North State Journal Vol. 10, Issue 2

Helene-affected N.C. highway reopens

Waynesville

A stretch of Interstate 40 through the western North Carolina mountains reopened to traffic last weekend, months after Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding collapsed portions of the road, partially restoring the major travel connection with eastern Tennessee. Flooding in the Pigeon River gorge in Haywood County washed away over 1 mile of I-40’s eastbound lanes in late September. Although usually a four-lane road, large portions of the section will operate for now with just one narrowed lane in each direction, with a 35-mph speed limit, according to the state Transportation Department. A concrete curb separates traffic, and periodic breaks provide access to emergency vehicles. The state had hoped to restore traffic on I-40 in early January, but that got delayed when more asphalt from eastbound lanes fell in mid-December.

Tariffs against Canada, Mexico go into effect

Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge.

House bill would raise teacher pay the BRIEF this week

Imports from Canada and Mexico will now be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products getting tariffed at 10%. In addition, the 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February is doubling to 20%. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would slap tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over 21 days. Mexico and China didn’t immediately detail any retaliatory measures.

Crews continue fighting wildfires across NC, SC

Lighter winds have helped contain large blazes in Polk County and near Myrtle Beach

By Erik Verduzco The Associated Press

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. —

Lighter winds Monday helped crews in South Carolina and North Carolina battle wildfires that caused evacuations and threatened hundreds of homes over the weekend.

Officials said Tuesday

$50K

Starting teacher pay under H.B. 192

there were approximately 180 wildfires in North Carolina on Tuesday, fewer than the 200 -plus that were active the day before.

Hundreds of firefighters across South Carolina managed to keep a large blaze in Horry County near Myrtle Beach from destroying any homes despite social media videos of orange skies at night and flames engulfing pine trees just yards away. Volunteers distributed cases of water and food to firefighters

See FIRES, page A8

The legislation would also study school funding

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A bill filed in the North Carolina House seeks to raise teacher pay, bring back master’s degree pay and establish a study of school funding.

House Bill 192, titled Raise Teacher Pay & Dollar Allot. Study, was filed Feb. 25 by Rep. Erin Paré (R-Wake). “Proud to file this bill today to raise starting salaries for our teachers to $50k, restore master’s pay, and study a dollar allotment system for pay so local districts have more flexibility to pay more

Group brings together Gold Star families, running

Children of fallen service members also receive mentoring

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A national nonprofit is bringing together families of fallen members of the military in an active way: running.

The group, Wear Blue: run to remember, is engaging communities across the country and abroad to honor the fallen through running events. But Wear Blue offers much more through its Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program (GSYMP), which matches Gold Star and surviving children who have lost a parent or sibling in military service with an active-duty or recently transitioned service member mentor.

for hard to hire positions, for example,” said Paré in a post on X.

She also thanked the other primary sponsors, Reps. Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth), Tricia Cotham (R-Mecklenburg) and Mike Schietzelt (R-Wake).

The legislation would implement a new monthly salary schedule for the 2025-26 fiscal year starting at $5,000 per month ($50,000 a year based on a 10-month pay rate) for beginning teachers. The current starting teacher salary is $41,000. The rate would increase based on years of experience up to $6,823 for those with 25 years or more of experience.

The bill would also reinstate education-based salary supplements that had previously been eliminated, including a 12% supplement for National Board-certified teachers, 10% for those with master’s degrees and additional amounts for

See BILL, page A3

“The Wear Blue Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program pairs children of fallen military service members with military-connected mentors, fostering a connection built on shared experiences and understanding,” Lisa Hallett, Wear Blue co-founder and executive director, said in a statement to North State Journal. “The program promotes healing, resilience, and personal growth through physical activity, meaningful relationships, and enduring remembrance.”

GSYMP has received support from Boeing, The Bob Woodruff Foundation and The USAA Foundation.

Hallett added, “Each step taken together is a tribute to the sacrifices made and a commitment to the future, ensuring that the children of our

See GOLD STAR, page A2

COURTESY WEAR BLUE

Wear Blue uses running to honor fallen service members and help their families heal from their loss.

the word | Be brave

Be brave. Only the brave are strong. The coward is a weakling; if he has strength, he dares not use it. We must be brave, for life is a battle. The forces of good and evil are in deadly combat. You cannot avoid having a part in the conflict. You must fight whether you will to do so or not. There will be obstacles to meet no matter where your path may lie. You must overcome them — or they will overcome you. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9.

Do not dream of a time in this life when all your obstacles will be overcome. There is no day so bright, but the darkness follows. There is no ship that sails the sea, but must meet the storms. No tree sinks its roots so deeply into the soil, but its strength is tested by the fierce gale.

Upon you will blow the piercing winds of adverse circumstances. Things will come that you cannot foresee. Do not shrink before them when they appear. Lift up your head, throw back your shoulders, look them squarely in the face — and with courage born of faith, meet them in the strength God will give you. Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

Sometimes it may seem that to endure is impossible. Your strength may fail — but when you have come to the end of yourself, God will add strength, and that added strength will mean victory. Be brave. It is only when you bravely face the foe, that you can

know the measure of your strength. There can be no defeat, to him who will not be defeated. In Romans 8:37, God reminded us “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Circumstances may prevail against you for a time — but if you fight manfully on, the seeming defeat will end in victory.

Napoleon once fought a battle and lost. His troops were driven back. One of his marshals, who with his troops had not arrived in time for the conflict, came up during the retreat. Napoleon said to him, “We have lost the battle.”

“It seems so, sire,” was the reply, “but there is still time to fight another.”

Encouraged by the words of his marshal, Napoleon rallied his troops, attacked the enemy, and won a great victory.

In the same way, if defeated —

Jones targets former governor’s disaster recovery agency

The C.O.O.P.E.R. Act funds NCORR but with strict oversight

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A bill filed in the House takes aim at former Gov. Roy Cooper’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency, which has been struggling to fulfill its role in recovery efforts for Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

House Bill 222, the C.O.O.P.E.R. Accountability Act, was filed Feb. 26 by Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus). The bill would appropriate funds for certain hurricane disaster recovery while implementing strict oversight measures over the Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR).

“After years of mismanagement under Gov. Cooper, we’re taking action,” wrote Jones in a post on X. “This bill directs $217M to finish Hurricane Matthew and Florence home repairs, with strict oversight and accountability.

GOLD STAR from page A1

nation’s fallen are supported, empowered, and never alone.”

Locations served by the GSYMP include Joint Base Lewis McChord (DuPont, Washington Region), Fort Carson (Colorado Springs, Colorado Region), Joint Base San Antonio (San Antonio, Texas Region), Fort Campbell (Fort Campbell, Kentucky Region) and Fort Bragg (Fayetteville, North Carolina Region).

The impact of Wear Blue’s programs is measurable, with 99% of Gold Star youth indicating they feel connected to a community that honors their loved one’s sacrifice and 94% of community run participants reporting having a strong connection to the community.

GSYMP is currently accepting mentor and mentee applications for the Fort Bragg location at wearblueruntoremember.org/ gsymp. The application period closes on March 15. Additionally, at an upcoming “All American Races“ event at

No more excuses. Just results.”

The bill would allocate $217 million to NCORR to complete homeowner recovery projects for Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, plus $1.5 million to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for emergency operations center supplies and equipment.

Under the bill, NCORR would be required to prioritize establishing a memorandum of understanding with the Housing Finance Agency to retrieve eligible funding for recovery programs and mandates the reevaluation of all people deemed ineligible for assistance within the past 180 days.

The bill would establish monthly and bimonthly reporting and auditing requirements for NCORR, limit the governor’s power to reallocate the funds and require recipients to seek alternative funding sources before using state funds.

The State Auditor’s Office (OSA) is looped in on NCORR’s reporting and would be directed to produce data for the legislature.

OSA would also be tasked

Fort Bragg, Wear Blue will host a tribute mile. The event will take place March 22 from 7 a.m. to noon. The event is open to individuals of all ages and will include a half marathon, 5K run and 1-mile Fun Run. To register, visit ; the deadline is March 21 at 7 p.m. or until sold out. Those wishing to volunteer with Wear Blue for the All American Races event can sign up by visiting wearblueruntoremember.org/all-america-races.

