another key issue for Baucom is supporting the Lumbee Indian Tribe becoming nationally recognized.

“I have assured the Lumbee Tribe that I will support their e orts, as I have in the past, for national recognition,” said Baucom. “And it’s more than just for the Lumbee Tribe because they deserve it and they’ve earned it. But with their recognition comes that rising tide that oats all boats. It will improve the economic situation for lots of areas across the district and in which lots of those areas it is sorely needed.”

Allen, Brintley pick up endorsements in race to succeed speaker in state House district

North State Journal

or eight months ago.”

He added “Like I said, I don’t think they really understand. But she can issue whatever statement she wants. That’s her prerogative.”

“I don’t want to ruin my relationship with the Pettys, obviously, but I don’t want to be made to look like a liar or stupid either,” Castelli said, adding that he had texted Mo tt about the media inquiries he was receiving and claimed he had received the NASCAR legend’s “continued endorsement” not long after the November 2022 election at an event held at Victory Junction.

Castelli said of the Victory Junction event that he “spent time with Richard, took a photo with him, and told him I was running again and wanted his continued endorsement and claims the racing said, “You got

it. Go get them, tiger.”

On Feb. 2, 2024, Castelli emailed Mo tt about having her father do a paid GOTV (get out the vote) call. Mo tt responded on Feb. 8, turning the request down by stating “Dad is going to pass on this because it is so close to primary. Thanks for thinking of him.” He also blamed an opponent, former Congressman Mark Walker, for issues in the race, and said there was nothing to question.

“I want to make this perfectly clear to you and everybody else is going to question me on this or question my integrity: There is nothing to question here,” said Castelli. “Everything was ne until Mark Walker dropped out of the governor’s race. He jumped into my house race in October after we were redistricted from a D+8 to an R+11.”

Castelli also said Walker is “probably causing the problem

because all of his endorsements have fallen through,” and went on to claim Walker did not have the endorsements from certain members of Congress that he claims to have including House Speaker Mike Johnson, and two endorsements in the past week; Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis and New York Rep. Claudia Tenney.

“Once again, this is all because Mark Walker is violating his term limits pledge,” Castelli said. “[He] dropped out of the governor’s race and jumped into this house race. He’s the one with the integrity issues, not me.”

North State Journal o ered Walker a chance to respond to Castelli’s remarks and Walker said he also had the documentation to back up his over 60 endorsements while also acknowledging that some positions had changed.

Walker gave an example of House Speaker Mike Johnson

RALEIGH — The four-way Republican primary to succeed outgoing N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) in his longtime state House district has prominent endorsements coming in for two of the contenders.

Moore has been representing the Cleveland County-based district since 2003 and announced in 2023 he was not seeking reelection. He subsequently announced a run for Congress and appears to be a strong favorite in that contest based on available polling and fundraising totals.

The North Carolina Troopers Association formally endorsed King Mountain city councilman David Allen in the Republican primary on March 5.

NCTA President Ben Kral said in a statement, “David has the proven leadership ability to be a great asset to the N.C. House. His years of public service make him uniquely quali ed to serve the people of District 111.”

Also backing Allen is powerful House Senior Appropriations chairman Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln), who represents a neighboring district.

“I have known David for years professionally and personally, and I can con dently say that he is the right person for this crucial role,” Saine said in a statement to North State Journal.

“David’s experience as a retired captain with the North Caroli-

telling him last September, “In his own words, said ‘We need you back’.” After he became speaker, things changed slightly... his new sta get involved and said, ‘Look, he’s going to need to move to neutral.’ We understood it and never put his name in print. We weren’t asked to delete the tweet when we rst put it out there, I believe October 27th,” said Walker. To back his claims, Walker provided North State Journal screen captures of text conversations with Johnson, as well as Bilirakis and Tenney. “Come to nd out, Gus Bilirakis represented Castelli’s brother, who’s a pastor down there. His brother called,” Walker said about Bilirakis’ change in endorsement position. “Gus was great about it. Gus said, “Hey, I didn’t know this guy’s has become an issue. I can’t go forward,” and I said not a problem, your name comes o the

na Highway Patrol brings invaluable insight to the table. David has consistently demonstrated his ability to listen, collaborate, and make informed decisions that bene t his constituents. His understanding of law enforcement and his commitment to public service make him a strong advocate for public safety, infrastructure development and community well-being.”

Brintley, also of Kings Mountain, has received an endorsement from Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Robinson said of Brintley in his endorsement, “if you want someone to go into o ce who will stand for real NC values, this is the man.”

Brintley is also endorsed by the NC Values Coalition, former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot, Dr. Ron Baity, NC District Court Judge Craig Collins and Gaston County Rep. Donnie Loftis.

Following the General Assembly’s 2023 redistricting session, the 111th District comprises parts of both Cleveland and Rutherford counties.

The other candidates in the race are Scott Neisler, the former mayor of Kings Mountain and Rutherford County school board member Paul Scott of Ellenboro.

Once a Republican nominee is chosen by voters, the winner will face Democratic nominee Frances Rollinson Webber of Shelby in the Nov. 5 general election.

list.”

“The narrative Castelli is trying to create that’s false is trying to de ect the exaggeration of these endorsements that never endorsed him in this race,” said Walker. “The problem that he has is I have 100% concrete proof that everything I’ve said is true when it comes to the support of these members or these other organizations.”

“I think the voters obviously are the ones that get to make the decision, not the candidates as far as who gets to represent,” added Walker. “Maybe that’s just the cultural thing with Castelli being a New York native that lives, you know, 80 miles from any of the town seats in the six counties. Maybe that’s just his perspective and not really understanding that people take a lot of pride in selecting their candidates and not the candidates being able to choose who represents them.”

ENDORSEMENT from page A1

VISUAL VOICES

OPINION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Save the telos of universities — end DEI

There has never been a case in history where any group calling for the extermination of an entire race of people has been “acceptable” under any circumstance.

ACCLAIMED SOCIOLOGIST AND AUTHOR Jonathan Haidt made the bold claim during a recent lecture at UNC Chapel Hill that DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) will destroy American universities unless it is stopped in its tracks.

Before anyone calls him a racist rightwing stooge, let it be known Haidt is a selfproclaimed moderate left-of-center voter who used to teach at UVA and is now a professor at NYU in New York City. He made his argument solely as an academic concerned about the proper role of higher education in America.

Haidt showed a chart prepared by British researchers which listed the top ten universities in the world. Eight were in America, Oxford and Cambridge being the only two universities outside of US borders to make the list. None were from China; none from Russia; none from any other continent on the planet.

He attributed such distinction to the historic mission of English and American universities to search for truth in an environment which supported and encouraged free, unfettered exchange of ideas and concepts. The telos, or the reason for being, for any college or university is that search for truth.

Haidt pointed out elite American universities have been on a dangerous downward path for some time but hit their absolute low point during the ill-fated testimony by the presidents of Harvard, Penn

STACEY MATTHEWS

EDITORIAL

|

and MIT before Congress on December 5, 2023. When asked if students on campus calling for the genocide of Jews violated rules against bullying on campus, they all responded in a coordinated way by saying “it depends on the context”.

The ”context” of what exactly? Generallyaccepted rules of decent human behavior since the beginning of time? There has never been a case in history where any group calling for the extermination of an entire race of people has been “acceptable” under any circumstance.

The problem, as Haidt saw it, is that universities have become infected with the desire to use “identity politics” to wage social justice warfare rather than adhering strictly to the telos of providing the best liberal arts and scienti c education possible to every student. Americans have spent centuries trying to form a more perfect union where people would be evaluated, or judged, on the content of their character and not the color of their skin, cultural heritage or social standing in life. To do otherwise would be contrary to the whole American democratic republican experiment in the rst place.

Haidt had no problem with universities wanting to be more inclusive and more diverse in terms of bringing in more people from disparate backgrounds in each incoming cohort of students. However, once universities dictate “equity” in terms of outcomes regardless of academic achievement, e ort and results, the telos of

Woke media narratives take shape at Fani Willis misconduct hearing

Why the case against Fani Willis feels familiar to Black women.

EARLIER THIS MONTH, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting former President Donald Trump in the Georgia election interference case, took the stand in a misconduct hearing where things got heated pretty quickly.

Willis is in the hot seat over impropriety allegations that stem from an admitted “personal relationship” she had with the special prosecutor she appointed, Nathan Wade.

Willis, Wade, and former friends testi ed about the relationship to defense attorneys for former Trump 2020 campaign o cial Michael Roman, who is also under indictment and who seeks to have Willis removed on grounds she improperly bene ted nancially from her relationship with Wade.

If the judge nds Willis engaged in wrongdoing, he could disqualify her, which in turn could cause signi cant delays in proceeding with the case.

Because Willis did herself no favors with her combative, hostile testimony — and because she’s a powerful Democrat who is prosecuting Trump, the media have swooped in to rescue her by trotting out the victim/race cards as a way to suggest she’s being unfairly targeted based on her physical characteristics.

For instance, the Associated Press headline stated that “Fani Willis’ testimony evokes long-standing frustrations for Black women

leaders.”

In the New York Times, we learned “Why the case against Fani Willis feels familiar to Black women.”

“As Fani Willis shows, dominant, ambitious women leaders pay price,” declared the headline from an opinion piece published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The gist of what’s being written is that Willis, being a woman and Black, is being subjected to race-based “tropes” as well as a double standard that men in similarly powerful positions never would.

As I read these articles, I thought back to the Supreme Court con rmation hearings for Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh and how their lives were put under the microscope in extreme, brutal ways, and then I wondered “What alternative reality are Willis’ defenders living in?”

Her supporters are acting as though we are just supposed to look the other way regarding Willis’ alleged o enses simply because of her race and gender. But isn’t advocating that we do so a double standard and racist/sexist in and of itself?

The fact of the matter is that the allegations Willis faces are not unique to women, no matter their race.

As one Twitter user noted, “Dick Donovan of Paulding County was indicted and forced to resign for lying and using his authority as a

the university is destroyed.

The danger of interjecting identity into every aspect of American life by legislative or executive at is a massive setback to those centuries of progress. Identitarianism, as Haidt coined the phrase, has its consequences, mostly all negative.

If everyone is evaluated primarily on the basis of race, we will remain a polarized segmented society forever. The places to improve the educational achievement of the vast majority of young people resides where it has always resided ― in homes, local churches and community groups and in primary and secondary public schools. The purpose, or the telos, of going to college is to be inquisitive and learn from the masters of knowledge in the past, not to be defensive about beliefs garnered from the internet and cable news or to be indoctrinated politically one way or the other at age 18.

“Identity politics” just sounds so wrong and dissonant to older Boomers who were raised on a steady diet of integration as a way to achieve fairness and equal opportunity in our great country. It is di cult to see how dividing our nation by accusing every white person of being racist solely because the color of their skin is going to heal our racial strife instead of making it worse.

We don’t need another term for segregation based on race, creed, culture or sexual orientation ― it was bad enough when it was used to subjugate black citizens for over a century in America. University administrators should heed the admonition of Jonathan Haidt and end DEI before they destroy the concept of the university and thereby help heal America in the process.

prosecutor to bene t a woman with whom he [desired a] personal relationship.”

That was two years ago. In Georgia. Dick Donovan is white.

There are many more examples of powerful men being on the receiving end of much worse than what Willis faced during her hearing, as noted above with the references to Thomas and Kavanaugh, just to name a few.

As I’ve said before, for true equality to happen in the working world, women — no matter their race, sexual orientation, etc. — are going to have to learn to take the professional lumps and criticisms just like men have, and should stop automatically assuming every slight is based on their race and/or gender.

Because doing the opposite, as people have done in the Willis case, is in e ect claiming the exact type of special privilege that the left has been throwing in the faces of white males for decades as an example of the double standards.

Women simply can’t have it both ways when they are the ones who are under the microscope for questionable actions they’ve allegedly taken in the workplace.

Setting the standard for women that says it’s okay for them to engage in wrong-doing based on their gender and/or race is what actually sets them back, and it’s a tactic that should be categorically rejected in the interests of true equality.

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.

COLUMN | CHARLES BLAHOUS

Americans should be less complacent about Social Security

(This article first appeared Discourse magazine published by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.)

IN DECEMBER 2023, Gallup released the results of its latest survey of Americans’ expectations of Social Security. They show a slight uptick in Americans’ optimism that Social Security will make good on future benefit promises, producing Gallup’s headline finding: “Americans More Upbeat About Future Social Security Benefits.”

Unfortunately, the optimism expressed by Gallup’s respondents is at odds with the reality of Social Security’s deteriorating finances. Never before have Americans had greater reason for concern that they will not receive the benefits Social Security is promising. The reason Americans are feeling blithe about Social Security’s future is not because of its actual condition, but because elected officials and media figures avoid a subject whose harsh realities contradict their preferred political narratives.

Americans remain split nearly in half on their expectations from Social Security. Nearly half of current retirees expect their benefits to be cut at some point while roughly half (53%) do not. Among non-retirees, roughly half expect to be able to claim any benefits at all (50%), while roughly half do not (47%). These broad generalities, however, obscure age-specific trends.

For example, among non-retirees, 66% of those over the age of 50 expect to receive benefits, whereas much lower percentages of younger Americans do.

Attitudes toward Social Security have stayed essentially the same even as the situation of Social Security has grown markedly worse. Twenty years ago, most survey respondents had ample reason to believe, based on historical experience, that Social Security would someday pay them benefits — even if the amounts of those benefits might be adjusted. Further, it was reasonable for most existing retirees to believe their benefits would not be cut because lawmakers had never cut benefits for previous recipients.

Today, however, those risks are growing rapidly.

The longer lawmakers delay Social Security financing corrections, the more likely it becomes that its framework of self-financing solvency will be abandoned, and general revenues used to bail out the program. That would likely result in fundamentally changed political dynamics surrounding Social Security, for example potentially involving means tests, asset tests or other contingencies for benefit eligibility that have historically typified programs financed from the general government fund.

This new context validates the concerns of Americans who express fears that they won’t receive any benefits at all, as well as of current retirees who fear their benefits will someday be

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

cut. It is not widely publicized that Social Security benefits are automatically increased each year, from one retiree cohort to the next, pursuant to indexing provisions enacted in the 1970s. These automatic benefit increases were purposely established to replace a pattern of ad hoc benefit increases enacted in previous decades. Some politicians today actively promote misunderstanding of current law by inaccurately claiming that Social Security benefits have not been increased in “nearly 50 years.” When common information sources misleadingly claim that Social Security benefits are not increasing, Americans will naturally misinterpret responsible proposals to slow future benefit growth as reductions from current levels, especially if they are described as “curbing” benefits.

It is impossible to know how Americans would react once abstract phrases employed in opinion surveys give way to the realities of legislation. At some point, lawmakers would need to acknowledge that paying currently projected benefits, let alone expanded ones, would require substantial tax increases not just on the wealthy but on middleincome workers. Moreover, any benefit changes — that is, slower rates of future benefit growth — proposed to preserve solvency would probably not involve the reductions from current levels that Americans say they oppose. Current survey data cannot tell us how Americans would react to these realities once they are encountered and contrasted with prior expectations.

It’s clear that continuing on the road we’re traveling — that is, delaying action and eventually resorting to a general revenue bailout and abandoning Social Security’s historic design — would come as a severe shock to countless Americans. With Social Security, our two major parties’ national leaders are being indistinguishably irresponsible, and this does not bode well.

Americans today express opposition to “benefit cuts” of a type no elected leaders are currently proposing. At the same time, politicians cite public opposition as an excuse for their failure to do something quite different: namely, to simply moderate future cost growth.

If this dynamic continues much longer, it will ultimately force the abandonment of Social Security’s current design, replacing it with another framework in which benefits actually would be on the chopping block each year. The tragic irony is that by resisting cuts that aren’t really cuts until it’s too late, political advocates are putting Social Security participants at risk of exactly the type of real benefit cuts they most oppose and fear.

Charles Blahous is a senior research strategist at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and a visiting fellow with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

Putin is pushing where there’s mush

LAST WEEK, Vladimir Putin finally — allegedly — murdered his chief political rival and critic Alexei Navalny.

Navalny’s death followed an attempt by Putin’s operatives in 2020 to kill him by poisoning; Navalny survived the attempt, worked with online specialists to unmask the actual agents responsible for the poisoning and then returned to Russia, where he was promptly arrested on trumped-up charges and sent to a Gulag in the far north.

Now, Navalny is dead.

And Putin isn’t stopping there. This week, the Russian government announced an arrest warrant for Navalny’s brother, Oleg, on unspecified charges; Putin’s agents likely murdered a Russia defector to the Ukrainian side, who was found riddled with bullets in Spain; Putin’s government arrested a Russian-American dual citizen on treason charges for giving some $50 to a group called Razom for Ukraine, which sends medical and hospital equipment to the beleaguered country.

Meanwhile, Putin is stepping up his international outreach efforts. This week, Putin invited the terror group Hamas to Moscow to talk, along with fellow terrorist leaders from Islamic Jihad and the Palestinian Authority. He also received plaudits from far-left corrupt Brazilian president Lula Da Silva, who refused to condemn Russia for Navalny’s death but found time to accuse Israel of perpetrating a new Holocaust in the Gaza Strip. And, of course, he hosted Tucker Carlson for an interview, in which he laid out his historic grievances against NATO and Ukraine; Carlson then followed suit by issuing a series of videos praising Russian metro stations and supermarkets, claiming that Russian food prices should “radicalize” Americans into despising their leaders. Putin feels unbound.

And he should.

Joe Biden is a weak leader with no centralizing principles. He has slow-walked aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the war; he has insisted on continued funding for the war while refusing to articulate what an end to the war would look like; he has refused to even justify the war to Americans beyond simply repeating the word “democracy” over and over — empty rhetoric that no longer tugs at

the heartstrings in a complex world where the U.S. has non-democratic allies of its own.

Biden refuses to take serious action on the southern border in order to achieve the Ukraine aid package he insists he desires; he even refuses to negotiate with the speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, on the issue. He seems to prefer tearing into Republicans for their insufficient zeal in funding Ukraine. All of this focus on Republicans allows Biden to elide the split in his own party — a split between Wilsonian interventionists and Noam Chomsky anti-Americans, who believe the United States to be a malevolent force in the world.

Meanwhile, Republicans are split, too. There are essentially four camps into which the Republican Party has split: neo-conservative interventionists, a remaining rump from the Bush years, who have historically supported nation-building efforts in far-flung regions with the goal of cultivating democratic allies even in inhospitable places; realpolitik devotees, who seek to assess each foreign conflict and all foreign aid with an eye toward hard American interests, ranging from the economic to the military; isolationists, who oppose all American interventions, both economic and military, on principle, believing that foreign policy generally represents a betrayal of priorities closer to home; and anti-Americans, who meet with the Chomsky-ite left in a perfect example of horseshoe theory made real.

Putin sees all of these splits. He sees the fact that Americans are distracted by domestic concerns, pried apart by competing narratives of the country, at each others’ throats over everything from the definition of sex to the role of the government in everyday life — and split even on the question of whether America is a force for good or ill in the world.

Vladimir Lenin once supposedly said, “Probe with bayonets. If you find mush, you push. If you find steel, you withdraw.”

Putin is probing. And he’s finding nothing but mush.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

Taking nuclear war seriously

IT IS VITAL that Americans take nuclear war seriously.

For the last three and a half decades, since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Americans have relaxed and behaved as though they were essentially safe from nuclear events.

When President Bill Clinton and I created the Hart-Rudman Commission in 1998, we hoped to create a deep rethinking of American security strategies. The Commission was brilliantly led by Gen. Charles Boyd and produced a remarkable report.

We warned that the greatest threat to the United States was a nuclear attack in an American city — likely by a terrorist group. We proposed a Department of Homeland Security capable of dealing with three simultaneous nuclear events. That would have been a department with the discipline and training we associate with military organizations or rst-class re departments.

As a sign of how little people understood the danger of nuclear weapons, the department degenerated into a bureaucratic mess of enormous incompetence. Today, it cannot cope with unarmed civilians at the border. It would likely be totally incapable of dealing with one (let alone three simultaneous) nuclear events.

Yet, nuclear war is becoming increasingly possible. When dealing with the Soviet Union, it was conceivable that a strategy of mutual assured destruction could sustain a balance of deterrence to keep nuclear war at bay. Neither country would launch a nuclear weapon, because there was a virtual certainty of annihilation. In many ways, mutual assured destruction resembled Abraham Lincoln’s response to a duel challenge. Lincoln chose shotguns at three feet, and the other guy backed down.

Now, however, we have countries getting nuclear weapons that may not care if we retaliate.

It is possible that the Iranian theocratic dictatorship would accept the exchange of Tehran for Tel Aviv as a net plus on ideological grounds. We have no understanding of the values and thought processes of Kim Jung Un and his leadership (including his sister who is supposedly more hard line than he is). Faced with the growing economic, technological, and quality of life achievements of South Korea, it’s possible the North Korean regime might be willing to risk a nuclear attack as the only element in which it has an advantage.

Pakistan is unstable, and its long-time opponent India is steadily growing. This could lead to a nuclear con ict if Pakistan becomes threatened by India’s size — or if India aggressively responds to a perceived Pakistani threat. Ultimately, a nuclear con ict could occur in the region from pure misunderstanding.

The Russian dictatorship is a dangerous combination of Soviet training (Vladimir Putin was a KGB o cer and is still deeply loyal to the spirit of the Soviet Union) and Great Russian Nationalism. Furthermore, the depth of Putin and his allies’ corruption — and the intensity and savagery of his response to domestic opponents — create a psychological environment in which the use of nuclear weapons as an alternative to defeat becomes increasingly possible. Putin himself has suggested the use of tactical nuclear weapons. Recently a close ally of his suggested nuclear weapons would be used on London and Washington if Russia was forced to give back any land in Ukraine.

Finally, the most rational and stable of our opponents with nuclear capability is Communist China (this alone should tell us how unstable the world is becoming). It is possible that with a declining population, a rapidly decaying economy, and a growing sense of frustration and global isolation, General Secretary Xi Jinping could decide to risk invading Taiwan or forcing a crisis in the South China Sea. Con ict could spiral out of control with remarkable speed.

Faced with this reality, we need to revisit Herman Kahn’s Classic study “Thinking About the Unthinkable.” To understand how dangerous a nuclear attack would be, it is helpful to also go back 70 years to Philip Wylie’s astonishing novel “Tomorrow.” It is the story of a nuclear attack on a single city and the power of a nuclear weapon to destroy life and civilization. This was the book which convinced me as a high school student that we had to do virtually everything to avoid nuclear war — and survive it if it came.

If we took nuclear war seriously, we would do three things immediately:

First, we would build an Israeli quality missile defense system at every level. It would take out missiles as they leave their silos, through their time in space to reentry, and nally at a point of defense. President Ronald Reagan proposed a Strategic Defense Initiative in 1983. It was ridiculed as Star Wars. Its technological heirs have saved tens of thousands of Israeli lives. A global version could save hundreds of millions of lives.

Second, we would develop the domestic survival system capable of responding to three or more nuclear events — with hospitals, security, construction workers, and whatever else it took to minimize loss of life. This would involve stockpiling radiation survival medicine, food, water, etc.

Third, we would have a crash program to harden our entire system against a potential electromagnetic pulse attack. As Bill Forstchen wrote in his remarkable book, “One Second After,” an EMP attack would be devastating and civilization destroying.

We were surprised at Pearl Harbor. We were surprised on Sept. 11, 2001. We cannot a ord to be surprised by a nuclear attack.

Murphy to Manteo Jones & Blount

Charlotte, Raleigh TV markets edge up Nielsen DMA rankings

North Carolina’s two largest media markets each moved up a spot in the 2022-23 local television market universe, according to Nielsen. The company’s annual ratings updates list the size of each of the 210 markets across the United States.

Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville (as it’s listed) moved up one spot from the previous year’s rankings, now at 21st and 23rd, respectively.

North Carolina is one of only four states along with California, Texas and Florida with multiple markets landing in the top 25 nationwide.

Across the state, the update South Carolina-dominated Asheville market also moved up a spot, to 37th. The Greensboro-High PointWinston-Salem market maintained its spot in the top 50, at 47th. Greenville-Washington-New Bern fell a spot to 103rd and Wilmington dropped one spot to 129th.

CHATTANOOGA, TN RALEIGH-DURHAM

ATLANTA GA

GREENVILLE SPARTANBURG SC

ASHEVILLE, NC

CHARLOTTE

GREENSBORO WINSTON-SALEM, HIGH POINT

WEST PIEDMONT

County Democrats accuse Rep.

Chuck Edwards of misusing taxpayer dollars

Henderson County

The Henderson County Democratic Party on Monday led a complaint against Congressman Chuck Edwards over a taxpayer-funded mailer sent to 11th District constituents in December.

The party said the mailer was a violation of federal law, which prohibits taxpayer-funded communications that are “politicized” and that “disparage political parties.” The complaint alleges Edwards has a long and well-known history of attacking Democratic elected o cials in Asheville and Buncombe County, including the mayor, city council members and Sheri Quentin Miller.

The o ce of Congressman Edwards said in a press statement that the allegations amount to playing “politics with baseless complaints” and the “mailer in question received bipartisan approval from the communications standards commission.”

NSJ

Former campers speak out about Trails Carolina after camper death

Transylvania County

to improve health by creating healthy habits. Anyone wishing to attend must make an appointment ahead of time, and there will be two more Pop-Up Doc events coming to the area on April 8 and April 15, held in east Charlotte. “We look forward to serving as many people as possible at our Pop-Up Doc events,” Laura Milliken, executive director of the Community Free Clinic said.

NSJ

The investigation continues into a 12-year-old’s death at a camp in Western North Carolina. On Feb. 3, 2024, local outlets reported that a boy was found unresponsive at Trails Carolina in Transylvania County. Search warrants revealed the child was found lying on the oor of the bunkhouse, naked from the waist down. Shortly after the death, state o cials instructed all children to be removed from the camp and all new admissions suspended. According to public documents Trails Carolina is licensed as a residential therapeutic camp aimed at youths that experience mental health issues, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse disorders. In an interview with a local outlet, however, former campers called into question certain restrictive tactics used on children while they sleep, such as being wrapped tightly in tarp, nicknamed the “burrito.” The Transylvania County Sheri ’s O ce said the medical examiner has ruled the 12-year-old boy’s death as unnatural, but no cause of death has been announced yet.

WLOS

Young teacher and coach dies suddenly from u complications

Forsyth County A Piedmont Triad teacher and coach has died of complications from the u, according to local reports. Harrison Vaughan, 25, was a teacher and baseball coach at Calvary Day School in WinstonSalem, and passed away last week. His family told local outlets that Vaughan loved three things: Jesus, his family and baseball, and that he got to do all three of them at Wilson Park where he shared his love of Christ while coaching at his alma mater with his dad as his assistant coach. Harrison was an assistant coach but took over as head coach this season. He married his high-school sweetheart and fellow CDS graduate, Haley Vaughan, last May. CDS baseball players plan to honor Vaughan by retiring his jersey and wearing a patch in his memory on their hats this season.

WGHP

FLORENCE SC

WILMINGTON

GREENVILLE WASHINGTON NEW BERN NORFOLK, VA

EAST

A new company joins Toyota at Liberty megasite

Randolph County

A new company will be setting up shop in Randolph County, according to a press release from the N.C. Department of Commerce. It will support operations at Toyota’s Battery Manufacturing megasite. The venture is a partnership between Fujihatsu Tech America, Inc. and Toyota Tsusho America Inc., which is called Fujihatsu & Toyotsu Battery Components, known as FTBC. The e ort will bring 133 new full-time jobs, and the company is expected to spend $60 million over the course of ve years. FTBC will support Toyota battery manufacturing. They will manufacture and sell prismatic aluminum cell cases and cell covers with discharge valves, which are components in electri ed vehicles, hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. The company will have training support from Randolph Community College.

NSJ

Henderson girl lands sit-com deal

Vance County Local outlets report that social media in uencer Varonica Mitchell, 12, has signed a lucrative deal to shoot a new sitcom. Mitchell has been a viral sensation since she was around 7 years old, and her Facebook page, “The VV Show” has more than 721,000 followers, her Instagram has over half a million, and her views on TikTok are hitting the millions. “I am so blessed. I just love making people smile,” she told reporters. Mitchell is a social media in uencer, actress, dancer and ventriloquist, and is now signed on with Lions Forge Entertainment to develop a comedy series in which she will play a starring role. “We will be shooting a series, and we are trying to get this 90s sitcom actress to play my mom,” she said. Varonica will be performing her comedy act locally at the UniverSoul Circus in Raleigh on Saturday, March 2.

WNCN

Jimmy Bu ett’s convertible sells at Greensboro auction

Guilford County

A 1963 Ford Falcon convertible that was owned by the late Jimmy Bu ett was the biggest prize among the nearly 800 cars that headed to the annual GAA Classic Car Auction in Greensboro this weekend.

Johnny Ransom, a vintage car dealer, told local outlets that he rst laid eyes on it while visiting a client in Florida.

According to Ransom, the Falcon had some unique features that added to its character, speci cally a roll bar, more common in a sports car, added by Bu ett so the car could hold his surfboard. The car eventually fetched $258,000 in the auction, and came with one of Bu ett’s surfboards and a signed guitar. “We’ve sold some million-dollar cars, and that’s been great. But for me to be able to sell a Jimmy Bu ett car, still titled in Jimmy Bu ett’s name, his guitar and surfboard goes along with it all in one package deal with the authenticity saying this is his signature on the guitar… It’s great, it’s a great day,” said Ransom.

WGHP

Security app with ‘panic button’ proposed for school emergencies

Wake County The Wake County Public School System’s Board of Education met this week to consider the introduction of a ‘panic button’ at schools across the district. During a Safety and Security Committee this week, board members were given a review the RAVE Panic Button app. According to a product description, the app allows school sta to quickly activate an emergency response. The app also features geofencing and GPS so rst responders can locate sta and be aware of the status during an emergency. Sta can also use the app to communicate internally during non-emergency situations. WCPSS’ O ce of Security proposed conducting a pilot of the app in 28 district schools. In 2022 FuquayVarina teacher Lynn Guilliams took a gun from one of her students after they red one shot through a window. She told local outlets that the technology could have played a vital role that day.

WNCN

After board decides on teacher pay after strike, some sta plan to quit

Durham County

After the board voted for a pay plan workers say isn’t enough, some Durham school employees told local outlets they intend to quit. Over a thousand of those workers have been at odds with the district over promised raises that were then walked back due to budget concerns. Last week, the DPS Board of Education voted to give classi ed workers an 11 percent raise over the last school year while restoring credit for their experience, which would still give 74 percent or nearly 1,400 employees less than the raises they were promised. A ected sta include cafeteria workers, instructional assistants, school nurses, and maintenance and transportation workers, among others.

NSJ

Armed stando closes Highway 17

Craven County A section of Hwy 17 near Wilmar was closed Monday morning because of an armed stando that unfolded between a homeowner and local o cials. Jerry Henry Anderson, 56, was by himself and held no hostages. After almost ve hours, law enforcement was able to talk Anderson out of the house, where he was arrested without any issues. According to a police statement, Craven County deputies responded to an initial report of a domestic disturbance, with the calling party reporting that her husband had taken pills, grabbed a gun, and struck her in the head with a door when she was exiting the residence. Upon arrival deputies determined that the suspect was in the residence alone and had threatened to shoot anyone who approached the residence. Additional Sheri ’s Deputies and Sheri ’s O ce Tactical Team members arrived on scene and were able to make telephone contact with the suspect. The suspect continued to make threats of self-harm and harm to others, and was taken into custody. WCTI

Town o cials warn against digging large holes in the sand Carteret County As warmer weather approaches this spring and summer, o cials in Emerald Isle are reminding beachgoers and spring break travelers about the dangers of large holes in the sand. According to a press statement, this comes in response to a tragedy that took place on a beach in Florida where a little girl died when a hole in the sand collapsed on her. O cials ask that people not dig past their knees and to ll holes up when they leave the beach, saying holes in the sand become hazards to beach walkers, beach drivers and those digging them. Matthias noted that there is also a danger to sea turtles as they come up to nest on the beach. Sea turtles can easily fall into the holes and get stuck, which could cause them to not nest in the future. WITN

Mercer departing North State Journal for prominent 2024 election role

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North State Journal’s Editor in Chief Matt Mercer will be departing the newspaper after four years to embark on a new opportunity as Director of Communications for the North Carolina Republican Party.

“After four years in journalism, I’m going back to my roots and joining the fight for America,” Mercer said. “In discussions with Chairman Michael Whatley and the party’s leadership, it was the right fit at the right time. This year’s elections are monumental and I’m committed to doing all I can for our candidates from the White House to the governor’s mansion to the legislature and across all 100 counties,” Mercer told North State Journal in an interview.

Mercer joined North State Journal in 2020. Under his tenure as editor in chief, the newspaper continued to see strong growth, including expansion of local editions in multiple counties as well as

last year’s acquisition of the Chatham News & Record. North State Journal, now entering its ninth volume, also continued to add to its typically high tally of annual awards from the North Carolina Press Association while under Mercer’s leadership. Mercer is a multi-year individual winner for reporting during the 2022 election as well as accountability and public records requests relating to Gov. Roy Cooper and his administration during the COVID pandemic. ` `

“The first principles of what makes our country great are embodied in the platform of the Republican Party. Support for families, a culture of life, rule of law, free markets, secure elections… all things today’s Democratic Party stands against,” said Mercer. “Over the next eight months, the North Carolina Republican Party will be a relentless advocate for our party to restore the American Dream from Murphy to Manteo, the state house, Congress and the White House.”

Von Canon TV spot named “ad of the week” by national political analyst

North State Journal

An ad in heavy rotation across the Triangle has been noted by national political analyst Henry Olsen in his weekly podcast “Beyond The Polls” last week.

“When you’re trying to break through in a multicandidate primary, you have to have a group of people who not just think you’re ok, but put you rst,” said Olsen.

“This is someone who’s trying to make a point. Since this is North Carolina with a strongly evangelical population, a large number of people who will come out in this district are strongly religious Christians, he’s making a play for that vote – without going over the top.”

One of 14 candidates in the crowded 13th District Republican primary, Von Canon has spent heavily on

media in the contest.

The ad, titled “JudeoChristian values,” began running on Feb. 15 according to Von Canon’s campaign.

“From our border to the classroom, the radical left Democrats have waged an all-out war on our JudeoChristian principles. As a man of faith, I believe that we have the duty to stand up for our values,” the Wake Forest businessman said in a statement. Olsen also noted that he liked the ad kept Von Canon’s name on the screen throughout most of the ad and that while not the best introductory bio ad he’s seen, it was a good one. “It helps you understand how someone introducing themselves for the rst time to a jaded and districted electorate can make an impact,” Olsen added.

NATION & WORLD

Putting Western troops on the ground in Ukraine is not ‘ruled out’ in the future, French leader says

The Associated Press

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that sending Western troops on the ground in Ukraine is not “ruled out” in the future after the issue was debated at a gathering of European leaders in Paris, as Russia’s full-scale invasion grinds into a third year.

The French leader said that “we will do everything needed so Russia cannot win the war” after the meeting of over 20 European heads of state and government and other Western ofcials.

“There’s no consensus today to send in an o cial, endorsed manner troops on the ground. But in terms of dynamics, nothing can be ruled out,” Macron said in a news conference at the Elysee presidential palace.

Macron declined to provide details about which nations were considering sending troops, saying he prefers to maintain some “strategic ambiguity.”

The meeting included German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Poland’s President Andrzej Duda as well as leaders from the Baltic nations. The United States was represented by its top diplomat for Europe, James O’Brien, and the U.K. by Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Duda said the most heated discussion was about whether to send troops to Ukraine and “there was no agreement on the matter. Opinions di er here, but there are no such decisions.”

Poland’s president said he hopes that “in the nearest future, we will jointly be able to prepare substantial shipments of ammunition to Ukraine. This is most important now. This is something that Ukraine really needs.”

HEAD START

one of the requirements.”

“There have been nothing but tremendous changes since we started in the agricultural industry,” Garza said when asked about challenges the organization has faced. “When we started, I would say that 80% of the children and families that we were serving or of African-American descent.

And they migrated between the states of Virginia, the Carolinas, and Florida, primarily with a few stops in Pennsylvania.”

Garza said that over time, ECMHSP was providing services to the Latino community and to Mexican children whose parents were, for the most part, legally in the country with “very, very few exceptions.”

“The biggest challenge I would think moving forward is a perception that always exists - that the immigrants…that the migrant farm workers in this country are all undocumented,” Garza said.

The organization cited key trends in the assistance they provide to children of migrant farm workers, including most of the families currently served are Hispanic/Latino (69%); a decrease from the previous year of 92%.

Additionally, ECMHSP says there is a “growing population of Haitian families and those families make up 10% of the served population across campuses in North Carolina, Florida, and Indiana.”

White families are 11% of the population served, per ECMHSP, which said these demographic shifts “indicate the importance of culturally sensitive and language-speci c approaches in your program delivery.”

In terms of languages spoken by those the group serves, Spanish is spoken by most families (41%), followed by English (9%) and Haitian Creole (7%).