According to Wear Blue’s website, the group has engaged more than 3,900 service members, veterans, their families and families of the fallen annually, as well as over 400 youth served through GSYMP. Additionally, more than 200 families of the fallen have completed their first cohort of the organization’s Gold Star Race Program, and over 2 million athletes have moved through a Wear Blue mile.

The origin of Wear Blue traces back to 2010, when spouses of fallen service members came together to run in support of

with conducting periodical financial and performance audits of the Division of Emergency Management and Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC). Additionally, OSA would create a public online dashboard comparing appropriated funds with actual expenditures.

The Office of State Budget and Management would also be required to perform ongoing financial monitoring of NCORR for the duration of its operations.

Any unspent funds would revert to the Savings Reserve by June 30, 2027, and the bill would remove NCORR’s responsibility for administering Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery awards for future federally declared disasters.

NCORR’s lack of progress in getting families back into their homes following Hurricanes Matthew and Helene have been the subject of multiple legislative oversight hearings over the past two years.

In a hearing held at the end of January, NCORR acting chief

“Being

partnered with active-duty service members or recently separated service members, it just brings back that connection and understanding of what that military career is.”

Amelia McConnell, Wear Blue director of marketing design

the 5-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team when it was redeployed in Afghanistan. During that deployment, 41 soldiers lost their lives, including Army Capt. John Hallett, Lisa Hallett’s husband. When the unit returned, Hallett and fellow Army wife Erin O’Connor transformed their small support group into the nationwide organization it is today. The blue theme comes from the original group’s T-shirts, the blue Buffalo PT (physical train-

never count that defeat final. Attack the foe again and keep at it until you win.

Bravery is a quality of mind and soul. You may be weak in body, you may be timid and shrinking — but if you will, your soul may rise above all this and wax strong in God. Courage is the basis of your strength. It will bring strength from God. But should he give you ever so much strength, only through courage can you make use of it.

Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.

Pryor was grilled for more than four hours regarding NCORR’s budget gap and continued inability to finish over 1,150 homes for victims of Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, the first of which occurred more than eight years ago.

ing), which are now a tribute to the 5-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Amelia McConnell, Wear Blue’s director of marketing design, is the sister of one of the first 41 fallen soldiers to be honored by the group.

“The youth needed an outreach, and they needed mentorship as well,” McConnell, who was 15 at the time, said.

She noted that some of the children had never met their parents, including Hallet’s daughter, who was just 3 weeks old when her father was killed in action.

“And so it was giving (Lisa’s daughter) a sense of understanding of that military life, still having that connection to her father,” said McConnell. “And being partnered with active-duty service members or recently separated service members, it just brings back that connection and understanding of what that military career is.” McConnell said the support and community connection for children goes beyond just run-

During that hearing, Jones repeatedly pressed Gibson for home completion dates. Gibson told the lawmaker that he “will commit to getting every single home I can by (the end of) ’25” but could not promise at all 1,150 homes would be finished.

ning, describing units that would come out on a Saturday to lead a PT session, set up an obstacle course or paint camouflage on the children’s faces alongside the soldiers “just so they can experience some of that camaraderie.”

“For me, being a Gold Star sibling, it’s really easy to isolate yourself when you lose somebody — and not just in the military,” said McConnell. “It’s just very easy to isolate yourself, and you don’t always have the right words. I’ve lost people in my life, and I still don’t have the right words to say to somebody else.

“But I think of my mom often when she lost her oldest child, her only son, and people constantly came to the door and they gave her food and they didn’t say the right thing. And one of the things I remember her saying was, ‘I just needed somebody to say let’s go for a walk. Let’s get me out of the house.’”

McConnell said that is just what Hallett and her peers did; essentially saying, “Hey, let’s get out there and let’s grieve together and stay healthy while doing it.”

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Daniel in the Lions’ Den” by Briton Rivière (1872) is a painting in the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, England.

Gibson

MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO

State Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus), pictured last June, filed the C.O.O.P.E.R. Accountability Act at the end of February.

Senate bill would tighten law enforcement cooperation with ICE

Local jurisdictions with “sanctuary policies” would lose legal immunity

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A bill filed in the North Carolina Senate seeks to tighten state law enforcement cooperation with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Senate Bill 153, titled the North Carolina Border Protection Act, was filed on Feb. 24. The bill’s primary sponsor is Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), along with Sens. Warren Daniel (R-Burke) and Buck Newton (R-Wilson).

The bill aims to strengthen immigration enforcement at the state level by requiring various North Carolina agencies to collaborate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities. The bill’s language references President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 executive orders on border security and cites the 2024 election as demonstrating public support for stronger immigration policies.

“North Carolinians are seeing the harmful impacts of open-border policies — from dangerous drug trafficking to

criminal, illegal immigrants being released from jail to roam our streets freely,” Berger said in a press release. “North Carolinians made it clear that they will no longer tolerate sanctuary policies that put them at risk. We must send an equally strong message by requiring Gov. (Josh) Stein’s administration to cooperate with immigration officials.”

Included in the bill’s opening language is a section criticizing Stein for failing to direct agencies to follow or support the president’s orders and initiatives.

Under the bill, the secretaries of Public Safety and Adult Correction, commander of the State Highway Patrol, and director of the State Bureau of Investigation are directed to enter into formal memorandum of agreements (MOAs) with ICE to allow designated state officers to perform immigration enforcement.

Those state agencies must also develop policies requiring employees to determine if persons in custody are legal residents, make queries to ICE when unable to determine legal status and share information with ICE about unauthorized individuals.

According to the bill, all the required MOAs must be reported

to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety no later than Aug. 1.

“It doesn’t matter if you live in Murphy or Manteo, you’re still feeling the impacts of the Biden-era open border policies,” Daniel said. “Now that we have a federal government that is taking border control seriously, we need to do our part at the state level and ensure that our citizens are protected from criminal, illegal immigrants.”

In terms of compliance, the

state auditor would conduct a review by Dec. 31. In addition to the MOAs, the bill directs the Office of State Budget and Management to examine state benefit programs to determine if illegal immigrants are using them and ensure benefits aren’t being provided beyond federal requirements.

Programs impacted would include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, housing assistance, child care subsidies and more.

Superintendent to embark on listening tour

Mo Green will make a stop in each of the state’s eight educational regions

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s new State Superintendent Mo Green launching a statewide listening tour this spring.

The “Mo Wants to Know” tour will span all eight regions of North Carolina during March and April, creating opportunities for public input on the future direction of the state’s education system.

state’s eight educational regions.

• Western Region: March 17 at Tuscola High School in Haywood County

• Northwest Region: March 18 at Hibriten High School in Caldwell County

• Piedmont Triad Region: March 24 at Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem

• Southwest Region: March 26 at Harold E. Winkler Middle School in Cabarrus County

“North Carolinians made it clear that they will no longer tolerate sanctuary policies that put them at risk.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden)

“It’s past time for North Carolina cities and counties to be held accountable for harmful Sanctuary City policies,” said Newton. “We’ve seen families across the country suffer because of these policies and the North Carolina Border Protection Act gives citizens the ability to go after those cities and counties that have for far too long defied state law.”

Local governments are also being held accountable, with language included that cities and counties adopting “sanctuary” policies will be forced to waive their governmental legal immunity. The effect of the waiver would make such jurisdictions potentially liable for crimes committed by illegal immigrants and open to lawsuits by citizens.

The bill would also levy restrictions on the UNC System by prohibiting the system’s institutions from becoming “sanctuary universities.” UNC System schools would be barred from limiting enforcement of federal immigration laws and be banned from enacting policies that restrict gathering or sharing of immigration status information.

• Northeast Region: April 9 at Northeastern High School in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank

“The strategic plan we create will advance my vision for every child in North Carolina to achieve educational excellence and for our public schools to be the best in the country,” Green said in a press release. “For the plan to be effective, it must be driven by the people we serve — from students and teachers to employers and community leaders.”

BILL from page A1

those with six-year or doctoral degrees.

House Bill 192 would appropriate approximately $1.6 billion in recurring funds to increase teacher salaries and $8 million to reinstate the education-based supplements.