“They were born here in this country,” Garza said of some of the children they serve. “And I know that if we do well by them

Elysee Palace in Paris, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.

Macron earlier called on European leaders to ensure the continent’s “collective security” by providing unwavering support to Ukraine in the face of tougher Russian o ensives on the battle eld in recent months.

“In recent months particularly, we have seen Russia getting tougher,” Macron said.

Macron cited the need to solidify security to head o any Russian attacks on additional countries in the future. Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia as well as much larger Poland have been considered among possible targets of future Russian expansionism. All four countries are staunch supporters of Ukraine.

Estonia’s foreign minister said earlier this month that

- meaning we educate themthey’re going to be better citizens; big engines of contributors to the economy of this country.”

Garza added that if we don’t invest in these children now then they will become dependent on government systems for support.

“I believe in education. That’s why I’m here,” said Garza. “I believe in what we do; in the presence of where we are in rural areas.”

In addition to education, Garza and the organization believe childcare in North Carolina is crucial for economic stability and the well-being of not just migrant agricultural families but more broadly across the state for lower-income households. The organization cited over 600,000 children under ve and 400,000 working parents in the state who need accessible and a ordable childcare to ensure workforce participation and further educational attainment.

ECMHSP says its aim is to provide solutions for a brighter future by supporting childcare initiatives.

In terms of the organization’s impact on individuals who have passed through its programs, Garza put North State Journal in touch with a woman she characterized as one of many of her organization’s success stories.

Angie Thacker is the CEO of Pinam, a commercial and residential construction company based in Durham.

Her company is growing quickly and has been “pushed to a new level” with government contract work but said she is “very grateful for my past childhood that has really made me who I am today.”

Thacker’s family has seen a multi-generational impact from ECMHSP’s programs, from her mother, to herself, and also Thacker’s daughter who now works in the medical eld.

When it came to her own daughter’s experience with ECMHSP, Thacker said it helped “100% because she knew they were a “very trusted source.”

NATO has about three or four years to strengthen its defenses.

In video speech, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the leaders gathered in Paris to “ensure that Putin cannot destroy our achievements and cannot expand his aggression to other nations.”

Several European countries, including France, expressed their support for an initiative launched by the Czech Republic to buy ammunition and shells outside the EU, participants to the meeting said.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said his country decided to provide over 100 million euros for that purpose.

In addition, a new coalition is to be launched to further “mobi-

Thacker recounted her own journey and experience as a migrant farm worker and how ECMSHP had been a factor in the lives of her family.

She was born in a Mexican town called Rio Rico and said her family crossed the border when she was three years old, settling in a small town called Progresso in Texas. She grew up in that town noting she came from a family “with very, very limited resources.”

“You have your siblings, and you go to school, you think that school is the only escape you have from home because I learned at a very young age that I didn’t want to be there,” said Thacker. “I didn’t want to grow old there. I didn’t want to die in that environment. I knew that I had to nd a way to escape.”

By age 10, her mother and her children all had resident alien status. Thacker would later become a U.S. citizen at age 35.

Things changed when her parents split up and her mother was now single with four young children. She described having to become a “little mom,” by helping to take care of her siblings.

Following her parents’ separation, her mother was o ered agricultural work in Charleston, South Carolina. The opportunity came with challenges but also an advantage: the Head Start program.

The youngest of Thacker’s siblings attended the Migrant Head Start program and she said they were fortunate to have that program because her mother would not have been able to a ord childcare otherwise.

“Having that resource of this migrant program there, it helped tremendously because it really made an impact on whether we were going to continue to go back or we were going to just call it o ,” Thacker said. “The program was also very welcoming to the migrant people. I don’t know if they knew the impact that they were making on us. I don’t know that, but I do know that they just made a huge world of a di erence because they were

Trump exchanges

hug with Argentine President Javier Milei at conservative summit

Oxon Hill, Md. Javier Milei, the ery, right-wing populist president of Argentina, gave Donald Trump on Saturday an ecstatic hug a day after meeting with Biden administration o cials in Buenos Aires.

Trump and Milei were the biggest speakers to wrap up the annual Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington. During their backstage greeting, captured in a video posted by a Trump campaign sta er, Milei shouted “President!” and pulled Trump in for a close hug before they took pictures together.

In the video, Trump tells Milei, “Make Argentina Great Again.” Milei then uttered his famous phrase, “Long live freedom, damn it!”

lize” nations with capabilities to deliver medium and long-range missiles, Macron said, as France announced last month the delivery of 40 additional long-range Scalp cruise missiles.

European nations are worried that the U.S. will dial back support as aid for Kyiv is teetering in Congress. They also have concerns that former U.S. President Donald Trump might return to the White House and change the course of U.S. policy on the continent.

The Paris conference comes after France, Germany and the U.K. recently signed 10-year bilateral agreements with Ukraine to send a strong signal of longterm backing as Kyiv works to shore up Western support.

a trusted resource place.”

At age 16, Thacker married in an attempt to escape the migrant lifestyle. She had her daughter through that marriage.

“I still ended up back in the migrant work because the person I married, he was part of that world,” said Thacker.

Thacker’s oldest daughter also bene ted from the Migrant Head Start Program while she and her then-husband worked.

“I would send her there because I already knew that that was a good place,” said Thacker.

Thacker decided to stay in Charleston after divorcing, which is where she was rst introduced to the construction industry while working a cleaning job in the area. She said she realized that construction was a “very well-paid industry,” and, back then, there wasn’t a lot of female competition.

While cleaning a job site, Thacker said she had spotted and was looking at oor plans left out on a table and that’s when her rst opportunity to work in that eld presented itself.

“I remember there was this gentleman and he came to me and he said, “Do you know how to read a oor plan? And I said ‘No, Sir,’” Thacker recalled. “I didn’t even know what a oor plan was, so I said no, I don’t. He said, “Well, would you like to learn?” And I said, “Well, of course.”

The man was an electrician supervisor or project manager and he showed Thacker how the oor plans worked when it came to the electrical side of construction. The same man also o ered her a crew leader position, citing her bilingual skills as an asset in translating directions to workers.

While glad to have moved on from migrant farm work, Thacker said she thinks all Americans would bene t from a similar experience.

“All Americans should have that because it’s an eye-opening experience. It shows you how to appreciate even the smallest of things,” Thacker said.

The Argentine’s appearance at CPAC came a day after he met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. A top Milei o cial alleged that Marc Stanley, the U.S. ambassador in Buenos Aires, had suggested that Milei not speak at CPAC.

The State Department did not respond to a request for comment.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hungary’s parliament rati es Sweden’s NATO accession, clearing the nal obstacle to membership

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary’s parliament voted Monday to ratify Sweden’s bid to join NATO, bringing an end to more than 18 months of delays that have frustrated the alliance as it seeks to expand in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government submitted the protocols for approving Sweden’s entry into NATO in July 2022, but the matter had stalled in parliament over opposition by governing party lawmakers. Hungary is the last of the alliance’s 31 members to give its backing since Turkey rati ed the request last month.

Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Orbán said: “Sweden and Hungary’s military cooperation and Sweden’s NATO accession strengthen Hungary’s security.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

EPA approves yearround sales of higher ethanol blend in 8 Midwest states

Des Moines, Iowa

Drivers in eight

Midwestern states will be able to fuel up with a higher blend of ethanol throughout the year under a nal rule announced by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The biofuels industry and farming groups, with support of Midwest governors, sought the end of a summertime ban on sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol for years. The higher blend has been prohibited because of concerns it could worsen smog during warm weather. The rule, which takes e ect in April 2025, will apply in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Those states grow the bulk of the U.S. corn crop and are home to much of the nation’s ethanol production.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP PHOTO

rench President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the

normal

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

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

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

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

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 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

Fixing college corruption

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

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.

Since when did questioning government at all levels

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.

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.

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.

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.

COVID era borrowers face March 3 deadline to remedy defaults

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.”

Not one little bit.

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.

Starting March 4, 2024, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is set to refer borrowers who utilized two major COVID-era loan programs to the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for collection if they are in default. The SBA issued a statement this week urging borrowers from PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) or COVID EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) who have defaulted on loans under $100,000 to rectify their loan status by March 3, 2024, to avoid signi cant consequences.

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

business & economy

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. 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

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

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.

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 referral to the Treasury and IRS could lead to serious repercussions for small business borrowers, including a negative impact on credit scores, the withholding of future state and federal tax refunds and federal funding, and aggressive repayment e orts by private debt collectors, which may include wage garnishment. This underscores the importance of seeking loan forgiveness or bringing loans into compliance promptly.

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.

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.”

PPP borrowers still have the opportunity to apply for loan forgiveness. The SBA has streamlined this process through the PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal, accessible via the SBA website, which o ers a straightforward, stepby-step guide. This forgiveness avenue is crucial for borrowers to avoid the pitfalls of default.

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

under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah RedState and Legal Insurrection.

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

COVID EIDL borrowers also have access to assistance, including hardship assistance, payment plans, and other accommodations. These loans can be managed through the MySBA Portal, with additional support available for loans exceeding $200,000 directly from the COVID EIDL Servicing Center.

On January 5, 2024, the SBA announced a 60-day

By Matt O’Brien The Associated Press

“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 celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life choice and advocated treating privately conducted masturbation as a form of sexual violence against women. Typically, academic journal editors send submitted papers out to referees for review. In recommending acceptance for publication, many reviewers gave these papers glowing praise.

The SBA provides

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

We need transparency and honesty from our

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.

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of

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.

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

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.”

“THIS IS in it” (Psalm I know that working from be glad” as the and dad, the have to be thankful pandemic. For me, my making. As Corinthians a iction, so a iction, with God.”

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

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

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.

If you are re ect on this God’s example this di cult con dent we

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

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

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

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

That is, unless an exogenous meltdown in 1986. Some program of Reagan, led directly

In this same neighbors helping In Concord, money to buy health care workers

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

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

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

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.

It is about time they are the world like any other modern

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

Sponsored by pr il 15, 2 l, senior

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

Imagen 2.

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.”

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

GOOGLE APOLOGIZED

Friday for its faulty rollout of a new arti cial intelligence image-generator, acknowledging that in some cases the tool would “overcompensate” in seeking a diverse range of people even when such a range didn’t make sense. The partial explanation for why its images put people of color in historical settings where they wouldn’t normally be found came a day after Google said it was temporarily stopping its Gemini chatbot from generating any images with people in them. That was in response to a social media outcry from some users claiming the tool had an anti-white bias in the way it gen-

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

Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran certain grievance studies concepts through the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often they appeared in our press over the years. He found huge increases in the usages of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” “critical race theory” and “whiteness.”

All of this is being taught to college students, many of whom become primary and secondary school teachers who then indoctrinate our young people.

The Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Nvidia Corp., which has seen its value skyrocket over the past year thanks to soaring demand for its graphics chips used for arti cial intelligence, posted stronger-than-expected results Wednesday for its latest quarter, with its revenue more than tripling from a year earlier.

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

The SBA’s

of

“The

Nvidia reported revenue for its scal fourth quarter that ended Jan. 28 of $22.1 billion, up from $6.05 billion.

The company based in Santa Clara, California, earned $12.29 billion, compared to a pro t of $1.41 billion a year ago. Adjusted for one-time items, Nvidia earned $5.16 a share in the latest quarter, that topped Wall Street forecasts for $4.59 per share, based on analysts surveyed by FactSet Research. Analysts had expected revenue of $20.4 billion for the period that concluded the company’s scal year.

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

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

The company’s specialized chips are key components that help power di erent forms of arti cial intelligence, including the latest generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. “Accelerated computing and generative AI have hit the tipping point,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, in a statement. “Demand is surging worldwide across companies, industries and nations.”

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

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

erated a racially diverse set of images in response to written prompts.

“It’s clear that this feature missed the mark,” said a blog post Friday from Prabhakar Raghavan, a senior vice president who runs Google’s search engine and other businesses. “Some of the images generated are inaccurate or even o ensive. We’re grateful for users’ feedback and are sorry the feature didn’t work well.”

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

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

They’re treated as though question what the government process of returning back

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.”

Raghavan didn’t mention speci c examples but among those that drew attention on social media this week were images that depicted a Black woman as a U.S. founding father and showed Black and Asian people as Nazi-era German soldiers.

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.

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.

Google has known for a while that such tools can be unwieldly. In a 2022 technical paper, the researchers who developed Imagen warned that generative AI tools can be used for harassment or spreading misinformation “and raise many concerns regarding social and cultural exclusion and bias.” Those considerations informed Google’s decision not to release “a public demo” of Imagen or its underlying code, the researchers added at the time.

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.

Among those that drew attention on social media this week were images that depicted a Black woman as a U.S. founding father and showed Black and Asian people as Naziera German soldiers.

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.

The Associated Press was not able to independently verify

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.

Since then, the pressure to publicly release generative AI products has grown because of a competitive race between tech companies trying to capitalize on interest in the emerging technology sparked by the advent of OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT.

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

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

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

In this same spirit, I continue to be inspired neighbors helping neighbors.

what prompts were used to generate those images.

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.

Google added the new image-generating feature to its Gemini chatbot, formerly known as Bard, about three weeks ago. It was built atop an earlier Google research experiment called

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

The problems with Gemini are not the rst to recently a ect an image-generator. Microsoft had to adjust its own Designer tool several weeks ago after some were using it to create deepfake pornographic images of Taylor Swift and other celebrities. Studies have also shown AI

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

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.

Not one little bit.

Stacey Matthews has also and is a regular contributor

See GOOGLE, page A10

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

Nvidia’s 4Q revenue, pro t soar thanks to demand for its chips used for arti cial intelligence

Nvidia carved out an early lead in the hardware and software needed to tailor its technology to AI applications, partly because Huang began to nudge the company into what was then seen as a still halfbaked technology more than a decade ago. It also makes chips for gaming and cars.

Huang looked at ways that Nvidia chipsets known as graphics processing units might be tweaked for AI-related applications to expand beyond their early inroads in video gaming.

“Another blockbuster quarter from Nvidia raises the question of how long its soaring performance will last,” said Insider Intelligence analyst Jacob Bourne. “It has a massive lead in the growing global AI chip sector but can’t rest on its laurels.”

Bourne said Nvidia faces a number of challenges, including broader economic uncertainty, tech giants’ drive to make their own AI chips and emerging rivals. But he said the company’s market strength, for the near future, is “durable”

For the current quarter, Nvidia expects revenue of about $24 billion. Analysts are currently expecting Nvidia to post revenue of $22.2 billion for the February-April period. The company expects “continued growth” to 2025 and beyond.

The company said its data center revenue grew in all regions except China, where the

U.S. government has imposed export regulations.

“Although we have not received licenses from the U.S. government to ship restricted products to China, we have started shipping alternatives that don’t require a license for the China market,” Huang said in a conference call with analysts. Nvidia relies heavily on the world’s biggest maker of computer chips, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, to churn out the chips that Nvidia designs. Taiwan’s Taiex benchmark index last week jumped 3% to a

record high, buoyed by a surge in TSMC’s share price.

The leap came after Morgan Stanley analysts raised their price target on Nvidia’s stock to $750 from $603, citing an increase in demand for AI chips.

“Generative AI has kicked o a whole new investment cycle to build the next $1 trillion of infrastructure of AI generation factories,” Huang said. “We believe these two trends will drive a doubling of the world’s data center infrastructure installed base in the next ve years and will represent an annual market opportunity in the hundreds of billions.”

Sideways moon landing cuts mission short, private US lunar lander will stop working Tuesday

By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —

A private U.S. lunar lander is expected to stop working Tuesday, its mission cut short after landing sideways near the south pole of the moon.

Intuitive Machines, the Houston company that built and ew the spacecraft, said Monday it will continue to collect data until sunlight no longer shines on the solar panels. Based on the position of Earth and the moon, o cials expect that to happen Tuesday morning. That’s two to three days short of the week or so that NASA and other customers had been counting on.

The lander, named Odysseus, is the rst U.S. spacecraft to landon the moon in more than 50 years, carrying experiments for NASA, the main sponsor. But it came in too fast last Thursday and the foot of one of its six legs caught on the surface, causing it to tumble over, according to company o cials.

Based on photos from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter ying overhead, Odysseus landed within a mile or so (1.5 kilometers) of its intended target near the Malapert A crater, just 185 miles or so (300 kilometers) from the moon’s south pole.

The LRO photos from 56 miles (90 kilometers) up are the only ones showing the lander on the surface, but as little more than a spot in the grainy images. A camera-ejecting experiment by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

University, to capture images of the lander as they both descended, was called o shortly before touchdown because of a last-minute navigation issue. According to NASA, the lander ended up in a small, degraded crater with a 12-degree slope. That’s the closest a spacecraft has ever come to the south pole, an area of interest because of suspected frozen water in the

permanently shadowed craters there.

NASA, which plans to land astronauts in this region in the next few years, paid Intuitive Machines $118 million to deliver six experiments to the surface. Other customers also had items on board.

Instead of landing upright, the 14-foot (4.3-meter) Odysseus came down on its side, hamper-

ing communication with Earth. Some antennas were covered up by the toppled lander, and the ones still exposed ended up near the ground, resulting in spotty communications. The solar panels also ended up much closer to the surface than anticipated, less than ideal in the hilly terrain. Even under the best of circumstances, Odysseus only had a week to operate on the

surface before the long lunar night set in.

Since the 1960s, only the U.S., Russia, China, India and Japan have successfully pulled o moon landings, and only the U.S. with crews. Japan’s lander ended up on the wrong side, too, just last month.

Despite its slanted landing, Intuitive Machines became the rst private business to join the elite group. Another U.S. company, Astrobotic Technology, gave it a try last month, but didn’t make it to the moon because of a fuel leak.

Intuitive Machines almost failed, too. Ground teams did not turn on the switch for the lander’s navigating lasers before the Feb. 15 lifto from Florida. The oversight was not discovered until Odysseus was circling the moon, forcing ight controllers to rely on a NASA laser-navigating device that was on board merely as an experiment.

As it turned out, NASA’s test lasers guided Odysseus to a close to bull’s-eye landing, resulting in the rst moon landing by a U.S. spacecraft since the Apollo program.

Twelve Apollo astronauts walked on the moon from 1969 through 1972. While NASA went on to put an occasional satellite around the moon, the U.S. did not launch another moon-landing mission until last month. Astrobotic’s failed ight was the rst under NASA’s program to promote commercial deliveries to the moon.

Both Intuitive Machines and Astrobotic hold NASA contracts for more moon landings.

Federal

Reserve o

cials caution against cutting US interest rates too soon or too much

By Christopher Rugaber The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Several Federal Reserve policymakers warned Thursday against cutting U.S. interest rates too soon or by too much in the wake of recent data showing in ation stayed unexpectedly high in January.

Their comments echoed the minutes from the Fed’s last meeting in January, released Wednesday. The minutes showed that most central bank o cials were concerned about the risk that moving too fast to cut rates could allow in ation to rise again after it has declined signi cantly in the past year.

Only “a couple” of policymakers worried about a di erent risk: that keeping rates too high for too long could slow the economy and potentially trigger a recession.

Christopher Waller, a member of the Fed’s in uential board of governors, titled a written copy of remarks he delivered Thursday, “What’s the rush?”

“We need to verify that the progress on in ation we saw in the last half of 2023 will continue and this means there is no rush to begin cutting interest rates,” Waller said.

In ation has fallen from a peak of 7.1% in 2022, according to the Fed’s preferred measure, to just 2.6% for all of 2023. In the second half of last year, prices grew just 2% at an annual rate, matching the Fed’s target.

image-generators can amplify racial and gender stereotypes found in their training data, and without lters they are more likely to show lighter-skinned men when asked to generate a person in various contexts.

“When we built this feature in Gemini, we tuned it to ensure it doesn’t fall into some of the traps we’ve seen in the past with image generation technology — such as creating violent or sexually explicit images, or depictions of real people,” Raghavan said Fri-

Still, consumer prices excluding the volatile food and energy categories rose from December to January by the most in eight months, an unexpectedly rapid increase. Compared with a year earlier, they were up 3.9%, the same as the previous month.

Waller said that January’s gures may have been driven by one-time quirks — many companies raise prices at the start of the year — or they may sug-

day. “And because our users come from all over the world, we want it to work well for everyone.”

He said many people might “want to receive a range of people” when asking for a picture of football players or someone walking a dog. But users looking for someone of a speci c race or ethnicity or in particular cultural contexts “should absolutely get a response that accurately re ects what you ask for.”

While it overcompensated in response to some prompts, in others it was “more cautious than we intended and refused to an-

gest “in ation is stickier than we thought.”

“We just don’t know yet,” he continued. “This means waiting longer before I have enough con dence that beginning to cut rates will keep us on a path to 2% in ation.”

Many economists have expected the Fed would implement its rst cut in May or June, though Waller’s comments could change those predictions.

swer certain prompts entirely — wrongly interpreting some very anodyne prompts as sensitive.”

He didn’t explain what prompts he meant but Gemini routinely rejects requests for certain subjects such as protest movements, according to tests of the tool by the AP on Friday, in which it declined to generate images about the Arab Spring, the George Floyd protests or Tiananmen Square. In one instance, the chatbot said it didn’t want to contribute to the spread of misinformation or “trivialization of sensitive topics.”

In December, Fed o cials forecast that they would cut their benchmark rate by a quarter-point three times this year. After a rapid series of increases in 2022 and 2023, the rate is now at about 5.4%, a 22-year high.

Cuts in the Fed’s rate typically reduce borrowing costs for homes, autos, credit cards, and a range of business loans.

Waller said he still expects

Much of this week’s outrage about Gemini’s outputs originated on X, formerly Twitter, and was ampli ed by the social media platform’s owner Elon Musk who decried Google for what he described as its “insane racist, anti-civilizational programming.” Musk, who has his own AI startup, has frequently criticized rival AI developers as well as Hollywood for alleged liberal bias.

Raghavan said Google will do “extensive testing” before turning on the chatbot’s ability to show people again.

University of Washington re-

in ation to keep falling and thinks the Fed will be able to reduce the rate this year. But he noted that the risk is greater that in ation will remain stubbornly above the Fed’s 2% goal than it will fall below that gure.

With hiring strong and the economy growing at a solid pace — growth was 3.3% at an annual rate in the nal three months of last year — Waller said the Fed can take time to decide when it should cut.

Separately, Patrick Harker, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, also expressed caution about cutting rates too soon.

“I believe that we may be in the position to see the rate decrease this year,” he said. “But I would caution anyone from looking for it right now and right away.”

And Fed Vice Chair Philip Je erson warned against cutting rates too deeply in response to the positive economic news. As vice chair, Je erson works closely with Chair Jerome Powell in guiding the Fed’s policy.

“We always need to keep in mind the danger of easing too much in response to improvements in the in ation picture,” Je erson said. Easing refers to cuts in the Fed’s short-term interest rate. “Excessive easing can lead to a stalling or reversal in progress in restoring price stability.”

Still, some Fed o cials have downplayed the unexpectedly elevated in ation gures in January.

Last week, Mary Daly, president of the San Francisco Fed, said January’s in ation data “has not shaken my con dence that we are going in the right direction.”

searcher Sourojit Ghosh, who has studied bias in AI image-generators, said Friday he was disappointed that Raghavan’s message ended with a disclaimer that the Google executive “can’t promise that Gemini won’t occasionally generate embarrassing, inaccurate or o ensive results.”

For a company that has perfected search algorithms and has “one of the biggest troves of data in the world, generating accurate results or uno ensive results should be a fairly low bar we can hold them accountable to,” Ghosh said.

GOOGLE from page A9

NASA/GODDARD/ARIZONA

These photos provided by NASA show images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera team which con rmed Odysseus completed its landing.

EA Sports College Football 25 to block gamers from manually adding players who reject NIL opt-in

By Ryan Kryska The Associated Press

GAMERS WILL BE BLOCKED from manually adding players to EA Sports’ new college football game who decide not to accept an o er to have their name, image and likeness used in it, the video-game developer said Thursday.

EA Sports revealed the safeguard in its announcement that it has begun reaching out to athletes to pay them to be featured in the video game that’s set to launch this summer.

EA Sports said players who opt in to the game will receive a minimum of $600 and a copy of EA Sports College Football 25. There will also be opportunities for them to earn money by promoting the game.

Players who opt out will be left o the game entirely.

EA Sports didn’t say in its email to The Associated Press how it plans to prevent people playing the game from adding — or creating — the opt-outs. But gamers will still be able to create their own players, a staple of past college sports video games that allowed people to depict themselves alongside their favorite athletes.

The developers’ yearly college football games stopped being made in 2013 amid lawsuits over using players’ likeness without compensation. The games featured players that might not have had real-life names, but resembled that season’s stars in almost every other way.

That major hurdle was alleviated with the approval of NIL deals for college athletes.

EA Sports has been working on its new game since at least 2021, when it announced it would pay players to be featured in it.

Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association, said his focus for years has been on getting athletes opportunities like this. From that standpoint, he sees the opt-in o er as a major milestone.

“Players like being in the game,” Huma said. “There was a question of, ‘Hey, should we be paid for this?’ ... We’re going to see pretty soon here the degree to which players think it’s fair or not.”

Huma’s association was involved in what could be considered the precursor lawsuit to a litany of NIL litigation — a 2009 class-action suit led by former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon.

“I remember what the origin of this ght was,” Huma said. “And that was O’Bannon questioning why he was in EA Sports and not getting money for it.”

John Reseburg, vice president of marketing, communications and partnerships at EA Sports, said Thursday on social media that the game is a “scale of NIL that has never been done before.”

“More than 11,000 individual NIL deals all at once. Guaranteed income for athletes that opt-in. It’s in the game,” Reseburg tweeted.

A generic player creat-

Gamers will still be able to create their own players, a staple of past college sports video games that allowed people to depict themselves alongside their favorite athletes.

ed “based on the traditional strength or weakness of a position over the past decade for that school” will be used in place of players who opt out, Daryl Holt, EA Sports senior vice president, told ESPN.

On the topic of blocking optout players from being added, Holt told the network, “I won’t

reveal how we’re dealing with that.”

“But yeah, you won’t be able to edit that,” Holt told ESPN.

Huma said he believes that aspect of the game will protect players who decide to opt out.

“I would be surprised if there are a large percentage of players that wouldn’t join,” he said. “I think that’s a good thing because it protects the players that don’t want to be in there from having their NIL used without their permission. “If it’s not enough for some players ... it has to make sense for players to want to be in there.”

The game will feature all 134 FBS teams. Notre Dame’s inclusion had been a big question mark since the school said in 2021 it would not participate “until such time as rules

What recession? Professional forecasters raise expectations for US economy in 2024

The Associated Press NEW YORK — This year looks to be a much better one for the U.S. economy than business economists were forecasting just a few months ago, according to a survey released Monday.

The economy looks set to grow 2.2% this year after adjusting for in ation, according to the National Association for Business Economics. That’s up from the 1.3% that economists from universities, businesses and investment rms predicted in the association’s prior survey, which was conducted in November.

It’s the latest signal of strength for an economy that’s blasted through predictions of a recession. High interest rates meant to get in ation under control were supposed to drag down the economy, the thinking went. High rates put the brakes on the economy, such as by making mortgages and credit card bills more expensive, in hopes of starving in ation of its fuel.

But even with rates very high, the job market and U.S. house-

hold spending have remained remarkably resilient. That in turn has raised expectations going forward. Ellen Zentner, chief U.S. economist at Morgan Stanley and president of the NABE, said a wide range of factors are behind the 2024 upgrade, including spending by both the government and households. Economists also more than doubled their estimates for the number of jobs gained across the economy this year, though it would still likely be down from the previous one. O ering another boost is the fact that in ation has been cooling since its peak two summers ago. While prices are higher than consumers would like, ination has slowed enough that most of the surveyed forecasters expect interest rate cuts to begin by mid-June. Public frustration with in ation has become a central issue in President Joe Biden’s re-election bid. Though measures of in ation have plummeted from their heights and are nearing the Federal Reserve’s target level, many Americans remain

have been nalized governing the participation of our student-athletes.” But the Fighting Irish’s athletic director, Jack Swarbrick, said earlier in the week they’re in.

“The work that EA SPORTS is doing to provide over 11,000 college student-athletes opportunities to bene t directly from their name, image and likeness is a rst-of-its-kind undertaking and we’re proud to have been involved in the process,” Swarbrick said in a statement on social media.

ESPN “College GameDay” analyst Kirk Herbstreit and network broadcaster Chris Fowler announced Thursday on social media they will be voices in the game. “College GameDay” host Rece Davis and analysts David Pollack and Jesse Palmer made similar announcements.

unhappy that average prices are still about 19% higher than they were when Biden took o ce.

The Fed, which is in charge of setting short-term rates, has said it will likely cut them several times this year. That would relax the pressure on the economy, while goosing prices for stocks and other investments.

Of course, rate changes take a notoriously long time to snake through the economy and take full e ect. That means past hikes, which began two years ago, could still ultimately tip the economy into a recession.

In its survey, the NABE said 41% of respondents cited high rates as the most signi cant risk to the economy. That was more than double any other response, including fears of a possible credit crunch or a broadening of the wars in Ukraine or the Middle East.

While the outlook for the U.S. economy remains bright, expectations for the international economy are less sanguine. On Monday, the head of the World Trade Organization warned that war, uncertainty and instability were weighing down the global economy and urged the bloc to embrace reforms. Higher prices for food, energy and other essentials are stinging people’s pockets and “fueling political frustration,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the WTO’s director-general.

JEFFREY MCWHORTER | AP PHOTO

Oklahoma fans celebrate a touchdown during the rst half of an NCAA college football game against Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Dallas.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The hybrid gateway to electric living

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

BOSTON — I’ve spent considerable ink on these pages spelling out my fondness for plug-in hybrid vehicles as a gateway drug to the world of electric vehicles.

Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, are basically hybrids — combining a standard gasoline engine with an electric powertrain — with a signi cantly larger battery that you can charge by plugging it in.

Whereas normal hybrids like the Toyota Prius only have enough battery for a quarter- or half-mile of range, a plug-in hybrid, like the Chevrolet Volt that I used to own, can get as much as 50 miles of electric range before it starts using gasoline.

This means that if you charge your PHEV every night — which you can easily do with a standard 110-volt power outlet, without the need for a specialized EV charger — you can do much of your day-to-day driving without using a drop of gasoline.

One of the more interesting plug-in hybrids is the Mitsubishi Outlander, a three-row midsize SUV equipped with a 20 kWh battery good for 38 miles of electric range for around $50,000. The Outlander is a bit larger than similarly-priced PHEVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, and it comes rather wellequipped.

The all-wheel-drive Outlander has a modern, attractive interior and Mitsubishi has signi cantly advanced from its position just a few years ago. It’s certainly not a luxury vehicle, but it reminds me of a Maz-

da-level vehicle — at least on the surface.

There’s a 12-inch digital dash cluster (althought the graphics are somewhat uninspiring) and a 9-inch infotainment screen with a surprisingly solid 9-speaker Bose stereo with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, and three-zone climate control.

The interior surfaces look great, though they feel a bit cheaper than you might hope for a $50,000 vehicle. My tester had an attractive orangeand-black theme to the interior, with several large splashes of color on di erent elements like the armrests and matching quilted stitching.

Above your head is a giant panoramic sunroof letting in lots of light, and within easy reach is a spacious compartment below the center stack for storage, though there’s quite a bit of wasted space in the center console with some awkwardly-placed vehicle controls and two mystifying buttons to control the electri ed elements of the powertrain.

As a vehicle to get you from point A to point B, and when it comes to the laundry list of safety features like adaptive cruise control, an active lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning and even automatic emergency braking when in reverse (a feature every car should have), the Outlander is excellent. There’s even a head-up display that’s bright and easy to read. But it’s far from re ned. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is noisy under acceleration. You might even call it loud, which is not what you’d expect from a car

at this price point. It wouldn’t be quite so bad, except it’s nearly silent (aside from normal wind noise) when in electric only mode. When the engine kicks on, it’s jarring.

I’m not sure how many Outlander buyers would even notice this, but if you’re cross-shopping this and something like a Toyota Highlander, you might hear the di erence on a test drive... at least if you put your foot down.

But it goes 38 miles on a charge, and then delivers 26 mpg combined, which is pretty impressive considering this is a three-row SUV (albeit with a third-row that is only meant for very tiny humans).

If you have a dedicated 240volt EV charger, it can charge from 0 to 100 in 6 hours or so, while plugging into a standard household outlet will take about twice as long. This should su ce for those who regularly park overnight.

As an added (but weird) bonus, on higher trims the Outlander PHEV actually has a ChaDeMo DC fast-charging port. That’s the same as the Nissan Leaf (Nissan and Mitsubishi are corporate siblings), and there are tons of little-used ChaDeMo chargers oating around.

If you have the opportunity and want to top up your PHEV battery, you can — but I’d be surprised if more than 5 percent of Outlander owners ever utilized that port.

The Outlander PHEV is one of the most a ordable plug-in hybrids, and certainly the one with the best size-to-price ratio. The 38-mile range is hugely useful for day-to-day driving, and the exterior, which I’ve barely mentioned, actually looks great for a mid-market SUV.

I will happily preach the cult of the plug-in hybrid to anyone who will listen, and for a whole lot of people, the Outlander PHEV is the perfect rst plug.

PHOTOS

High school basketball playo s, B3

Shake up in women’s basketball power rankings

Plenty of movement as teams jockey for position

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

Charlotte Defender Adilson Malanda scored his

and Kristijan Kahlina

as

New York City

1- 0 in the MLS season opener for both teams on Saturday night, giving coach Dean Smith a

in

with

Malanda — who did not

and had one

in

starts with the

last season — needed just eight minutes to nd

and give Charlotte the lead for good. Kahlina totaled three saves to earn the clean sheet for Charlotte. Matt Freese saved ve shots in his rst full season for New York City. Charlotte improved to 4 - 0 -1 all time against NYCFC. Mid elder Júnior Urso started in his debut for Charlotte. Iuri Tavares, a 22-year- old mid elder from the club’s NEXT Pro team Crown Legacy FC, also started in his debut. Charlotte next plays Saturday at Vancouver.

COLLEGE SPORTS

Wo ord names

UNC Charlotte’s Kull new athletic director Spartanburg, S.C.

Wo ord has named UNC Charlotte athletic administrator Scott Kull as its new athletic director. The school announced the hire Friday, saying Kull will begin his duties on April 1. Besides UNC Charlotte, Kull has worked in athletic administration with Utah, South Florida, Florida State and TCU. Kull will replace longtime athletic director Richard Johnson, who announced his retirement this past September. Wo ord has 20 NCAA Division I programs and is part of the Southern Conference. The Terriers’ football team competes in FCS.

FIVE WEEKS AGO, when we released our rst set of North Carolina women’s basketball power rankings, NC State was coming o a pair of surprising losses but still managed to hold onto the top spot in our countdown. As we prepare to ip the calendar to March, our updated power rankings come at a very similar crossroads for the Wolfpack. Once again, State is trying

to rebound from a pair of losses, and once again, the cold stretch is not enough to knock the Wolfpack out of the No. 1 spot.

That’s where the similarities between our Jan. 22 rankings and this updated version end, however. There has been plenty of movement among the other women’s teams in our state as teams jockey for position before it becomes net-cutting season.

Here’s a look at the latest power rankings, which, as we learned over the last month-plus, are subject to change.

19. Queens: The Royals were No. 16 in January, but since then, they’ve gone 1-9 and fallen into the bottom spot in the Atlantic

Sun standings, two and a half games behind the next worst team in the conference. The analytics site AllMySportsTeamsSuck.com has the Royals at No. 347 in the nation.

18. Western Carolina: The Catamounts dropped one spot after going 1-8 since the rst power rankings were released. The Catamounts are actually ranked below Queens in the NET, which is used by the NCAA selection committee for seeding, but neither team needs to worry about that. Analytics has Western at No. 339.

17. UNC Wilmington: The bottom tier of the state’s women’s teams is not a pleasant place to

visit. The Seahawks are yet another team in the bottom 20 of the NET and analytics ratings. At No. 351, they are the worst NET team in the state. They actually moved up one spot in our rankings after a 2-6 month, coupled with terrible months by the two teams now below them.

16. Gardner-Webb: The Runnin’ Bulldogs went 4-5 since Jan. 22, which, while not great, is enough to move them out of last place and up three spots. They’re also almost as close to third place (two games out) as last place (a game and a half out) in the Big South.

15. UNC Asheville: The Bulldogs have a worse record than Gardner-Webb in the Big South, occupying the bottom spot at 4-11. Their 10-18 overall mark is better, however, as are their NET and analytics ratings. They’ve gone 3-7 since Jan. 22 and remain in the 15th spot in

See RANKINGS, page B3

Top-ranked Deacons want to nish job in Omaha

Wake was named the preseason No. 1 for the rst time

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

WAKE FOREST has a simple goal for the 2024 season.

“We want to go further than we did last year,” said coach Tom Walter.

That’s not as easy as it may sound. The Demon Deacons had a historic season last year, setting a school record for wins and reaching the College World Series for the rst time since 1955. Wake fell just short, losing with a berth in the championship series on the line to nish tied for third in the nation.

Still, third place leaves two big steps yet to take.