• A breakdown of the pay raise items in the bill includes:

• 12% salary supplement for

The tour will allow Green to address issues in North Carolina’s education system, such as challenges including post-pan-

teachers with National Board certification

• 10% salary supplement for teachers with master’s degrees (“M” teachers)

• $126 monthly supplement for teachers with six-year degree licensure (in addition to “M” supplement)

• $253 monthly supplement for teachers with doctoral degree licensure (in addition to “M” supplement)

demic learning recovery, teacher retention and preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce.

The tour schedule includes evening sessions at schools in the

• 10% salary supplement for certified school nurses

• $100 monthly supplement for school counselors licensed at master’s level or higher

• Special provisions for school psychologists, speech pathologists and audiologists, including higher starting salary (equivalent to step 6) and supplements of 10% plus $350 monthly Additionally, the bill directs

• Sandhills Region: March 27 at Westover High School in Cumberland County

• Southeast Region: March 31 at John J. Blair Elementary School in New Hanover County

• North Central Region: April 7 at Northern High School in Durham

the North Carolina Collaboratory to study and report on the feasibility of implementing a dollar allotment system based on average daily membership rather than guaranteed positions for compensating teachers, instructional support personnel, and assistant principals. The study must be completed by Feb. 15, 2026.

The legislature’s 2023 budget deal included a 7% raise

All sessions begin at 6 p.m. and are open to anyone interested in contributing to the conversation about educational improvement in North Carolina. Attendance is free, though registration is strongly encouraged as venues may reach capacity limits. Registration links for each session can be found in NCDPI’s Feb. 25 press release, which can be accessed by visiting dpi.nc.gov/news/ press-releases. According to the Department of Public Instruction’s press release, the information gathered throughout the listening tour will directly inform a comprehensive strategic plan developed in conjunction with the State Board of Education.

The press release also said Green will be “meeting privately with leaders in the education, business, community, nonprofit and religious sectors to learn from their insights.”

for state employees over the biennium. For teachers and noncertified staff, that plan had an average raise of 7%, and starting teacher pay was raised to $41,000 for FY 2024-25, which is an 11% increase. According to the Senate Republicans at that time, the average teacher pay was to increase to $60,671 by 2024-25, which they said “is on par with the state median household income.”

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ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Proposed legislation in the North Carolina Senate would require state agencies to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

SCOTT DAVIS / THE DAILY REFLECTOR VIA AP

State Superintendent Mo Green, pictured in September during the campaign, is going on a statewide listening tour.

NATION & WORLD

Senate confirms McMahon to lead Education Department

By Annie Ma The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate voted Monday to confirm former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as the nation’s education chief, a role that places her atop a department that President Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle. McMahon will face the competing tasks of winding down the Education Department while also escalating efforts to achieve Trump’s agenda. Already the Republican president has signed sweeping orders to rid America’s schools of diversity programs and accommodations for transgender students while also calling for expanded school choice programs.

At the same time, Trump has promised to shut down the department and said he wants McMahon “to put herself out of a job.”

The Senate voted to confirm McMahon 51-45.

A billionaire and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, the 76-year-old McMahon — a native of New Bern with a bachelor’s degree in French from East Carolina — spent a year on Connecticut’s state board of education and is a longtime trustee at Sacred Heart University.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

Linda McMahon attends a hearing of the Health, Education, and Labor Committee on her nomination for secretary of Education on Feb. 13 in Washington, D.C.

McMahon’s supporters see her as a skilled executive who will reform a department that Republicans say has failed to improve American education, while opponents say she’s unqualified and fear her budget cuts will be felt by students nationwide.

“Americans believe in public education,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said before the confirmation vote. “They don’t want to see the Department of Education abolished. If the Trump administration follows through on cuts to education, schools will lose billions in funding.”

At her confirmation hear-

ing, McMahon distanced herself from Trump’s rhetoric, saying the goal is to make the Education Department “operate more efficiently” not to defund programs.

She acknowledged that only Congress has the power to close the department, and she pledged to preserve Title I money for low-income schools, Pell grants for low-income college students and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Yet she suggested some operations could move to other departments, saying Health and Human Services might be better suited to enforce disability rights laws.

Weeks before McMahon’s confirmation hearing, the White House was considering an executive order that would direct the education secretary to cut the agency as much as legally possible while asking Congress to shut it down completely. Some of McMahon’s allies pressed the White House to hold the order until after her confirmation to avoid potential backlash.

Created by Congress in 1979, the Education Department’s primary role is to disburse money to the nation’s schools and colleges. It sends billions of dollars a year to K-12 schools and oversees a $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio.

Trump argues the department has been overtaken by liberals who press their ideology on America’s schools.

Schools and colleges have been navigating a demand to

Trump hits ‘pause’ on US aid to Ukraine

The move comes after a contentious Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy

By Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Monday directed a “pause” to U.S. assistance to Ukraine, seeking to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in peace talks with Russia following a volatile meeting between the two leaders last week in the Oval Office.

A White House official said Trump is focused on reaching a peace deal to end the more than three-year war sparked by Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine and wants Zelenskyy “commit-

FIRES from page A1

working long hours protecting homes and other structures.

“We’re very, very proud of our first responders,” said Rick Vines, a plumber helping with the volunteer effort. “And we wanted them to feel how proud we were by coming out here and stepping in and making sure they had what they needed so they could focus on what they were here to do.”

The fire burned 2.5 square miles and was about 30% contained as of Monday evening, according to Horry County Fire Rescue. The department deployed drones as well as ground crews to respond to flare-up fires, reinforce break lines and set up portable sprinkler systems.

It was the biggest fire in the area since a 2009 wildfire nearby did $42 million in damage and destroyed about 75 homes.

Officials in South Carolina banned almost all outdoor fires, including burning yard debris and campfires. They told residents to call 911 if they

ted” to that goal. The official added that the U.S. was “pausing and reviewing” its aid to “ensure that it is contributing to a solution.” The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the assistance.

The moment comes some five years after Trump held up congressionally authorized assistance to Ukraine in 2019 as he sought to pressure Zelenskyy to launch investigations into Joe Biden, then a Democratic presidential candidate leading to Trump’s first impeachment.

In the leadup to his 2024 election win, Trump vowed to quickly end the war in Ukraine. He’s expressed increasing frustration with Zelenskyy over the war while simultaneously expressing confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin can be trusted to keep the peace if a truce in the conflict is reached.

Trump earlier on Monday slammed Zelenskyy for suggesting that the end of Russia’s war against Ukraine likely “is still very, very far away.”

The comments come as prominent Trump allies escalate pressure on Zelenskyy to dramatically change his approach to the U.S. president, who has made quickly ending the war a top priority, or step aside.

The long-complicated relationship between the leaders has reached a nadir following the White House meeting in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance excoriated Zelenskyy for not being sufficiently thankful for U.S. support for Ukraine since Putin ordered the February 2022 invasion.

“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump said in a post on his

Smoke

see a neighbor setting a fire.

“You can and will go to jail for starting a fire outdoors in South Carolina. Period,” Gov. Henry McMaster wrote on social media. Burn bans were also in place in western North Carolina.

Some residents in Polk County remained evacuated from their homes as fire crews Monday morning set their own blazes to burn possible wildfire fuel. On Tuesday, officials said the 600-acre fire that was

eliminate diversity programs or risk having their federal funding pulled. The Trump administration gave them a Feb. 28 deadline to comply. The Education Department addressed questions about its guidance in a document released Saturday, saying in part that changing program names that reference “diversity” or “equity” alone is not enough if they treat students differently by race.

During the presidential campaign, Trump vowed to close the department and grant its authority to states. Schools and states already wield significantly greater authority over education than the federal government, which is barred from influencing curriculum. Federal money makes up roughly 14% of public school budgets.

Already, the Trump administration has started overhauling much of the department’s work.

Trump adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has cut dozens of contracts it dismissed as “woke” and wasteful. It gutted the Institute of Education Sciences, which gathers data on the nation’s academic progress, and the administration has fired or suspended scores of employees.

Some of the cuts have halted work that’s ordered under federal law. At her hearing, McMahon said the agency will spend money that’s directed by Congress, and she played down DOGE’s cuts as merely an audit.

McMahon is a longtime Trump ally who left WWE in 2009 to launch a political career, running unsuccessfully twice for the U.S. Senate. She has given millions of dollars to Trump’s campaigns and served as leader of the Small Business Administration during his first term.

Truth Social platform about the comments Zelenskyy made late Sunday while speaking to reporters in London.

Trump, at an event at the White House later on Monday, referred to Zelenskyy’s reported comments and asserted that the Ukrainian leader “better not be right about that.”

“If somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long,” Trump added. “That person will not be listened to very long.”

Trump took issue with Zelenskyy suggesting it would take time to come to an agreement to end the war. The Ukrainian leader tried to offer a positive take on the U.S.-Ukraine relationship in the aftermath of last week’s White House meeting.

Asked by a reporter about the outlines of a new European initiative to end Russia’s war, Zelenskyy said: “We are talking about the first steps today, and, therefore, until they are on paper, I would not like to talk about them in great detail.”

warned of poor air quality because of smoke. In a drier-than-normal winter, a weekend cold front moved through the area, bringing high winds without the usual rain that accompanies the weather systems in the South and increasing the fire danger.

The area near Myrtle Beach is one of the most dangerous for wildfires in South Carolina as hundreds of years of decomposing vegetation creates peat, which when it dries out can burn for a long time.

Marijuana gummies send 11 N.Y. teens to hospitals

Moriches, New York

Police and a middle school in suburban New York are looking into how a student got hold of marijuana gummies and gave them to about a dozen schoolmates, sending 11 of them to hospitals. The episode happened Monday morning at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches, a Long Island community. The sickened students were 13- and 14-year-olds, Suffolk County police said. They’re not releasing any more information, for now, on the source of the pot edibles. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the student who handed them out knew they contained the drug.

Scientists engineer mice with thick hair like the extinct woolly mammoth

Washington, D.C.

Biotech company Colossal Biosciences has genetically engineered living animals with qualities to resemble extinct species like the woolly mammoth. Woolly mammoths roamed the frozen tundras of Europe, Asia and North America until they went extinct around 4,000 years ago. On Tuesday, Colossal announced that its scientists have simultaneously edited seven genes in mice embryos to create mice with long, thick, woolly hair. They nicknamed the extra-furry rodents as the “Colossal woolly mouse.” Scientists have been genetically engineering mice since the 1970s, but new technologies like CRISPR “make it a lot more efficient and easier,” said Lynch.

China imposes extra tariffs on U.S. farm imports

Beijing China responded to new U.S. tariffs by announcing Tuesday it will impose additional tariffs of up to 15% on imports of key U.S. farm products, including chicken, pork, soy and beef, and expanded controls on doing business with key U.S. companies. The tariffs announced by the Commerce Ministry will take effect from March 10, though goods already in transit will be exempt until April 12. They follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to raise tariffs on imports of Chinese products to 20% across the board.

EU ponders

800B euro plan to beef up defenses

Brussels

European Commission

nearly two -thirds contained.

Polk County is on the fringes of an area badly hit by Hurricane Helene last year. Fallen trees that have not been cleared are increasing the risk of fires across the region. In eastern North Carolina, nearly 80 mostly small wildfires were reported in Robeson County. Emergency officials said 15 structures were damaged, but they did not specify the types of buildings. Officials across the Carolinas

Pine trees and other waxy vegetation provide fuel for fires to rapidly spread in dry, windy conditions.

Horry County’s population has doubled to 400,000 over the past 25 years. Many newcomers have moved into neighborhoods being rapidly built next to the oval Carolina Bays where peat and flammable vegetation grow together. Fires have been part of the natural landscape of the bays for centuries Officials have not said what caused any of the fires.

President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday proposed an 800 billion-euro ($841 billion) plan to beef up the defenses of EU nations, aiming to lessen the impact of potential U.S. disengagement and provide Ukraine with military muscle to negotiate with Russia following the freeze of U.S. aid to the embattled nation. Von der Leyen said the massive “REARM Europe” package will be put to the 27 EU leaders. They are holding an emergency meeting in Brussels on Thursday following a week of increasing political uncertainty from Washington, where President Donald Trump questioned both his alliance to the continent and the defense of Ukraine.

The N.C. native headed up the Small Business Administration in Donald Trump’s first term

HORRY COUNTY FIRE RESCUE VIA AP

glows red from fires in Horry County, South Carolina, on Saturday. Dry conditions also led to a large blaze in North Carolina’s Polk County.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Return to the telos of our democratic republic

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant wants to “reprivatize the private sector.”

JEFF BEZOS, founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, sent a letter to his team on Feb. 26 that said: “We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets”.

Welcome to the party, pal!

After letting objective journalism die at the Post under the banner of “Democracy dies in darkness” since 2017, it is comforting to see business execs, especially those who have made it big in America like Bezos, finally come to their senses.

The purpose, or telos, of our participatory government is to ensure personal liberties and free markets, just as Bezos said. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson were brilliant thinkers who set forth those principles in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

However, two things have undercut both goals since before the ink was dry on the ratification papers in 1790: the commerce clause and the necessary and proper clause.

Both have been used by activists to gain power to do any number of things government should not be asked to do. Using the coercive power of law to take money from you to spend on things they want to do is just too intoxicating for most politicians — they are like Willie Sutton, who said he robbed banks because “that is where the money is!”

Government is where the money is today.

While the framers of the Constitution were pretty explicit about what they wanted the federal government to do with specific enumerated powers, it might have been helpful to enumerate explicitly what government should never do as well.

• Our government is not supposed to be a bank of last resort. For anything. The telos of our free market private banking system is to

collect money from depositors and lend it to accredited customers. Take all lending activity and taxpayer guarantees out of government and let the banking system do its job.

• Our government is not an insurance company. The telos of an insurance company is to insure every known activity or property known to mankind. They have actuaries and executives who know how to do it very well. Let them insure any downside risk for any business or individual, not the government.

• Our income tax system tempts every farleft progressive socialist to become Robin Hood “to take from the rich and give to the poor.” Replace the income tax with a broad-based consumption/transfer excise tax system, which would make it nearly impossible for anyone to rig the system to their benefit.

• Our federal government should not be in the wealth maximization, financial planning, retirement business. Let investment companies do it ― making money from investments is their telos, not government’s. Government can and should do what the private sector and individuals cannot, and should not, do. There are legitimate reasons for government, and they all have to do with spending money on things that benefit all of us, not just a few.

We want to be protected from foreign adversaries by a lethal military force subject to civilian authority and governance. The same thing applies to local police forces and sheriffs ― everyone benefits from safe streets and neighborhoods. Taxpayers should pay for their services. Rich people could form their own armies and police forces, but that would look too much like the Roman Empire for American tastes.

The Constitution established post roads to maintain federal post offices. But what happens

Vance makes vice presidential wingmen great again

Vice presidential picks very much matter and can be very consequential on down the line

WHEN THEN-GOP presidential nominee

Donald Trump picked then-Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate last July, it left many people with questions, including diehard Trump Republicans.

Though Ohioans were familiar with Vance, much of the rest of America was not. What would a first-term senator with not even two years of experience in office be able to bring to the table on a national level?

As it turns out, a lot.

Beyond the inspiring back story of how he made something of himself as a young man despite a challenging upbringing that included not just an absentee father but also a mother who struggled with drug addiction, people have been seriously impressed by how Vance has handled himself since first becoming Trump’s running mate and then his vice president.

Vance, an Iraq war veteran who enlisted in the Marines two years after the 9/11 attacks following graduation from high school, has a stature and seriousness about him that says, “I’m here, and I mean business.” But he’s also not afraid to be charmingly self-deprecating when the occasion calls for it. He also doesn’t back down from a fight and comes armed with receipts so he can start dropping them when challenged.

Perhaps most impressive about Vance has been his smooth transition into being Trump’s wingman.

We saw it almost right away after both were sworn into office.

After the unfortunate mid-air crash over Washington, D.C., involving an Army helicopter and an American Airlines jet in late January that killed 67 people, Trump held a presser in which he took questions on his previous statements where he’d referenced diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and had wondered if that factored into what happened.

After Trump explained his rationale in his uniquely Trumpian way, he invited Vance to comment on the incident and the speculation surrounding it, too.