“One of the things we talked about was let’s not stand still,” Walter said. “Last year was a great year. It was a magical year, but we have un nished business. … We didn’t feel like we played our best baseball in Omaha last year.”

Of course, before the team can move forward, it needs to avoid sliding back. Ten Demon Deacons players were drafted last season, setting yet another program record. That left plenty of holes to ll on the roster. Wake returns just 14 letter win-

ners from last season to the 40man roster. The Deacs return 24.8% of their at-bats from last season and 37.9% of their innings pitched.

Walter said the Deacs began working as soon as the ight back from Omaha touched down, assembling the top transfer portal class in the country, according to D1 Baseball.

Wake added Tennessee ace Chase Burns to the starting rotation. Burns has a fastball that

tops out in the 101- to 102-mph range and is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the 2024 MLB Draft. The incoming transfers also included Wingate in elder Seaver King, considered the top player in Division II last year, St. John’s catcher Tate Ballestero, Maryland righthander David Falco, who has faced the Deacs in the NCAA Tournament each of the last two years, and Ball State in elder Adam Tellier,

“Last year was a great year. It was a magical year, but we have un nished business,”

Tom Walter, Wake Forest baseball coach

who won MVP of the MAC Tournament last year.

Combine that with a highly rated freshman recruiting class and Wake Forest nds itself opening the season as the No. 1 team in the nation, yet another rst for Walter’s program.

The coach downplayed it, comparing it to getting “most likely to succeed” in high school.

“It is a nice honor and it’s great that your peers feel that way and we certainly don’t take that for granted,” he said, “but it’s not necessarily a good predictor of the kind of season you’ll have. We still have to go out.”

It also paints a target on the Deacs’ backs, something Wake didn’t have to contend with last season.

“I think there are more distractions associated with it,” Walter said of the lofty ranking and expectations of Omaha.

“There’s more people talking

See DEACONS, page B4

KARL B. DEBLAKER

UNC guard Alyssa Ustby is nearly averaging a double-double this season for the Tar Heels, scoring 12.5 point with 9.7 rebounds per game.

REBECCA S. GRATZ | AP PHOTO

Starting pitcher Josh Hartle is one of just 14 players back from Wake Forest’s deep run in last year’s College World Series.

TRENDING

Austin Hill:

The Richard Childress Racing driver won his second straight X nity Series race to start the season, surging to the lead on an overtime restart when teammate Jesse Love ran out of gas to win at Atlanta.

The 19-year-old Love nished 12th after leading 157 laps. Hill opened the X nity season last week with his third consecutive series-opening win at Daytona.

Eric Bieniemy:

The Commanders’ o ensive coordinator is headed back to the college ranks, agreeing to become UCLA’s associate head coach and o ensive coordinator.

Bieniemy, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, spent the past season in Washington but wasn’t retained by new Commanders coach Dan Quinn. Bieniemy joins DeShaun Foster’s sta at UCLA.

Richard Sherman:

The former NFL star was arrested early Saturday on suspicion of driving under the in uence, according to the Washington State Patrol. A trooper reported talking to Sherman and noticing “the odor of intoxicants” and that Sherman’s eyes appeared to be “bloodshot and watery.” Sherman spent much of his NFL career with the Seahawks and has worked as a football analyst since retirement.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES NASCAR

REBECCA BLACKWELL | AP PHOTO

“There’s more to be said and more to be done.”

UNC men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis, after the Tar Heels’ win Saturday at Virginia, on preparing his team for its nal regular season games.

“It’s two Currys against one.”

Golden State guard

Stephen

Curry on playing against brother Seth while father Dell served as a broadcaster for the Hornets.

PRIME NUMBER

800

Career games with the Hurricanes for captain Jordan Staal, who is in his 12th season in Carolina after playing his rst six seasons with the Penguins, after Sunday’s game in Bu alo. He ranks fourth in franchise history in games played behind Ron Francis (1,186), Glen Wesley (913) and Eric Staal (909).

Daniel Suarez edged Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide nish to win Sunday’s crashed- lled Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Busch moved to the middle between Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, and Suarez to set the stage for the dramatic nish. Blaney was second, only three one-thousands of a second behind, and Busch was third.

FOOTBALL NHL

Former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was among those removed from a 7-on-7 football tournament following an altercation with coaches from another team. Videos on social media show people with TopShelf Performance confronting Newton — a founder of the C1N team — and grabbing him before a scu e ensued.

The Blackhawks retired Chris Chelios’ No. 7 jersey Sunday, honoring the Chicago native who won the Norris Trophy three times — twice with the Blackhawks — as the NHL’s top defenseman. The 62-year-old played for his hometown team from 1990 until he was traded to Detroit in March 1999.

The Los Angeles Clippers unveiled their new uniforms and logo that the team will begin using next season when the team moves into its new arena. It includes a modernized version of the Clippers script and a primary logo that features a Clippers “C” that surrounds the points of a compass and an oncoming ship with basketball seams on its hull.

STEW

LOS

PAUL

GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ | AP PHOTO

JOHN

NC State faces do-or-die week

The Wolfpack probably need to win out — including beating Duke and UNC in the next week — for any chance at an at-large bid

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

IT’S BEEN AN up-and-down season for the NC State men’s basketball team, to say the least.

After a 5-1 start to ACC play, the Wolfpack have been on a pendulum of wins and losses that has left them sitting just above the mushy middle of the conference.

NC State entered the week at 9-7 in the ACC and in a threeway tie for fth place with Clemson and Pitt with time running out on the regular season.

They’ve lost too many games to back their way in, so the Wolfpack will need to do the improbable to make a case for an NCAA Tournament bid: beat both UNC and Duke in back-to-back games over a three-day span.

NC State will head to Chapel Hill to face the ninth-ranked Tar Heels on Friday before returning to PNC Arena to face No. 10 Duke on Monday in its nal home game of the season.

ADRIAN KRAUS | AP PHOTO

NC State’s greatest hope is graduate guard DJ Horne, who has averaged 17.6 points per game and shot 43.2% from 3-point range this season. He has been one of the conference’s best players of late —his 13-point performance in the Wolfpack’s win over Boston College on Saturday snapped a run of six straight games with 24 or more points while making more

than half of his shots from long range.

But it will take more than Horne for NC State to pull o a sweep of its two biggest rivals.

DJ Burns — whose uneven season has been more consistent of late — will need to be an impact player each night — and guards Jayden Taylor and Casey Morsell have to continue to provide shutdown defense while

25.4

hopefully adding some secondary scoring. The Wolfpack will also need to take care of business in their two other remaining conference games: Tuesday night’s stop in Tallahassee to face Florida State and regular season-ending game at Pitt next Saturday.

“We’ve got some good opportunities,” said NC State coach Kevin Keatts. “We did a good job of taking care of home court against [Boston College], but we now have opportunities. A chance to go on the road to play a good Florida State team and then you have Carolina, Duke and also Pitt left. The way we do it is we just have to concentrate on each one at a time. The next one is Florida State.

“We have to really lock in and try to take care of each day in their own individual games. Even though there are four

of them, you have individual games and they all present a different challenge for you.”

It won’t be easy as three of the nal four games will be on the road, but the Wolfpack has had some success away from Raleigh this season, going 4-3 in opposing arenas during conference play.

“I just think we have some guys that have just been completely locked in,” Keatts said about the team’s strong play away from home. “If you’re fortunate enough to get a road win in this league or any league, they’re golden. I just think that one of the things we’ve been able to do is kind of focus on the road, and that’s a hard thing to do getting guys locked in.

“The one thing that will help you to win road games, and I think it’s helped us, is some of them have been some of our best defensive games where you’re not letting the home crowd really get involved and you’re defending and doing a good job with that part of it. But I’m proud of our guys and what we’ve done with it so far on the road, and hopefully we can continue that.”

But the point of the matter remains the same: If NC State wants any chance of sni ng an NCAA tournament bid, they have to win out — either in its nal four regular season games or at the ACC Tournament.

Games in the boys’ and girls’ brackets started Tuesday

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

THE NORTH CAROLINA

High School Athletic Association boys’ basketball playo s start Tuesday with rounds one through four hosted by higher-seeded teams before the regional nals and state championship games are played March 15-16 at Joel Coliseum on Wake Forest’s campus.

Here’s a look at the top two seeds in each of the state’s four classi cations.

1A East: Wilson Prep

The Tigers are looking for their third 1A title in the last four years. Wilson Prep beat Eastern Randolph in the championship game last year and also won in 2021. The Tigers nished the regular season with a 21-5 record, including a perfect 16-0 in the Tar Roanoke Conference. Senior Ben Ferguson has averaged 17.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, one of eight players averaging at least ve points. Senior David Ellis is shooting a team-best 69% from the eld while averaging 9.3 rebounds per game.

1A West: South Stokes

The Saurus haven’t lost since Jan. 13, their one blemish on a 25-1 record that includes a perfect 13-0 mark in the Northwest Conference. South Stokes has three straight 20-win seasons after going 22-48 the previous

RANKINGS from page B1

three years. Coach Jason Clark has led the Saurus to 12 straight wins, led by Barry Hairston Jr. and Isiah Lash — who both reached 1,000 career points this season — along with Korrin N’Diaye and William Tilley.

2A East: Farmville Central

The Jaguars have won eight state titles, including ve in the last eight seasons and four of the last ve. Farmville Central has won 18 straight and is 25-1 on the season with a 13-0 record in the Eastern Plains Conference. Junior point guard MJ Williams leads the Jaguars in points (16.0), assists (3.3) and steals (1.6). Seniors Tyler Whitehurst (15.4), Hampton Evans (12.8) and JD Daniels (10.0) are all averaging double-digit points on the season.

2A West: Reidsville

Reidsville lost to Farmville Central in last year’s championship game and has one state title, in 2003. The Rams are one of ve unbeaten teams in the state with a 23-0 record and 12-0 mark in the Mid-State Conference. Reidsville is led by two sophomores: point guard Dionte Neal (20 points,10.8 assists, 4.2 steals) and post player Kendre Harrison (19.1 points, 15.2 rebounds, 3.6 blocks). Junior Johnniyus Sharpe is also scoring 17.1 points per game.

3A East: Swansboro

The Pirates lost their second game of the season and have since won 24 straight, finishing the regular season 25-1 and sweeping through the

Coastal Conference with an 11-0 record. Junior Jonah Holt leads Swansboro with 16.2 points and is one of three players — along with fellow juniors Jermaine Cunningham and Tayvion Tangiora — averaging more than seven rebounds a game. All three are also shooting better than 50% from the floor.

3A West: Hickory Hickory, like Reidsville, has a perfect record heading into the state tournament. The Red Tornadoes are 27-0 and haven’t lost in Western Foothills Conference play since Dec. 10, 2021. Freshman point guard Jamien Little leads the team with 14.1 points per game, and junior guard Jayden Maddox is also averaging double figures with 13.7 points.

4A East: New Hanover

The Wildcats are also unbeaten on the season, posting a 27-0 record that includes a perfect 15-0 in the Mideastern Conference. New Hanover has won 14 state titles, the last in 2012. Two juniors lead the Wildcats in scoring. Rodmik Allen tops the team with 17.3 points and 4.7 assists per game, while Nolan Billings averages a team-high 6.9 rebounds with 12.1 points. Fellow junior CJ Kornegay, the son of former NC State forward Chuck Kornegay, posted 11.8 points and 4.8 rebounds before su ering a season-ending injury.

4A West: Myers Park

The Mustangs, ranked No. 4 in the country by MaxPreps, are looking to defend their

state title after beating Richmond in last year’s 4A championship game. Myers Park dropped two of its rst six games of the season and hasn’t lost since, reeling o 20 straight victories. Junior center Sadiq White Jr. is averaging a teamhigh 17.9 points and 5.8 rebounds, and seniors Sir Mohammed (13.1 points, 5.8 rebounds) and Bishop Boswell (11.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.2 rebounds) are also both averaging double digits in points. Mohammed is committed to Notre Dame and ranked No. 7 in the state by On3, while Boswell is ranked eighth and committed to Tennessee.

The top seeds for the women’s brackets are Falls Lake Academy and Mountain Heritage in 1A; North Pitt and North Wilkes in 2A; South Central and A.C. Reynolds in 3A; and Hoggard and Watauga in 4A.

13. Wake Forest: The Deacs actually moved up a spot despite a 2-7 record over the last ve weeks. They leapfrogged Elon because 2-7 in the ACC trumps 2-7 in the CAA. Wake won back-toback games for the rst time this season, beating Georgia Tech and Pitt for their rst two road wins of the year.

12. NC Central: The Eagles have gone 4-3 since late January, but their NET and analytics ratings are still in the high 200s or low 300s. A 6-4 record in the MEAC is good for a tie for third place, and, as the men’s team has

shown plenty of times, anything can happen in the MEAC Conference tourney.

11. Campbell: The Camels move up two spots in the rankings thanks to a 5-3 month. Campbell is 14-11 and has won back-to-back games, pulling to .500 in the CAA at 7-7.

10. UNC Greensboro: The middle of the power rankings doesn’t see a lot of movement since most of the teams have hovered around .500 since the last set of rankings came out. The Spartans have gone 5-4 and are in the middle of the pack in the SoCon, at 18-10 overall, 7-6 in the conference.

9. Appalachian State: The Mountaineers have gone 5-5 since landing at No. 8 in the rst set of rankings. They’ve beaten the teams ranked below them and lost to the teams ranked above, which has helped keep them in the middle of our rankings as well as the Sun Belt stand-

ings.

8. East Carolina: The Pirates also went 5-4 and would have held serve at No. 9 in the power rankings, but their NET and analytics numbers move them up one notch. They are No. 111 in the NET, nearly 100 spots above UNCG and 50 above App.

7. Davidson: The Wildcats are at the top of the “treading water tier” after going 5-4 since Jan. 22. They’ve lost three straight, but two of those were forfeits as the program deals with non-COVID health problems that have forced them to cancel a pair of winnable games against Dayton and Fordham.

6. NC A&T: The Aggies are in second place in the CAA, a game out of the top spot, after going 7-2 since the rst set of rankings. They’ll need to win the conference tournament to get a bid, however. They’ll play rst-place Stony Brook for the rst time this weekend, which could boost

them up in our power rankings.

5. High Point: The Panthers don’t have an impressive NET rating — just No. 262 in the nation — or analytics pro le. However, they lead the Big South by two and a half games and are projected to be the only non-ACC team from the state to make the tournament, with an expected No. 16 seed. High Point has gone 8-1 since the rst set of rankings. They also have an eight-game winning streak, which moved them past the Aggies, who have a better NET rating.

4. Charlotte: The 49ers had a rough month, going 4-5 and falling out of the top three in the state. Bad losses to 10-16 Tulane and 9-17 FAU, two of the bottom three teams in the AAC, torpedoed any hope of an at-large NCAA bid. Charlotte also missed the chance to help itself by dropping toss-up games against ECU and SMU.

3. UNC: Five weeks ago, the

Tar Heels were leading the ACC and No. 2 in our rankings. A 4-5 month has them looking at a No. 6 or 7 seed in the NCAAs. They’re currently tied for seventh in the ACC. They followed their win over NC State with a loss at Virginia Tech that could have given a signi cant boost to their resume.

2. Duke: The Blue Devils are making a bit of a late-season run, going 6-3 since the previous power rankings. They’ve faced a brutal ve-game schedule — at Virginia Tech and Syracuse and home against UNC, Notre Dame and NC State — against teams all ranked in the top 30. The Blue Devils went 3-2 against them.

1. NC State: The Wolfpack are still the team to beat in the state despite back-to-back double-digit losses. State lost to Carolina and Duke on the road. So there’s no reason to panic. Still, the Pack is 3-3 in their last six and is probably looking at a No. 3 seed.

NC State guard DJ Horne has made 43.2% of his 3-point attempts this season.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Josh Hines, pictured at right against Northwood on Jan. 13, and Myers Park are the top seed in the NCHSAA boys’ basketball 4A West bracket.

What could Miles Bridges’ next contract look like?

The Hornets forward will be an unrestricted free agent this summer

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — As the Charlotte Hornets begin thenal stretch of their season with a renewed energy following a series of moves at the trade deadline, the franchise faces a familiar and recurring question: How should it handle Miles Bridges and his expiring contract?

Back on July 2, 2023, the team signed Bridges to a oneyear, $8 million qualifying o er.

A year prior, he was coming o a career-best season and just one day away from receiving a contract in the range of $150 million when negotiations were shut down by his felony domestic violence arrest and eventual plea of no contest that led to him missing the entire 20222023 season.

Fast-forward to the present and the Hornets again have to make a decision on their star forward and leading scorer.

It’s possible the 25-year-old is moved as a free agent this oseason. At this point, however, it’s just as likely — if not more — that he is signed by Charlotte to a multiyear contract.

With Bridge’s Larry Bird rights — a CBA mechanism that allows teams to exceed the salary cap to keep their own players — the Hornets could attempt to re-sign him and pay him anything up to his max as a free agent.

While they could potentially sign and trade him elsewhere, other teams are limited to whatever cap space they have or a possible cap exception.

Because of this factor and the trade veto power he had in his deal, Bridges used his contract clause to stay in Charlotte at the trade deadline, stating his intentions that he wanted to remain with the Hornets.

In a recent postgame interview, he was asked if wanted to stay in the Queen City going forward.

“I can just control what I can control. I’m just trying to get to the next day,” Bridges said. “I’d love to be here. I got drafted here and they stuck with me through my lowest times, so I for sure want to be here.”

In 46 contests this year, Bridges is averaging a career-high 21.5 points. He recorded back-to-back 40-point games earlier this month for the Hornets, who have a 15-42 record but have won ve of their past six games. Aside from his scoring abilities, the former Michigan State star is averaging career-highs in minutes (37.3), rebounds (7.4) and steals (1.1).

O the court, Bridges’ legal troubles are starting to dissipate. On Feb. 14, a prosecu-

tor dismissed three criminal charges connected to a separate domestic violence case against Bridges because of “insu cient evidence” and inconsistent victim statements, court documents show. The team declined to comment on the dropped charges.

The Hornets are now in a position where new majority owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin can sign Bridges to a new contract if they see him being in the team’s future. Charlotte, however, is yet to hire a replacement for general manager Mitch Kupchak, so it’s unclear what direction a new GM will take with the roster.

Multiple league outlets have estimated that Bridges could

Pitch clock change, remaining free agents among MLB topics

The future of the A’s and the 2028 Summer Olympics are also on the radar of union head Tony

Clark

By David Brandt

The Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ma-

jor League Baseball’s move to slice two seconds o the pitch clock with runners on base is too much, too soon, according to players’ association head Tony Clark. The clock is shortening to 18 seconds from 20 with men on base and will stay at 15 seconds with no one on.

“That’s a conversation that should have warranted a much longer dialogue than what we had,” Clark said Saturday. “We voiced those concerns, players voiced those concerns, and yet, the push through of the change to the pitch clock still happened.”

MLB introduced a new rules package last season — including a pitch clock and bigger bases — that cut average game times by 24 minutes to 2 hours, 40 minutes, the quickest games have been played since 1984. The clock, adopted over the objection of player representatives

DEACONS from page B1

about it. More people ask you about it. There’s more people pulling at your time. Our coaches were talking about it. I’ve never been asked to be on more podcasts and things like that than I have in the last few weeks. And again, it’s a compliment to our program and where we are, but at the same time it can pull you away from what you really need

on the competition committee, was considered a huge success and the sport drew more than 70 million fans to ballparks for the rst time since 2017.

“We just had the biggest adjustment this league has ever seen in regards to length of game and how the game was a ected, by including a clock,” Clark said. “Rather than give us another year to adjust and adapt to it, why are we adjusting again, and what are the rami cations going to be?”

Clark’s main concern is that pitchers have less time between pitches to recover, particularly when maximum e ort and pitch velocity are so important.

“When fatigue happens, you’re more susceptible to injury,” Clark said. “We’re seeing a lot of injuries and we’re seeing them in a way that simply can’t remove the question of whether or not shortening recovery time is in anyone’s best interest.”

Free agent market

There are several high-pro le free agents who remain on the market, including two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, sixtime All-Star J.D. Martinez and four-time Gold Glove third base-

to do, which is get this team better.”

Underscoring Walter’s concerns, Wake has already experienced something it hadn’t in the previous two seasons — a February loss. The top-ranked Deacs were shocked by UNC Greensboro last Tuesday, falling on the road, 4-3. The loss snapped a 21game February winning streak for Walter’s Deacs and made it clear that a return to the College

man Matt Chapman.

“If teams want to improve, there are a lot of players across the spectrum who can help teams nish as the last team,”

Clark said.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said this month the league would prefer a free agent signing period, ideally in December, that ended with a deadline. An MLB proposal in 2019 was dismissed by the union.

Clark, who played from 1995 to 2009, prefers the exibility of the current rules, which place no deadlines on reaching free agent deals.

“A deadline, in all likelihood, is going to do more damage to players in those conversations than the other way around,” Clark said.

A’s situation

The Oakland Athletics still don’t know where they’re playing after the 2024 season as the franchise prepares for a planned move to Las Vegas.

The A’s have met with Oakland city o cials about extending the club’s lease beyond 2024, but nothing is certain. A new ballpark in Las Vegas is not expected to be ready

World Series was far from a sure thing. “It’s a disappointing loss,” Walter said. “We have some growing up to do. We’ve got to have better situational at-bats. … It’s a long season, but we aren’t where we want to be right now.”

The Deacs rebounded with a weekend sweep of Dayton and now have one more weekend of nonconference play before opening the ACC schedule with a ti-

“There just aren’t many guys who can do what he’s doing.”

Hornets coach Steve Cli ord on Miles Bridges

receive a $100 million contract in the o season. Given Charlotte’s decision at the trade deadline to part with Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington in exchange for a new cast of bench pieces, the team’s management seemingly chose LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as key pieces to

build around.

Keeping Bridges would give the Hornets a formidable trio to build around as they try to return to the postseason for the rst time since 2016.

“His e ort every night he plays is remarkable,” Hornets coach Steve Cli ord said of Bridges in a recent press conference. “This guy has always played minutes. He’s playing 38, 39 minutes every night. He plays the whole rst quarter, the whole third, and he gets like three and a half minutes of rest in the fourth and the second. That’s it. And yet, he never asks to come out, and he plays every dribble. There just aren’t many guys who can do what he’s doing.”

2028 Olympics

until 2028. Options included staying at the Coliseum or playing in another city, like Sacramento or Salt Lake City. “I’ve been pretty consistent in that it needed to happen yesterday,” Clark said. “The players on those teams, the fans in that market, and potentially in other markets, the longer this conversation goes on, the more detrimental in the grand scheme of things.

“Whether it’s Sacramento, whether it’s Salt Lake, whether it’s somewhere else, decisions need to be made sooner rather than later.”

tanic showdown. Wake will host Duke on the second weekend of March. The Blue Devils are currently undefeated and ranked No. 12 in the nation by D1 Baseball and No. 13 by Baseball America. The Deacs and Devils are just two of the half-dozen North Carolina teams currently ranked in the top 25, the most produced by any state — Texas is next with ve. The six teams enter the week

Clark said many MLB players are excited about the prospect of playing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but that the “devil is in the proverbial details” when it comes to making it happen.

Several stars — including Bryce Harper — have expressed a desire to play in Los Angeles.

“There’s a lot of dialogue there,” Clark said. “We haven’t received anything formally. We’ve had conversations with some folks. But the players that we’ve heard from — at least as of right now — are intrigued by the idea.”

with a combined 33-7 record. East Carolina (11 in D1, 15 in Baseball America), NC State (14, 18), North Carolina (17, 17) and Campbell (21, 25), which entered the rankings this week, round out the teams putting the state at the center of the college baseball universe.

And, if Tom Walter has his way, his Demon Deacons will remain there at the end of the season.

tune in

Asheville’s Holler Choir

By Dan Reeves for North State Journal

WE OWE A DEBT of gratitude to those who shattered Clint Roberts’ heart and to those who stitched back together the broken pieces left on the dusty oor of his memories. Without the trials of unrequited love and heartache, the immensely gifted singer and musician might have taken a di erent path. Fortunately, at 29 years old, his chin is up, and he is no longer licking his wounds. However, he has plenty of material in the vault from which to draw inspiration as needed.

For years, the Brevard native has drawn acclaim throughout Western North Carolina for his commanding vocal range, acoustic guitar prowess, and introspective tales of love and loss. As an up-and-coming balladeer and banjoist – before switching to guitar – with his rst band, Fox Fire, Roberts honed his skills on the road playing local festivals and gigs out west. By 2021, he was praised as the region’s most promising new artist for his debut e ort as a solo artist, “Rose Songs,” earning him well-deserved recognition as a

voice and gure to follow. In 2022, something extraordinary happened. While recording the widely celebrated ve-song EP, “Mountain Air,” at Asheville’s Crossroads Studios, a fortuitous collaboration of roots musicians proved to be the genesis of a distinctive new sound built on that shared experience. Produced by Grammy Award winner Michael Ashworth (Steep Canyon Rangers), Roberts and fellow artists, including Johnson City’s clawhammer banjo sensation Helena Rose, ddler Bridger Dunnagan, and bassist Norbert McGettigan, formed Holler Choir. What emerged was lightning in a bottle.

The sound and vision of Clint Roberts and Holler Choir defy easy genre classi cation, evading the con nes of folk, Americana, country, or even bluegrass. Though each in uence is woven into his work, Roberts’ sound and vision pay homage to the old-time roots of Appalachia while transcending into a singular and remarkable ethos. His creative output reveals an Odysseus-like hero’s journey, su ering the injuries of deceitful rejection and treacherous pitfalls but somehow nding salvation and

“Though each in uence is woven into his work, Roberts’ sound and vision pay homageto the old-time roots of Appalachia while transcending into a singular and remarkable ethos.”

redemption. Also evident in his approach to creating a record is his a nity for lm. “What plays out in my head,” Roberts says, “is a curation of vivid photographs I’m sequencing to create a collage of vignettes that don’t necessarily connect but carry a common theme.”

Propelled by the reception of “Mountain Air,” Holler Choir tracked their debut full-length album, “Songs Before They Write Themselves,” in the legendary Church Room at Ashe-

ville’s famed Echo Mountain Recording Studio. With Michael Ashworth returning as producer and the talents of sound engineer Jason Richmond (Avett Brothers, Rising Appalachia), and fellow Grammy Award winner Kim Rosen mastering thenal product.

The album garnered immediate attention upon its January release, catching the eyes of No Depression, Rolling Stone France, and other leading publications. In short order, Holler Choir was tapped to tour with The Old 97s, gracing legendary stages throughout the western United States. “All I can say is that I am humbled and very grateful,” says Roberts. Going from 200-capacity rooms in the southeast to San Francisco’s Fillmore and The Hotel Congress in Tucson, among other halls of musical lore, was a welcome shock to a band in its infancy.

Clint Roberts and Holler Choir are already well on their way, and it’s just the beginning.

Stream “Songs Before They Write Themselves” on Spotify and Apple Music. Visit hollerchoir.com/music for tour dates and information.

PHOTOS BY JOHN DUPRE

Left to right, Bridger Dunnagan, Ryan Stigmon, Norbert McGettigan, Clint Roberts, Joey Brown, Helena Rose, Julian Pinelli, Sean Newman

Left to right, Norbert McGettigan, Helena Rose, Julian Pinelli, Clint Roberts, Bridger Dunnagan, Ryan Stigmon, Evan Martin

‘Burn Book’ torches tech titans in veteran reporter’s tale of love and loathing in Silicon Valley

By Michael Liedtke The Associated Press

TECHNOLOGY is so pervasive and invasive that it’s polarizing people, producing feelings of love and loathing for its devices, online services and the would-be visionaries behind them, according to a longtime Silicon Valley reporter.

Kara Swisher unwraps how we got to this point in her incendiary memoir, “Burn Book,” coming out Tuesday, an exposé that also seeks to avert technological calamity on the perilous road still ahead.

Swisher skewers many of the once-idealistic tech moguls who, when she met them as entrepreneurs decades ago, promised to change the world for the better but often chose a path of destructive disruption instead. And along the way, they amassed staggering fortunes that have disconnected them from reality.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who broke into a sweat during an on-stage interview with Swisher in 2010, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who once talked to her regularly before cutting o communications after he bought Twitter in 2022, are painted in the harshest light.

“If Mark Zuckerberg is the most damaging man in tech to me, Musk was the most disappointing,” Swisher writes in her 300-page book.

That’s one of the milder critiques in what’s a mostly scathing takedown by one of the most respected and feared reporters covering technology. Her reputation is such that Swisher has become as synonymous with Silicon Valley as the famous entrepreneurs who shaped it since she began covering the industry in the 1990s.

CEOs, including Zuckerberg and Musk, regularly granted her exclusive interviews, fed her scoops and sometimes even secretly called her for advice, according to her book. When the HBO series, “Silicon Valley,” needed someone to play an inuential reporter in an episode, Swisher was cast as herself — a role she still regularly lls as a technology commentator on major TV networks.

Swisher no longer resides in Silicon Valley. She moved to Washington, D.C., a few years ago, mostly because that’s where her wife works, but also because she was feeling a need

to escape what had become an increasingly toxic and insular scene. But she has remained plugged into — and worried — about what is happening with technology, particularly with the accelerating rise of arti cial intelligence and its potential for causing even more damage than she thinks has already been done by social media, smartphones and other products that haven’t been tightly regulated.

Swisher told The Associated Press that she hopes “Burn Book” serves as shot across the bow of both the technology industry and governments around the world, a warning that the same missteps that happened during the past 20 years must not be repeated as arti cial intelligence seeps into all corners of society.

“Don’t get fooled a second time,” Swisher said of what she hopes the book’s main takeaway

will be. “We need our government to make these (technology-industry) people accountable and that has not happened. We need them to understand consequences because they certainly haven’t done us right on the damaging parts of technology. We need to stop letting them o the hook.”

Swisher initially didn’t even want to write another book, partly because she has become more interested in focusing on her Pivot podcast. But she but nally got on a roll after she hired Nell Scovell, who cowrote a best-selling book with former Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg, to help her remember all the stories she accumulated.

Those recollections led her to disassemble some of the world’s richest people in her book, but Swisher isn’t worried about the blowback.

“I don’t care what they think,”

Swisher said. “The worst thing I do is tell people what I think of them, but I am being truthful.”

Musk, who also runs rocket ship maker SpaceX and social media company X, used a pejorative term for anus to describe Swisher in his last email sent to her in October 2022, according to her book. “You can see it every day on Twitter (renamed X by Musk), there is something wrong with him,” Swisher said of Musk during the AP interview. “He is in desperate need of attention, he is a classic narcissist who has turned into a malevolent narcissist.”

Swisher doesn’t spend her entire book bashing tech leaders. She devotes an entire chapter to the industry’s “mensches,” a list that includes Salesforce CEO Marc Benio , investor Mark Cuban and the late Dave Goldberg, who was CEO of SurveyMonkey and Sandberg’s

husband when he died in 2015 while on vacation in Mexico. She also has mostly kind words for the likes of former Net ix CEO Reed Hastings, former Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang, Apple CEO Tim Cook and his late predecessor, Steve Jobs.

Eventually, Swisher said she hopes she will look back kindly on the tech leaders at the vanguard of AI, especially Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the San Francisco startup behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT.

“One thing I do like about Sam is he is able to hold two con icting ideas in his head at the same time,” Swisher said. “Of course, he is going to be a techno-optimist, but he is not a techno-idiot. Now what will be a problem is he just takes whatever he wants, even though he has warned of unsafe things, and then does nothing about them. That’s what too many of these tech moguls have done.”

GOP-led states want to regulate posting on social media. The Supreme Court will decide if they can

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court is taking up challenges to state laws Monday that could a ect how Facebook, TikTok, X and other social media platforms regulate content posted by their users. The cases are among several this term in which the justices could set standards for free speech in the digital age.

The court is hearing arguments over laws adopted by Republican-dominated legislatures and signed by Republican governors in Florida and Texas in 2021. While the details vary, both laws aimed to address 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 the justices have grappled with over the past year involving social media platforms. Next month, the court will hear an appeal from Louisiana, Missouri and other parties accusing administration o cials of pressuring social media companies to silence conservative points of view. Two more cases awaiting decision concern whether public o cials can block critics from commenting on their social media accounts, an issue

that previously came up in a case involving then-President Donald Trump. The court dismissed the Trump case when his presidential term ended in January 2021. The Florida and Texas laws

were passed in the months following decisions by Facebook and Twitter, now X, to cut Trump o over his posts related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. Trade associations repre -

senting the companies sued in federal court, claiming that the laws violate the platforms’ speech rights. One federal appeals struck down Florida’s statute, while another upheld the Texas law.

In a statement when he signed the bill into law, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the measure would be “protection against the Silicon Valley elites.”

When Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Texas law, he said that it was needed to protect free speech in what he termed the new public square. Social media platforms “are a 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. That is wrong, and we will not allow it in Texas,“ Abbott said.

But much has changed since then. Elon Musk purchased Twitter and, in addition to changing its name, eliminated teams focused on content moderation, welcomed back many users previously banned for hate speech and used the site to spread conspiracy theories.

The Biden administration is siding with the challengers. Lawyers for Trump have led a brief in the Florida case urging the court to uphold the state law.

Several academics and privacy advocacy groups told the court that they view the laws at issue in these cases as unconstitutional, but want the justices to preserve governments’ ability to regulate social media companies to some extent.

MICHAEL LIEDTKE | AP PHOTO

“Burn Book,” by longtime Silicon Valley reporter Kara Swisher is seen, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in San Ramon, Calif.

MARK SCHIEFELBEIN | AP PHOTO

The Guardian of Law scuplture is seen at the west entrance of the Supreme Court on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

Two daughters ran away to join Islamic State. Years later, their family’s story is an Oscar nominee

By Mariam Fam The Associated Press

OLFA HAMROUNI doesn’t know much about her granddaughter; not her favorite toy nor food — is it the pasta the child’s mother loves, or something else?

The Tunisian grandmother doesn’t even let her mind go there. “I don’t want to know. What for but more heartache?” she said.

For now, she just ghts for 8-year-old Fatma. The child has spent virtually all her life with her mother and aunt — Hamrouni’s eldest daughters — raised in detention in Libya, where the women wound up after leaving home as teenagers and joining Islamic State group extremists.

The real-life story of Hamrouni and her children is the focus of “Four Daughters,” an Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature lm. On camera, there are many layers to Kaouther Ben Hania’s lm: It’s about the radicalization of two teenage girls; an intimate portrait of a chaotic, and often dysfunctional, family life; and re ections on generational trauma, patriarchy, motherhood and adolescence.

O camera, it’s more than just one family’s tale.

The names change, the details vary, but the nightmare is familiar to some others in Tunisia, where at one point many left to join militant groups, including the Islamic State, in con ict zones abroad. Militants have also struck at targets in Tunisia.

Today, families like Hamrouni’s are living reminders of that complex legacy, the unresolved issues and di cult questions persisting years later.

“It’s … an open wound in my country,” said actor Hend Sabri, who appears in the lm as Hamrouni in some scenes. “As long as we don’t talk about it, then we’re not going to heal.”

Hamrouni hopes the lm’s high pro le will boost her advocacy for her daughters to be repatriated from Libya, where they had been sentenced to prison, and stand trial in their home country. In Tunisia, as in other countries, some people have been suspicious and fearful of returnees for security reasons.

Hamrouni wants Fatma freed from the con nes of her existence. “What fault is it of hers?

She hasn’t chosen her father or mother.”

Ben Hania, who wrote and directed the lm, echoed the demands. “We’re trying hard to push the Tunisian government,” she said. “A country is responsible for its citizens.”

The lm experiments with format. Hamrouni and her youngest daughters, Eya and Tayssir, appear as themselves. Besides Sabri, actors play Ghofrane and Rahma, the daughters who left, as Ben Hania reconstructs the family’s past in search for clues for their radicalization.

(The lm o ers theories but no concrete motives, especially with the real Ghofrane and Rahma imprisoned in Libya.) In some scenes, the actors reenact key moments alongside family members; in others, they question, challenge or re ect. Ben Hania said her role as a lmmaker is to understand and ana-

lyze, not judge. In the lm and the family’s telling, the daughters grew up with little in a tumultuous home. Dad was largely absent and drank too much; mom was overburdened and harsh.

Hamrouni, in the lm, is xated on preserving her daughters’ sexual purity for marriage. She’s quick to hurl insults and accusations and to punish perceived or real infringements — a waxed leg, a diary entry about a rst kiss — with severe beatings.

There was some rebellion, a gothic phase, a guy with a motorcycle. Then the changes that swept Tunisia following the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement more than a decade ago brought another transformation as di erent currents, including hard-liners and extremists, jockeyed for in uence. A preaching tent popped up in the family’s neighborhood.

Ghofrane and Rahma, whose mother says grew up with only basic religious knowledge, were introduced to austere interpre-

tations. Their radicalization further deepened — in the lm, Rahma is said to have whipped younger sisters for skipping or delaying prayers, self- agellated for such things as gossiping, and daydreamed about stoning a woman who had sex outside of marriage.

When Ghofrane left nearly a decade ago, Hamrouni, according to the lm, sought police help to stop Rahma from following. She accuses the police of doing little.