As he stepped up to the podium that displayed the presidential seal, Vance essentially gave the CliffsNotes version of what Trump was talking about, succinctly explaining exactly why it was indeed important to investigate what role DEI might have played and why it needs to be nixed.

“Something the president said that I think bears reemphasizing, which is that when you don’t have the best standards in who you’re hiring, it means on the one hand you’re not getting the best people in government, but on the other hand it puts stresses on the people who are already there,” Vance said to the reporters at the presser.

We’ve seen what some have described as Vance’s “Trump whisperer” tendencies since then as well, including during the first Trump 47 cabinet meeting a couple of weeks ago and

when email and FedEx make the postal system obsolete? Do we keep losing $10 billion annually to keep an archaic postal system alive simply because it is “constitutional”?

President Dwight Eisenhower wanted to modernize our transportation system to improve our economy and emulate the Autobahn in Germany, which he did under the “provide for the common defense” clause of the Constitution, not the post roads provision. We all benefit from good roads, airports and clean air and water, which fit into the telos of our democratic republic form of government.

Do we all benefit from a $32,000 State Department grant to fund a comic addressing LGBTQ issues in Peru in 2022? No, that is outside the telos of the U.S. government in almost every way, shape and form.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant wants to “reprivatize the private sector.” Evaluate every federal program on a zero-based budgeting basis and see if it can be better done outside of government.

Chances are very high it can.

Thomas Jefferson often wrote about the necessity for the living generation to make decisions about how they want to live rather than do things because that is how they have “always” been done in the past.

DOGE is a once-in-a-century opportunity to push The Big Red Reset Button for what we living Americans want our government to do and be. We should press it hard and rediscover the telos of the Constitution.

also the much-talked-about fireworks display that took place last week between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at an informal White House press gaggle.

If there’s anything the four years of Joe Biden’s presidency showed us beyond a shadow of a doubt, it’s that vice presidential picks very much matter and can be very consequential on down the line — and sometimes much sooner than anyone anticipates, as we saw when Biden was forced out of the presidential race in 2024 and gave his vice president, Kamala Harris, his endorsement.

It’s still early on in this term and there is a long time between now and 2028, but JD Vance is leaving good impressions with all the right people — not to mention is triggering all the right people as well — and is well on his way to making the vice presidency great and respectable again.

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.

Keep Carolina basketball on campus

The real reason that the UNC administration wants to build a new arena is money.

NBA STAR DRAYMOND GREEN, who played collegiately at Michigan State, recently opined that the NBA is “boring,” calling it a “copycat league.” Jones Angell, radio voice of the UNC Tar Heels, said on a recent podcast that college baseball is growing in popularity because it seems more “college-y” these days than basketball or football. Many college sports fans agree. So why, then, are college sports administrators trying to mimic pro sports by taking the “college” out of it?

UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts has endorsed replacing the Dean Smith Center, home to Carolina men’s basketball since 1986, with an off-campus arena “that would be part of a broader mixeduse development program … including lodging, retail, entertainment and dining.”

Great. Instead of feeling like they are going to a Carolina basketball game on the UNC campus they love, UNC fans will feel like they are in the center of a large city going to an NBA arena to watch professional basketball. Roberts dismisses the fact that the new arena would not be within walking distance from campus for students, faculty and staff. Much more important, he says, is that there’s nowhere near the Dean Dome to “get a bite to eat before the game” or “grab a beer after the game.” I dare say that most patrons of the Dean Dome find a way to get fed at the game or in route to it, and beer is now served there.

The real reason the UNC administration wants to build a new arena is money. NIL (name, image and likeness — a fancy term for paying the players) and unlimited transfer rules have turned college basketball and football into a mad financial scramble. Players are demanding and getting thousands — in some cases, millions — of dollars to play. Though building the new arena would take hundreds of millions of dollars, administrators are convinced they can make more money because of premium seating — luxury suites, boxes and terraces. They say the Dean Dome cannot be remodeled to create such moneymaking amenities.

This type of elitist arena came into vogue in the 1990s. Much of the lower bowl is devoted to space-eating luxury

EDITORIAL | NAN MILLER

The cool kids’ table

The left’s mission to emasculate young men has already failed.

A FUNNY THING happened on their way to vote in the 2024 election. A record number of Gen Zers — 46% — bolted the Democratic Party and voted for Donald Trump.

Pundits left and right agree with California Democratic Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, who cited “the cost of living and inflation as their top voting concerns,” but the left still ignores the other reasons Gen Z tilted right on Nov. 5. Before 2023, university professors could count on Gen Z to tilt left and display what C.S. Lewis once called “chronological snobbery,” that is, “the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate common to our own age.”

Then came the Oct. 7 massacre of 1,200 Israelis and with it the exposure of an intellectual climate that will condone even murder if it supports the hard left’s contempt for Israel. Professors who double as shills for the Democratic Party are entrenched, but their support for Hamas and the resurgence of antisemitism in American universities has emboldened a new set of Gen Zers to rethink their allegiance to the Democratic Party.

If Columbia University was the epicenter of the pro-Palestinian protests, Columbia also set the stage for the tactics professors would use to censure students who defended Israel’s right to exist. Professor Kayum Ahmed dismissed them as “a handful of privileged white students,” but by April 2024, the impact of the white-privilege charge had lapsed, and Ahmed was the one whose position was terminated.

Enterprising students nationwide took note in May 2024 when Columbia’s tepid response to student protests prompted 13 federal judges to sign a letter saying they would not hire law clerks who were currently enrolled at Columbia University Law School. CEO of CG Financial Group Charlie Gipple chimed in, saying, “If I were hiring someone to be my right-hand person today, there’s not a chance in hell it would be an Ivy League person.”

May was also the month that a generational shift was on full display at UNC Chapel Hill when a band of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers made national news restoring the American flag on the quad after pro-Hamas protesters replaced it with a Palestinian flag. Unlike his Ivy League counterparts, acting UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts helped restore the American flag then led a group of police officers who arrested protesters who threw bottles, rocks and water at students

seating, leaving few good seats for rankand-file patrons. Then an upper deck is stacked on top of the suites with no overhang. The result is that none of the upper deck seats are any good, unlike in the Dean Dome.

The Smith Center seats 21,750, and last season Carolina led the nation in average attendance, attracting 20,593 per game. The new arena will seat only 16,000, disfranchising about 5,000 fans. Many of those could be UNC faculty and staff.

The capacity of Carmichael Auditorium, the Smith Center’s predecessor, was only 10,000. When construction of a new arena was under discussion in the 1980s, coach Dean Smith said he wanted an arena big enough that all interested students, faculty and staff could attend basketball games.

Roy Williams, who went 241-40 as head coach in the Dean Dome, said recently, “I’m all for keeping the arena on campus … I think that was coach Dean Smith’s vision.” Williams cited the enormous cost of the new arena and his belief that problems with the Smith Center, such as outdated concourses and restrooms, could be addressed without replacing it. Current head coach Hubert Davis has hinted that he prefers staying on campus.

In 1999, NC State moved out of its on-campus arena, where its basketball program had thrived for decades, into a pro-style arena that it shares with the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team. NCSU lost much of its homecourt advantage, and its men’s program has struggled since. The women’s team, left behind in historic Reynolds Coliseum, has flourished. Roberts, who has been an effective leader during his brief tenure at UNC, is a Duke grad. He should ask his friends at Duke how they would feel about leaving the ancient-yet-iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium for a shiny new downtown arena with luxury boxes.

UNC is betting that it can cater to the uber-wealthy and corporate executives, and rank-and-file fans will stay on board.

Maybe. But those fans might say this doesn’t feel like Carolina Basketball anymore and find something else to do.

John Stuart Bruce is a UNC alumnus and lives in Raleigh.

The left’s hypocrisy about Ukraine

THE LEFT and even some Republicans are harshly criticizing President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

These attacks are totally hypocritical and dishonest.

Remember, for three years, Trump’s critics completely failed to prevent or stop this war. They essentially accepted it. All the while, hundreds of thousands of people died and much of Ukraine was destroyed.

Consider the first signals the Biden administration sent to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin before the war.