The family crumbled. Hamrouni grieved the departed daughters and worried about the remaining ones. One, a child at the time, adored Rahma and had absorbed her sisters’ beliefs. The other, Eya, was unraveling.

The younger girls were placed in a government facility, which they credit with helping them rebuild their lives. But outside, the family says, life was hard and neighbors and relatives shunned them.

Mohamed Iqbel Ben Rejeb of the Rescue Association of Tuni-

sians Trapped Abroad said some who found themselves in similar situations disowned family members who left, sometimes to protect those who remained from the fallout. Others ght for the repatriation of loved ones. Some don’t know whether their relatives are dead or alive. He said his organization doesn’t defend Tunisians with blood on their hands but advocates for the rehabilitation of others and, especially, for the rescue and reintegration of children taken by parents to con ict zones or born there. But he also says that Tunisia may lack sufcient capabilities and argues that authorities often appear to be dragging their feet. He and other activists are particularly concerned for the children’s rights and futures. Inaction, they warn, can prove perilous.

“The normal place for children is … the extended family, the school,” said Mostafa Abdelkebir, head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights. “After spending long periods in prisons and camps … they’ll resent society, become ticking bombs.”

Abdelkebir called on Tunisian authorities to nd solutions and, especially, to bring home the children from abroad, but said that the repatriation issue is often mired in a myriad of diplomatic, political, nancial, legal or logistical challenges.

Still, some Tunisian women cleared by Libyan courts were repatriated to Tunisia, where they were detained, according to Abdelkebir. A number of children have also been returned — including orphaned ones, he added. The children have been given to relatives or placed in

government social care facilities, he said. Tunisian government ofcials didn’t provide a comment, or respond to questions on the sisters’ case and the larger repatriation issue, in time for publication.

Sabri, one of the Arab world’s best-known stars, said her heart breaks for Fatma — but she nds it harder to sympathize with Ghofrane and Rahma. She also stresses the importance of accountability for Tunisians who have joined such groups.

During lming, Hamrouni saw a mirror held up to her life.

Hamrouni, who had a dicult childhood herself, said she both recognizes where she went wrong as a mother, and that her mistakes don’t justify her daughters’ decisions. But she also blames the political climate and government policies at the time of their radicalization at a young age and says the two have now regretted their choices.

When asked about Fatma, Hamrouni’s voice softens. Her eyes light up before they well with tears.

She frets: How will Fatma learn manners? Who will teach her about her country? How is she supposed to grow up to love Tunisia, to know how to deal with others?

If Fatma ever lives with her, there will be no more hitting, said Hamrouni, who has remarried and now lives outside of Tunisia. “I will teach her right from wrong but let her make her choices.”

But nothing is certain. She feels for Fatma, for how little she knows of the world, how the world may treat her.

“Her past has been bleak,” Hamrouni said. “Only God knows what awaits her.”

KINO LORBER VIA AP

Nour Karoui, top, Eya Chikhaoui, left, Ichraq Matar, center, and Tayssir Chikhaoui, right, in the movie “Four Daughters,” lmed in Tunis, Tunisia.

KINO LORBER VIA AP

Tayssir Chikhaoui, Olfa Hamrouni, center, Eya Chikhaoui in the movie “Four Daughters,” lmed in Tunis, Tunisia.

Left, Olfa Hamrouni and Hend Sabri; Right, Majd Mastoura and Hend Sabri in the movie “Four Daughters,” lmed in Tunis, Tunisia.

LAST WEEK

Getting out the vote

Election signs line the roadway in front of Stanly Commons in Albemarle, home to the Stanly County Board of Elections. Early voting for the primary election began Feb. 15 and continues through March 1. As of Feb. 27, 2,455 early ballots have been cast in Stanly County. Election day is March 5.

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — Bars are coming to Albemarle’s Central Business District.

At its Feb. 19 meeting, Albemarle City Council members voted 4-3 to approve an ordinance change to allow bars in downtown Albemarle, albeit under a special use permit with separation requirements.

With the ordinance’s prior terminology of “pro t clubs” changing to “bars,” the council also decided there must be a 200-foot separation between establishments under that label.

Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall and Councilmembers Dexter Townsend, Chris Whitley and Benton Dry supported the ordinance, while Chris Bram-

lett, David Hunt and Bill Aldridge opposed it.

The council’s decision arrived after the city’s Planning Board voted 7-1 earlier this month to recommend the change.

“I’m a little puzzled by how this thing came up after it was so clear the last time. We had so many people here opposed to that sort of thing,” Bramlett said, indicating his disapproval with the amendment.

Last May, the council voted 4-3 against an amendment that would have allowed bars but without any separation requirement; Hall, Aldridge, Hunt and Bramlett opposed the ordinance as Dry, Whitley and Townsend voted for it — with Mayor ProTem Hall the only one changing position.

Previously, Albemarle al-

“I have invested my entire

in this

and I will not quit. I’m going to

I can to

Badin Brews

lowed full-service restaurants to sell liquor in the Central Business District, while breweries and taprooms were not allowed to sell liquor. “When I see them, I see vomit on the street; I’ve had to clean that up in front of our store,” Bramlett said. “I see people getting in ghts and having brawls.

I can see people leaving those things, getting in a car and going out under the in uence and killing somebody. I worry about why there aren’t a lot of people here, but I didn’t know about this thing until today. I don’t know how it got by me and I’m sure the rules were followed, but I didn’t quite get it. I just don’t see open bars throughout our town.”

After the council’s decision last year, Badin Brews owner Joshua Hicks reapplied for the ordinance change. He spoke — prior to the vote — during the meeting’s public hearing section:

“With 200 feet, you can probably get six bars downtown, if you strategically place them,”

See DOWNTOWN, page 2

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — After four years at the tiller of the Albemarle Fire Department, Chief Pierre Brewton is leaving to be chief of his hometown re department in Spartanburg, SC.

AFD Assistant Chief Kenny Kendall will begin as interim chief on March 18. With the department since 1994, Kendall became the city’s rst-ever assistant re chief in 2022.

In November, he was named to the county’s Consolidated Human Services board by the Stanly County Board of Commissioners. Albemarle now begins the hiring process for a new chief, responsible for the daily business operations and planning of the department, as well as overseeing a $3.6 million annual budget.

Last month, Chief Brewton and Albemarle Police Chief Jason Bollhorst at a recent community heroes event by Community Who Cares, a Norwood-based nonpro t community outreach initiative.

“I’ve been privileged to lead this talented, dedicated, and car-

ing team, who are committed to doing all they can to serve the citizens of this great city,” Brewton said in a city press release.

“I thank our elected leaders, city administration, and the community for supporting the work of the Albemarle Fire Department to make this community a safer place to call home. The city and the Albemarle Fire Department

have a bright future ahead.”

After 33 years with Spartanburg Fire, starting as as a reghter and rising to assistant chief, Brewton joined Albemarle FD as chief in late 2019.

“Chief Brewton has advanced our re department and helped it grow. Chief became a highly valued and respected leader in the city’s organization and the com-

munity,” City Manager Michael Ferris said. “We are truly grateful for his e orts and wish him well in the future.”

During Brewton’s time with Albemarle’s department, the award-winning Albemarle Fireghter Cadet Academy was established and has thrived with Region of Excellence honors in the category of Cross Community Collaboration from the Centralina Regional Council.

Since 2021, the academy has trained new members of Albemarle’s department and other local re ghters.

In collaboration with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Stanly Community College, the academy hosts 18 weeks

See FIRE CHIEF, page 2

PJ WARD-BROWN | STANLY COUNTY JOURNAL

of instruction through classroom and hands-on training led by AFD re ghters and special-skilled instructors.

“From Assistant Chief Kenny Kendall, who developed the academy, to the chief ocers through re ghters, every rank in our department has been critical to making the Fire ghter Cadet Academy a success,” Brewton said. “We’re grateful to our city leaders and academy partners for supporting us and seeing our academy’s potential to make a long-term positive impact on communities.”

The academy recently celebrated its fourth graduating class, with three new re ghters joining Albemarle Fire, and other graduates joining East Side Volunteer Fire Department and Fairview Fire and Rescue Department.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | MICHAEL

PALMER

MY HOW TIME FLIES! It seems it was not that long ago that Stanly County Commissioner Peter Asciutto was publicly calling for mandatory vaccines for all county employees. And during this time period he also red a long time employee at Vac and Dash for refusing to wear a face mask despite having a doctor’s medical exemption (it was me). Now, just prior to election season, he apparently feels like it is up to the individual whether to mask or not. No comment from him if his vaccine mandate stance has changed in the political wind but it would be a question worth asking.

I see he is once again posting campaign signs touting that he is a “Conservative” when nothing could be further from the truth. When I asked him about his support for Donald Trump and important conservative issues, he just winked and stated, “Oh, I mean scal conservative.” It is just his duplicitous way of harvesting low information

voters who saw a sign on the roadside and have no idea what kind of conservative he actually is.

Just like his hero, Joe Biden, Asciutto takes the wrong side of every political issue, both locally and nationally. His poor decisions usually come back to haunt him as witnessed by his obvious discomfort over the Greyhound bus stop he initiated and pro ted from on ticket sales. Despite public outcry by business owners over the continuing in ux of homeless bus riders inundating our community he still supports the bus stop.

And then there was his ill conceived and thankfully short lived discussion about removing a certain statue in a local park... the list goes on and on - hopefully the good citizens of Stanly County will take RINO Asciutto at his word that “Elections Matter” and vote him out!

Michael Palmer lives in Albemarle.

Get ‘otter’ here!

Selene, one of the three female otters born to Leia and Quincy at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) in 2022, has moved out of the house. She was sent to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium as part of a breeding program to ensure a genetically diverse and biologically sound otter population. Only one of the triplets, Stella, remains in North Carolina after Mae was sent to Florida last fall. The zoo said it is natural behavior for a mother Asian small-clawed otter as the dominant female in the romp, to choose to move out mature female otter o spring.

Hicks said. “All the businesses downtown are struggling… I have invested my entire life in this town and I will not quit. I’m going to do everything I can to make this city something great.”

“Downtown Albemarle has got some life in it again,” said Tomahawk Throwing Range owner Garrett Starnes, in support of the amendment. “I realize people have reservations about people drinking or having bars, but the dirty little truth is, if it’s a moral argument, that bucket doesn’t carry water. People are going to drink.”

The next Albemarle City Council meeting is set for March 4 inside the City Hall Council Chambers.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT FORT FISHER

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | ADINA SAFTA

A sports analogy: fantasy football and politics

Spend as much time researching your primary ballot as you would treat your fantasy football team.

HISTORICALLY, fantasy football has been the highlight of the NFL season all around the country. Fantasy football is unique to other sports because of the fact that you are not rooting for a team, rather a player whom you believe in. Extensive research goes into looking at the history of the player and their record, in order to weigh the pros and cons of choosing that player to be on your fantasy team.

With football season now over, we kick o our Primary election season.

Spend as much time researching your primary ballot as you would treat your fantasy football team. Mark the circle next to their name if you are con dent that they can win in the General Election for you. Ask yourself the question “Does this candidate have the experience to ful ll the promises that they are making?” It takes ve minutes to research and look at the candidate’s history and experience. Some tips for where to get started: NC Voter Record - look at how they voted in the past LinkedIn Experience - validate their

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

quali cations

White pages - look at their history and background

NC Secretary of State - verify if they own a business Campaign Website - compare their promises to your research

For too long we’ve heard politicians talk the talk and forget to walk the walk. In some way, we can’t fully blame them or hold them accountable if we are the ones electing them based on false narratives or ampli ed campaigns.

Albert Einstein is oft-attributable as saying; “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting di erent results.”

The primary election is more critical than the general election. On a ballot with twelve positions, there will typically be 2-3 candidates to choose from. In the primary is when you can choose the best person for the job and to represent your party.

Many political groups, PACs, politicians, and leaders stress the fact that they are staying out of the primary. In fantasy

Biden open-door policy: some facts and historical context

Biden should be able to undo by executive order the policies he put in place by executive order.

WHAT’S BEEN MISSING these past couple of months from the coverage of and debate over the failed immigration bill? Some important basic facts and lots of historical context.

First, basic facts. Coverage in left-leaning newspapers and even in the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial page has suggested that without new legislation, the Biden administration would lack the legal authorization to reduce the record number of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border and remaining in the United States.

The record is not in doubt. Customs and Border Protection has reported 302,000 immigrant encounters in December, the highest in history. Similarly, the total for the rst three months of the scal year — October, November and December 2023 — was 785,000 encounters, again a historical high. There’s no escaping the fact that illegal border crossings have been at record levels during the Biden administration.

And there’s no escaping, though in journalism, there’s been plenty of evading, the fact that this surge of illegal immigration is the direct and predictable result of changes in regulation and administrative practice by the Biden administration.

For example, the president long boasted of signing on his rst day in o ce an executive order repealing former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. That policy was the product of Trump’s pressure on Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in response to a signi cantly smaller border surge.

Biden should be able to undo by executive order the policies he put in place by executive order. Any order issued on Day 1 of an

administration should be revokable just as rapidly by the same administration.

Evidently, some Biden advisers agree. According to the left-leaning Axios website, President Joe Biden “has considered ... an executive order that would dramatically stanch the record ow of migrants into the Southwest,” to be issued before his March 7 scheduled State of the Union address.

So the claims that Republicans, by opposing the Senate measure the Senate never passed, have prevented Biden from e ectively enforcing the border are incorrect. And the reason for Republicans’ skepticism about whether Biden would use enhanced border control authority is obviously justi ed by Biden’s refusal to use the authority he currently has.

Biden has let in this record surge of illegal immigrants. He could cut it o .

This surge, by the way, includes relatively few Mexicans. Instead, many are from troubled Latin nations — Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador — and, as Fox News’ Bill Melugin reports, from farther a eld: China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, Africa.

The fact is that when Trump came down the escalator in June 2015 and said Mexico was “not sending their best,” the surge of low-skill immigration from Mexico, which lasted from 1982 until the mortgage security crisis in 2007, was already over. We were in the midst of a pause in mass immigration, something like the pause that occurred after the 1924 Immigration Act, which limited immigration beyond western and northern Europe.

Immigration restrictionists say that earlier pause allowed or furthered assimilation

football, that’s like getting the rst draft and saying that you will pass on it and wait until the end to choose from whatever is left. Nobody does that.

If you stay out of the primary, then you should really just stay out of the entire election. We should focus on electing the right people, rather than the party. Once you get to the general, you have one candidate per position to represent your party. Don’t make the mistake of voting down the ballot and being fooled by the person’s letter next to their name.

Grab your friends, print out your district ballot and throw a Primary Season Party. Research the candidates, ask questions, and make it fun! Our elections don’t have to be boring and we the people, don’t have to sit this one out. Fantasy Football is every year. Our elections are every 2-4 years. Make this election count and let’s send the best players to the General Election!

Adina Safta is in public relations and lives in Wake County.

of the huge 1892-1914 Ellis Island surge of immigrants from eastern and southern Europe. The post-2007 pause seems to have facilitated the assimilation of legal Latin immigrants, as evidenced by, among other things, increased willingness to vote Republican, which I noted in a recent column.

That 1982-2007 immigration surge may have occurred in response to the labor market’s low supply of low-skill workers due to reduced workforce participation by low-skill black and white Americans. The argument then made was that it was too much to expect urban ghetto residents to travel a dozen miles to new suburban workplaces. But Mexican immigrants proved willing to travel 1,200 miles and more for those jobs.

There’s an echo here of the 75 years after the Civil War, when few black or white Southerners were willing to move to the higher-wage but culturally hostile North. Instead, the rapidly expanding number of jobs in garment sweatshops in Manhattan and steel mills along the Monongahela and Mahoning rivers were lled by Ellis Island immigrants from Eastern Europe and southern Italy.

Are the million-plus illegal immigrants that the Biden administration has let into the country, with some told to report for court hearings in 2031, lling a gap not lled by American workers? Or, as seems more likely, is America getting a million-plus low-skill residents who will be stuck in illegal status inde nitely?

There’s little evidence the Biden administration ever pondered such questions in its haste to overturn the policies of the Evil Orange Man and slam the border wide open.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA Hawks guard Young out at least 4 weeks

Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks have lost All-Star point guard Trae Young for at least four weeks with a torn ligament in his left pinkie nger. Young was hurt during Friday night’s loss to Toronto and had surgery Tuesday in New York. The team says Young will be evaluated in four weeks. The Hawks are ghting for the nal playin spot in the Eastern Conference. Young leads Atlanta with his averages of 26.4 points and 10.8 assists per game.

MLB

Bellinger returning to Cubs on 3-year $80M deal Chicago

Cody Bellinger is going back to the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to an $80 million, three-year contract. The slugger can opt out of the deal after each of the rst two years. Bellinger’s return is a big win for the Cubs, who waited into spring training as the center elder explored his options in free agency. He hit a career-best .307 with 26 homers, 97 RBIs and 20 steals in 130 games for Chicago in 2023. Bellinger is set to make $30 million this year, and then $30 million in 2025 if he stays with Chicago and $20 million in 2026 if he doesn’t opt out of the contract.

NHL Coyotes terminate Ruzicka’s contract after social media video surfaces Tempe, Ariz. The Arizona Coyotes terminated Adam Ruzicka’s contract after he cleared unconditional waivers. The moves come after Ruzicka posted to social media a video showing him with a white powder appearing to be cocaine and a credit card on a counter. Ruzicka was in the second season of a two-year contract worth $1.525 million. The 24-year-old from Slovakia had been with the Coyotes for only about a month since they claimed him o waivers from the Calgary Flames. Ruzicka had no points in three games with Arizona after nine in 39 with Calgary. He has played in 117 NHL games since making his debut in April 2021.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

ODU coach Jones retires after heart attack amid prostate cancer

Norfolk, Va.

Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Je Jones, who stepped away from his job last month following a heart attack and amid prostate cancer, has announced his retirement. The 63-yearold Jones fought back tears during a 40-minute news conference Monday in front of family, friends, sta members and current and former players. Jones nishes his 32-year coaching career with a 560-418 record. He made eight NCAA Tournament appearances and led his alma mater, Virginia, to an Elite Eight appearance in 1995 and an NIT title in 1992.

SPORTS

Suarez edges Blaney, Busch for thrilling win at Atlanta

The Trackhouse Racing driver got to the line rst in a three-wide nish for his second career win

By Charles Odum The Associated Press

HAMPTON, Ga. — Daniel Suarez hoped but wasn’t certain he was the winner after the closest nish ever at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Then came the photo evidence: Suarez edged Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide blur at the line to win a crashed- lled NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

The second career win in 253 Cup races for Suarez set o a celebration that included a long series of congratulations from

other drivers for the popular native of Monterrey, Mexico.

“It was a very special moment,” said Suarez, who entered this contract year with his future seemingly uncertain with Trackhouse Racing.

“I was just hoping. I saw the tower and thought I was rst. I thought I had it but then they said there was a review.”

The review con rmed the rst win for Suarez since June 2022 at Sonoma. It was his rst victory on a speedway, but he said he’s not satis ed after locking up a spot in the playo s in only the second race of the year.

“Some people actually told me you can relax, now you’re in the playo s,” Suarez said. “Hell no! My goal is to win more than one race. This is not relaxing

Duke’s Filipowski injured when Wake Forest fans storm court

The Blue Devils’ big man hurt his knee in a collision on the court

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM —

Kyle

Filipowski remembered seeing the images of Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark being accidentally knocked down by a fan storming the court after her team su ered an upset loss.

Roughly a month later, Duke’s 7-foot star found himself part of the same discussion on the dangers of court-storming, his right leg wrapped in plastic to fasten an icebag to his kneecap. And he wasn’t happy about what had just happened.

“Just like any other upset game where the fans rush the court, all hell goes crazy,” Filipowski said after being hobbled in a collision with an on-rushing fan after the eighth-ranked Blue Devils lost at Wake Forest on Saturday. “Just trying to get my way o the court, and you know, you’ve got these crazy college students just doing whatever they want. It’s got to be a little more protective when things like that happen.”

The Clark incident, coming

Jan. 21 after then-No. 2 Iowa’s loss at Ohio State, o ered a reminder of the risk facing athletes and coaching sta s stuck in the path of an oncoming exuberant rush of fans eager to celebrate at midcourt.

It’s long been regarded as a rite of passage and part of the fabric of college athletics, most notably in a sport that captures the national spotlight every year with its “March Madness” spectacle in the NCAA Tournament. Yet Saturday marked the latest incident of the potentially combustible combination created by fans venturing between the lines that belong to the athletes right up to that nal horn.

“When are we going to ban court-storming?” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “Like, when are we going to ban that? How many times does a player have to get into something where they get punched or they get pushed or they get taunted right in their face? It’s a dangerous thing.”

Later Saturday night, Wake Forest athletics director John Currie issued a statement saying he had expressed “regret” for the incident to Duke athletics director Nina King as well as to Atlantic Coast Conference senior associate commissioner Paul Brazeau.

here. ... The goal is for you to not be surprised when the 99 is in victory lane.”

Busch, who won Saturday’s Trucks race, moved to the middle between Blaney, the 2023 Cup champion, and Suarez to set up the dramatic nish. Blaney was second, only 0.003 seconds behind, and Busch was third.

“It was fun racing, but just a couple inches short,” Blaney said. “I’m happy for Daniel, though. That was fun racing him and Kyle. That was fun.”

Suarez gave credit to Busch, another Chevrolet driver, for providing a late push.

“It’s good to see Daniel get a win,” Busch said. “We were helping each other being Chevy team partners and working together there. Shows that when

you do have friends and you can make alliances that they do seem to work, and that was a good part of today.”

A massive pileup of at least 16 cars on the second lap was the biggest in the history of Atlanta Motor Speedway and set the pace for a procession of wrecks. The crash left many cars heavily taped for the remainder of the afternoon.

The intensity picked up when Austin Cindric went to the bottom of the track in his Team Penske Ford for a fourwide pass to take the lead with 50 laps remaining.

Michael McDowell, who on Saturday won his rst pole in his 467th start, won the rst stage but collided with Daytona 500 champion William Byron while trying to slow down to enter pit row in the second stage. McDowell su ered right front damage and each car fell one lap behind before McDowell made his way back to the lead midway through the nal stage. He nished eighth.

The Cup Series moves to Las Vegas next weekend.

“Although our event management sta and security had rehearsed postgame procedures to protect the visiting team and o cials, we clearly must do better,” Currie said. The prologue came with Duke trailing by four with 1.8 seconds left, down to a single inbounds heave for some type of miracle nish. Fans had already moved down to the court area as Mark Mitchell heaved a long inbounds pass that was intercepted by Cam Hildreth near midcourt. And they were at full sprint once the horn sounded.

“I mean, like everyone knew it was coming,” Filipowski said. “They were up four with 2 seconds left. Everyone was just

waiting for the moment. Did they do anything to stop it? They didn’t do anything to stop it. That’s just ridiculous.” Scheyer — who referenced the Clark incident and said he regretted not pulling his players o the court sooner — was asked whether he would press the issue with ACC o cials for changes going forward.

“Yeah, they’re here today, you see it,” Scheyer said. “Who in their right mind can see that and (say), ‘Yeah, that’s smart’? It’s dangerous. In what other sport does that happen? And I’m telling you, I don’t even think, it was — what, did the buzzer go o and all of a sudden fans are at halfcourt.”

Three Stanly made a

By Jesse Stanly County ONE WEEK Yadkin Valley lar season Stanly, the boys’ basketball the Comets ence’s tournament over the weekend. Extending ning streak, Yadkin Valley)

JOHN BAZEMORE | AP PHOTO

Daniel Suarez (99), left, edges Kyle Busch (8), center, and Ryan Blaney (12) at the nish line to win Sunday’s Cup Series race at Atlanta.

CHUCK BURTON | AP PHOTO

Fans storm the court as they celebrate with Wake Forest players after the Demon Deacons defeated Duke on Saturday in Winston-Salem.

Albemarle girls win YVC Tournament, advance to state playo

Four Stanly girls’ teams made a state playo berth

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

THE ALBEMARLE BULLDOGS girls’ basketball team continued its valiant 2023-24 campaign on Friday with a 6557 victory over Union Academy to win the Yadkin Valley Conference Tournament

Junior point guard Amari Baldwin led the Bulldogs (223, 12-0 Yadkin Valley) with 30 points as Albemarle pulled out the eight-point win over the Cardinals (19-4, 8-3 Yadkin Valley).

With a 12-0 conference record, the Bulldogs now have a tournament championship to go with their regular-season championship as the 2023-24 North Carolina High School Athletic Association state playo s begin this week.

In the 1A bracket, No. 4 Albemarle hosted the No. 29 Mountain Island Charter Raptors (8-14, 5-9 Catawba Shores) on

s

Tuesday. Last season, the Bulldogs made it to the second round of play before getting knocked out of the tournament in a home loss to Robbinsville.

Union Academy 61, North Stanly 57

On Thursday, the North Stanly Comets (19-5, 6-4 Yadkin Valley) su ered a four-point road loss to the Union Academy Cardinals in the semi nals of the YVC Tournament.

Despite a strong season overall, the Comets struggled with Union Academy over the course of the campaign. The Cardinals accounted for three of North’s ve losses this season: a 23-point home loss on Jan. 5, a 22-point road loss on Jan. 30, and then the latest meeting between the two teams.

North’s postseason continued this week with a state playo berth. In the 2A bracket, No. 7 North hosted a familiar foe in the No. 26 Mount Pleasant Tigers (11-14, 4-7 Yadkin Valley) on Tuesday.

Monroe 50, West Stanly 22

The West Stanly Colts (1312, 10-2 Rocky River) were defeated at home by the Monroe Redhawks (11-15, 7-6 Rocky River) last week in the RRC Tournament last week.

While the Colts won their regular-season conference title with a 10-2 record in YVC play, they fell short in their 28-point home loss to the Redhawks.

On Tuesday, West hosted the No. 23 McMichael Phoenix (13-9, 10-2 Mid-State) as a No. 10 seed in the 2A bracket.

Mount Pleasant 40, Gray Stone 24

On. Feb. 19, the Gray Stone Knights (8-15, 2-8 Yadkin Valley) had a 16-point road loss to the Mount Pleasant Tigers.

Receiving a No. 31 seed in the 1A state playo bracket, the Knights traveled to face the No. 2 Bishop McGuinness Villains (22-4, 12-0 Northwest Piedmont) on Tuesday.

North Stanly 58, South Stanly 20

In the rst round of the YVC Tournament, the South Stanly Bulls (1-21, 0-10 Yadkin Valley) su ered a 38-point road loss to North Stanly last week. The Bulls’ season ended with only one win as well as a winless record in conference play.

Drew Gaddy

South Stanly, boys’ basketball

Drew Gaddy is a senior guard for the South Stanly boy’s basketball team.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls nished their regular season with a 22-4 record and rst place in the Yadkin Valley at 9-1. They also won the Yadkin conference tournament and enter the state 1A playo s as a 7-seed.

Gaddy is one of the top scorers and rebounders on the team and has stepped up as the team’s top go-to option as the season winds down. He scored a team-high 21 points in the YVC tourney winning game against North Stanly and added a team-high 18 with 8 rebounds in the previous game, a win over Union Academy.

South Stanly boys defeat North Stanly in conference tournament championship

Three Stanly boys’ teams made a state playo berth

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ONE WEEK after winning the Yadkin Valley Conference regular season in a victory over North Stanly, the South Stanly Bulls boys’ basketball team took down the Comets again in the conference’s tournament championship over the weekend.

Extending a ve-game winning streak, the Bulls (22-4, 9-1 Yadkin Valley) defeated the Com-

ets (19-7, 8-2 Yadkin Valley) in a 63-44 nish at Mount Pleasant High School, coasting o a combined 41 points from senior Drew Gaddy and junior Gavyn Miller.

South had previously bested Union Academy (7-19, 4-6 Yadkin Valley) 70-59 in an earlier tournament round while North had gotten past Mount Pleasant (12-13, 7-3 Yadkin Valley) in a 6051 nish.

On Sunday, both schools received a bid to play in their respective brackets in the 2023-24 North Carolina High School Athletic Association state playo s.

Over in the 1A bracket, No. 7 South hosted the No. 26 East Wilkes Cardinals (10-14, 4-8 Northwest) on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, No. 10 North hosted the No. 23 Bandys Trojans (1510, 7-7 Catawba Valley) in the 2A bracket.

Anson 88, West Stanly 70

Following a four-game winning streak last month, the West Stanly Colts (12-13, 5-7 Rocky River) are now the victims of four losses in a row. The Colts lost on the road to

Anson Bearcats (14-12, 5-7 Rocky River) on Feb. 20 in the rst round of the Rocky River Conference Tournament. Despite a rocky stretch of performances, West did receive a state playo berth in the 2A bracket. On Tuesday, the No. 30 Colts traveled to face the No. 3 Newton-Conover Red Devils (207, 12-2 Catawba Valley) as an underdog.

Union Academy 82, Albemarle 79

The postseason of the Albe-

Currys reunite for Hornets-Warriors game

The Magic’s G League guard beat Boston’s Jaylen Brown in the nal

By Michael Marot

Associated Press

The

SAN FRANCISCO — Dell Curry needed to work o some nerves, so he headed out for his typical three-mile pregame walk through San Francisco and grabbed a nice lunch, caught up with some friends and pondered a bit about the day ahead.

For the rst time, Curry had the chance to broadcast a game featuring not one but both of his NBA-playing sons Friday night at Chase Center: Stephen Curry and his Golden State Warriors host-

ing Seth Curry and the Charlotte Hornets — dad’s old team where he now works on the broadcast.

“It’s a father’s dream come true to be able to call a game both your sons are playing,” Dell Curry said, standing near the Hornets bench as Seth Curry warmed up some 10 feet away. “Of course they played against each other, but to be able to call it, I can’t explain it. It’s really amazing.”

Seth Curry was traded from Dallas to Charlotte earlier this month and is now wearing No. 30 just like Dell and his older brother.

Seth and Stephen have faced o many times, but this marked a rst with their dad wearing the headset.

“No, you never envision that,”

Dell said. “Even when Seth got traded it was such a shock to call his games with him in the Hornets wearing my jersey. I didn’t think about this game ahead of time until I was like, ‘Oh wow, we haven’t played the Warriors yet and we’re going to be doing it for both games. I woke up a little nervous this morning but all that’s gone away.”

Stephen, the two-time MVP and all-time 3-point leader who turns 36 next month, feels a bit outnumbered nowadays when the Hornets turn up on the schedule.

“I can’t imagine. Having kids and seeing them accomplish anything is like the biggest joy,” Stephen said. “And now, we’ve been in the league for a long time so

he’s had the moments of, I’m sure, re ection of being able to process our individual journeys and our di erences and we all had di erent paths to get here, but now to have a son playing for the same team he played for as an original Hornet, I told them I’m outnumbered now when they come in, it’s two Currys against one. It is pretty special.”

At 33, Seth is playing for his ninth NBA team. He takes great pride in this latest opportunity to play as his dad works the games.

“It’s a special night. We’ve matched up for years but obviously the rst time he’s in the building since the playo s in 2019 when we played against each other,” Seth said after nishing his warmup routine in refer-

HUDL

marle Bulldogs (3-21, 2-8 Yadkin Valley) ended on Feb. 19 as they lost on the road to the Union Academy Cardinals in the rst round of the YVC Tournament.

Just one season after nabbing a winning record and thirdplace conference position, the Bulldogs nished their 2023-24 campaign with only three wins to go with a fth-place spot in the nal conference standings.

Mount Pleasant 76, Gray Stone 25

On Feb. 19, the Gray Stone Knights (1-20, 0-10 Yadkin Valley) were defeated in the rst round of the YVC Tournament by the Mount Pleasant Tigers in a 51-point road loss.

The Knights were outscored 1347 to 605 throughout the course of a season where they managed to get one win in 21 contests.

ence to the Western Conference Finals between his then-Trail Blazers against the Warriors. He hasn’t seen us match up in person for a while but also he’s calling, so it’s a di erent dynamic for him. I think he’s probably the most excited.”

Dell Curry realizes how remarkable this is for the entire family, and he never will take for granted how both his sons followed his path to successful NBA careers — Stephen playing his 15th season and Seth in his 10th after missing one year with an injury.

“I know how hard it is to get to the league, I played in the league but the best thing about it is they do, too,” Dell said. “They don’t take this for granted. The window is short. It’s Seth’s 10th year, Steph’s 15th, it’s still a small part of your life you get to play in the NBA. I know they’re cherishing it just as much as I am.”

Millennial Money: Should you care about your partner’s credit score?

By Lauren Schwahn NerdWallet

DISCUSSING CREDIT

SCORES with your partner isn’t anyone’s idea of pillow talk. But the conversation can provide important clues about your beloved’s history with money and what your nancial future together could look like.

Why do credit scores matter, and are they enough to make or break a relationship? Here’s what couples should know about scores and what else they should discuss when it comes to theirnances.

CREDIT SCORES CARRY

WEIGHT

Credit scores can determine whether you and your signi cant other get approved for loans, what kind of interest rates you’ll get and how much you’ll have to put down for a utility deposit.

“Having good credit is denitely important for a ordability for many di erent things, like when it comes to purchasing a car or applying for an apartment or a mortgage,” says Shamica Joseph, a former nancial counselor at GreenPath, a nonpro t credit counseling agency.

Spouses don’t merge credit scores when they get married. But if you plan to combine or open credit accounts together, regardless of marital status, your partner’s behavior on those accounts can shift your scores. The same goes if one of you becomes an authorized user or co-signer for the other.

Low scores can prevent you and your sweetheart from accessing certain products and ser-

vices you desire, or make them more expensive.

“Even if you weren’t planning on merging nances, it’s still a good idea to make sure that your credit score is where you want it to be for a ordability purposes, for not just you but your partner,” Joseph says.

BUT SCORES DON’T TELL

THE WHOLE STORY

Many factors a ect credit scores, mainly payment history and how much credit you

use. If your partner has a score of 700 — in the “good” range on the standard 300 to 850 scale — they likely pay their bills on time and don’t overspend. A 600 score, typically in the “bad” range, signals the opposite.

But don’t rush to judgment. While numbers are revealing, context matters. A signi cant other’s low credit score could be the result of an unexpected medical bill, job loss or identity theft.

“While it doesn’t change the fact that they still have to come back and repair the cred-

it, the reasons might be a little less alarming or challenging for a partner to learn rather than, ‘Yeah, I went ahead and spent willy-nilly. I took out extra credit cards. I defaulted,’” says Debra Kaplan, a Tucson, Arizona-based licensed professional counselor and author of several books about money and intimacy. A low score doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker, even if it’s due to irresponsibility. “If your partner has previously declared bankruptcy or if they

have a less than optimal credit score, then a common myth around that is that they may not be a good t for a relationship or marriage,” Joseph says. “That’s not necessarily true, because you will have the opportunity to work on improving your nances together.”

Ask your loved one to explain what might be dragging their number down and what steps they’ll take to address it going forward.

WHEN AND HOW TO TALK ABOUT MONEY

“So, what’s your credit score?” isn’t a great opening line for a rst date. But it’s worth bringing up the topic as the relationship develops, ideally before making any major decisions like moving in together.

To create a respectful dialogue rather than an interrogation, Kaplan recommends starting from a vulnerable place. You could say something like, “I want to share a little bit about me, would you be willing to listen? And I have some questions that, if you’re willing, I would love to ask of you to share,” she says.

Remember, the conversation should cover more than credit scores. “It’s a good idea to discuss things like savings. Do you have a savings plan or do you want to start a savings plan together for future goals?” Joseph says. She also suggests talking about spending habits, budgeting, income, debt and any potential or previous bankruptcies.

If your partner shuts down the conversation, that could be cause for concern.

“The issue doesn’t get any easier to discuss. In fact, it becomes more complicated. And it could be indicative of avoidance of dealing with tough situations,” Kaplan says. “That’s not a great way to start a trusting, healthy, committed, intimate relationship.”

US airman dies after setting himself ablaze outside Israeli Embassy in Israel-Hamas war protest

By Michael Balsamo The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force has died after he set himself ablaze outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., while declaring that he “will no longer be complicit in genocide.”

The 25-year-old airman, Aaron Bushnell, of San Antonio, Texas, died from his injuries, the Metropolitan Police Department said Monday.

Bushnell had walked up to the embassy shortly before 1 p.m. on Sunday and began livestreaming on the video streaming platform Twitch, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Law enforcement o cials believe the man started a livestream, set his phone down and then doused himself in accelerant and ignited the ames. At one point, he said he “will no longer be complicit in genocide,” the person said. The video was later removed from the platform, but law enforcement o cials have obtained and reviewed a copy.

The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke

to the AP on condition of anonymity.

In a statement Monday, the Air Force said, “The individual involved in yesterday’s incident succumbed to his injuries and passed away last night.” The Air Force said it would provide additional information a day after military o cials complete notifying his next of kin.

The incident happened as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking the cabinet approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah while a temporary cease- re deal is being negotiated. Israel’s military o ensive in Gaza, however, has drawn criticisms, including genocide claims against the Palestinians.

Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law in the Israel-Hamas war.