Nineteen days before the Russian invasion, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told members of Congress that Russia would completely defeat Kyiv within 72 hours if Russia decided to invade. He told them in a closed-door session that the war would cost 15,000 Ukrainian lives and 4,000 Russian lives.

As Fox News reported at the time, “Several lawmakers expressed concern that the Biden administration did not respond quickly to provide Ukraine with significant military aid, such as anti-aircraft and rocket launcher systems that would defend against an invasion from Russia.”

If you were Putin and his generals, how would you have interpreted this prediction of Ukrainian collapse?

Two weeks later, President Joe Biden sent a clear signal of personal ambivalence about Russian invasion. According to National Public Radio on Feb. 20, 2022:

“On Wednesday, Biden had predicted Russia would invade Ukraine but suggested there was a split among NATO members about how to respond if Moscow took action that stopped short of sending its troops across the border — something Biden referred to as a ‘minor incursion.’

“He said: ‘I think what you’re going to see is that Russia will be held accountable if it invades. And it depends on what it does. It’s one thing if it’s a minor incursion and then we end up having a fight about what to do and not do.’”

How would you have interpreted this if you were sitting in the Kremlin?

Four days later, on Feb. 24, 2022, Putin launched his army into Ukraine.

Then, Ukrainian courage and ingenuity proved that Milley (and apparently Russia’s generals) were clueless.

who stood guarding the American flag. Tone-deaf USA Today columnist Sara Pequeno thinks her fellow Gen Zers rejected “qualified candidate” Kamala Harris because Harris had not taken a strong stand against Israel and because young men had fallen for Trump’s “hypermasculine” appeal. Pequeno’s solution is “for the left to create its equivalent of the ‘manosphere,’” but University of Richmond professor Adam Stanaland thinks young Trumpers will reform if scholars equate “hegemonic masculinity” with an “antiquated misperception that men must be powerful.”

The left’s mission to emasculate young men has already failed, and author Kristen Kobes Du Mez’s mission to cast Donald Trump as “the high priest of the evangelical cult of masculinity” has also failed. Since the 2020 publication of Du Mez’s bestseller “Jesus and John Wayne,” Trump has increased his support among young Christian men, and 600,000 young women have subscribed to the podcast featuring “Girls Gone Bible.”

New York Magazine columnist Brock Colyar has also discovered that writers who mock Gen Z conservatives might find themselves the object of derision.

In a hit piece titled “The Cruel Kids’ Table,” Colyar describes the “casually cruel Trumpers” he observed at a Trump inaugural party, many of whom were “hot enough to be extras in the upcoming American Psycho remake.”

Attendees have blasted Colyar for claiming that “almost everyone” at the party was “white” while failing to note that the party’s host is the black co-chair of the GOP Youth Advisory Council. C.J. Pearson was quick to point out that the magazine had cropped its cover image to exclude him and other black attendees because a true picture “would have undermined their narrative that MAGA is some racist cult.”

Gen Z influencer Brett Cooper’s comeuppance for Brock Colyar captures exactly the mood of a new class of rebels: “You think you’re the resistance, but actually you’re falling in line with the mob” — and ignoring the fact that “Young people on the right are the new rebels.”

Cooper invites young conservatives to join this new class of rebels because “There’s a lot of room at the cool kids’ table.”

Nan Miller is professor emerita of literature from Meredith College and lives in Raleigh.

Three years later, the Russian army has still not reached Kyiv. The war seems largely to be fought in slow motion. It is almost like World War I trench warfare in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainians have taken terrible losses — and the Russians have suffered even more casualties. However, Ukraine’s suffering has been intensified by a deliberate Russian campaign of bombing civilians, infrastructure and key elements of civilized life.

Before condemning or attacking Trump’s effort to end the violence, remember this: Trump’s critics had three years to win the war with Russia. They were consistently late, slow, timid and cheap. If full military aid had been sent in the first six months, Ukraine might already have won. If Ukraine had been allowed to hit Russian territory with all its capacity, Putin might have been forced to negotiate.

Instead, for three years, Trump’s critics maneuvered in fear of pushing Putin into a nuclear war (a fear he exploited and reinforced brilliantly). For three years, the Europeans and the Biden administration talked tough while Ukrainians died. For three years, there was no sign of a strategy which could end the war on Ukrainian terms.

Now there is no reasonable possibility that Ukraine can drive Russia out of Eastern Ukraine. The Russian army is much bigger with many more troops and a lot more equipment. The Russian arms industry has proven to be faster and more productive than its European and American competitors. The Iranians have sold thousands of drones to Russia. The North Koreans have sent combat troops. The Chinese have helped the Russian economy.

Trump inherited a disaster caused by Biden and his weak-willed European allies. Trump could either massively increase American involvement at the risk of triggering a nuclear war with a country that has 6,000 nuclear weapons — or he could find an alternative path to ending the bloodshed.

The Trump path to ending the killing will probably work. It will leave Putin stronger than we would like. It will leave Ukraine battered but still a nation. It will create an economic relationship between the United States and Ukraine — which will enrich Ukraine and indirectly provide a powerful security against future Russian attacks.

This is the same effect we achieved in West Germany during the Cold War. We had American families living there. I was a child in one of those families. My family and I — and many others — effectively deterred the Soviets. If they had killed us, it would have likely triggered an all-out war.

The next time you hear some supposedly sophisticated expert attack Trump about Ukraine, ask them why they failed for three years. Let them know they should show a little respect for someone who is trying to stop the killing.

Newt Gingrich was the 50th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

catastrophe

questions about when normal

How China will pay for this COVID-19

we begin to get back to normal

The 3 big questions

The comfort

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

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

Cooper stated during don’t know yet” if the asked as to the vague ones like “we of this state who undetermined thousands of cases asked and then had questions about get asked, there is people to treat those can start getting back or are people who sick. levels become a bad society were supposed

taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in added Federal Reserve backup liquidity to the the U.S. dollar were not the reserve fund any of these emergency fear 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 They take advantage of every weakness pushing until they win or the event happens such as the Chernobyl believe that event, not the Star Wars to the dissolution of the Soviet Union Chernobyl. already talking about the possibility debt we owe them as one way to get they have caused the US. Don’t hold your “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected accountable in tangible nancial ways for expected to operate as responsible citizens of nation.

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

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

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

WALTER E. WILLIAMS

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

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

n.c. FAST FACTS

Fixing college corruption

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.

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

business & economy

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

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.

N.C. company owner pleads guilty over attempted tech sale to China

Not one little bit.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

RALEIGH — The owner of a North Carolina company pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to trying to sell electronic devices that have military applications to China without having a required U.S. government license, authorities said.

David C. Bohmerwald, who was formally charged in October with violating the Export Control Reform Act and other portions of the federal code, entered the plea to a count before U.S. District Judge Terrence Boyle in Raleigh. Bohmerwald, 63, has a tentative sentencing date for mid-May, court records show. He could face up to 20 years in prison, according to a U.S. Justice Department news release.

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

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

Bohmerwald, the owner of Raleigh-based Components Cooper Inc., purchased 100 accelerometers from a U.S.-based electronic company and then attempted to export the devices to a company in China, the release said, citing court documents and information presented in court.

Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister

and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah RedState and Legal Insurrection.

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.”

An accelerometer, which measures the vibration, tilt and acceleration of a structure, can be used in aerospace and military applications, such as helping missiles fly more accurately and measuring the precise effect of munitions.

The electronics company notified law enforcement about Bohmerwald’s purchase request. After receiving the accelerometers, Bohmerwald dropped off two parcels — one addressed to a business in China — at a shipping store, the release said. A federal agent held the package and found the 100 accelerometers inside.

Bohmerwald falsely listed the value of the package’s content at $100 when the true value was nearly $20,000, according to the government, and he admitted to agents that he acquired the technology on behalf of a Chinesebased company while knowing about the export restrictions.

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

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

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

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

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

More than 50 demonstrations were documented Saturday

By Rodrique Ngowi and Jonathan J. Cooper

The

“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.

Associated Press

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

BOSTON — Demonstrators gathered outside Tesla stores across the U.S. on Saturday to protest the automaker’s billionaire CEO, Elon Musk, and his push to slash government spending on behalf of President Donald Trump.

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 disruption of this scheme to illegally export sensitive technology means that accelerometers and other items will not be used by unauthorized individuals or for adversarial purposes,” said Cardell Morant, a special agent in charge who supervises Homeland Security Investigations, within the Department of Homeland Security, in the Carolinas.

Lawyers identified in court records as representing Bohmerwald in the case didn’t respond last Friday to an email seeking comment.

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

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

The demonstrations are part of a growing backlash in North America and Europe to Musk’s disruptive role in Washington.

Critics of Trump and Musk hope to discourage and stigmatize purchases of Tesla, the electric car company that is the world’s most valuable automaker. Liberal groups for weeks have organized anti-Tesla protests in hopes of galvanizing opposition to Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and energizing Democrats still demoralized by Trump’s November victory.

“We can get back at Elon,”

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.

Copper is used in rechargeable batteries, LED lights and TVs

By Mead Gruver The Associated Press

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

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — President Donald Trump is taking a step toward granting the U.S. mining industry’s biggest wishes by singling out one metal as a focus of his domestic minerals policy: copper.

An executive order Trump signed last Tuesday calls for boosting the domestic copper industry by investigating the national security implications of imports and weighing tariffs as a response. It could mean a new day for U.S. copper mining and new worries for environmental groups that are contesting proposals such as the stalled Twin Metals project near northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, a lake-filled wilderness on the U.S.-Canada border.

“The White House itself acknowledges that America has

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

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization

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 must do this out of an abundance of caution.”

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

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

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 ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number August by nearly 12,000.

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

The cavalier manner virus, covered up its spread 3,341 related deaths has millions of Americans needlessly The crisis has cost the debt plus trillions more markets and nancial outlets. currency, we would not measures without immediate depreciation. China has to pay for their economic and nancial to bring China into the and fair trade. Totalitarian or express sincere regret totalitarian governments they nd in adversaries adversaries push back. That is, unless an exogenous meltdown in 1986. Some program of Reagan, led in 1989.

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

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

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

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

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.

“THIS IS in it” (Psalm I know that working from be glad” as and dad, the have to be thankful pandemic. For me, my making. As Corinthians a iction, so a iction, with God.” If you are re ect on this God’s example this di cult con dent we In this same neighbors helping In Concord, money to buy health care

north STA

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

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

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

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

The

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

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

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

Anti-DOGE protests at Tesla stores target Musk’s bottom line

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

comfort and hope

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home

orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”

said Nathan Phillips, a 58-yearold ecologist from Newton, Massachusetts, who was protesting in Boston on Saturday. “We can impose direct economic damage on Tesla by showing up at showrooms everywhere and boycotting Tesla and telling everyone else to get out, sell your stocks, sell your Teslas.”

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

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

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

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.

Musk is taking direction from Trump to slash federal spending and sharply reduce the workforce, arguing that Trump’s victory gave the president and him a mandate to restructure the U.S. government.

“Protests will not deter President Trump and Elon Musk from delivering on the promise to establish DOGE and make our federal government more efficient and more accountable to the hardworking American taxpayers across the country,” said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields.

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.

which included Molotov cocktails being thrown at vehicles and the words “Nazi cars” spray painted on the building.

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

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

Tesla did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

DOGE officials have swiftly gained access to sensitive databases, directed thousands of federal job cuts, canceled contracts and shut down sections of the government, including the U.S. Agency for International Development.

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

For me, my faith is an important part making. As I celebrated Easter with my 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.”

Saturday’s demonstration in Boston had a festive atmosphere, with a brass band playing music as protesters carried signs and chanted. Several of the signs mocked Musk and DOGE, with one reading: “Stop Elon and his despicable Muskrats.”

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.

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.

More than 50 demonstrations were listed Saturday on the website Tesla Takedown, with more planned later in March from coast to coast in the United States along with England, Spain and Portugal. News reports showed demonstrations in recent days in U.S. cities including Tucson, Arizona; St. Louis; New York City; Dayton, Ohio; Charlotte; and Palo Alto, California.

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

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.

Leaders at the local and can be with those answers with details that give their We should all continue ourselves, and our communities to ask questions about the measures are understandable,

“This government led by Trump and Musk, it’s gone completely off the rails, and we are here to stop that,” said Carina Campobasso, a retired federal worker. “And I hope they listen.”

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

In Concord, a high school senior named money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to health care workers out of his own home.

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

Musk’s critics say his actions defy Congress’s power to control the U.S. budget and present a host of ways for him to enrich himself. Musk leads several other companies, notably SpaceX, which conducts launches for NASA and the intelligence community, and the social media platform X.

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

Not one little bit.

Some Tesla owners have also reported their vehicles vandalized with spray painted swastikas amid what Jewish groups and observers fear is a rise in antisemitism.

About 300 demonstrators protested at a Tesla dealership in New York City on Saturday. Police said nine people were taken into custody but did not elaborate on the charges they faced.

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.

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

Federal prosecutors charged a woman in connection with a string of vandalism against a Colorado Tesla dealership,

Trump makes US copper mining focus of domestic minerals policy

‘ample supplies’ of copper. Sacrificing an irreplaceable national treasure for an insignificant amount of copper is reckless and unnecessary,” Ingrid Lyons, executive director of the Save the Boundary Waters, said by email. Copper is at least as crucial as

lithium and cobalt for rechargeable batteries and rare-earth elements for cellphones, LED lights and flat-screen TVs.

“Copper is, I think, the metal that is really the most critical because it is the electricity metal,” said Debra Struhsacker, a mining industry policy con-

Stacey Matthews has also and is a regular contributor

Tesla’s share price has fallen by nearly a third since Trump took office, though it’s still higher than it was a year ago. Musk’s current net worth is an estimated $359 billion, according to Forbes, which calculated his 2024 net worth as $195 billion.

sultant for the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. “The electricity demand is, I think, going to stay. And copper is indispensable for that.”

U.S. copper use, imports and exports have fluctuated somewhat over the past two decades, according to the Copper Development Association, but a dearth of smelting compared with the amount mined domestically has remained a consistent theme.

While the U.S. in 2024 mined an estimated 1.1 million tons of copper and exported about a third of that in primarily unrefined form, it imported 810,000 tons, nearly all of it refined, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Trump’s executive order accurately refers to China as the world’s leading refiner of copper, with more than half the world’s smelting capacity. China, however, does not directly factor into U.S. supplies.

How much those numbers might change with rising copper demand to support construction of transmission lines and manufacturing of wind turbines and electric vehicles remains to be seen. Some predict global demand to double by 2030 and keep rising, notes the National Mining Association.

RODRIQUE NGOWI / AP PHOTO

Protesters rally outside of a Tesla store in Boston on Saturday against the company’s CEO, Elon Musk.

JIM MONE / AP PHOTO

The closed LTV Steel taconite plant sits idle near Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, in 2016.

Toldjah

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Jason

North State Journa l for

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senio

Private lunar lander Blue Ghost aces moon touchdown, delivery for NASA

NASA wants to keep up a pace of two private lunar landers a year

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —

A private lunar lander carrying a drill, vacuum and other experiments for NASA touched down on the moon Sunday, the latest in a string of companies looking to kickstart business on Earth’s celestial neighbor ahead of astronaut missions.

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander descended from lunar orbit on autopilot, aiming for the slopes of an ancient volcanic dome in an impact basin on the moon’s northeastern edge.

Confirmation of successful touchdown came from the company’s Mission Control outside Austin, Texas, following the action some 225,000 miles away.

“You all stuck the landing. We’re on the moon,” Firefly’s Will Coogan, chief engineer for the lander, reported.

An upright and stable landing makes Firefly — a startup founded a decade ago — the first private outfit to put a spacecraft on the moon without crashing or falling over. Even countries have faltered, with only five claiming successes: Russia, the U.S., China, India and Japan.

A half hour after landing, Blue Ghost started to send back pictures from the surface, the first one a selfie somewhat obscured by the sun’s glare. The second shot included the home planet, a blue dot glimmering in the blackness of space.

Two other companies’ landers are hot on Blue Ghost’s heels, with the next one expected to join it on the moon this week.