In December, a person self-immolated outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta and used gasoline as an accelerant, according to Atlanta’s re authorities. A Palestinian ag was found at the scene, and the act was believed to be one of “extreme political protest.”

MATT SLOCUM / AP PHOTO

The likeness of George Washington is seen on a U.S. one dollar bill, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa.

MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

Dwight Farmer

James Roseboro

John B. Kluttz

Margaret

Elizabeth

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Braunsberg

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

November 15, 1941 — February 23, 2024

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.

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.

Margaret Elizabeth Simon Braunsberg, 82, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024, at her daughter's home. Margaret was born November 15, 1941 to the late Joseph Simon and the late Margaret Barto Simon. She was also preceded in death by husband, Walter Charles Braunsberg, Sr.; son, Walter Thomas Braunsberg; brother, Ronnie Simon. Survivors include son, Walter Charles Braunsberg, Jr. of Albemarle, NC; daughter, Lisa (Frank) Cline of New London, NC; grandchildren, Vincent (Sierra) Braunsberg, Brittany (Aaron) Cline, Samantha Braunsberg, Dylan Cline, Austin Braunsberg, Shianne (Cory) Cline, and Aaron Braunsberg; great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Elena, Grayson, Emmett, and Emily; and sister, Barbara Devine of Charlotte, NC.

Bobbie Nell E rd

October 5, 1930 — February 22, 2024

Bobbie Nell Burleson E rd, 93, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Bobbie Nell was born and raised in the Endy community of Stanly County.

Her and husband Kenneth's greatest passion and dedication was serving the Lord at St. Martin's Lutheran Church.

Bobbie was born October 5, 1930, to the late Clyde N. Burleson, Sr. and the late Phronie Lee Morgan Burleson. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, James Kenneth E rd; infant son, David Neal E rd; and siblings, Dillion Burleson, Audrey Faulkenbury, Joyce Burleson, and Evelyn Clark. Bobbie is survived by sons, Kevin (Nina) E rd, Dr. Randy (Lee Ann) E rd, and Bruce (Gayla) E rd; nine grandchildren, Matthew (Rachel) E rd, Levi (Mandy) E rd, Kyle (Nichole) E rd, Ben E rd, Caleb (Katie) E rd, Will (Elaina) E rd, Campbell E rd, Victoria (Jake) McCrary, and Alexandra (Andrew) Foster; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother, Clyde N. Burleson, Jr.; and sister, Marie (Carlton) Skipper.

Susan Glover Stiller

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

May 19, 1942 — February 22,

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

2024

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran. He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheri ’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty.

Susan Aldenna Glover Stiller, 81, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte. Susan was born May 19, 1942 in North Carolina to the late Lillie Mae Glover. She was also preceded in death by daughter, Cindy Dawn Stiller and sister, Carolyn Lowe. Survivors include husband of 53 years, William Ronnie Stiller of the home; daughters, Jaime Lynn (Tom) Grewell and Atonya (Mike) Slusher; grandchildren, Krystopher (Kristen) Slusher, Tabytha (David) Dixon, and Cecilia Whiteman; and greatgrandchildren, Deagan Dixon, Haydon Dixon, Avery Dixon, Liam Slusher, Owen Slusher, and Khloe Slusher. Susan loved crafting and collecting porcelain dolls. Susan and Ronnie enjoyed the beach and shing together. She loved her pet bunny, Lola and enjoyed feeding her chickens.

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.

Valerie Ann DeSena

July 27, 1965 — February 20,

2024

Valerie Ann DeSena, 58, of New London, was called home to our Heavenly Father Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital surround by her loving family. Ms. DeSena was born July 27, 1965, in New York to the late Eugene Thomas Chaput and Louise Chaput. Valerie very much enjoyed her time spent with her daughter and grandchildren. She enjoyed karaoke with friends, and was always the life of the party. Everyone that knew Valerie loved her and her personality was contagious. Her greatest joy in life was her making memories with her family. She is survived by her daughter, Elysha L DeSena of New London, NC; grandchildren, KaileeAnn DeSena, Aj Walter, Landon Walter, Oaklynn Stirewalt; brothers, Kenneth (Samantha) Chaput, Raymond (Linda) Chaput, Eugene (Diane) Chaput; and ex-husband, John DeSena, as well as many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

William Gerald Austin

Pol Sofros

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

March 15, 1930 — February 18,

Doris Jones Coleman

William Davis Almond

April 2, 1936 — February 21,

2024

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

William Gerald Austin, 87, of Marshville, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at his home. Bill was born April 22, 1936, in Union County, North Carolina to the late Jacob Henderson Austin and the late Emma Austin. He was also preceded in death by wife, Doris Jean Austin of 56 years. Survivors include daughter, Christina Wynne (Edward) McDermott of Stan eld, NC; sister Nadine Hicks; grandchildren, Anna Vandergrift, Melissa Huneycutt, Jessica Gallaher, Billy McDermott, Eddie McDermott, David McDermott, Carrie McDermott; 7 greatgrandchildren; as well as 1 great-great grandchild. After serving three years in the Air Force, Bill proudly worked for Douglas Aircraft where he manufactured planes. He then moved to Folger Buick where he served a 35 career as a cars salesman.

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.

Marcus James McClellan

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

July 2, 1979 — February 18,

2024

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.

Marcus James McClellan, 44, of Asheville, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Mission Hospital in Asheville following a brief illness. Marcus was born July 2 ,1979 in Concord, NC to Harris James "Butch" McClellan of Concord and Sheila Gaskey McClellan of Durham. Marcus was preceded in death by grandparents Jesse and Frances Gaskey and Jim and Marjorie McClellan. In addition to parents, he is survived by sister, Jessica McClellan and niece, Kenley Work of Durham, his partner, Stephanie Tomatis and her children, Tya and Serigne of Asheville along with cousins, aunts and uncles. Marcus was owner and president of Asheville Building Solutions.

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.

2024 Pol Sofras, 93, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis. Pol was born March 15, 1930 in Greece to the late George Sofras and the late Penelope Sofras. He was also preceded in death by his two sisters, Marika Terzaki and Elenie Tsakoua. Survivors include wife, Pamela Anderson Sofras of Charlotte, NC and daughter, Isabelle SofrasEdwards. Pol dedicated his life to music. He spent 50 years as a concert harpist in several di erent world-wide symphony orchestras.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

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.

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 Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the

At age 50, after years as a Detroit

Audrey "Jackie" Woodie Furr

February 19, 1932 — February 17, 2024

June 22, 1940 — February 18, 2024 William Davis Almond, 83, of Albemarle, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital in Concord. Bill was born June 22, 1940 in North Carolina to the late Floyd Davis Almond and the late Pauline Elizabeth Almond. He was also preceded in death by wife, Freida Annette Almond, son, Je rey Almond, sister, Eva Mae Almond and brother, Larry Wayne Almond. William was loved by many and had many nicknames such as W.D., Bud, and Dee. Survivors include daughter, Shannon (Bennett Sr.) Tucker of Oakboro, NC, grandsons, Bennett (Samantha Mendenhall) Tucker, Jr., Dillon Tucker and great grand daughters Alissa, and Kyly, sister, Margaret Herlocker, sister in law, Pat Almond, sister in law, Bonita Bloodworth (Robert), Richard (Jane) Deas.

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.

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

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. 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.

Our beloved mother, Audrey Elizabeth Woodie Furr, passed away on February 17, 2024, at the age of 91. We are heartbroken to lose someone so special. She was a wonderful mother who will be deeply missed. "Jackie" was born in West Je erson, North Carolina in 1932 to the late E.O. Woodie and the late Ella Black Woodie. She studied home economics at Catawba College where she met the love of her life, James H. Furr. On September 19, 1951, they were married and then moved to Concord, North Carolina where she began working at Cannon Mills in the secretarial eld. She then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in Moore's Park where she became a loving mother to two girls. Jackie was active in her church and community, as well as the girl's schools. In later years, they moved back to Concord after the girls were grown. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, cooking and crafts. She loved her family to the fullest and will be remembered by her sense of humor, smile, and loving spirit. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death and reunited in eternal life by her husband, Jim; sisters, Marie Woodie McMillian and Kathleen Woodie Hege; and brother, Bill Woodie.

Nancee Kae Hrisko

March 13, 1969 — February 19,

2024

Nancee Kae Hrisko, 54, of New London, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024 at her home. Nancee was born March 13, 1969, in California to the late Donald Scott and the late Sally Evelyn Stocker.

worked for Pediatrician Dr. William years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left 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.

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

How Trump won in South Carolina — and what it could mean for his chances in November

By Josh Boak The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donald Trump won over South Carolina Republicans as the candidate who voters believe can win in November, keep the country safe and will stand up and ght for them as president.

Trump cruised to victory in the South Carolina primary with the support of an almost unwavering base of loyal voters. AP VoteCast found that Republicans in the state are broadly aligned with Trumps’s goals: Many question the value of supporting Ukraine’s ght against Russia; and overwhelming majorities see immigrants as hurting the U.S. and suspect that there are nefarious political motives behind Trump’s multiple criminal indictments.

Even in her home state of South Carolina, where she was once governor, Nikki Haley appeared to have little chance against Trump.

Just over half of GOP voters had a favorable view of her, whereas about two-thirds had a positive view of Trump.

About 6 in 10 South Carolina voters consider themselves supporters of the “Make America Great Again” movement, a Trump slogan that helped catapult him to the White House in 2016. About 9 in 10 Trump voters said they were

far more likely to view Trump than Haley as someone who would “stand up and ght for people like you” and to say he would keep the country safe. And about 7 in 10 say he has the mental capability to serve e ectively as president.

At the age of 52, Haley has bet that she can o er a generational change for the GOP. But the future she articulated has little basis in the present-day GOP, even in South Carolina, where she previously won two terms as governor. About 4 in 10 of South Carolina Republicans — including about 6 in 10 of those supporting Trump — say they have an unfavorable opinion of her.

white, older and without a college degree. But about 9 in 10 of South Carolina’s primary voters were white, making it hard to see if Trump has made inroads with Black voters whom he has attempted to win over.

Haley outpaced Trump among college-educated voters, a relative weakness for him that could matter in November as people with college degrees are a growing share of the overall electorate. Even though South Carolina Republican voters believe that Trump can win in November, some had worries about his viability.

driven by their support for him, not by objections to his opponent.

Haley’s voters were much more divided: About half were motivated by supporting her, but nearly as many turned out to oppose

Trump. Trump’s victory in South Carolina looked remarkably similar to his wins in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary.

It’s a sign that regional di erences that once existed within the GOP have been supplanted by a nation-

al movement that largely revolves around the former president.

Trump, 77, won in South Carolina with voters who are white and do not have a college degree, one of his core constituencies. About two-thirds of Trump’s backers in this election fell into that group.

A majority believe Trump is a candidate who can emerge victorious in November’s general election, while only about half say the same of Haley. Voters were also

Georgia Republicans seek to stop automatic voter

By Je Amy The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Georgia’s automatic voter registration has put almost all eligible citizens on the rolls, but now some Republicans want to turn that system o .

The Senate Ethics Committee on Thursday voted to advance Senate Bill 221, which would require people to opt in to voter registration when they receive or renew a driver’s license. Currently, they’re automatically registered unless they opt out.

The bill also makes it easier for voters to be challenged based on where they live, possibly clearing the way for Republican activists who see the state’s voting lists as bloated and fraudulent to knock thousands of additional voters o the rolls.

The measure is moving forward as Georgia is expected to again be a competitive state in this year’s presidential election and as GOP grassroot activists continue to support Donald Trump’s discredited claims that his 2020 Georgia loss stemmed from fraud.

A 2023 study by the Center for Election Innovation and Research found the share of active registered voters rose to 98% of the voting-eligible population in 2020, from 78% in 2016, when

registration

the state began registering people at driver license o ces unless they speci cally decline. The share dropped to 92% in 2022, which the center characterized as normal for a non-election year.

Republicans argue that the system results in too much extra work for election o cials and creates duplicate registrations when someone registers again and is not matched with a previous record.

“The intent is certainly not to reduce voter registration, the intent is to clarify and make voter registration more accurate,” said Senate Ethics Committee Chairman Max Burns, a Sylvania Republican.

Some Republicans also said they thought people should have to a rmatively ask to register to vote, suggesting that it’s not in the state’s interest to register young people who aren’t interested.

“Are we just trying to get a lot of people on the rolls and two or three years later we’re purging all of them because 90% never went to vote anyway?” asked Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, a Dahlonega Republican.

But election o cials warned that the move would make Georgia’s voting rolls less accurate, not more, because it would reduce veri ed information owing to

in state

the secretary of state’s o ce. State Elections Director Blake Evans said that before automatic registration, 11% of registrations were agged for problems based on information that they might have moved, versus only 4% after.

“We would see more people voting in the wrong precincts and the wrong contests for the wrong candidates because we would not get that information so consistently,” Evans said.

Opponents also said it was likely to cause a sharp drop in the number of people registering, based on a 15-month period beginning 2021 when the state’s driver license system was reprogramed to require voters to opt in.

“I think that incident is so important to understand because it is a view into the future of what this bill would do if it was implemented,” said Rep. Saira Draper, an Atlanta Democrat. “The result in that was a massive decline in voter registrations.”

The measure declares that any time someone registers to vote in some other state or locality, they have changed their residence. It lets registrars consider the U.S. Postal Service national change of address list or commercial information to determine whether someone lives where they claim. That could let counties hire Ea-

Haley has said she will stay in the race until at least the Super Tuesday primaries, though so far there are no signs that she has disrupted Trump’s momentum. She’s struggled to convince the core of the Republican Party that she’s a better choice than the former president — losing most conservatives and those without a college degree to Trump.

Trump has an iron grip on the Republican base, but that might not be enough of a coalition to guarantee a win in November’s general election.

South Carolina was a chance to show that he can expand his coalition beyond voters who are

About half of Republican voters in South Carolina — including about a quarter of his supporters — are concerned that Trump is too extreme to win the general election. About 3 in 10 voters believe he acted illegally in at least one of the criminal cases against him, even though about 7 in 10 believe the investigations are political attempts to undermine him.

Trump dominates among conservative voters. But his challenge is that those voters were just 37% of the electorate in the November 2020 presidential election. The other 63% identi ed as moderate or liberal, the two categories that Trump lost to Haley in South Carolina.

gleAI, a private Georgia company that claims it has private information that will help counties void improper voter registrations.

The measure also declares that a county election board can uphold challenges to a voter’s registration by other citizens if someone has registered to vote in a di erent jurisdiction, registered for a homestead exemption on a residence in a di erent jurisdiction, has a missing or invalid birth date, has a missing or invalid address, or if a voter has registered at a nonresidential address, including a post o ce box.

Some of those provisions could cause problems for voters through no fault of their own. Because of data entry problems, for example, some voters have birth years of 1900 in state records.

The measure would also let counties hold elections on paper ballots with approval of the State Election Board. That could clear the way for jurisdictions to abandon the state’s electronic ballot marking system. But the measure strikes language about use of paper ballots in emergencies, which Draper said could create problems.

Getting out the vote

Voters at the Randolph County Board of Elections in Asheboro on Feb. 22, 2024. The early voting period began for the primary election began Feb. 15 and continues through March 1st. As of Feb. 27, 4,471 early ballots have been cast in Randolph County. Election day is Tuesday, March 5.

The college has formalized much of the vision into a strategic plan covering 2024 through 2030.

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO – Randolph Community College could be on the move in a variety of ways.

RCC’s strategic plan includes the possibility of an additional campus and o ering of emerging programs.

“We believe that by aligning our instruction and training with the evolving needs of industries, we can empower our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing job market,” RCC president Shah Ardalan said.

The college has formalized much of the vision into a strategic plan covering 2024 through 2030.

“The strategic planning process is not merely a roadmap –it is a testament to our resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving educational environment,”

RCC Board of Trustees chair

Reynolds Lisk Jr. said in a release from the school.

RCC leaders made a presentation to the Randolph County Board of Commissioners earlier this month, marking a signi cant step in getting things rolling.

Darrell Frye, chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, said money from sales tax has been set aside to support RCC’s targeted expansion, though college o cials know they’ll need long-term support from the county board. Frye praised the experience and approach from the trustees.

Much of what RCC o cials have emphasized is the growing need to support and prepare students because of industries related to the Toyota Battery plant and Wolfspeed moving into the area.

Linda Brown, the college’s new strategic planning and development o cer, said it’s crucial that the school be attentive to the needs that will come with the county’s transforming job market.

The school has purchased 22 acres in Liberty for a potential new campus. That property is near the intersection of U.S. 421 and N.C. 49.

Mayor Filmore York of Liberty wrote to Ardalan in support of a campus on the eastern part of the county.

“Considering Liberty’s proximity to the epicenter of this indus-

See RCC , page 2

LIBERTY – A Liberty police o cer resigned after being charged with DUI following a crash as he pulled into the police department parking lot to start his shift earlier this month.

Just before 6 p.m. on Feb 14, troopers with the N.C. Highway Patrol responded to a crash on Old Liberty Road, in front of the entrance to the parking lot for the Liberty Police Department.

According to the accident investigation, 50-year-old Kevin Robert Carey, of Siler City, failed to yield while turning left in front of an oncoming car, which collided with his vehicle. No serious injuries were reported, and the occupants of both vehicles refused transport to a hospital.

Troopers suspected Carey was under the in uence at the time of the crash. According to the crash report, a test for alcohol revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.11%, over the legal limit of 0.08%.

NCSHP troopers, the investigating agency because the crash involved a Liberty police o cer, charged Carey with driving while impaired and issued a citation for failure to yield.

On Feb. 15, the Liberty Police Department issued a statement on Facebook acknowledging that the crash had involved a department employee, who had been suspended pending an internal investigation.

“One of the parties involved was an o duty Liberty Police O cer in his personal vehicle,

on his way to report for duty,” the post said. “As this collision occurred outside of city limits, standard procedure was followed and the North Carolina Highway Patrol was requested to handle the accident investigation. During the course of the investigation the Troopers developed probable cause to charge the employee with Driving While Impaired. The criminal investigation will be handled by the NCSHP. The employee has been suspended pending an internal investigation conducted by the Town.” According to public records, Carey was hired by the Liberty Police Department on Aug. 28, 2020, and resigned on Feb. 15.

Carey has a court date in Randolph County on April 15 to address the charges.

“One of

Randolph Record

We stand corrected

accolades Fall 2023 App State Chancellor’s List

The following Randolph County students received Chancellor’s List awards from App State for the fall 2023 semester. Chancellor’s List is awarded to full-time students with a GPA of 3.85 or higher for the current semester.

Congratulations!

Archdale

Katie Allen Public Relations, Junior

Carson Elliott Sales, Junior

Asheboro

Nathan Amos Health and Physical Education, K-12, Junior

Annika Bestmann Cross Media Production, Junior

Abby Emmons Advertising, Senior

Genna Newman Communication Sciences & Disorders, Junior

Trent Joura Recording and Production, Junior

Rayne Lawson Human Services, Senior

Salem Lee Exercise Science, Freshman

February 19

Sherri Anita Cassidy, 56, of Greensboro, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department on charges of assault on a government official, resisting a public officer, and larceny from the person. She was issued a $4,500 bond.

Henry James Baldwin, 65, from Randleman, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department on charges of driving while impaired, hit and run (property damage), and open container. He was issued a $1,000 secure bond.

February 21

Joshua Kenneth Kirby, 38, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension

Team on a warrant out of Wisconsin for felony non-support of a child. He was charged at the Randolph County Jail as a Fugitive from Justice and issued a $150,000 secured bond and a date for an extradition hearing.

February 20

Monica Diane Strickland, 24, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for felony possession of methamphetamine. She was also served a warrant for the felony probation violation sought

RCC from page 1

trial growth, we propose that Randolph Community College explore establishing a satellite campus in our town,” York’s letter said. “Such a strategic move would not only bene t RCC and its workforce development partners but also position RCC as an integral partner for Liberty, contributing signi cantly to our economic prosperity.”

The new Liberty campus

Meredith Smith Recreation and Park Management, Senior

Landon Williamson International Business, Freshman

High Point

Jayne Hinson Interdisciplinary Science, Senior Liberty

Mackenzie Minton Interior Design, Senior Randleman

Jacob Kidd Product Design, Senior Ramseur

Avery Wright Exercise Science, Junior Seagrove

Katelyn Kidd General Curriculum K-12, Senior

by Probation Officers. She was issued a $100,000 secured bond.

Jonathan Charles Toomes, 35, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor window tinting violation, misdemeanor driving while license revoked -not impaired rev, misdemeanor littering > 15 lbs., misdemeanor carrying concealed weapon, misdemeanor possession drug paraphernalia and drive left of center. He was given a $25,000 secure bond.

Jodean Marie Stillwell, 38, turned herself in at the Randolph County Detention Center on charges of felony insurance fraud, felony burning personal property, and felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense. She was issued a $50,000 unsecured bond.

February 21

Ryan Maurice Auman, 54, of Asheboro, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department on charges of larceny and possession of stolen goods. Bond was denied due to Mr. Auman already being on pre-trial release.

February 22

Jeffery Wayne Owens, 42, of Asheboro, was arrested by the

could take as long as three years to open, pending approvals and other development hurdles.

“It ts with the county’s direction right now,” Frye said. “It would take the availability of the community college to that part of the county.” RCC o cials will be available as part of public meetings to provide more information and solicit input regarding the strategic plan. Those gatherings have already started and will

Sophia

Anna Nenne

Community, Regional & Global Development, Sophomore

Thomasville

Lindsay Ray

Communication, Advertising, Senior Trinity

Aubrey Blevins Elementary Education, Junior

Nicole Greene

Communication Sciences & Disorders, Junior

Tori Hill Social Work, Senior

Brent Owens General Management, Junior

Climax

Will Rivers Instrumental Music Education, Senior

Randolph Guide

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

March 2

Han-Dee Hugo’s 2nd Annual MDA Chairty Car & Bike Show

7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hosted by Cox Harley Davidson in Asheboro and music by Low Down Dirty Heathens (preforming from 12 to 2 p.m.).

Concessions available including hamburgers, hot dogs, fries & drinks. All donations raised go to MDA to send kids to camp. For more info contact Tanya at (336) 380-3273.

Adopt and Play Saturdays

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fun activities and plenty of furry friends looking for forever homes.

Asheboro Police Department on charges of larceny, possession of stolen goods, and second-degree trespassing. He was released on a citation with a court date in April of 2024.

Edwin Genaro Alvarado Enmorado, 33, of Randleman, arrested by the Asheboro Police Department on charges of simple assault and interfering with emergency communications. He was issued a $1,000 secure bond.

Whitney Thayer May, 38, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The magistrate issued a $2,000 secured bond. Brandon Derrick Long, 38, homeless, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department on charges of possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was denied.

February 23

Tristan Dominque Street, 32, of Asheboro, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department on charges of possession with intent to manufacture/sell/ distribute cocaine and resist delay or obstruct an officer. He was also served a warrant for failure to appear. A secure bond of $50,000 was issued.

continue through late April. Some of those in the coming month include with March 6 (MidState Rotary at Four Saints Brewing Company in Asheboro), March 11 (Franklinville Town Council), March 12 (Seagrove Town Council), March 14 (Asheboro City Schools board of education), March 14 (Uwharrie Charter Academy), March 18 (Randolph County School System) and March 28 (RCC’s Archdale campus).

Adoption fees on speci c animals have been reduced for this event. All potential adopters are required to go through Randolph County’s adoption screening process. Adopts and Play Saturdays will be an ongoing event, hosted on the rst Saturday of every month. Contact (336) 683-8235 for more information.

March 4

Asheboro Redevelopment Commission Meeting

9 a.m.

The Redevelopment Commission, created by state resolution in 1971, consists of eight members. The commission meets regularly on the rst Monday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber of the City of Asheboro Municipal Building. For more information, please contact Brad Morton at 336-626-1201 x 2312.

Randolph County Board of Commissioners Meeting

6 p.m.

The meetings are open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, a Public Comment Period will be held at the beginning of every regular business meeting of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Any citizen wishing to address the Board is invited to speak.

March 5

City of Randleman Board Meeting 6 p.m.

Held a Randleman City Hall, located at 204 S Main St in Randleman. For more information contact the City of Randleman at (336) 4957500.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | ADINA SAFTA

A sports analogy: fantasy football and politics

Spend as much time researching your primary ballot as you would treat your fantasy football team.

HISTORICALLY, fantasy football has been the highlight of the NFL season all around the country. Fantasy football is unique to other sports because of the fact that you are not rooting for a team, rather a player whom you believe in. Extensive research goes into looking at the history of the player and their record, in order to weigh the pros and cons of choosing that player to be on your fantasy team.

With football season now over, we kick o our Primary election season.

Spend as much time researching your primary ballot as you would treat your fantasy football team. Mark the circle next to their name if you are con dent that they can win in the General Election for you. Ask yourself the question “Does this candidate have the experience to ful ll the promises that they are making?” It takes ve minutes to research and look at the candidate’s history and experience. Some tips for where to get started: NC Voter Record - look at how they voted in the past LinkedIn Experience - validate their

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

quali cations

White pages - look at their history and background

NC Secretary of State - verify if they own a business Campaign Website - compare their promises to your research

For too long we’ve heard politicians talk the talk and forget to walk the walk. In some way, we can’t fully blame them or hold them accountable if we are the ones electing them based on false narratives or ampli ed campaigns.

Albert Einstein is oft-attributable as saying; “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting di erent results.”

The primary election is more critical than the general election. On a ballot with twelve positions, there will typically be 2-3 candidates to choose from. In the primary is when you can choose the best person for the job and to represent your party.

Many political groups, PACs, politicians, and leaders stress the fact that they are staying out of the primary. In fantasy

Biden open-door policy: some facts and historical context

Biden should be able to undo by executive order the policies he put in place by executive order.

WHAT’S BEEN MISSING these past couple of months from the coverage of and debate over the failed immigration bill? Some important basic facts and lots of historical context.

First, basic facts. Coverage in left-leaning newspapers and even in the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial page has suggested that without new legislation, the Biden administration would lack the legal authorization to reduce the record number of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border and remaining in the United States.

The record is not in doubt. Customs and Border Protection has reported 302,000 immigrant encounters in December, the highest in history. Similarly, the total for the rst three months of the scal year — October, November and December 2023 — was 785,000 encounters, again a historical high. There’s no escaping the fact that illegal border crossings have been at record levels during the Biden administration.

And there’s no escaping, though in journalism, there’s been plenty of evading, the fact that this surge of illegal immigration is the direct and predictable result of changes in regulation and administrative practice by the Biden administration.

For example, the president long boasted of signing on his rst day in o ce an executive order repealing former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. That policy was the product of Trump’s pressure on Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in response to a signi cantly smaller border surge.

Biden should be able to undo by executive order the policies he put in place by executive order. Any order issued on Day 1 of an

administration should be revokable just as rapidly by the same administration.

Evidently, some Biden advisers agree. According to the left-leaning Axios website, President Joe Biden “has considered ... an executive order that would dramatically stanch the record ow of migrants into the Southwest,” to be issued before his March 7 scheduled State of the Union address.

So the claims that Republicans, by opposing the Senate measure the Senate never passed, have prevented Biden from e ectively enforcing the border are incorrect. And the reason for Republicans’ skepticism about whether Biden would use enhanced border control authority is obviously justi ed by Biden’s refusal to use the authority he currently has.

Biden has let in this record surge of illegal immigrants. He could cut it o .

This surge, by the way, includes relatively few Mexicans. Instead, many are from troubled Latin nations — Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador — and, as Fox News’ Bill Melugin reports, from farther a eld: China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, Africa.

The fact is that when Trump came down the escalator in June 2015 and said Mexico was “not sending their best,” the surge of low-skill immigration from Mexico, which lasted from 1982 until the mortgage security crisis in 2007, was already over. We were in the midst of a pause in mass immigration, something like the pause that occurred after the 1924 Immigration Act, which limited immigration beyond western and northern Europe.

Immigration restrictionists say that earlier pause allowed or furthered assimilation

football, that’s like getting the rst draft and saying that you will pass on it and wait until the end to choose from whatever is left. Nobody does that.

If you stay out of the primary, then you should really just stay out of the entire election. We should focus on electing the right people, rather than the party. Once you get to the general, you have one candidate per position to represent your party. Don’t make the mistake of voting down the ballot and being fooled by the person’s letter next to their name.

Grab your friends, print out your district ballot and throw a Primary Season Party. Research the candidates, ask questions, and make it fun! Our elections don’t have to be boring and we the people, don’t have to sit this one out. Fantasy Football is every year. Our elections are every 2-4 years. Make this election count and let’s send the best players to the General Election!

Adina Safta is in public relations and lives in Wake County.

of the huge 1892-1914 Ellis Island surge of immigrants from eastern and southern Europe. The post-2007 pause seems to have facilitated the assimilation of legal Latin immigrants, as evidenced by, among other things, increased willingness to vote Republican, which I noted in a recent column.

That 1982-2007 immigration surge may have occurred in response to the labor market’s low supply of low-skill workers due to reduced workforce participation by low-skill black and white Americans. The argument then made was that it was too much to expect urban ghetto residents to travel a dozen miles to new suburban workplaces. But Mexican immigrants proved willing to travel 1,200 miles and more for those jobs.

There’s an echo here of the 75 years after the Civil War, when few black or white Southerners were willing to move to the higher-wage but culturally hostile North. Instead, the rapidly expanding number of jobs in garment sweatshops in Manhattan and steel mills along the Monongahela and Mahoning rivers were lled by Ellis Island immigrants from Eastern Europe and southern Italy.

Are the million-plus illegal immigrants that the Biden administration has let into the country, with some told to report for court hearings in 2031, lling a gap not lled by American workers? Or, as seems more likely, is America getting a million-plus low-skill residents who will be stuck in illegal status inde nitely?

There’s little evidence the Biden administration ever pondered such questions in its haste to overturn the policies of the Evil Orange Man and slam the border wide open.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

SPORTS

SIDELINE REPORT

NBA Hawks guard Young out at least 4 weeks

Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks have lost All-Star point guard Trae Young for at least four weeks with a torn ligament in his left pinkie nger. Young was hurt during Friday night’s loss to Toronto and had surgery Tuesday in New York. The team says Young will be evaluated in four weeks. The Hawks are ghting for the nal play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. Young leads Atlanta with his averages of 26.4 points and 10.8 assists per game.

MLB Bellinger returning to Cubs on 3-year $80M deal Chicago Cody Bellinger is going back to the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to an $80 million, threeyear contract. The slugger can opt out of the deal after each of the rst two years. Bellinger’s return is a big win for the Cubs, who waited into spring training as the center elder explored his options in free agency. He hit a careerbest .307 with 26 homers, 97 RBIs and 20 steals in 130 games for Chicago in 2023. Bellinger is set to make $30 million this year, and then $30 million in 2025 if he stays with Chicago and $20 million in 2026 if he doesn’t opt out of the contract.

NHL

Coyotes terminate Ruzicka’s contract after social media video surfaces

Tempe, Ariz.

The Arizona Coyotes terminated Adam Ruzicka’s contract after he cleared unconditional waivers. The moves come after Ruzicka posted to social media a video showing him with a white powder appearing to be cocaine and a credit card on a counter. Ruzicka was in the second season of a twoyear contract worth $1.525 million. The 24-year-old from Slovakia had been with the Coyotes for only about a month since they claimed him o waivers from the Calgary Flames. Ruzicka had no points in three games with Arizona after nine in 39 with Calgary. He has played in 117 NHL games since making his debut in April 2021.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

ODU coach Jones retires after heart attack amid prostate cancer

Norfolk, Va. Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Je Jones, who stepped away from his job last month following a heart attack and amid prostate cancer, has announced his retirement.

The 63-year-old Jones fought back tears during a 40-minute news conference Monday in front of family, friends, sta members and current and former players. Jones nishes his 32-year coaching career with a 560-418 record. He made eight NCAA Tournament appearances and led his alma mater, Virginia, to an Elite Eight appearance in 1995 and an NIT title in 1992.

2024 IS THE YEAR TO eat mor chikin

Suarez edges Blaney, Busch for thrilling win at Atlanta

The Trackhouse Racing driver got to the line rst in a three-wide nish for his second career win

By Charles Odum The Associated Press

HAMPTON, Ga. — Daniel Suarez hoped but wasn’t certain he was the winner after the closest nish ever at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Then came the photo evidence: Suarez edged Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide blur at the line to win a crashed- lled NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

The second career win in 253 Cup races for Suarez set o a celebration that included a long series of congratulations from

other drivers for the popular native of Monterrey, Mexico.

“It was a very special moment,” said Suarez, who entered this contract year with his future seemingly uncertain with Trackhouse Racing.

“I was just hoping. I saw the tower and thought I was rst. I thought I had it but then they said there was a review.”

The review con rmed the rst win for Suarez since June 2022 at Sonoma. It was his rst victory on a speedway, but he said he’s not satis ed after locking up a spot in the playo s in only the second race of the year.

“Some people actually told me you can relax, now you’re in the playo s,” Suarez said. “Hell no! My goal is to win more than one race. This is not relaxing

Duke’s Filipowski injured when Wake Forest fans storm court

The Blue Devils’ big man hurt his knee in a collision on the court

By Aaron Beard

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — Kyle Filipowski remembered seeing the images of Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark being accidentally knocked down by a fan storming the court after her team su ered an upset loss.

Roughly a month later, Duke’s 7-foot star found himself part of the same discussion on the dangers of court-storming, his right leg wrapped in plastic to fasten an icebag to his kneecap. And he wasn’t happy about what had just happened.

“Just like any other upset game where the fans rush the court, all hell goes crazy,” Filipowski said after being hobbled in a collision with an on-rushing fan after the eighth-ranked Blue Devils lost at Wake Forest on Saturday. “Just trying to get my way o the court, and you know, you’ve got these crazy college students just doing whatever they want. It’s got to be a little more protective when things like that happen.”

The Clark incident, coming Jan. 21 after then-No. 2 Iowa’s loss at Ohio State, o ered a reminder of the risk facing athletes and coaching sta s stuck in the path of an oncoming exuberant rush

of fans eager to celebrate at midcourt. It’s long been regarded as a rite of passage and part of the fabric of college athletics, most notably in a sport that captures the national spotlight every year with its “March Madness” spectacle in the NCAA Tournament. Yet Saturday marked the latest incident of the potentially combustible combination created by fans venturing between the lines that belong to the athletes right up to that nal horn.

“When are we going to ban court-storming?” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “Like, when are we going to ban that? How many times does a player have to get into something where they get punched or they get pushed or they get taunted right in their face? It’s a dangerous thing.”

Later Saturday night, Wake Forest athletics director John Currie issued a statement saying he had expressed “regret” for the incident to Duke athletics director Nina King as well as to Atlantic Coast Conference senior associate commissioner Paul Brazeau.

“Although our event management sta and security had rehearsed postgame procedures to protect the visiting team and ofcials, we clearly must do better,” Currie said.

The prologue came with Duke trailing by four with 1.8 seconds left, down to a single inbounds heave for some type of miracle nish. Fans had already moved

here. ... The goal is for you to not be surprised when the 99 is in victory lane.” Busch, who won Saturday’s Trucks race, moved to the middle between Blaney, the 2023 Cup champion, and Suarez to set up the dramatic nish. Blaney was second, only 0.003 seconds behind, and Busch was third.

“It was fun racing, but just a couple inches short,” Blaney said. “I’m happy for Daniel, though. That was fun racing him and Kyle. That was fun.”

Suarez gave credit to Busch, another Chevrolet driver, for providing a late push.

“It’s good to see Daniel get a win,” Busch said. “We were helping each other being Chevy team partners and working together there. Shows that when

down to the court area as Mark Mitchell heaved a long inbounds pass that was intercepted by Cam Hildreth near midcourt. And they were at full sprint once the horn sounded.

“I mean, like everyone knew it was coming,” Filipowski said. “They were up four with 2 seconds left. Everyone was just waiting for the moment. Did they do anything to stop it? They didn’t do anything to stop it. That’s just ridiculous.” Scheyer — who referenced the

you do have friends and you can make alliances that they do seem to work, and that was a good part of today.”

A massive pileup of at least 16 cars on the second lap was the biggest in the history of Atlanta Motor Speedway and set the pace for a procession of wrecks. The crash left many cars heavily taped for the remainder of the afternoon.

The intensity picked up when Austin Cindric went to the bottom of the track in his Team Penske Ford for a fourwide pass to take the lead with 50 laps remaining.

Michael McDowell, who on Saturday won his rst pole in his 467th start, won the rst stage but collided with Daytona 500 champion William Byron while trying to slow down to enter pit row in the second stage. McDowell su ered right front damage and each car fell one lap behind before McDowell made his way back to the lead midway through the nal stage. He nished eighth. The Cup Series moves to Las Vegas next weekend.

Clark incident and said he regretted not pulling his players o the court sooner — was asked whether he would press the issue with ACC o cials for changes going forward.

“Yeah, they’re here today, you see it,” Scheyer said. “Who in their right mind can see that and (say), ‘Yeah, that’s smart’? It’s dangerous. In what other sport does that happen? And I’m telling you, I don’t even think, it was — what, did the buzzer go o and all of a sudden fans are at halfcourt.”

JOHN BAZEMORE | AP PHOTO

Daniel Suarez (99), left, edges Kyle Busch (8), center, and Ryan Blaney (12) at the nish line to win Sunday’s Cup Series race at Atlanta.

Home dates dot early postseason slates

Randolph Record

BOYS’ BASKETBALL teams from Randleman and Eastern Randolph all could play multiple home games in the state playo s, while Asheboro will begin the tournament at home as well.

First-round games were set for Tuesday night. Winning teams advance to Friday night’s second round. The three-week tournament wraps up March 15 and 16 in Winston-Salem.

All the Randolph County teams are in the West Region.

Randleman (20-5) is the No. 6 seed in Class 2-A West Region, meaning a home game vs. No. 27 seed Burns to begin the postseason. The Tigers, who won the Piedmont Athletic Conference regular season and tournament, would next face No. 11 West Caldwell or No. 22 East Gaston in the second round.

Trinity (18-9) received the No. 19 seed with a trip to Hendersonville in the rst round. An upset there would pit the Bulldogs against either third-seeded Newton-Conover or No. 30 seed West Stanly.

Randleman and Trinity could meet in the third round.

Southwestern Randolph (1016), Providence Grove (7-18) and Wheatmore (1-25) didn’t make

the tournament eld.

In Class 1-A, Eastern Randolph was set up to play at home for the rst two rounds in its bid for a second consecutive spot in the state nal.

The eighth-seeded Wildcats (16-10) opened the tournament against No. 25 seed Hayesville. A victory in that game for Eastern Randolph would mean another home game against either ninth-seeded Mitchell or 24th-seeded Mountain Heritage.

Uwharrie Charter Academy (10-15) didn’t qualify for the playo s.

In Class 3-A, Asheboro (223) is dubbed the No. 10 seed with a rst-round home game against No. 23 Carson. A victory there for the Blue Comets would mean a second-round trip to seventh-seeded Asheville Reynolds or a home date with No. 26 seed North Davidson. Asheboro has defeated North Davidson three times this season.

Girls’ tournament

Randleman, Southwestern Randolph, Providence Grove and Wheatmore have spots on the Class 2-A West Region bracket.

Randleman (19-6), which won titles in the PAC regular season and tournament, is seeded fth

with a home game against No. 28 seed Madison. A victory would keep the Tigers at home for a second-round game against No. 12 seed Lincoln Charter or No. 21 seed Maiden.

Southwestern Randolph (234) claimed the No. 14 seed with a home matchup with No. 19 seed Hendersonville. The winner will be lined up against either third-seeded East Burke or 30th-seeded Monroe.

With the No. 18 seed, Providence Grove (15-11) went to No. 15 seed Forbush. Either No. 2 seed East Rutherford or No. 31 seed Forest Hills awaits the winner.

No. 22 seed Wheatmore (1312) headed to No. 11 seed North Surry for a tournament opener. Sixth-seeded Salisbury and No. 27 seed East Davidson are potential second-round foes.

Trinity (0-25) isn’t in the tournament.

In Class 1-A, UCA (15-11) is the seeded No. 11 with a home game vs. No. 22 seed Bessemer City. The winner meets either No. 6 seed Thomas Je erson or No. 27 seed Draughn. Eastern Randolph (5-20) isn’t in the playo s after making it to the third round last year.

Class 3-A member Asheboro (6-19) also didn’t make the playo s.

Blue Comets blister foes for crown

Randolph Record

ASHEBORO – Asheboro pretty much knows the winning formula in boys’ basketball.

It includes a heavy dose of offense from Jerquarius Stanback and Camden Walker.

That’s what the Blue Comets used in XXX last week’s Mid-Piedmont Conference Tournament.

In Friday night’s tournament nal against top-seeded Central Davidson, Stanback posted 23 points and Walker had 16 points as the Blue Comets won 61-46 on their home court to avenge a pair of regular-season losses.

Asheboro (22-3) was the designated home team for the seminals and nal.

It was a bit of a turnaround for the Blue Comets from a year ago. They were the regular-season champions with a 10-0 league mark, but failed to advance to the conference tournament nal.

Now, Asheboro has won two of the last three conference tournament titles.

The 22 wins matches Asheboro’s total from the 2015-16 and 2011-12 seasons.

Asheboro’s Jerquarius Stanback dunks against North Davidson in the Mid-Piedmont Conference Tournament semi nals.

In the semi nals, Asheboro defeated third-seeded North Davidson 60-47 behind Stanback’s 39 points.

Girls’ tournament

Asheboro won 38-34 in a quarter nal game at fourth-seeded Central Davidson.

But the fth-seeded Blue Comets (6-19) couldn’t get it going again, falling 57-34 top-seeded Oak Grove in a semi nal game played at Asheboro, which was the host for the semi nals andnal.

Top-seeded Oak Grove defeated second-seeded North Davidson 47-38 in the title game.

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Dominic Payne

Trinity, boys’ basketball

Payne keeps pouring in big point totals and he moved to No. 2 all-time in Trinity’s boys’ basketball history last week.

The senior guard has compiled more than 2,200 points in his career. He passed Josh Pittman (2,187 points) in a Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament semi nal last week against Eastern Randolph.

He has boosted the Bulldogs into the PAC Tournament nals for two consecutive years. Payne also has been a standout for Trinity in football and tennis. He becomes the rst male two-time recipient of Randolph Record’s Athlete of the Week. He also was recognized in December 2021.

PAC BOYS

Tigers take tournament title

Randolph Record

RANDLEMAN – Randleman kept getting better in the Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament championship game for boys’ basketball.

That’s much how the season has gone as a whole for the Tigers. Tyshaun Goldston poured in 34 points and top-seeded Randleman defeated second-seeded Trinity 69-47 in Friday night’s title game.

Jirah Price had 12 points and Chase Farlow notched nine points to help the Tigers (20-5) avenge a loss from their regular-season nale. Randleman led 23-19 at halftime, then produced 23 points in each of the nal two quarters. A 9-2 run for the Tigers begin the second half helped set the tone.

Trinity was within 48-40 early in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t catch up.

Dominic Payne and Brandon Campbell both scored 15 points and Jacob Hodges had nine points for Trinity (18-9).

Since the beginning of January, Randleman went 12-1 entering the state playo s. In a three-year span, ve of the seven PAC teams have played in the league tournament nal. Trinity is the lone repeat title-game quali er among that

group, falling in the two straight nals.

After a quarter nals bye, Randleman rode Goldston’s 27 points and Connor Cassidy’s 15 points in a 74-45 rout of visiting Southwestern Randolph.

Trinity’s 71-56 home seminal victory against third-seeded Eastern Randolph, which was the defending champion, came with Payne’s 22 points and Hodges’ 19 points. Those contributions helped o set Timothy Brower’s 22 points for the Wildcats.

In the quarter nals, Trinity’s 93-45 home trouncing of lastplace Wheatmore came with 27 points from Payne and 18 points apiece from Hodges and Campbell.

Nicah Taylor poured in 29 points as Eastern Randolph won 83-77 against sixth-seeded Uwharrie Charter Academy in the quarter nals in a matchup of the league’s two Class 1-A teams. Braedon Lamb’s 18 points and Jeremiah Spinks’ 16 points paced the Eagles.

Fourth-seeded Southwestern Randolph won 61-50 against visiting fth-seeded Providence Grove to open the tournament as Brayden Chapman had 22 points, Marcus Robertson notched 17 points and Julian Mosley had 16 points. Jackson Rhyne’s 13 points led the Patriots.

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD Dominic Payne of Trinity goes up for a shot against Randleman earlier this season.

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Success comes early in season for Randolph County products

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

THERE WERE some impressive debuts on collegiate diamonds for players with Randolph County ties. And some strong e orts early in the season for veteran plays as well.

Let’s take a look:

Mazzarone shines early

Virginia Tech freshman Emma Mazzarone racked up a 3-1 pitching record that included a softball victory against third-ranked Georgia on Friday. She logged 1 1/3 innings of shutout relief to improve her record to 3-1.

Of her rst seven pitching outings, three came in starts for the former Providence Grove standout. She recorded 14 strikeouts in her rst 20 2/3 innings.

Mazzarone’s rst collegiate decision came with a ve-inning complete game when the Hokies defeated Belmont 13-1 at Auburn.

At the plate, Mazzarone produced a single in Virginia Tech’s 9-0 victory against Arizona State.

The Hokies are o to a 12-3-1 start going into Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Thomas excels for UNCG

UNC Greensboro’s baseball team won ve of its rst seven games, with sophomore pitcher Luke Thomas doing his part.

Thomas recorded a save when the Spartans defeated No. 1-ranked Wake Forest 4-3 in a Feb. 27 home game. He didn’t allow a hit while posting one strikeout in 1 1/3 innings.

The right-hander out of Providence Grove also recorded a pitching victory in UNCG’s season-opening 10-9, 10-inning victory against visiting Faireld. He worked a shutout inning in that game.

Marsh’s strong moments

Trevor Marsh’s nal go-around with UNC Wilmington’s baseball team has been productive in the rst couple of weeks.

The center elder, who’s from Ashe-

boro, was named to the All-Coastal Athletic Conference preseason team.

Marsh racked up a team-high .368 batting average with two home runs and seven runs batted in across the Seahawks’ rst six games. In a season-opening series against Mid-American Conference preseason favorite Kent State, Marsh checked in at .455 as the Seahawks won two of three games.

Marsh is in his fth season with the UNCW program, though the 2020 season when he was a true freshman was cut short by the pandemic.

Nice debuts for Marsh, Mowery

Liberty freshman shortstop Tanner Marsh, a younger brother of Trevor Marsh, had a hit in the Flames’ season opener against visiting Quinnipiac.

Marsh, a former Asheboro and Randolph County Post 45 standout, followed that with a 3-for-5 outing with two doubles the next day as part of what became Liberty’s three-game sweep of the series.

Former Trinity baseball player Landon Mowery is o to a nice start to his career with Western Carolina. He checked with a .333 batting average through six games.

The second baseman didn’t play in the opener, but started the next six games, beginning his career with a four-game hitting streak and four runs scored. His rst action came against visiting Iona.

He had one of the Catamounts’ ve hits in a series opener last Friday at Florida State.

Lowery reclassi ed and graduated early from Trinity, skipping what would have been his senior high school season in 2024.

McPeak’s power on display

Tyler McPeak homered four times in Lenoir-Rhyne’s rst 14 games. He had a team-high 18 RBI through 15 games for a Division II team that got o to an 11-4 start.

McPeak, a rst baseman, played last summer for the Asheboro ZooKeepers, a collegiate team in the Coastal Plain League.

Postseason basketball tournaments for the Big South Conference will be held at High Point.

Randolph Record

HIGH POINT – It has been shaping up as a special season for High Point University basketball – times two. Both the men’s teams and women’s teams are leading the Big South Conference and will be top-seeded teams for the conference tournaments.

The men’s and women’s will be held at High Point from March 6-10, with an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament at stake. This is the rst time the combined tournaments will be held at High Point, which was the site of women’s tournaments from 2009-12 and in 2021 at Millis Center.

The site for the 2024 tournaments was announced in August.

This marks the third season in a row that the men’s and women’s tournaments will be held on the same dates at the same site, though they were at a neutral site in Charlotte the past two years.

The High Point men have never been to the NCAA Tournament

Randleman rules again, captures tourney

Audra Petty providing 17 points.

Southwestern Randolph (234) received 14 points from Jordin George and nine points from Macy Allred. The Cougars are 0-3 vs. Randleman this season.

Randleman has gone three consecutive seasons without a loss in PAC competition. The Tigers won tournament nals the past two seasons by defeating UCA and Eastern Randolph in the championship games.

Randleman (19-6) had a bye before defeating fourth-seeded Uwharrie Charter Academy

47-32 with Petty providing 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Southwestern Randolph made it to the title game by surviving for a 72-68 home victory against third-seeded Providence Grove. George had 29 points in that game for the Cougars, while Jade Nixon’s 19 points led third-seeded Providence Grove.

Southwestern Randolph began the tournament by blitzing winless Trinity 60-21 with

in men’s basketball. The women’s team quali ed for NCAAs in 2021.

On the men’s side, the Panthers clinched at least a share of the title with Saturday’s 74-59 victory at Charleston Southern.

That sent High Point to a 23-6 overall record and 12-2 Big South mark under rst-year coach Alan Huss. The team will have its best regular-season nish in eight years.

The Panthers were set for the regular-season home nale Wednesday night against Winthrop at Qubein Center before Saturday’s game at Longwood.

For the High Point women (1710, 12-2), they wrapped up the Big South title Saturday, when they posted a 63-46 home victory against Charleston Southern. That result pushed the Panthers’ winning streak to eight games.

The remaining regular-season games for the women’s team showed a Wednesday visit to Winthrop followed by Saturday’s home game vs. Longwood.

George posting 18 points and Maddie Strider adding 13.

Providence Grove made the semi nals by toppling sixth-seeded Eastern Randolph with Nixon racking up 19 points. Mirianna Corea had 16 points for Eastern Randolph (520).

Fourth-seeded UCA began the tournament with a 43-40 home victory against fth-seeded Wheatmore as Nevaeh Staples had 20 points.

PAC GIRLS

Virginia Ann Harrelson

August 27, 1947 — February 19, 2024

Virginia Ann Harrelson of Grays Chapel passed away on February 19, 2023. Virginia Harrelson was a woman of strong faith and a kind heart. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She retired from the North Carolina Credit Union League and chose to spend her retirement years in diligent service to the Lord she had loved many years. Her many areas of service included Prison Ministry, Leadership in the Emmaus and Chrysalis Communities and serving on Aldersgate Teams. Her hobbies included traveling, gardening and spending time with friends and family. Virginia is survived by her husband Doug Harrelson; son John Ward (Brooke Lynn); daughter Sharon Welker (Danny); step-son Aaron Harrelson; step-daughter Heather Jenkins (Matthew); 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Philip Koonce Jr.

July 11, 1934 — February 20, 2024

Philip Haywood “Phil” Koonce, Jr., age 89, of Asheboro passed away on February 20, 2024 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Phil was born in Leggett, NC on July 11, 1934 to Philip H. and Gertrude Morgan Koonce. He attended Tarboro High School and matriculated to Davidson College to study Psychology. While at Davidson, he held various leadership positions in student government, the Interfraternity Council and the Reserve O cers’ Training Corps (R.O.T.C.). In 2012, he was inducted into the Davidson College Athletics Hall of Fame. After graduating from Davidson, Phil married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Mayo. Phil and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and entertaining. Nothing brought Phil more joy than his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. In addition to his parents, Phil was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Koonce. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Mayo Koonce; sister, Lena Vale Kenan of Morganton, NC; sons, Philip H. Koonce, III and wife Elizabeth of Charlotte, NC, and Michael G. Koonce and husband Andy Nelson of Palm Springs, CA; daughters, Karen K. Hurlbert and husband Glenn of Richmond, VA and Lyn Koonce and wife Jeanie Duncan of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Sallie Del no and husband Anthony, Philip Koonce IV and wife Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin, Virginia Koonce, Calvin Hurlbert, and Kate Hurlbert; and great grandchildren, Sammy Del no and Louie Del no.

Willis Hole, Jr

September 26, 1934 — February 20, 2024

Willis Hole, Jr, 89, of Randleman passed away February 20, 2024 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born September 26, 1934 in Stokes County, NC to James Willie Hole and Isabell Bullins Hole. Willis married the love of his life, Betty Pyrtle, April 13, 1974. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Willis worked for over 45 years as a loom technician for Burlington Industries. He was a longtime member of the Bailey’s Grove Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir and a beloved Sunday school teacher. Willis was an avid softball player and a true Carolina fan who watched every Carolina basketball game. He will be remembered for loving his family and spending time with his grandchildren. A known jokester who loved to have fun. He watched all his grandkids ball games and loved sitting on the front porch and going to the beach. Willis is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty Hole of the home; daughter, Kay Jones of Winston-Salem; grandchildren, Stephanie Shipes and her children, Caleb Je ries, Nicole Garner; Stacy Ingram (Je ) and their child, Katelin Ingram; Aaron Jones (Morgan) and their child, Ian Jones; Trent Jones; brother, Morris Hole of Danbury, NC; sister, Jackie Flinchum of Walnut Cove, NC. In addition to his parents, Willis is preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Lynn Parnell; son-in-law, Robbie Jones; brothers, Norman Ray Hole, Boyd Hole, H.B. Hole, and Alvis Hole.

Ella Jane Treece

May 8, 1935 — February 21,

2024

Ella Jane Treece, 88, of Asheboro passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Clapps Convalescent

Nursing Home. Ms. Treece was born in Norman, NC on May 8, 1935, daughter of the late Thomas David Treece, Sr. and Lela Dennis Treece. Jane, as well as her sister Betty, attended every Copperhead and Legion Baseball game, as well as many other community events, as long as their health permitted. Ms. Treece loved nature and spending time outdoors, tending to her owers and her yard. Jane loved life; however, the Christmas season was particularly special to her. She found great joy in going to local Christmas programs and giving gifts to children. In addition to her parents, Ms. Treece was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas David Treece, Jr. and her sister, Betty Ann Treece. Jane is survived by several cousins and dear friends, Wendy Blake Thompson and husband Wyatt of Asheboro and Regina Blake Johnson and husband Darren of Randleman.

Wilfred Allen Hammond

January 2, 1937 — February 22, 2024

Wilfred Allen Hammond, age 87, of Farmer, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 22, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Mr. Hammond was born in Asheboro on January 2, 1937 to Robert and Edith Hammond. He was a graduate of Farmer High School and NC State University (Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity) with a degree in civil engineering. Mr. Hammond was a member of Collegiate ROTC and served 8 years with the Army Reserves with a nal rank of Captain. He worked for and was co-owner of J. Hyatt Hammond Architects and Engineers. Mr. Hammond was a life-long member of the Farmer Community, a member of Farmer Methodist Church and a founding member and volunteer of the Farmer Fire Department. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hammond was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Joel (Rusty) Thomas; daughter-in-law, Gayle Hammond; brothers, Keith Hammond and Hyatt Hammond. Mr. Hammond is survived by his wife, Doris Hammond; children, Camela Nixon (Mike) of Asheboro, Jonathan Hammond of Mt. Horeb, WI; grandchildren, Tucker Thomas (Kayla), Rachel Long (Aaron), Anika Templeton (Riley) and Matthew Hammond; great grandchild, Hyatt Long; caregiver, Marcie Hunt.

Garlene S. Rich

July 30, 1929 — February 23, 2024

Garlene S. Rich, age 94 of Asheboro, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing Home. Garlene was born on July 30, 1929 in Randolph County to Jesse and Eula Yow Sykes. Garlene was a graduate of Asheboro High School and attended Asheboro Business School. She worked at First National Bank for 45 years starting as a teller and nishing as an Executive Vice President and personnel director. While working, Garlene was the state president of the America Bank Women’s Association and received in 1 986 the rst Athena Award from the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, as well as, being inducted into the Red Jacket Club. She loved to travel and one of her favorite trips was with her husband when they drove to Alaska. Garlene was a godly, loving wife, mother, and sister. In addition to her parents, Garlene is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Reid Rich; sister, Ru ne Beane; and brothers, Leon and Tony Sykes. Garlene is survived by her son, Reid H. Rich, Jr. (Karen) of Asheboro, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Carolyn Bridgeman Nolan

April 1, 1937 — February 22, 2024 Carol Bridgeman Nolan peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, February 22, 2024 Her full maiden name was Lydia Carolyn Bridgeman, though many knew her as Carol. She was born on April 1st, 1937, in Fairmont, North Carolina to Walter Lee Bridgeman and Cleva Elizbeth Hayes. Her biological father left shortly after the birth of her younger sister and her mother would later remarry to James Gaston Young, this is the man that would come to be known as her father. She had two sisters, Jean who was older and Sylvia who was younger. While living in Maxton, NC she met Lorenzo Dow Ragland, the man who would later become her rst husband and father of her three daughters: Pamela Carolyn Ragland, Cynthia Louise Ragland and Jacqueline Annette Ragland. She will be undoubtedly remembered as a faithful servant of Christ, a dear mother, cherished grandmother, great grandmother and beloved friend. Her predecessors include her parents Elizabeth Young (Gam Gam ) and Gaston Young (Granddaddy), her daughter Cynthia Louise Ragland (Ludie) and her grandson Justin Matthew McKinnon (Matt). She is survived by her two daughters; Pamela McKinnon ( Tony McKinnon) ,Jaqueline Lippard ( Dave Lippard ) , her grandchildren; Coby Cox (Stephanie Cox ) , Brianna Perdue (David Perdue ) , Michael McKinnon ( Elizabeth McKinnon ) and Nathan Lippard ( Kayla Lippard ); her great grandchildren Greyson Nicole Cox , Devon Adkins , Kaitlyn Adkins, Abraham Perdue , William Beau McKinnon and Ezhno Francis Lippard; Nieces and Nephews Cathi Medlin Dent, Buddy Medlin, Scott Medlin, June Medlin Rich, Joan Medlin Asbury, Troy Medlin, Robin Medlin Turner and several great nieces and nephews.

Owen Burgess

October 26, 1944 - February 13, 2024 Owen Burgess, Jr., age 79 of Ramseur, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. A native of Chatham County, Owen was born October 10, 1944 to the late Owen Sr. and Florence Burgess. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Stout Burgess, of the home.

Mary Frances Frimml

February 2, 1948 - February 20, 2024

Mary F. Frimml, 76, formerly of Gilman, IA, passed away Feb. 20, 2024, at her home in Pineblu , N.C., under the care of hospice and close friends, Cody and Dani Petrella of Pineblu . She is survived by her siblings, Ray (Sue) Frimml of Brooklyn, IA, Rosanne Frimml of Tama, IA, Lee Frimml (Bonnie Clubb) of Sigourney, IA, and John (Jane) Frimml of Marshalltown, IA.; nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Margaret Frimml, grandparents, and longtime partner, Richard Berg.

Ruth Myrtle Grubb

October 1, 1937 - February 15, 2024

Ruth Myrtle Miles Grubb, age 86, of Aberdeen passed away February 15, 2024. She was born October 1, 1937 in Ridgeway, South Carolina the daughter of the late Elbert Austin Miles and Beatrice Boney Miles. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray L. Grubb; daughters, Susan G. Yow and Angela E. Grubb; brother, Austin “Dickie” Boney Miles; sisters, Patricia Branham and Kathy Miles Coker; and canine companion, Sugar. Ruth found joy in feeding and watching the birds that graced her yard. She was a seasoned traveler, always eager to explore new places or visiting family and friends. A lady of faith, Ruth found solace in her relationship with God, cherishing her time as a member of the Intercontinental Church of God. She delighted in using her skills to cook for church events and had a knack for oral arrangements that brought beauty to any occasion. Her creative spirit shone through in all she did, whether it was crafting a new masterpiece or lending a helping hand to those in need. Her compassionate nature was evident in her long career in the hospitality industry, where she made it her mission to assist anyone who crossed her path. She will be deeply missed by all. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Ronald L. Grubb; daughter, Pamela G. Dunn and husband, Henry; grandchildren, Aaron Yow (Ali) and Angela Dunn; sisters, Virginia “Jennie Mae” Miles, Sandra Harrison, and Brenda Harrell; special nephew, Kenneth Miles (son of Dickie Miles); and numerous other beloved nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

STATE & NATION

How Trump won in South Carolina — and what it could mean for his chances in November

By Josh Boak The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donald Trump won over South Carolina Republicans as the candidate who voters believe can win in November, keep the country safe and will stand up and ght for them as president.

Trump cruised to victory in the South Carolina primary with the support of an almost unwavering base of loyal voters. AP VoteCast found that Republicans in the state are broadly aligned with Trumps’s goals: Many question the value of supporting Ukraine’s ght against Russia; and overwhelming majorities see immigrants as hurting the U.S. and suspect that there are nefarious political motives behind Trump’s multiple criminal indictments.

Even in her home state of South Carolina, where she was once governor, Nikki Haley appeared to have little chance against Trump. Just over half of GOP voters had a favorable view of her, whereas about two-thirds had a positive view of Trump.

About 6 in 10 South Carolina voters consider themselves supporters of the “Make America Great Again” movement, a Trump slogan that helped catapult him to the White House in 2016. About 9 in 10 Trump voters said they were

far more likely to view Trump than Haley as someone who would “stand up and ght for people like you” and to say he would keep the country safe. And about 7 in 10 say he has the mental capability to serve e ectively as president.

At the age of 52, Haley has bet that she can o er a generational change for the GOP. But the future she articulated has little basis in the present-day GOP, even in South Carolina, where she previously won two terms as governor. About 4 in 10 of South Carolina Republicans — including about 6 in 10 of those supporting Trump — say they have an unfavorable opinion of her.

white, older and without a college degree. But about 9 in 10 of South Carolina’s primary voters were white, making it hard to see if Trump has made inroads with Black voters whom he has attempted to win over.

Haley outpaced Trump among college-educated voters, a relative weakness for him that could matter in November as people with college degrees are a growing share of the overall electorate. Even though South Carolina Republican voters believe that Trump can win in November, some had worries about his viability.

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driven by their support for him, not by objections to his opponent.

Haley’s voters were much more divided: About half were motivated by supporting her, but nearly as many turned out to oppose Trump.

Trump’s victory in South Carolina looked remarkably similar to his wins in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary.

It’s a sign that regional di erences that once existed within the GOP have been supplanted by a nation-

al movement that largely revolves around the former president.

Trump, 77, won in South Carolina with voters who are white and do not have a college degree, one of his core constituencies. About two-thirds of Trump’s backers in this election fell into that group.

A majority believe Trump is a candidate who can emerge victorious in November’s general election, while only about half say the same of Haley. Voters were also

Georgia Republicans seek to stop automatic voter registration in state

By Je Amy The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Georgia’s automatic voter registration has put almost all eligible citizens on the rolls, but now some Republicans want to turn that system o .

The Senate Ethics Committee on Thursday voted to advance Senate Bill 221, which would require people to opt in to voter registration when they receive or renew a driver’s license. Currently, they’re automatically registered unless they opt out.

The bill also makes it easier for voters to be challenged based on where they live, possibly clearing the way for Republican activists who see the state’s voting lists as bloated and fraudulent to knock thousands of additional voters o the rolls.

The measure is moving forward as Georgia is expected to again be a competitive state in this year’s presidential election and as GOP grassroot activists continue to support Donald Trump’s discredited claims that his 2020 Georgia loss stemmed from fraud.

A 2023 study by the Center for Election Innovation and Research found the share of active registered voters rose to 98% of the voting-eligible population in 2020, from 78% in 2016, when

the state began registering people at driver license o ces unless they speci cally decline. The share dropped to 92% in 2022, which the center characterized as normal for a non-election year.

Republicans argue that the system results in too much extra work for election o cials and creates duplicate registrations when someone registers again and is not matched with a previous record.

“The intent is certainly not to reduce voter registration, the intent is to clarify and make voter registration more accurate,” said Senate Ethics Committee Chairman Max Burns, a Sylvania Republican.

Some Republicans also said they thought people should have to a rmatively ask to register to vote, suggesting that it’s not in the state’s interest to register young people who aren’t interested.

“Are we just trying to get a lot of people on the rolls and two or three years later we’re purging all of them because 90% never went to vote anyway?” asked Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, a Dahlonega Republican.

But election o cials warned that the move would make Georgia’s voting rolls less accurate, not more, because it would reduce veri ed information owing to

the secretary of state’s o ce. State Elections Director Blake Evans said that before automatic registration, 11% of registrations were agged for problems based on information that they might have moved, versus only 4% after.

“We would see more people voting in the wrong precincts and the wrong contests for the wrong candidates because we would not get that information so consistently,” Evans said.

Opponents also said it was likely to cause a sharp drop in the number of people registering, based on a 15-month period beginning 2021 when the state’s driver license system was reprogramed to require voters to opt in.

“I think that incident is so important to understand because it is a view into the future of what this bill would do if it was implemented,” said Rep. Saira Draper, an Atlanta Democrat. “The result in that was a massive decline in voter registrations.”

The measure declares that any time someone registers to vote in some other state or locality, they have changed their residence. It lets registrars consider the U.S. Postal Service national change of address list or commercial information to determine whether someone lives where they claim. That could let counties hire Ea-

Haley has said she will stay in the race until at least the Super Tuesday primaries, though so far there are no signs that she has disrupted Trump’s momentum. She’s struggled to convince the core of the Republican Party that she’s a better choice than the former president — losing most conservatives and those without a college degree to Trump.

Trump has an iron grip on the Republican base, but that might not be enough of a coalition to guarantee a win in November’s general election.

South Carolina was a chance to show that he can expand his coalition beyond voters who are

About half of Republican voters in South Carolina — including about a quarter of his supporters — are concerned that Trump is too extreme to win the general election. About 3 in 10 voters believe he acted illegally in at least one of the criminal cases against him, even though about 7 in 10 believe the investigations are political attempts to undermine him.

Trump dominates among conservative voters. But his challenge is that those voters were just 37% of the electorate in the November 2020 presidential election. The other 63% identi ed as moderate or liberal, the two categories that Trump lost to Haley in South Carolina.

gleAI, a private Georgia company that claims it has private information that will help counties void improper voter registrations.

The measure also declares that a county election board can uphold challenges to a voter’s registration by other citizens if someone has registered to vote in a di erent jurisdiction, registered for a homestead exemption on a residence in a di erent jurisdiction, has a missing or invalid birth date, has a missing or invalid address, or if a voter has registered at a nonresidential address, including a post o ce box.

Some of those provisions could cause problems for voters through no fault of their own. Because of data entry problems, for example, some voters have birth years of 1900 in state records.

The measure would also let counties hold elections on paper ballots with approval of the State Election Board. That could clear the way for jurisdictions to abandon the state’s electronic ballot marking system. But the measure strikes language about use of paper ballots in emergencies, which Draper said could create problems.

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Beyoncé becomes rst black woman to claim top spot on Billboard’s country music chart

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Beyoncé made history once again: The superstar singer has become the rst Black woman to top Billboard’s country music chart.

The Grammy winner achieved the feat after her new single “Texas Hold ‘Em” reached No. 1 on the country airplay chart this week. She dropped the song on Feb. 11 — during

the Super Bowl— along with her other single “16 Carriages,” which debuted at No. 9 on the same chart.

Both songs are expected to be featured on Beyoncé’s upcoming, country-themed album, which is referred to as “act ii,” on March 29. It’s a follow-up o ering to her 2022 album “Renaissance,” which is frequently referred to as “Act I: Renaissance.”

Beyoncé announced the full-

length new album after a Verizon commercial she starred in aired during the Super Bowl this month.

Beyoncé is also the rst woman to claim the top spot on the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts since both began in 1958, according to Billboard. The only other acts who have topped both include Justin Bieber, Billy Ray Cyrus and Ray Charles.

Vice Media says ‘several hundred’ sta members will be laid o , Vice.com news site shuttered

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Vice Media plans to lay o several hundred employees and no longer publish material on its Vice.com website, the company’s CEO said in a memo to sta Thursday.

Vice, which led for bankruptcy last year before being sold for $350 million to a consortium led by the Fortress Investment Group, is also looking to sell its Re nery 29 publishing business, CEO Bruce Dixon said in his memo to sta .

It’s the latest sign of nancial

problems bu eting the media industry. Digital sites the Messenger, BuzzFeed News and Jezebel have all shut down in the past year, and legacy media outlets like the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal have also seen job cuts. Once a swashbuckling media company geared to a younger audience with an immersive storytelling style that encompassed digital, television and lm outlets, New York-based Vice was valued at $5.7 billion in 2017. Dixon o ered no specif-

ics about the layo s, other than saying hundreds of people will be a ected and will be noti ed early next week. The New York Times reported that the company currently has about 900 people on sta .

“I know that saying goodbye to our valued colleagues is dicult and feels overwhelming, but this is the best path forward for Vice as we position the company for long-term creative and nancial success,” Dixon said.

He said it was no longer cost-e ective for Vice to distribute its digital content, including news, the way it has been. He said Vice would put more emphasis on its social channels and look for di erent ways to distribute its content. As part of its strategic shift, Dixon said Vice would follow a studio model.

Before ling for bankruptcy protection last year, Vice canceled its “Vice News Tonight” television program as part of a round of layo s then.

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

Beyonce performs at a Get Out the Vote concert for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 4, 2016.

A swift rebound and unprecedented tickets sales for live music after pandemic shut venues down

The Associated Press

POWERED BY big stadium tours from artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, ticket sales are booming and it appears likely that live acts will continue to draw massive crowds this year after the pandemic closed down concert venues globally for close to two years.

Concert and event producer Live Nation con rmed this week what data has been showing for more than a year: With COVID largely in the rearview mirror, millions are seeking entertainment away from home and they’re willing to spend a lot of money to do it.

Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, said in a ling with regulators this week that 2023 brought all-time highs in both attendance and ticket sales.

Attendance jumped a 20% to a staggering 145 million in 2023, compared with the previous year.

In 2021, when venues began reopening with mask requirements, attendance was a paltry 35 million. The company is not providing attendance gures

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was the rst to cross the billion-dollar mark in revenue. Swift is likely to bring in over $2 billion over the span of the tour.

for 2020, when COVID-19 began to spread. Attendance was 98 million in 2019.

Live Nation expects demand to continue to snowball.

“This is going to be a great year,” CEO Michael Rapino told investors on a conference call Thursday. “We actually look at 2025, it looks like it’s going to be a monster stadium year again as that pipe kind of reloads itself.”

And though Live Nation controls a huge part of the live event sector, others are also predicting big growth for the broader industry in the coming years.

In December, entertainment data rm Pollstar re -

ported that Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was the rst tour to cross the billion-dollar mark in revenue and predicted a big 2024 for Swift as well. The magazine projected the Eras Tour will once again reach $1 billion within their eligibility window, meaning Swift is likely to bring in over $2 billion over the span of the tour.

In worldwide revenue, Swift’s tour was followed by Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. But it was a big year musically beyond top-tier tours.

Ticket sales for the top 100 tours of the year worldwide jumped 46% from 2022, bringing in $9.17 billion in sales.

In North America, that number jumped from $4.77 billion in 2022 to $6.63 billion last year.

Additionally, an October report from Allied Market Research forecasts that the global live events industry market — which includes everything from concerts to sporting events to conference — would double in value, reaching $1.2 trillion by 2032.

EVAN AGOSTINI/INVISION/AP

In this July 10, 2019 le photograph, singer Taylor Swift performs at Amazon Music’s Prime Day concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.

Congratulations, today is your day: A free book giveaway to honor Dr. Seuss’ birthday

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Babies born this coming Saturday could get a birthday present featuring a guy who knows how to have fun — The Cat in the Hat.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises is celebrating the iconic children’s author’s 120th birthday with a free giveaway of “The Cat in the Hat” to U.S. residents who have a baby born this March 2. The o er is on a rst-come, rst-served basis, capping at 10,000 copies. Entrants must be at least 18, legal residents of the 50 states and Washington, D.C., and be parents or legal guardians of a child born March 2, 2024.

“Helping ensure all children have easy access to books and literacy programs has always been one of Dr. Seuss’s core missions. This pledge is an opportunity for us to honor this

storied legacy and call attention to this noble cause,” Susan Brandt, CEO & president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said in a statement.

New parents have 90 days to claim their free book, starting Saturday and until May 31. Participants must submit their full name, email address, mailing address, phone number, baby’s name and upload proof of the child’s March 2, 2024, birthdate.

Each book will have a personalized message that commemorates the child’s Seussian birthday. Books donated for the pledge will be supplied by Dr. Seuss’s long-time publishing partner Random House Children’s books.

Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Geisel, was born on March 2, 1904. His books such as “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Cat in the Hat” remain popular decades after Geisel’s death in 1991.

First graders listen as “The Cat in the Hat” is read to them at Chapman Elementary School in Spartanburg, S.C., March 2, 2007, in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

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Press

The

Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” is nally making its debut on Apple TV+ on Friday, March 1. The historical epic starring Joaquin Phoenix as the French leader and Vanessa Kirby as his wife Joséphine divided critics upon its release, for its unexpected tone and humor. As AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote in his review:“Don’t mistake ‘Napoleon’ for your average historical epic… Here is a sweeping historical tapestry with a damning, almost satirical portrait at its center. That mix — Scott’s spectacle and Phoenix’s the-emperor-has-no-clothes performance — makes ‘Napoleon’ a rivetingly o -kilter experience.”

— Adam Sandler is Jakob Procházka, an astronaut on a solo mission to the edge of the solar system in the sci- drama “Spaceman,” debuting on Netix on Friday, March 1. Isabella Rossellini is his commanding o cer, while Carey Mulligan plays the wife he left behind on earth. And Paul Dano voices an extraterrestrial spider named Hanuš. From director Johan Renck (who helmed all ve episodes of HBO’s chilling “Chernobyl” series), the lm is based on a 2017 novel “Spaceman of Bohemia.”

— For families looking for something new, Peacock Kids has a DreamWorks sequel in “Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate,”streaming Friday, March 1 with Keith Ferguson replacing Will Ferrell as the voice of the reformed villain.

— The Criterion Channel also has an amusing new series (out Friday, March 1) devoted to Razzie Award recipients, including “Heaven’s Gate,” “Ishtar,” “Cocktail,” “Showgirls,” and “Gigli,” some of which have turned into beloved classics, and some of which haven’t. But that’s up to the viewer to decide if, in the case of Elaine May’s “Ishtar,” they’re still with Roger Ebert, who called it “a truly dreadful lm, a lifeless, massive, lumbering exercise in failed come -

dy” or if they’re on the side of fans like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino.

— The use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials is common but controversial. The new Paramount+ documentary “As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial” reveals how law enforce -

ment has quietly used artistic creation against defendants for decades. Directed by J.M. Harper and featuring rapper Kemba, the movie doesn’t ask whether someone is innocent or guilty; it asks whether lyrics can be used for conviction. The doc played the Sundance Film

Festival and hits the streaming platform Tuesday.

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM

FX’s newest series is the Japanese historical drama “Shogun”based on a novel published in 1975 by James Clavell. Some may also remember a 1980 miniseries, also based on the book, that starred Richard Chamberlain and was a huge hit at the time. This 10-episode version is described as a more faithful adaptation to the scope of the novel, as Clavell’s daughter, Michaela, is an executive producer. The epic tale is set hundreds of years ago in Japan under the rule of military dictators known as Shogun. The rst two episodes of “Shogun” premiere Tuesday on FX and Hulu.

— A new Disney+ animated series called “Iwájú” is a coming-of-age story set in the future in Lagos, Nigeria. Presented in a comic book-style,

the story follows Tola and Kole, two best friends with a strong bond despite coming from different class systems. Their friendship is tested by a tech guru who uses his expertise to distract from a secret criminal underworld. All six episodes of “Iwájú” stream Wednesday on Disney+.

— There were many great recurring characters on “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” but one of the best was Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth Tascioni as a scatter-brained, sweet, whip-smart lawyer who is often underestimated. In the new drama “Elsbeth,” premiering Thursday on CBS, Tascioni is the star of her own story, starting over in New York with a new job working as an investigator for the NYPD. Episodes also stream on Paramount+. — Jamie Dornan is back as “The Tourist” and you can nd him on Net ix. The series originally aired on BBC where it drew strong ratings, and season one streamed on Max. Now, Net ix has acquired both of the show’s two seasons. Season one is already streaming and season two becomes available Thursday. The series begins with Dornan known as The Man after a car crash in the Australian outback wiped his memory. He has no idea who he is or why he’s there, and any clues point to a dark past. Season two takes Dornan’s Man and his girlfriend to Ireland as the mystery continues.

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Final Fantasy VII is unquestionably a landmark in video-game history, so publisher Square Enix went all out when it decided to remake it, turning the 1997 blockbuster into an epic trilogy. Part one, 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake, won over new fans without tarnishing the memories of old-timers, so here comes part two, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Our hero, Cloud, and his friends are still ghting a power company that’s sucking the world’s resources dry, while the villainous Sephiroth is plotting a di erent kind of global destruction. There’s a doozy of a plot twist about two-thirds of the way into the original; whether Square decides to recreate that moment is still a mystery. We’ll all nd out Thursday on PlayStation 5.

Adam Sandler is in space, ‘Elsbeth’ sleuths and Japan shines in ‘Shogun’

This combination of images shows promotional art for “Napoleon,” available March 1 on Apple TV+, and “Spaceman,” available March 1 on Net ix.

CHRIS PIZZELLO | AP PHOTO

Anna Sawai, a cast member in “Shogun,” poses at the premiere of the FX limited series at The Academy Museum, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in Los Angeles.

CHRIS PIZZELLO | AP

Hiroyuki Sanada, a cast member and producer of “Shogun,” poses at the premiere of the FX limited series at The Academy Museum, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 in Los Angeles.

Getting out the vote

Poll workers at the Hoke County Board of Elections in Raeford sit outside during early elections on February 22, 2024. The early voting period began for the primary election began Feb. 15 and continues through March 2nd. As of Feb. 27, 1,663 early ballots have been cast in Hoke County. Election day is Tuesday, March 5.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Ronnie Wade Anderson faces over six years following 2021 arrest for narcotics tra cking and possession

North State Journal

RAEFORD – A Hoke County jury has convicted Ronnie Wade Anderson on multiple charges related to drug trafcking and rearms possession during a trial earlier this month. The charges stemmed from a January 2021 raid by the Hoke

Sheri ’s Emergency Response Team. The verdict, announced on February 13, 2024, concludes a signi cant legal proceeding that highlights the ongoing battle against narcotics distribution and illegal rearm possession in the county.

The raid, at 1629 Strother Road, resulted in the seizure of rearms, suspected narcotics, and drug paraphernalia. Anderson was arrested at the scene during the execution of the search warrant, facing charges including possession of drug paraphernalia, intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana, tra cking in meth-

amphetamine, manufacturing marijuana, possession of a rearm by a convicted felon, and tra cking in cocaine.

Assistant District Attorney Yohan Namkung led the prosecution, culminating in Anderson’s conviction on all counts. Judge Michael Stone handed down the sentence, imposing a 70 to 93 months imprisonment in the North Carolina Department of Corrections and a $100,000 ne for the tra cking o enses. Additionally, Anderson received a consecutive sentence of 13 to 25 months for the rearm possession and other charges.

The sentence includes 70 to 93 months imprisonment in the North Carolina Department of Corrections and a $100,000 ne.

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The annual Debt A ordability Study, which assesses the state’s capacity to issue debt for capital needs and that inuences credit quality evaluations by rating agencies, was released earlier this month.

The Debt A ordability Advisory Committee (DAAC) oversees the Study each year and its members include State Treasurer and Chair Dale Folwell, as well as Ronald Penny, Secretary of Revenue; Nels Roseland, State Controller; Kristin Walker, State Budget Director; Jessica Holmes, CPA, State Auditor; as well as Senate appointees Frank Aikmus and Bradford Briner, and House appointees Donald Pomeroy and Eugene Chianelli.

The DAAC’s Study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the substantial

unfunded pension and other post-employment bene t (OPEB) obligations, including retiree healthcare costs, and recommends a consistent yearly allocation of $100 million to the Unfunded Liability Solvency Reserve (Solvency Fund) established 2018 session laws to address these liabilities.

Additionally, the Committee has also suggested “continuing the single target calculation utilizing the limitation that debt service and the continuing annual appropriation to the Solvency Fund not exceed 4% of revenues.”

In the 2024 Study, Folwell highlighted the repurchasing $20 million Connect NC bonds following the Silicon Valley Bank crisis when that institution was forced to sell o assets. Folwell said that by buying these bonds at a discount, the state’s taxpayers will save nearly $11 million. ` `

“This was a great opportunity for the taxpayers of North Carolina to get some relief during a tough in ationary period,” Folwell in a statement. “We are in the sixth year of retiring over 60% of the state’s debt over an eight-year period. I don’t know of another state or country that can say that. And that’s why ‘NC’ stands for ‘nothing compares.’ It’s a tribute to taxpayers, employers and the General Assembly that we have budget surpluses and reserves. But we still have approximately $43 billion in unfunded pension and health care liabilities. That bill will come due much sooner than people realize.”

The Study notes that North Carolina’s AAA ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch were a rmed in 2023, with manageable debt levels compared to peer states.

North Carolina’s AAA ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch were a rmed in 2023, with manageable debt levels compared to peer states.

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Over the 10-year planning horizon, the state’s general fund revenue projections exhibit positive growth, relatively una ected by prior economic declines or recent interest rate increases, per the Study.

The debt service projections factor in the issuance of $1.5 billion in Build NC Bonds, aimed at accelerating highway projects.

The combined debt service for the General Fund and Transportation Fund is projected to peak at about 2.03% of combined revenues in scal year 2024.

The General Fund model indicates a debt capacity of about $1.63 billion annually for the next decade or up to approximately $8.5 billion in the rst year following DAAC’s recommended policy. This policy also allocates annual appropriations of $100 million to the Unfunded Liability Solvency Reserve for addressing pension and OPEB liabilities.

For scal year 2022, the North Carolina General Assembly has assigned $40 million to the Solvency Fund, with an additional $10 million allocated for scal year 2023. The anticipated peak in the ratio of debt service to revenues is 1.82% in the current scal year.

The transportation model shows a debt capacity of around $104.7 million per year for the next decade, reaching approximately $745 million in the initial year. Without additional authorizations, the projected peak for transportation debt service as a percentage of transportation revenues is about 5.0% in scal year 2029.

On the topic of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG), the Study says that the state’s bond ratings “so far have not been impacted by the incorporation of the ESG methodologies.”

http://Investopedia.com de nes ESG as “a set of standards for a company’s behavior used by socially conscious investors to screen potential investments.”

During the 2023 General Assembly legislative session, an ESG bill was passed and later became law after a successful override of Governor Cooper’s veto.

The law prohibits state entities from creating or using ESG criteria or economically targeted investments (ETI) requirements when making employment decisions. Additionally, law also requires gives the state treasurer certain control over such investments and bars the use of ESG criteria when hiring, ring or evaluating state employees.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | ADINA SAFTA

A sports analogy: fantasy football and politics

Spend as much time researching your primary ballot as you would treat your fantasy football team.

HISTORICALLY, fantasy football has been the highlight of the NFL season all around the country. Fantasy football is unique to other sports because of the fact that you are not rooting for a team, rather a player whom you believe in. Extensive research goes into looking at the history of the player and their record, in order to weigh the pros and cons of choosing that player to be on your fantasy team.

With football season now over, we kick o our Primary election season.

Spend as much time researching your primary ballot as you would treat your fantasy football team. Mark the circle next to their name if you are con dent that they can win in the General Election for you. Ask yourself the question “Does this candidate have the experience to ful ll the promises that they are making?” It takes ve minutes to research and look at the candidate’s history and experience. Some tips for where to get started: NC Voter Record - look at how they voted in the past LinkedIn Experience - validate their

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

quali cations

White pages - look at their history and background

NC Secretary of State - verify if they own a business Campaign Website - compare their promises to your research

For too long we’ve heard politicians talk the talk and forget to walk the walk. In some way, we can’t fully blame them or hold them accountable if we are the ones electing them based on false narratives or ampli ed campaigns.

Albert Einstein is oft-attributable as saying; “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting di erent results.”

The primary election is more critical than the general election. On a ballot with twelve positions, there will typically be 2-3 candidates to choose from. In the primary is when you can choose the best person for the job and to represent your party.

Many political groups, PACs, politicians, and leaders stress the fact that they are staying out of the primary. In fantasy

Biden open-door policy: some facts and historical context

Biden should be able to undo by executive order the policies he put in place by executive order.

WHAT’S BEEN MISSING these past couple of months from the coverage of and debate over the failed immigration bill? Some important basic facts and lots of historical context.

First, basic facts. Coverage in left-leaning newspapers and even in the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial page has suggested that without new legislation, the Biden administration would lack the legal authorization to reduce the record number of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border and remaining in the United States.

The record is not in doubt. Customs and Border Protection has reported 302,000 immigrant encounters in December, the highest in history. Similarly, the total for the rst three months of the scal year — October, November and December 2023 — was 785,000 encounters, again a historical high. There’s no escaping the fact that illegal border crossings have been at record levels during the Biden administration.

And there’s no escaping, though in journalism, there’s been plenty of evading, the fact that this surge of illegal immigration is the direct and predictable result of changes in regulation and administrative practice by the Biden administration.

For example, the president long boasted of signing on his rst day in o ce an executive order repealing former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. That policy was the product of Trump’s pressure on Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in response to a signi cantly smaller border surge.

Biden should be able to undo by executive order the policies he put in place by executive order. Any order issued on Day 1 of an

administration should be revokable just as rapidly by the same administration.

Evidently, some Biden advisers agree. According to the left-leaning Axios website, President Joe Biden “has considered ... an executive order that would dramatically stanch the record ow of migrants into the Southwest,” to be issued before his March 7 scheduled State of the Union address.

So the claims that Republicans, by opposing the Senate measure the Senate never passed, have prevented Biden from e ectively enforcing the border are incorrect. And the reason for Republicans’ skepticism about whether Biden would use enhanced border control authority is obviously justi ed by Biden’s refusal to use the authority he currently has.

Biden has let in this record surge of illegal immigrants. He could cut it o .

This surge, by the way, includes relatively few Mexicans. Instead, many are from troubled Latin nations — Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador — and, as Fox News’ Bill Melugin reports, from farther a eld: China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, Africa.

The fact is that when Trump came down the escalator in June 2015 and said Mexico was “not sending their best,” the surge of low-skill immigration from Mexico, which lasted from 1982 until the mortgage security crisis in 2007, was already over. We were in the midst of a pause in mass immigration, something like the pause that occurred after the 1924 Immigration Act, which limited immigration beyond western and northern Europe.

Immigration restrictionists say that earlier pause allowed or furthered assimilation

football, that’s like getting the rst draft and saying that you will pass on it and wait until the end to choose from whatever is left. Nobody does that.

If you stay out of the primary, then you should really just stay out of the entire election. We should focus on electing the right people, rather than the party. Once you get to the general, you have one candidate per position to represent your party. Don’t make the mistake of voting down the ballot and being fooled by the person’s letter next to their name.

Grab your friends, print out your district ballot and throw a Primary Season Party. Research the candidates, ask questions, and make it fun! Our elections don’t have to be boring and we the people, don’t have to sit this one out. Fantasy Football is every year. Our elections are every 2-4 years. Make this election count and let’s send the best players to the General Election!

Adina Safta is in public relations and lives in Wake County.

of the huge 1892-1914 Ellis Island surge of immigrants from eastern and southern Europe. The post-2007 pause seems to have facilitated the assimilation of legal Latin immigrants, as evidenced by, among other things, increased willingness to vote Republican, which I noted in a recent column.

That 1982-2007 immigration surge may have occurred in response to the labor market’s low supply of low-skill workers due to reduced workforce participation by low-skill black and white Americans. The argument then made was that it was too much to expect urban ghetto residents to travel a dozen miles to new suburban workplaces. But Mexican immigrants proved willing to travel 1,200 miles and more for those jobs.

There’s an echo here of the 75 years after the Civil War, when few black or white Southerners were willing to move to the higher-wage but culturally hostile North. Instead, the rapidly expanding number of jobs in garment sweatshops in Manhattan and steel mills along the Monongahela and Mahoning rivers were lled by Ellis Island immigrants from Eastern Europe and southern Italy.

Are the million-plus illegal immigrants that the Biden administration has let into the country, with some told to report for court hearings in 2031, lling a gap not lled by American workers? Or, as seems more likely, is America getting a million-plus low-skill residents who will be stuck in illegal status inde nitely?

There’s little evidence the Biden administration ever pondered such questions in its haste to overturn the policies of the Evil Orange Man and slam the border wide open.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

can opt out of the deal after each of the rst two years. Bellinger’s return is a big win for the Cubs, who waited into spring training as the center elder explored his options in free agency. He hit a career-best .307 with 26 homers, 97 RBIs and 20 steals in 130 games for Chicago in 2023. Bellinger is set to make $30 million this year, and then $30 million in 2025 if he stays with Chicago and $20 million in 2026 if he doesn’t opt out of the contract.

NHL Coyotes terminate Ruzicka’s contract after social media video surfaces

Tempe, Ariz.

The Arizona Coyotes terminated Adam Ruzicka’s contract after he cleared unconditional waivers. The moves come after Ruzicka posted to social media a video showing him with a white powder appearing to be cocaine and a credit card on a counter. Ruzicka was in the second season of a twoyear contract worth $1.525 million. The 24-year-old from Slovakia had been with the Coyotes for only about a month since they claimed him o waivers from the Calgary Flames. Ruzicka had no points in three games with Arizona after nine in 39 with Calgary. He has played in 117 NHL games since making his debut in April 2021.

Suarez edges Blaney, Busch for thrilling win at Atlanta

The Trackhouse Racing driver got to the line rst in a three-wide nish for his second career win

By Charles Odum The Associated Press

HAMPTON, Ga. — Daniel Suarez hoped but wasn’t certain he was the winner after the closest nish ever at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Then came the photo evidence: Suarez edged Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide blur at the line to win a crashed- lled NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. The second career win in 253 Cup races for Suarez set o a celebration that included a long series of congratulations from

other drivers for the popular native of Monterrey, Mexico.

“It was a very special moment,” said Suarez, who entered this contract year with his future seemingly uncertain with Trackhouse Racing.

“I was just hoping. I saw the tower and thought I was rst. I thought I had it but then they said there was a review.”

The review con rmed the rst win for Suarez since June 2022 at Sonoma. It was his rst victory on a speedway, but he said he’s not satis ed after locking up a spot in the playo s in only the second race of the year.

“Some people actually told me you can relax, now you’re in the playo s,” Suarez said. “Hell no! My goal is to win more than one race. This is not relaxing

here. ... The goal is for you to not be surprised when the 99 is in victory lane.”

Busch, who won Saturday’s Trucks race, moved to the middle between Blaney, the 2023 Cup champion, and Suarez to set up the dramatic nish. Blaney was second, only 0.003 seconds behind, and Busch was third.

“It was fun racing, but just a couple inches short,” Blaney said. “I’m happy for Daniel, though. That was fun racing him and Kyle. That was fun.”

Suarez gave credit to Busch, another Chevrolet driver, for providing a late push.

“It’s good to see Daniel get a win,” Busch said. “We were helping each other being Chevy team partners and working together there. Shows that when

you do have friends and you can make alliances that they do seem to work, and that was a good part of today.”

A massive pileup of at least 16 cars on the second lap was the biggest in the history of Atlanta Motor Speedway and set the pace for a procession of wrecks. The crash left many cars heavily taped for the remainder of the afternoon.

The intensity picked up when Austin Cindric went to the bottom of the track in his Team Penske Ford for a fourwide pass to take the lead with 50 laps remaining.

Michael McDowell, who on Saturday won his rst pole in his 467th start, won the rst stage but collided with Daytona 500 champion William Byron while trying to slow down to enter pit row in the second stage. McDowell su ered right front damage and each car fell one lap behind before McDowell made his way back to the lead midway through the nal stage. He nished eighth.

The Cup Series moves to Las Vegas next weekend.

JOHN BAZEMORE | AP PHOTO

Daniel Suarez (99), left, edges Kyle Busch (8), center, and Ryan Blaney (12) at the nish line to win Sunday’s Cup Series race at Atlanta.

Hoke boys enter state playo s

Girls team

season as spring sports begin

North State Journal

WINTER SPORTS wind down as the basketball playo s start this week. Meanwhile, spring sports begin their seasons as we have a one-week overlap between the seasons. Here’s a look at a busy sports week for Hoke County.

Boys’ basketball

The Hoke County boys’ team went 1-1 in its conference tournament and now heads to the NCHSAA 4A state playo s.

The Bucks won three of their

last four games and enter the state bracket with a 16-9 record. They were 7-6 in the Sandhills, good for third place in the regular season. Hoke received a 23-seed and opened the playo s against Overhills, a 10-seed. That game took place after press time. Senior Salah Sutton had a team-high 17 points, 4 assists and 4 steals in a 77-33 win over Lee County in the Sandhills Conference Tournament. He then led the way with 18 points in a 65-59 loss to Southern Lee in the next game.

Girls’ basketball

The Bucks’ girls team saw their season come to an end

in the Sandhills Tournament.

Hoke County lost to Union Pines, 52-34, in the opening game of the conference tourney.

It was the third straight defeat for the Lady Bucks and dropped them to 4-19 on the year. They were 2-10 in the Sandhills, good for sixth place. The NCHSAA didn’t give a bid to the Hoke County girls, so the state tournament will start without them.

Spring sports

Hoke County baseball began its season on Tuesday, after press time, with a game at South View. The Bucks are coming o a 2-19 season last year and have a new coach in Lance Borman.

The softball team is already 1-0 on the season with a 14-4 win over Overhills on Monday. The Bucks are looking to improve on last year’s 7-16 season.

Girls’ soccer season opened last Thursday, as the Bucks fell to South View, 2-1. The Bucks’ girls will look to improve on last year’s 3-17-2 record.

Duke’s Filipowski injured when Wake Forest fans storm court

The Blue Devils’ big man hurt his knee in a collision on the court

By Aaron Beard

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — Kyle

Filipowski remembered seeing the images of Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark being accidentally knocked down by a fan storming the court after her team su ered an upset loss.

Roughly a month later, Duke’s 7-foot star found himself part of the same discussion on the dangers of court-storming, his right leg wrapped in plastic to fasten an icebag to his kneecap. And he wasn’t happy about what had

just happened. “Just like any other upset game where the fans rush the court, all hell goes crazy,” Filipowski said after being hobbled in a collision with an on-rushing fan after the eighth-ranked Blue Devils lost at Wake Forest on Saturday. “Just trying to get my way o the court, and you know, you’ve got these crazy college students just doing whatever they want. It’s got to be a little more protective when things like that happen.”

The Clark incident, coming Jan. 21 after then-No. 2 Iowa’s loss at Ohio State, o ered a reminder of the risk facing athletes and coaching sta s stuck in the path of an oncoming exuberant rush of fans eager to cel-

ebrate at midcourt.

It’s long been regarded as a rite of passage and part of the fabric of college athletics, most notably in a sport that captures the national spotlight every year with its “March Madness” spectacle in the NCAA Tournament. Yet Saturday marked the latest incident of the potentially combustible combination created by fans venturing between the lines that belong to the athletes right up to that nal horn.

“When are we going to ban court-storming?” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “Like, when are we going to ban that? How many times does a player have to get into something where they get punched or they get pushed or they get taunted right in their

Darius Breeden

Hoke County, boys’ basketball

Darius Breeden is a sophomore for the Hoke County basketball team.

The Bucks won three of their last four games to nish the regular season at 16-9, 7-6 and in third place in the Sandhills. Hoke will open the 4A playo s as a 23-seed.

Breeden has been a third option for the Bucks for much of the year, but he’s amped up his scoring as the year nears the home stretch. He scored 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 4-of-5 on three-pointers, in a win over Lee County. Against Southern Lee, he hit another three treys on his way to 13 points. He added 3 assists and 4 steals in that game.

face? It’s a dangerous thing.”

Later Saturday night, Wake Forest athletics director John Currie issued a statement saying he had expressed “regret” for the incident to Duke athletics director Nina King as well as to Atlantic Coast Conference senior associate commissioner Paul Brazeau.

“Although our event management sta and security had rehearsed postgame procedures to protect the visiting team and o cials, we clearly must do better,” Currie said. The prologue came with Duke trailing by four with 1.8 seconds left, down to a single inbounds heave for some type of miracle nish. Fans had already moved down to the court area as Mark Mitchell heaved a long inbounds pass that was intercepted by Cam Hildreth near midcourt. And they were at full sprint once the horn sounded.

“I mean, like everyone knew it was coming,” Filipowski said. “They were up four with 2 seconds left. Everyone was just

“When are we going to ban court-storming?”

Jon Scheyer, Duke coach

waiting for the moment. Did they do anything to stop it? They didn’t do anything to stop it. That’s just ridiculous.”

Scheyer — who referenced the Clark incident and said he regretted not pulling his players o the court sooner — was asked whether he would press the issue with ACC o cials for changes going forward.

“Yeah, they’re here today, you see it,” Scheyer said. “Who in their right mind can see that and (say), ‘Yeah, that’s smart’? It’s dangerous. In what other sport does that happen? And I’m telling you, I don’t even think, it was — what, did the buzzer go o and all of a sudden fans are at halfcourt.”

PJ WARD-BROWN FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Salah Sutton scores in a game earlier this season. The senior now leads Hoke County into the state playo s.

wraps

By Lauren Schwahn NerdWallet

DISCUSSING CREDIT

SCORES with your partner isn’t anyone’s idea of pillow talk. But the conversation can provide important clues about your beloved’s history with money and what your nancial future together could look like.

Why do credit scores matter, and are they enough to make or break a relationship? Here’s what couples should know about scores and what else they should discuss when it comes to their nances.

CREDIT SCORES CARRY

WEIGHT

Credit scores can determine whether you and your significant other get approved for loans, what kind of interest rates you’ll get and how much you’ll have to put down for a utility deposit.

“Having good credit is denitely important for a ordability for many di erent things, like when it comes to purchasing a car or applying for an apartment or a mortgage,” says Shamica Joseph, a former nancial counselor at GreenPath, a nonpro t credit counseling agency.

Spouses don’t merge credit scores when they get married. But if you plan to combine or open credit accounts togeth-

er, regardless of marital status, your partner’s behavior on those accounts can shift your scores. The same goes if one of you becomes an authorized user or co-signer for the other.

Low scores can prevent you and your sweetheart from accessing certain products and services you desire, or make them more expensive.

“Even if you weren’t planning on merging nances, it’s

still a good idea to make sure that your credit score is where you want it to be for a ordability purposes, for not just you but your partner,” Joseph says.

BUT SCORES DON’T TELL

THE WHOLE STORY

Many factors a ect credit scores, mainly payment history and how much credit you use. If your partner has a score

of 700 — in the “good” range on the standard 300 to 850 scale — they likely pay their bills on time and don’t overspend. A 600 score, typically in the “bad” range, signals the opposite. But don’t rush to judgment. While numbers are revealing, context matters. A signi cant other’s low credit score could be the result of an unexpected medical bill, job loss or identity theft.

“While it doesn’t change the fact that they still have to come back and repair the credit, the reasons might be a little less alarming or challenging for a partner to learn rather than, ‘Yeah, I went ahead and spent willy-nilly. I took out extra credit cards. I defaulted,’” says Debra Kaplan, a Tucson, Arizona-based licensed professional counselor and author of several books about money and intimacy. A low score doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker, even if it’s due to irresponsibility.

“If your partner has previously declared bankruptcy or if they have a less than optimal credit score, then a common myth around that is that they may not be a good t for a relationship or marriage,” Joseph says. “That’s not necessarily true, because you will have the opportunity to work on improving your nances together.”

Ask your loved one to explain

what might be dragging their number down and what steps they’ll take to address it going forward.

WHEN AND HOW TO TALK ABOUT MONEY

“So, what’s your credit score?” isn’t a great opening line for a rst date. But it’s worth bringing up the topic as the relationship develops, ideally before making any major decisions like moving in together.

To create a respectful dialogue rather than an interrogation, Kaplan recommends starting from a vulnerable place. You could say something like, “I want to share a little bit about me, would you be willing to listen? And I have some questions that, if you’re willing, I would love to ask of you to share,” she says.

Remember, the conversation should cover more than credit scores. “It’s a good idea to discuss things like savings. Do you have a savings plan or do you want to start a savings plan together for future goals?” Joseph says. She also suggests talking about spending habits, budgeting, income, debt and any potential or previous bankruptcies.

If your partner shuts down the conversation, that could be cause for concern.

“The issue doesn’t get any easier to discuss. In fact, it becomes more complicated. And it could be indicative of avoidance of dealing with tough situations,” Kaplan says. “That’s not a great way to start a trusting, healthy, committed, intimate relationship.”

US airman dies after setting himself ablaze outside Israeli Embassy in Israel-Hamas war protest

By Michael Balsamo The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force has died after he set himself ablaze outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., while declaring that he “will no longer be complicit in genocide.”

The 25-year-old airman, Aaron Bushnell, of San Antonio, Texas, died from his injuries, the Metropolitan Police Department said Monday. Bushnell had walked up to the embassy shortly before 1 p.m. on Sunday and began livestreaming on the video streaming platform Twitch, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Law enforcement o cials believe the man started a livestream, set his phone down and then doused himself in accelerant and ignited the ames. At one point, he said he “will no longer be complicit in genocide,” the person said. The video was later removed from the platform, but law enforcement o cials have obtained and reviewed a copy.

The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke

to the AP on condition of anonymity.

In a statement Monday, the Air Force said, “The individual involved in yesterday’s incident succumbed to his injuries and passed away last night.” The Air Force said it would provide additional information a day after military o cials complete notifying his next of kin.

The incident happened as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking the cabinet approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah while a temporary cease- re deal is being negotiated. Israel’s military o ensive in Gaza, however, has drawn criticisms, including genocide claims against the Palestinians.

Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law in the Israel-Hamas war.

In December, a person self-immolated outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta and used gasoline as an accelerant, according to Atlanta’s re authorities. A Palestinian ag was found at the scene, and the act was believed to be one of “extreme political protest.”

MARK

Samuel McNair Jr

February 22, 1958 - February 20, 2024

Mr. Samuel McNair Jr. age, 65 transitioned from Earth to Glory on February 20, 2024. He was the son of the late Samuel McNair Sr., and Mamie Colvin McNair. He leaves to cherish his loving memories his children: Simeyon Gillespie, Don Bullard, Darreck Bullard, Lakenya Bullard, Harlena Kershaw, Darlena Kershaw, Samuel McNair III; sisters: Barbara Chandler, Mamie McNeil; brothers: Robert Colvin, Emmanuel McNair, seventeen grandchildren, ten great grandchlidren along with a host of other family and friends. Sam will be greatly missed.

Vickie Denise (Lucas) Hall

May 31, 1957 - February 22, 2024

Vickie Denise (Lucas) Hall of Red Springs, NC passed away at her home on February 22, 2024. She was 66 years old. Vickie was born in Baltimore, MD on May 31, 1957 to Ralph Lewis Lucas (deceased) and Josephine (Mickey) Grace Raines (deceased). She is one of three daughters-Dawna (Lucas) Westbrook (Husband Dennis Westbrook-deceased) and Bonnie Lucas Locklear (Husband Durante Locklear). She was a longtime member of Mt. Elim Baptist Church of Red Springs. She worked many years in the cafeteria at Hoke County Schools. Vickie was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister, and a proud Navy grandmother. She has gone to be with her loving husband of 47 years, Robert Eugene Hall, Sr. They had three children- Tanya Denise (Hall) Studivant (husband Robert Studivant) (deceased), Stephanie Marie Hall and Robert Eugene Hall, Jr. all of Red Springs, NC. Vickie is also survived by four grandchildrenSantasia (Tay Tay) Marie Hall, Makia (Pinky) Grace Hall, Jalen Lonnell Locklear and Robert (Trey) Eugene Hall III. Four great grandchildren- Leilani Hall, Arielle Locklear, Jeremiah Locklear and Alayna Locklear; many nieces and nephews; and two special friends Patrick Hammonds and Willie McNeill. Her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply in her community.

Dorothy Ellerbee

January 28, 1948 - February 19, 2024

Ms. Dorothy Ellerbee age, 76 transitioned from Earth to Glory on February 19, 2024. She leaves to cherish her loving memories her children: Timothy Purcell (Nicole Purcell), Kimberly Monroe (Jerry Monroe), Sonya McRae ( Lonnie McRae); parents: Willie Pearl Shaw, DJ Deberry; sisters: Marion McGregor, Stephanie Shaw, Renette Gariett, Michelle Deberry, Donna Jones, Arleatha Wheeler along with a host of other family and friends. Dorothy will be greatly.

STATE & NATION

How Trump won in South Carolina — and what it could mean for his chances in November

By Josh Boak The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donald Trump won over South Carolina Republicans as the candidate who voters believe can win in November, keep the country safe and will stand up and ght for them as president.

Trump cruised to victory in the South Carolina primary with the support of an almost unwavering base of loyal voters. AP VoteCast found that Republicans in the state are broadly aligned with Trumps’s goals: Many question the value of supporting Ukraine’s ght against Russia; and overwhelming majorities see immigrants as hurting the U.S. and suspect that there are nefarious political motives behind Trump’s multiple criminal indictments.

Even in her home state of South Carolina, where she was once governor, Nikki Haley appeared to have little chance against Trump. Just over half of GOP voters had a favorable view of her, whereas about two-thirds had a positive view of Trump.

About 6 in 10 South Carolina voters consider themselves supporters of the “Make America Great Again” movement, a Trump slogan that helped catapult him to the White House in 2016. About 9 in 10 Trump voters said they were driven by their support for him, not by objections to his opponent. Haley’s voters were much more divided: About half were motivated by supporting her, but nearly as many turned out to oppose Trump.

Trump’s victory in South Carolina looked remarkably similar to his wins in the Iowa caucuses

and the New Hampshire primary. It’s a sign that regional di erences that once existed within the GOP have been supplanted by a national movement that largely revolves around the former president.

Trump, 77, won in South Carolina with voters who are white and do not have a college degree, one of his core constituencies. About two-thirds of Trump’s backers in this election fell into that group.

A majority believe Trump is a candidate who can emerge vic-

torious in November’s general election, while only about half say the same of Haley. Voters were also far more likely to view Trump than Haley as someone who would “stand up and ght for people like you” and to say he would keep the country safe. And about 7 in 10 say he has the mental capability to serve e ectively as president.

At the age of 52, Haley has bet that she can o er a generational change for the GOP. But the future she articulated has little basis in the present-day GOP, even

in South Carolina, where she previously won two terms as governor. About 4 in 10 of South Carolina Republicans — including about 6 in 10 of those supporting Trump — say they have an unfavorable opinion of her. Haley has said she will stay in the race until at least the Super Tuesday primaries, though so far there are no signs that she has disrupted Trump’s momentum. She’s struggled to convince the core of the Republican Party that she’s a better choice than the former president — losing most

conservatives and those without a college degree to Trump.

Trump has an iron grip on the Republican base, but that might not be enough of a coalition to guarantee a win in November’s general election.

South Carolina was a chance to show that he can expand his coalition beyond voters who are white, older and without a college degree. But about 9 in 10 of South Carolina’s primary voters were white, making it hard to see if Trump has made inroads with Black voters whom he has attempted to win over.

Haley outpaced Trump among college-educated voters, a relative weakness for him that could matter in November as people with college degrees are a growing share of the overall electorate. Even though South Carolina Republican voters believe that Trump can win in November, some had worries about his viability.

About half of Republican voters in South Carolina — including about a quarter of his supporters — are concerned that Trump is too extreme to win the general election. About 3 in 10 voters believe he acted illegally in at least one of the criminal cases against him, even though about 7 in 10 believe the investigations are political attempts to undermine him.

Trump dominates among conservative voters. But his challenge is that those voters were just 37% of the electorate in the November 2020 presidential election. The other 63% identi ed as moderate or liberal, the two categories that Trump lost to Haley in South Carolina.

MIKE STEWART | AP PHOTO Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a primary election night party at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. At right is South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

Getting out the vote

Early voting takes place at Paddison Memorial Library in Kernersville. The early voting period began for the primary election began Feb. 15 and continues through March 1st. As of Feb. 27, 13,358 early ballots have been cast in Forsyth County. Election day is Tuesday, March 5.

research program. The remainder of the grant will be appropriated to the research program in future budgets.

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM – The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners met Thursday, Feb. 15, approved the use of $2 million in interest from the pandemic response special revenue fund in the general fund.

County Manager Dudley Watts explained how the funds will be used, including nearly $400,000 towards a program compliance position and $1.6 million towards general expenses.

“Over the last three years, we’ve applied a little over $6 million to each of those annual bud-

gets from revenue loss,” Watts explained to the board. “Heading into this year’s budget, there is going to be an impact and this would help mitigate that impact.”

The board signed o on the acceptance of a $12,500 grant from the National Environmental Health Association for the Forsyth County Department of Public Health to be used for sta training and equipment purchases for the Food and Lodging Division; the appropriation of $3,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission as carry over from the previous year; and the acceptance of $1,750 of a $155,000 grant from the Duke

University Research Institute Development Team for Forsyth County Emergency Services to support the Randomized Cluster Evaluation of Cardiac Arrest

Three contracts were approved, including a $128,000 agreement with with Master’s Touch to provide print, processing and mailing services for the Forsyth County Board of Elections; an interlocal agreement with Wilkes County to provide A1C screening for the Minority Diabetes Prevention Program; and a $87,708 contract with Avcon Engineers & Planners to conduct a land ll assessment on 64-acres of property adjacent to Runway 15-33 at Smith Reynolds Airport in order to accommodate future growth.

Finally, a donation of county owned property at Greene Hall at 990 Oak Grove Road was made to Forsyth Technical Community College.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 7.

the lottery, which prioritizes students based on household income, so verify your application at ncseaa.edu or call 855-330-3955.

NC re fatalities drop in 2023

146 North Carolinians were killed in res in 2023, down slightly from 151 in 2022.

Seven of the deaths came from vehicle res, a reminder that re risks exist outside the home, too.

The NC State Fire Marshal, which issued the report, encouraged everyone to ensure their home is equipped with working smoke alarms. It also advised of a partnership with the American Red Cross on the Sound the Alarm program which helps provide education on re safety and assists with the installation of smoke alarms.

Contact your local re department or Red Cross o ce for more information or for assistance with checking or replacing your smoke detectors.

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The annual Debt A ordability Study, which assesses the state’s capacity to issue debt for capital needs and that in uences credit quality evaluations by rating agencies, was released earlier this month.

The Debt A ordability Advisory Committee (DAAC) oversees the Study each year and its members include State Treasurer and Chair Dale Folwell, as well as Ronald Penny, Secretary of Revenue; Nels Roseland, State Controller; Kristin Walker, State Budget Director; Jessica Holmes, CPA, State Auditor; as well as Senate appointees Frank Aikmus and Bradford Briner, and House appointees Donald Pomeroy and Eugene Chianelli.

The DAAC’s Study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the substantial unfunded pension and other post-employ-

ment bene t (OPEB) obligations, including retiree healthcare costs, and recommends a consistent yearly allocation of $100 million to the Unfunded Liability Solvency Reserve (Solvency Fund) established 2018 session laws to address these liabilities.

Additionally, the Committee has also suggested “continuing the single target calculation utilizing the limitation that debt service and the continuing annual appropriation to the Solvency Fund not exceed 4% of revenues.”

In the 2024 Study, Folwell highlighted the repurchasing $20 million Connect NC bonds following the Silicon Valley Bank crisis when that institution was forced to sell o assets. Folwell said that by buying these bonds at a discount, the state’s taxpayers will save nearly $11 million. ` `

“This was a great opportunity for the taxpayers of North Carolina to get some relief during a

tough in ationary period,” Folwell in a statement. “We are in the sixth year of retiring over 60% of the state’s debt over an eight-year period. I don’t know of another state or country that can say that. And that’s why ‘NC’ stands for ‘nothing compares.’ It’s a tribute to taxpayers, employers and the General Assembly that we have budget surpluses and reserves. But we still have approximately $43 billion in unfunded pension and health care liabilities. That bill will come due much sooner than people realize.”

The Study notes that North Carolina’s AAA ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch were a rmed in 2023, with manageable debt levels compared to peer states.

Over the 10-year planning horizon, the state’s general fund revenue projections exhibit positive growth, relatively una ected by prior economic declines or recent interest rate increases, per the Study.

The debt service projections factor in the issuance of $1.5 billion in Build NC Bonds, aimed at accelerating highway projects.

The combined debt service for the General Fund and Transportation Fund is projected to peak at about 2.03% of combined revenues in scal year 2024.

The General Fund model in-

See DEBT, page 2

PJ WARD-BROWN | TWIN CITY HERALD

Get in touch

COLUMN | ADINA SAFTA

A sports analogy: fantasy football and politics

Spend as much time researching your primary ballot as you would treat your fantasy football team.

HISTORICALLY, fantasy football has been the highlight of the NFL season all around the country. Fantasy football is unique to other sports because of the fact that you are not rooting for a team, rather a player whom you believe in. Extensive research goes into looking at the history of the player and their record, in order to weigh the pros and cons of choosing that player to be on your fantasy team.

With football season now over, we kick o our Primary election season.

Spend as much time researching your primary ballot as you would treat your fantasy football team. Mark the circle next to their name if you are con dent that they can win in the General Election for you. Ask yourself the question “Does this candidate have the experience to ful ll the promises that they are making?” It takes ve minutes to research and look at the candidate’s history and experience. Some tips for where to get started:

NC Voter Record - look at how they voted in the past LinkedIn Experience - validate their quali cations

White pages - look at their history and background

NC Secretary of State - verify if they own a business Campaign Website - compare their promises to your research

For too long we’ve heard politicians talk the talk and forget to walk the walk. In some way, we can’t fully blame them or hold them accountable if we are the ones electing

them based on false narratives or ampli ed campaigns.

Albert Einstein is oft-attributable as saying; “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting di erent results.”

The primary election is more critical than the general election. On a ballot with twelve positions, there will typically be 2-3 candidates to choose from. In the primary is when you can choose the best person for the job and to represent your party.

Many political groups, PACs, politicians, and leaders stress the fact that they are staying out of the primary. In fantasy football, that’s like getting the rst draft and saying that you will pass on it and wait until the end to choose from whatever is left. Nobody does that.

If you stay out of the primary, then you should really just stay out of the entire election. We should focus on electing the right people, rather than the party. Once you get to the general, you have one candidate per position to represent your party. Don’t make the mistake of voting down the ballot and being fooled by the person’s letter next to their name.

Grab your friends, print out your district ballot and throw a Primary Season Party. Research the candidates, ask questions, and make it fun! Our elections don’t have to be boring and we the people, don’t have to sit this one out. Fantasy Football is every year. Our elections are every 2-4 years. Make this election count and let’s send the best players to the General Election!

Get ‘otter’ here!

Selene, one of the three female otters born to Leia and Quincy at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) in 2022, has moved out of the house. She was sent to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium as part of a breeding program to ensure a genetically diverse and biologically sound otter population. Only one of the triplets, Stella, remains in North Carolina after Mae was sent to Florida last fall. The zoo said it is natural behavior for a mother Asian small-clawed otter as the dominant female in the romp, to choose to move out mature female otter o spring.

DEBT from page 1

dicates a debt capacity of about $1.63 billion annually for the next decade or up to approximately $8.5 billion in the rst year following DAAC’s recommended policy. This policy also allocates annual appropriations of $100 million to the Unfunded Liability Solvency Reserve for addressing pension and OPEB liabilities.

For scal year 2022, the North Carolina General Assembly has assigned $40 mil-

lion to the Solvency Fund, with an additional $10 million allocated for scal year 2023. The anticipated peak in the ratio of debt service to revenues is 1.82% in the current scal year. The transportation model shows a debt capacity of around $104.7 million per year for the next decade, reaching approximately $745 million in the initial year. Without additional authorizations, the projected peak for transportation debt service as a percentage of transportation revenues is

about 5.0% in scal year 2029. On the topic of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG), the Study says that the state’s bond ratings “so far have not been impacted by the incorporation of the ESG methodologies.”

http://Investopedia.com denes ESG as “a set of standards for a company’s behavior used by socially conscious investors to screen potential investments.”

During the 2023 General Assembly legislative session,

an ESG bill was passed and later became law after a successful override of Governor Cooper’s veto. The law prohibits state entities from creating or using ESG criteria or economically targeted investments (ETI) requirements when making employment decisions. Additionally, law also requires gives the state treasurer certain control over such investments and bars the use of ESG criteria when hiring, ring or evaluating state employees.

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT

NBA Hawks guard Young out at least 4 weeks

Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks have lost All-Star point guard Trae Young for at least four weeks with a torn ligament in his left pinkie nger. Young was hurt during Friday night’s loss to Toronto and had surgery Tuesday in New York. The team says Young will be evaluated in four weeks. The Hawks are ghting for the nal playin spot in the Eastern Conference. Young leads Atlanta with his averages of 26.4 points and 10.8 assists per game.

MLB

Bellinger returning to Cubs on 3-year $80M deal

Chicago

Cody Bellinger is going back to the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to an $80 million, three-year contract. The slugger can opt out of the deal after each of the rst two years. Bellinger’s return is a big win for the Cubs, who waited into spring training as the center elder explored his options in free agency. He hit a career-best .307 with 26 homers, 97 RBIs and 20 steals in 130 games for Chicago in 2023. Bellinger is set to make $30 million this year, and then $30 million in 2025 if he stays with Chicago and $20 million in 2026 if he doesn’t opt out of the contract.

NHL

Coyotes terminate Ruzicka’s contract after social media video surfaces Tempe, Ariz.

The Arizona Coyotes terminated Adam Ruzicka’s contract after he cleared unconditional waivers. The moves come after Ruzicka posted to social media a video showing him with a white powder appearing to be cocaine and a credit card on a counter. Ruzicka was in the second season of a two-year contract worth $1.525 million. The 24-year-old from Slovakia had been with the Coyotes for only about a month since they claimed him o waivers from the Calgary Flames. Ruzicka had no points in three games with Arizona after nine in 39 with Calgary. He has played in 117 NHL games since making his debut in April 2021.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

ODU coach Jones retires after heart attack amid prostate cancer Norfolk, Va.

Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Je Jones, who stepped away from his job last month following a heart attack and amid prostate cancer, has announced his retirement. The 63-yearold Jones fought back tears during a 40-minute news conference Monday in front of family, friends, sta members and current and former players. Jones nishes his 32-year coaching career with a 560-418 record. He made eight NCAA Tournament appearances and led his alma mater, Virginia, to an Elite Eight appearance in 1995 and an NIT title in 1992.

Suarez edges Blaney, Busch for thrilling win at Atlanta

Busch, who won Saturday’s Trucks race, moved to the middle between Blaney, the 2023 Cup champion, and Suarez to set up the dramatic nish. Blaney was second, only 0.003 seconds behind, and Busch was third.

By Charles Odum

The Associated Press

HAMPTON, Ga. — Daniel Suarez hoped but wasn’t certain he was the winner after the closest nish ever at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Then came the photo evidence: Suarez edged Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide blur at the line to win a crashed- lled NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

The second career win in 253 Cup races for Suarez set o a celebration that included a long series of congratulations from other drivers for the popular native of Monterrey, Mexico.

“It was a very special moment,” said Suarez, who entered this contract year with his future seemingly uncertain with Trackhouse Racing.

“I was just hoping. I saw the tower and thought I was rst. I thought I had it but then they said there was a review.”

The review con rmed the rst win for Suarez since June 2022 at Sonoma. It was his rst victory on a speedway, but he said he’s not satis ed after locking up a spot in the playo s in only the second race of the year.

“Some people actually told me you can relax, now you’re in the playo s,” Suarez said. “Hell no! My goal is to win more than one race. This is not relaxing here. ... The goal is for you to not be surprised when the 99 is in victory lane.”

“It was fun racing, but just a couple inches short,” Blaney said. “I’m happy for Daniel, though. That was fun racing him and Kyle. That was fun.”

Suarez gave credit to Busch, another Chevrolet driver, for providing a late push.

“It’s good to see Daniel get a win,” Busch said. “We were helping each other being Chevy team partners and working together there. Shows that when you do have friends and you can make alliances that they do seem to work, and that was a good part of today.”

A massive pileup of at least 16 cars on the second lap was the biggest in the history of Atlanta Motor Speedway and set the pace for a procession of wrecks. The crash left many cars heavily taped for the remainder of the afternoon.

The intensity picked up when Austin Cindric went to the bottom of the track in his Team Penske Ford for a four-wide pass to take the lead with 50 laps remaining.

Michael McDowell, who on Saturday won his rst pole in his 467th start, won the rst stage but collided with Daytona 500 champion William Byron while trying to slow down to enter pit row in the second stage. McDowell su ered right front damage and each car fell one lap behind before McDowell made his way back to the lead midway through the nal stage. He nished eighth.

The Cup Series moves to Las Vegas next weekend.

Duke’s Filipowski injured when Wake Forest fans storm court

The Blue Devils’ big man hurt his knee in a collision on the court

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — Kyle

Filipowski remembered seeing the images of Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark being accidentally knocked down by a fan storming the court after her team su ered an upset loss.

Roughly a month later, Duke’s 7-foot star found himself part of the same discussion on the dangers of court-storming, his right leg wrapped in plastic to fasten an icebag to his kneecap. And he wasn’t happy about what had just happened.

“Just like any other upset game where the fans rush the court, all hell goes crazy,” Filipowski said after being hobbled in a collision with an on-rushing fan after the eighth-ranked Blue Devils lost at Wake Forest on Saturday. “Just trying to get my way o the court, and you know, you’ve got these crazy college students just doing whatever they want. It’s got to be a little more protective when things like that happen.”

The Clark incident, coming

Jan. 21 after then-No. 2 Iowa’s loss at Ohio State, o ered a reminder of the risk facing athletes and coaching sta s stuck in the path of an oncoming exuberant rush of fans eager to celebrate at midcourt.

It’s long been regarded as a rite of passage and part of the fabric of college athletics, most notably in a sport that captures the national spotlight every year with its “March Madness” spectacle in the NCAA Tournament. Yet Saturday marked the latest incident of the potentially combustible combination created by fans venturing between the lines that belong to the athletes right up to that nal horn.

“When are we going to ban court-storming?” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “Like, when are we going to ban that? How many times does a player have to get into something where they get punched or they get pushed or they get taunted right in their face? It’s a dangerous thing.”

Later Saturday night, Wake Forest athletics director John Currie issued a statement saying he had expressed “regret” for the incident to Duke athletics director Nina King as well as to Atlantic Coast Conference senior associate commissioner Paul Brazeau.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jacari Brim

West Forsyth, boys’ basketball

Jacari Brim is a junior guard for the West Forsyth boys’ basketball team. The Titans nished the regular season 20-7, 10-4 and in third place in the Central Piedmont Conference. They will open the state 4A playo s as a 13-seed. Brim leads West Forsyth in scoring, at more than 18.5 ppg, assists, at more than 6.5 a night, steals and blocks. He’s also hitting more than half of his shots from the eld. He recently topped the career 1,000 point mark and also has more than 500 assists. In back-to-back nights last week, Brim had 32 points and 6 assists against Parkland and 22 points and 4 steals against R.J. Reynolds. He also has a D-1 scholarship o er from Appalachian State.

“Although our event management sta and security had rehearsed postgame procedures to protect the visiting team and o cials, we clearly must do better,” Currie said. The prologue came with Duke trailing by four with 1.8 seconds left, down to a single inbounds heave for some type of miracle nish. Fans had already moved down to the court area as Mark Mitchell heaved a long inbounds pass that was intercepted by Cam Hildreth near midcourt. And they were at full sprint once the horn sounded.

“I mean, like everyone knew it was coming,” Filipowski said. “They were up four with 2 seconds left. Everyone was just

waiting for the moment. Did they do anything to stop it? They didn’t do anything to stop it. That’s just ridiculous.”

Scheyer — who referenced the Clark incident and said he regretted not pulling his players o the court sooner — was asked whether he would press the issue with ACC o cials for changes going forward.

“Yeah, they’re here today, you see it,” Scheyer said. “Who in their right mind can see that and (say), ‘Yeah, that’s smart’? It’s dangerous. In what other sport does that happen? And I’m telling you, I don’t even think, it was — what, did the buzzer go o and all of a sudden fans are at halfcourt.”

The Trackhouse Racing driver got to the line rst in a three-wide nish for his second career win

CHUCK BURTON | AP PHOTO

Fans storm the court as they celebrate with Wake Forest players after the Demon Deacons defeated Duke on Saturday in Winston-Salem.

JOHN BAZEMORE | AP PHOTO

Daniel Suarez (99), left, edges Kyle Busch (8), center, and Ryan Blaney (12) at the nish line to win Sunday’s Cup Series race at Atlanta.

STATE & NATION

How Trump won in South Carolina — and what it could mean for his chances in November

By Josh Boak The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donald Trump won over South Carolina Republicans as the candidate who voters believe can win in November, keep the country safe and will stand up and ght for them as president.

Trump cruised to victory in the South Carolina primary with the support of an almost unwavering base of loyal voters. AP VoteCast found that Republicans in the state are broadly aligned with Trumps’s goals: Many question the value of supporting Ukraine’s ght against Russia; and overwhelming majorities see immigrants as hurting the U.S. and suspect that there are nefarious political motives behind Trump’s multiple criminal indictments.

Even in her home state of South Carolina, where she was once governor, Nikki Haley appeared to have little chance against Trump. Just over half of GOP voters had a favorable view of her, whereas about two-thirds had a positive view of Trump.

About 6 in 10 South Carolina voters consider themselves supporters of the “Make America Great Again” movement, a Trump slogan that helped catapult him to the White House in 2016. About 9 in 10 Trump voters said they were

far more likely to view Trump than Haley as someone who would “stand up and ght for people like you” and to say he would keep the country safe. And about 7 in 10 say he has the mental capability to serve e ectively as president.

At the age of 52, Haley has bet that she can o er a generational change for the GOP. But the future she articulated has little basis in the present-day GOP, even in South Carolina, where she previously won two terms as governor. About 4 in 10 of South Carolina Republicans — including about 6 in 10 of those supporting Trump — say they have an unfavorable opinion of her.

white, older and without a college degree. But about 9 in 10 of South Carolina’s primary voters were white, making it hard to see if Trump has made inroads with Black voters whom he has attempted to win over.

Haley outpaced Trump among college-educated voters, a relative weakness for him that could matter in November as people with college degrees are a growing share of the overall electorate. Even though South Carolina Republican voters believe that Trump can win in November, some had worries about his viability.

driven by their support for him, not by objections to his opponent.

Haley’s voters were much more divided: About half were motivated by supporting her, but nearly as many turned out to oppose Trump.

Trump’s victory in South Carolina looked remarkably similar to his wins in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary.

It’s a sign that regional di erences that once existed within the GOP have been supplanted by a nation-

al movement that largely revolves around the former president.

Trump, 77, won in South Carolina with voters who are white and do not have a college degree, one of his core constituencies. About two-thirds of Trump’s backers in this election fell into that group.

A majority believe Trump is a candidate who can emerge victorious in November’s general election, while only about half say the same of Haley. Voters were also

Georgia Republicans seek to stop automatic voter registration in state

By Je Amy The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Georgia’s automatic voter registration has put almost all eligible citizens on the rolls, but now some Republicans want to turn that system o .

The Senate Ethics Committee on Thursday voted to advance Senate Bill 221, which would require people to opt in to voter registration when they receive or renew a driver’s license. Currently, they’re automatically registered unless they opt out.

The bill also makes it easier for voters to be challenged based on where they live, possibly clearing the way for Republican activists who see the state’s voting lists as bloated and fraudulent to knock thousands of additional voters o the rolls.

The measure is moving forward as Georgia is expected to again be a competitive state in this year’s presidential election and as GOP grassroot activists continue to support Donald Trump’s discredited claims that his 2020 Georgia loss stemmed from fraud.

A 2023 study by the Center for Election Innovation and Research found the share of active registered voters rose to 98% of the voting-eligible population in 2020, from 78% in 2016, when

the state began registering people at driver license o ces unless they speci cally decline. The share dropped to 92% in 2022, which the center characterized as normal for a non-election year.

Republicans argue that the system results in too much extra work for election o cials and creates duplicate registrations when someone registers again and is not matched with a previous record.

“The intent is certainly not to reduce voter registration, the intent is to clarify and make voter registration more accurate,” said Senate Ethics Committee Chairman Max Burns, a Sylvania Republican.

Some Republicans also said they thought people should have to a rmatively ask to register to vote, suggesting that it’s not in the state’s interest to register young people who aren’t interested.

“Are we just trying to get a lot of people on the rolls and two or three years later we’re purging all of them because 90% never went to vote anyway?” asked Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, a Dahlonega Republican.

But election o cials warned that the move would make Georgia’s voting rolls less accurate, not more, because it would reduce veri ed information owing to

the secretary of state’s o ce. State Elections Director Blake Evans said that before automatic registration, 11% of registrations were agged for problems based on information that they might have moved, versus only 4% after.

“We would see more people voting in the wrong precincts and the wrong contests for the wrong candidates because we would not get that information so consistently,” Evans said.

Opponents also said it was likely to cause a sharp drop in the number of people registering, based on a 15-month period beginning 2021 when the state’s driver license system was reprogramed to require voters to opt in.

“I think that incident is so important to understand because it is a view into the future of what this bill would do if it was implemented,” said Rep. Saira Draper, an Atlanta Democrat. “The result in that was a massive decline in voter registrations.”

The measure declares that any time someone registers to vote in some other state or locality, they have changed their residence. It lets registrars consider the U.S. Postal Service national change of address list or commercial information to determine whether someone lives where they claim. That could let counties hire Ea-

Haley has said she will stay in the race until at least the Super Tuesday primaries, though so far there are no signs that she has disrupted Trump’s momentum. She’s struggled to convince the core of the Republican Party that she’s a better choice than the former president — losing most conservatives and those without a college degree to Trump.

Trump has an iron grip on the Republican base, but that might not be enough of a coalition to guarantee a win in November’s general election.

South Carolina was a chance to show that he can expand his coalition beyond voters who are

About half of Republican voters in South Carolina — including about a quarter of his supporters — are concerned that Trump is too extreme to win the general election. About 3 in 10 voters believe he acted illegally in at least one of the criminal cases against him, even though about 7 in 10 believe the investigations are political attempts to undermine him.

Trump dominates among conservative voters. But his challenge is that those voters were just 37% of the electorate in the November 2020 presidential election. The other 63% identi ed as moderate or liberal, the two categories that Trump lost to Haley in South Carolina.

gleAI, a private Georgia company that claims it has private information that will help counties void improper voter registrations.

The measure also declares that a county election board can uphold challenges to a voter’s registration by other citizens if someone has registered to vote in a di erent jurisdiction, registered for a homestead exemption on a residence in a di erent jurisdiction, has a missing or invalid birth date, has a missing or invalid address, or if a voter has registered at a nonresidential address, including a post o ce box.

Some of those provisions could cause problems for voters through no fault of their own. Because of data entry problems,

The

Getting out the vote

Rep. Richard Hudson

Feb.

lives in Southern

greets Miriam Chu of Carthage and Tommy Brady of West End outside the Moore

2024. The early voting period began for the primary election began Feb. 15 and continues through March 2nd. As of Feb. 27, 3,338 early ballots have been cast in Moore County. Election day is Tuesday, March 5.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Pinehurst council moves forward on SMPO

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

PINEHURST – The Village of Pinehurst Council met Tuesday, Feb. 13, and approved updates to the fees and charges schedule for scal 2025.

Changes include an increase for residential building permits relating to residential additions, alterations or new construction from $0.17 per square foot to $0.30 per square foot, an 2-4% increase in the base fee for the rental of the Fair Barn and a $5 increase in administrative fees for memberships, classes, programs and youth day camps for residents.

The council signed o on a number of items related to the new Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization (SMPO).

“Once an urban area hits a population of 50,000 people or more, they need to create a metropolitan planning organization,” explained assistant village manager Doug Willardson. “It really deals with transpor -

tation planning. The southern Moore County area has reached that threshold with the last census, so we’re now creating this organization which gets everyone on the same page. A lot of what we do is prioritize projects for future funding.”

The rst meeting of the SMPO, which was approved at the end of December, went well but there are a number of agreements and procedural hurdles that Pinehurst needs to approve to move forward.

“Pinehurst is not just a member of the organization, but a lead planning agency,” said Dana Van Nostrand, nancial services director for Pinehurst. “We’re the one signing all these agreements… we will be the one executing the grant agreement documents and are administratively responsible.”

The items include a nancial agreement with NCDOT, an agreement between Pinehurst and the SMPO, and the establishment of the SMPO Special Revenue Fund to account for revenue separately from the

“Pinehurst is not just a member of [SMPO], but a lead planning agency.”

Dana Van Nostrand, Pinehurst nancial services director

Village’s funds.

“We want to clarify what the Village is providing and what the expectations of the SMPO group is,” Willardson said. “On top of that, in exchange for all our services, there are payments. As the lead planning agency, we’re going to be housing it, so there’s a facility cost as well as administrative costs.”

The Village will receive $27,000 per year for being the lead agency. The Council appointed Jimmy Duncan as a member of the Planning and Zoning Board and Board of Adjustments.

“We interviewed Mr. Duncan about three weeks ago and he

Aberdeen hears proposal to update South Street railroad crossing

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

ABERDEEN – The Aberdeen Town Board met Monday, Feb. 26, approving ordinance change to increase the maximum height of multi-family buildings from 35 to 45 feet to accommodate sloped roofs.

“When you’re doing a three-story multi-family building, you’re not able to get the proper slope” with the limit of 35 feet, Planning Director John Terziu told the board. Instead, architects are forced towards “a more urban style, at roof without being able to put the pitched slope, which doesn’t really t

into our suburban population.”

NCDOT’s Rail Division was also in attendance, proposing an update to the South Street railroad crossing, including signals, landscaping improvements, parking, a sidewalk and a dedicated one-way street on Sycamore south of South Street.

Richard Mullinax, a consulting engineer working with the NCDOT Rail Division, said the project will be funded through a federal program designed to eliminate hazards at highway-rail grade crossings.

“Once a year, NCDOT ranks all public highway-rail grade crossings across North Carolina,” Mullinax said. It consid-

ers aspects like the number, volume, and speed of trains, the speed of highway tra c and the number of school buses that have to make the crossing, and more. A public hearing on the South Street railroad crossing update will be held at a future meeting.

The board approved four appointments to town-related boards, including Jonathan Cauthen to the Downtown Aberdeen Advisory Board, and the reappointments of Dene Moon, Teressa Beavers and Chelsea Vandever to the Appearance and Beauti cation Commission.

The Aberdeen Town Board will next meet March 25.

was able to show us a couple of traits he has that we feel would be very helpful to the planning and zoning board,” said Planning and Zoning Board chair Jeramy Hooper. “Some of his experience in his work career, 34 years with Duke Power, much of that was dedicated to regulations, ordinances, reading and writing and deciphering those. What we really appreciated about Mr. Duncan during that interview was that he was able to very clearly and directly show us how he would reach back into the PDO and in fact how he had done so with some of our recent applications and came up with his thought process of how we would approach them. We felt that after showing us that, that that would be something helpful to what we do in our PDO.”

“We are residents of the Village, my wife and I, and we have no plan on going anywhere,” Duncan said. “I understand that Pinehurst is going to see growth and going to see change in the years to come and throughout my career I can tell you that I have always tried to put myself in a position that if there’s change coming, I would at least like to have a seat at the table as those changes come.”

The Village of Pinehurst Council will next meet March 12.

The update to the railroad crossing would include signals, landscaping improvements, parking, a sidewalk and a dedicated one-way street on Sycamore south of South Street.

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Pines,

“Join

MOORE CITIZENS FOR FREEDOM

MOORE COUNTY

Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best county.

MOORE

COUNTY, WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

March 1

Open House Birthday Bash

1 – 7 p.m.

Join for the 12M+ Open House and One Year Birthday Bash. Guests will enjoy many free experience stations including giveaways for those who attend in person and 12M+ APP Members! There will be free co ee, free cake, free headshots, free t-shirts, free swag, local discounts and more. Food trucks will be on site for the fun as well. The rst 50 military spouse attendees who show that they are a 12M+ Community Member will also receive a free permanent jewelry experience, hair & makeup for headshots, opportunities to become a micro in uencer and more. Take advantage of job interview opportunities and recruiters from both Instant Teams and T-Mobile on-site, military spouse artisans, vendors and exciting activities.

Free Screening of The Social Dilemma

3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Join for a Movie Night! The League of Women Voters and the Sandhills Coalition for Peace, Love and Justice are sponsoring a free showing of The Social Dilemma. The 90-minute screening focuses on the impact of social media and will be followed by a 30-minute discussion. The discussion will be led by Robert Orr, former Republican Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court and NC Co-lead for the Carter Center’s Strengthening Democracy Project. Held at the Sunrise Theater, located at 250 NW Broad St in Southern Pines. Event is free and open to the public.

SPORTS

Four teams from county advance to playo s

playo bid. Junior Colby Pennington scored 21 of the team’s 35 points in the nal game, pulling down 7 o ensive rebounds. He nished the year as North Moore’s leading scorer and rebounder.

THE REGULAR season and conference tournaments are over, meaning the one-and-done playo season has begun for North Carolina high schools.

Two of Moore County’s three boys’ teams, and two of the three girls’ teams will be in action this week after receiving bids from the NCHSAA. Each school in the county has at least one team representing it as teams around North Carolina begin vying for the state title.

Here’s a team by team look at the county boys’ and girls’ teams.

Boys

North Moore saw its season end with a 80-35 loss to Northwood in the Mid-Carolina Conference Tournament The Mustangs nished 6-17, 2-14 in conference play, which put them in eighth place.

The Mustangs lost their last ve games of the season and didn’t receive a

Union Pines also lost in its conference tournament to fall for the fth straight game However, the Vikings will get a chance to snap the skid this season, as they received a bid to the NCHSAA playo s.

Union Pines fell to Southern Lee, 72-51 to drop to 10-14 on the year, 2-10 and eighth place in the Sandhills Conference. Kingsley Donaldson scored 14 and Trent Hilburn 12 in the loss.

Now, the Vikings will have a tough challenge in the 3A state playo s. They received a 32-seed and will open against the top-seeded Swansboro Pirates, who are 25-1 on the year.

Pinecrest went 1-1 in its conference tournament to head into the playo s at 13-10, 7-7 in the Sandhills. The fourth-place Patriots beat Scotland, 74-46, then fell to Richmond, 85-73. They’ll open as the 22-seed in the 4A playo s, against No. 11 Laney.

Girls

Pinecrest closed its season with a loss to Lee County in the conference tournament, 59-43. The Patriots were 7-16, 5-7 in the Sandhills, which put them in fth place. With two season-closing losses and four in the last ve games, Pinecrest was not selected for the state tournament. Aniya McGregor had 12 points, 5 rebounds and 7 steals in the season-ending loss.

North Moore lost three straight games and six of its last seven, but the Mustangs will get a chance to continue their season in the 1A playo s. North Moore lost to Northwood, 65-18 in the conference tournament to fall to 8-16, 3-14 in the Mid Carolina Conference, which puts it in eighth place. The Mustangs received a 30-seed and will face No. 3 East Columbus and its 21-1 record to open their 1A run. Union Pines split two games in the conference tournament to enter the playo s at 14-11, 7-5 and third place in the Sandhills. The Vikings beat Hoke County, 52-34, then fell to Scotland, 4934. Now, Union Pines heads to the 3A bracket with the 28-seed. The Vikings will face No. 5 Franklinton, who is 23-1.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Azir Gillespie

Pinecrest boys’ basketball

Azir Gillespie is a senior guard for the Pinecrest boys’ basketball team. The Patriots enter the playo s at 1310, 7-7 in the Sandhills Conference. They earned the 22-seed in the 4A playo s.

Gillespie has been the thirdleading scorer on Pinecrest this season, but he’s stepped up his production as the playo s loomed. He’s had several double- gure scoring games over the last month, including a 20-point outburst in a win over Scotland in the conference tournament. He added 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in the victory.

CREDIT UPHS MEN’S BASKETBALL TWITTER/X ACCOUNT

Aniyah McGregor scores on senior night. The Pinecrest girls then fell in their conference tournament to end their season.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Mary Wicker Williamson

January 20, 1936 - February 21, 2024

Mary Wicker Williamson, 88, of Aberdeen, NC passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at her residence. She was born on January 20, 1936 in Moore County, to the late Ellis Frye and Bernice Wicker. She was raised by her mother and step-father William Henry Wilson, Sr.

She is survived by her children, Rickey Williamson (Sally), Lynn Lentz (Les), Ann Frazier, Wanda King (Stan), Marshall Williamson (Dawn), and Stephen Williamson (Cyndee); 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 9 greatgreat grandchildren; daughterin-law Joyce Williamson; granddaughter in-law Wanda Richardson; brother Bill Wilson; sister, Irene Whighsel; and a host of extended family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Andrew Williamson, her son David Williamson, and one grandson Randy Richardson.

Glenn Nils Bower

May 7, 1930 - February 21, 2024

Glenn Nils Bower, 93, of Southern Pines, NC, died peacefully on February 21, 2024 at St. Joseph of the Pines Health Center. He is survived by four daughters, Pamela Bower-Basso (Jake Basso), Elizabeth Bower Hudgins, Emily Bower (Alan Roberts), Priscilla Bower, seven grandchildren and ve great grandchildren. His wife of 63 years, Suzanne Gri ths Bower, predeceased him in 2017.

Glenn and Sue met at Brown and were married in October 1954.

Glenn and Sue retired to Pinehurst, North Carolina. They were busy and lived happily in Pinewild for 20 years, and most recently resided at Bellemeade Retirement Community in Southern Pines.

Eugene (Gene)

William Polston

March 4, 1943 - February 19, 2024

Eugene (Gene) William Polston, 80, of Southern Pines, NC passed away early on Monday, February 19, 2024, at his residence. Gene was born March 4, 1943, in Gastonia, NC to the late Howard and Doris Jones Polston. He is survived by his children Craig Polston (Crystal), Renee Celestine (Tom) and Keith Polston (Candice); grandchildren, Katie Kline, Keven Sutton, Lauren Polston, Joshua Polston, and Gabriel Kamrud-Polston; great grandchildren, Bennett Kline, and Reece Andrews-Polston; siblings, Sylvia Chellis, and Bill Polston (wife Anna); and his long-term caregiver, Bettina Calcote. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by ve of his siblings, Juanita, Jimmy, Donnie, Betty and Richard.

He was a wonderful and generous brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. One of Gene’s favorite pastimes was sitting on the front porch enjoying his beautiful knock-out roses and azaleas while talking with neighbors.

Martha Johnson

McFalls

September 21, 1948 - February 19, 2024

Martha Johnson McFalls, age 75, died February 19, 2024 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Martha retired from BB&T after many years of service. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Phillip McFalls and sister Mary Katherine Davenport. She is survived by son Matt McFalls of Southern Pines and grandchildren Anessa McFalls, Corbin McFalls, and Kaitlyn Taylor.

Philip Teasley Olbon "PT"

March 3, 1950 - February 18, 2024

Philip Teasley Olbon “PT” went to be with his Lord in the early morning hours of Sunday Feb. 18th. Philip was born on March 3, 1950 to parents Henry and Joan Olbon in East Point, Ga. Philip attended public schools in East Point until his senior year of high school when he accepted an opportunity to attend prep school and play basketball at Tennessee Military Institute (TMI), Sweetwater, TN. He graduated from TMI in Spring 1968. Philip went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga. Philips professional career spanned over 30 years of public service for the Federal government in multiple roles. He served as a correctional o cer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a United States Marine Corps O cer (O-3) Captain, and as a Special Agent for the Defense Investigative Service (DIS). In 1994 married Sandra Dent of Jacksonville, FL. They subsequently moved back to NC where they remained happily married and in love for the past 30 years. During his retirement years Philip volunteered his time as an administrator for the Sandhills Coalition, as an Usher at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, and as an assistant basketball Coach for the Sandhills Community College Flyers. Philip enjoyed his beloved North Carolina Tarheels, reading ction while relaxing with a cigar, playing with his two Chihuahua’s Button and Beau (deceased), and taking trips with his loving wife Sandra. Philip has one son, R. Benson Olbon “Ben” born on January 21, 1978. Ben graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2000 and followed in his father’s footsteps as a Marine Corps O cer. Ben currently resides in Rancho Mission Viejo, Ca with his wife Alili Olbon and his two children. Philip was predeceased by his parents Henry and Joan Olbon. He is survived by his wife Sandra, his son Ben Olbon, and his grandchildren Lainey Olbon (10) and Rhys Olbon (4). He is also survived by Sandra’s sons William Dent (Sara) and Paul Dent (Heidi); her grandchildren; and other extended family.

Margaret Layton Shaw

July 5, 1925 - February 16, 2024

Margaret Layton Shaw died peacefully on Friday, February 16th in Southern Pines, NC, surrounded by her beloved children Donald, Diane and William. Born in Houston, Texas, she started her life of adventure right after high school when she moved to California where she met her future husband, Donald, an Air Force pilot, on a blind date and married soon after. They enjoyed almost sixty years of loving marriage, traveling the world and raising a family. She adored her grandchildren Bridgette, Iain and Rachel and her great grandchildren Tyler, Jasmine, Annalisa, Shannon and Luna, as well as her daughter-in-law Diana and Diane’s partner John.

Mary Frances Carrington

October 11, 1935 - February 21, 2024

Mary Frances Pohl Carrington, 88, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. She was born on October 11, 1935 to the late Karl and Emma Page Wilder Pohl. Mary Frances married Robert Carrington, the love of her life. They were happily married for 65 years, until his passing in 2022. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Carrington Dodge (Will), Robert "Bobby" Carrington, III (Mary), and Catherine Carrington Hinton (Hugh); grandchildren Sarah Carrington, Robert "Rob" Carrington, IV., Anna Carrington Tew (Arthur), Lizzie Smith Royalty (Paul), Marshall Smith (Rachel), Mary Catherine Dodge Clodfelter (David) and Ann Dodge ( ancé Sean Reilly); great-grandchildren Harriette, Lydia, Ambrose and Charles Tew, and Douglas Paul Royalty, III “Tripp.”

David Paul McInnis

September 8, 1955 - February 22, 2024

David Paul McInnis, age 68, of Jackson Springs, NC passed away on February 22, 2024. Paul was born in Moore County, NC September 8, 1955 to Raymond and Edna McInnis.

Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara McInnis (Pate), his children, Catherine Kuhn(McInnis) of Jackson Springs, NC and David McInnis of Cary, NC and his granddaughter, Brooklyn Kuhn of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by his sisters, Lorraine Bruinsma and her husband Simon Bruinsma of West End, NC and Karen Wilkerson of Rockingham, NC. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; Raymond and Edna McInnis, and his brothers, Alan and Kenneth McInnis.

Betty Jean Hardy

July 23, 1946 - February 22,

2024

Betty Jean Hardy, 77, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, February 22, 2024. She leaves behind her family and a legacy full of love and compassion. Born July 23, 1946, Betty was the youngest of three children born to the late Moir and Ruby Hazelwood. In 1963, she married the love of her life, Burl Hardy Sr, with whom she had four sons. Betty Jean was preceded in death by her parents and brother, husband Burl Hardy Sr, and three of her sons, Daryl, Eddie, and Burl Jr. She is survived by her son, Al Hardy, sister, Lena McArthur, nine grandchildren: Elizabeth, D.J., Anna, Danielle, Brooke, Luke, Mikayla, Ashlyn, and Kaylee, three great-grandchildren: Kiya, Brynlee, and Avery, and many nieces and nephews.