Blue Ghost — named after a

rare U.S. species of fireflies — had its size and shape going for it. The squat four-legged lander stands 6-foot-6 tall and 11 feet wide, providing extra stability, according to the company. Launched in mid-January from Florida, the lander carried 10 experiments to the moon for NASA. The space agency paid $101 million for the delivery, plus $44 million for the science and tech on board. It’s the third mission under NASA’s commercial lunar delivery pro -

gram, intended to ignite a lunar economy of competing private businesses while scouting around before astronauts show up later this decade.

Firefly’s Ray Allensworth said the lander skipped over hazards including boulders to land safely. Allensworth said the team continued to analyze the data to figure out the lander’s exact position, but all indications suggest it landed within the 328-foot target zone in Mare Crisium.

Are egg producers inflating prices during outbreak for profit?

Monopolistic behavior is suspected by some

By Josh Funk

The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb.—

Egg pro -

ducers blame the bird flu outbreak for driving prices to record highs, but critics believe giant companies are taking advantage of their market dominance to profit handsomely at the expense of budget-conscious egg buyers.

Advocacy groups, Democratic lawmakers and a Federal Trade Commission member are calling for a government investigation after egg prices spiked to a record average of $4.95 per dozen this month. The Trump administration did unveil a plan this week to combat bird flu, but how much that might ease egg prices — a key driver of inflation — remains to be seen.

The industry, and most experts, squarely blame bird flu. More than 166 million birds have been slaughtered to contain the virus. Some 30 million egg layers have been wiped out just since January, significantly disrupting egg supplies. The Department of Agriculture’s longstanding policy has been to

COPPER from page A9

Even before Trump’s plan for copper, the association was encouraged by Trump executive orders promoting mining. One lifts government rules and regulations responsible for “undue burdens” on mining and mineral processing, calls for updating the U.S. Geological calls for updating the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of minerals deemed critical to the nation and backs efforts to find and mine new sources of those minerals.

“Made in America, America first, starts with American

kill entire flocks anytime the virus is found on a farm.

As a result, the number of egg layers has dropped nationwide by about 12% from before the outbreak to 292 million birds, according to a Feb. 1 USDA estimate, but another 11 million egg layers have been killed since then, so it’s likely worse. When prices spiked to $4.82 two years ago and prompted initial calls for price gouging probes, the flock was above 300 million.

“This has nothing to do with

mining and American miners that supported this president across the country,” National Mining Association president and CEO Rich Nolan said.

The mining association’s top priorities include:

• The planned $1.7 billion Twin Metals copper-nickel-cobalt mine that environmental groups contend poses an unacceptable risk to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota, the most visited federally designated wilderness area. The latest blow to the project came when a judge refused to reinstate min-

anything other than bird flu. And I think to suggest anything else is a misreading of the facts and the reality,” American Egg Board President Emily Metz said.

“Our farmers are in the fight of their lives, period, full stop. And they’re doing everything they can to keep these birds safe,” Metz said. “This is a supply challenge. Due to bird flu. Nothing else.”

Farm Action suspects monopolistic behavior. The group

ing leases.

• The stalled $1 billion NewRange Copper Nickel mine, also in northeastern Minnesota, which developers look to redesign to make more environmentally and cost-efficient after a series of court and regulatory setbacks.

• The contested Resolution Copper project at Oak Flat in central Arizona, which is believed to be the world’s third-biggest deposit of copper ore and was the site of a battle between locals who want the mine for economic development and native Apache who consid-

site pictures of the home planet. The lander continued to stun once in orbit around the moon, with detailed shots of the moon’s gray pockmarked surface. At the same time, an onboard receiver tracked and acquired signals from the U.S. GPS and European Galileo constellations, an encouraging step forward in navigation for future explorers.

Another lander — a tall and skinny 15-footer built and operated by Houston-based Intuitive Machines — was due to land on the moon Thursday. It’s aiming for the bottom of the moon, just 100 miles from its south pole. That’s closer to the pole than the company got last year with its first lander, which broke a leg and tipped over.

Despite the tumble, Intuitive Machines’ lander put the U.S. back on the moon for the first time since NASA astronauts closed out the Apollo program in 1972.

A third lander from the Japanese company ispace is still three months from landing. It shared a rocket ride with Blue Ghost from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 15, taking a longer, windier route. Like Intuitive Machines, ispace is also attempting to land on the moon for the second time. Its first lander crashed in 2023.

NASA wants to keep up a pace of two private lunar landers a year, realizing some missions will fail, said the space agency’s top science officer Nicky Fox.

The demos should get two weeks of run time, before lunar daytime ends. It carried a vacuum to suck up moon dirt for analysis and a drill to measure temperature as deep as 10 feet below the surface. Also on board: a device for eliminating abrasive lunar dust — a scourge for NASA’s longago Apollo moonwalkers, who got it caked all over their spacesuits and equipment.

On its way to the moon, Blue Ghost beamed back exqui-

that lobbies on behalf of smaller farmers, consumers and rural communities notes that egg production is only down about 4% from last year and some 7.57 billion table eggs were produced last month, yet some consumers are still finding egg shelves empty at their local grocery stores.

“Dominant egg corporations are blaming avian flu for the price hikes that we’re seeing. But while the egg supply has fallen only slightly, these companies’ profits have soared,” said Angela Huffman, Farm Action’s president. The Justice Department acknowledged receiving the group’s letter calling for an investigation but declined to comment on it.

The fact that a jury ruled in 2023 that major egg producers used various means to limit the domestic supply of eggs to increase the price of products during the 2000s only adds to the doubts about their motives now.

Retail egg prices had generally remained below $2 per dozen for years before this outbreak began. Prices have more than doubled since then, boosting profits for egg producers even as they deal with soaring costs.

Most of the dominant producers are privately held companies and don’t release their results. But the biggest, CalMaine Foods, which supplies about 20% of the nation’s eggs, is public, and its profits increased dramatically. Cal-

er the land sacred. An appeals court panel in 2024 refused to block a crucial land transfer for the mine.

• Southern Arizona’s proposed Copper World copper-molybdenum mine, formerly known as the Rosemont mine, which has been delayed by a court ruling that limited how mining companies can discard tailings on U.S. Forest Service land under the 1872 Mining Law. The federal government should have a national strategy to protect the environment and public health by avoiding

“It really does open up a whole new way for us to get more science to space and to the moon,” Fox said.

Unlike NASA’s successful Apollo moon landings, which had billions of dollars behind them and ace astronauts at the helm, private companies operate on a limited budget with robotic craft that must land on their own, said Firefly CEO Jason Kim.

Kim said everything went like clockwork.

“We got some moon dust on our boots,” Kim said.

Maine reported a $219 million profit in the most recent quarter when its eggs sold for an average of $2.74 per dozen, up from just $1.2 million in the quarter just before this outbreak began in early 2022 when its eggs were selling for $1.37 per dozen. Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine’s president and CEO, said in reporting the numbers that higher market prices “have continued to rise this fiscal year as supply levels of shell eggs have been restricted due to recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza.”

But he said Cal-Maine also sold significantly more eggs — some 330 million dozen, up from 288 million the year before — in the quarter because demand is so strong, and CalMaine has made a number of acquisitions.

Economists and analysts say the record egg prices aren’t a sure sign of something nefarious, and short-term profits might only last until farms get hit. Once a flock is slaughtered, it can take as long as a year to clean a farm and raise new birds to egg-laying age. The USDA pays farmers for every bird killed, but it doesn’t cover all the costs for farmers as they go without income.

“The consumer, I think, will probably feel like they’re getting the rough end of the stick. But I guarantee you, the farmers that are having to depopulate the barns, they’re having a rougher time,” CoBank analyst Brian Earnest said.

new terrain and increasing production at existing mines operating at less than full capacity, said Rob Peters, executive director of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, a group opposing Copper World.

“That would make sense, right? But there’s nothing like that. Instead, it’s sort of like the Wild West where companies — in our case here in Arizona, the majority of them foreign companies — just can come in. And the only decision-making process is the company figures out where they think they can make the most money,” Peters said.

NASA / FIREFLY AEROSPACE VIA AP

Private lunar lander Blue Ghost touched down on the moon with a special delivery for NASA on Sunday.

NAM Y. HUH / AP PHOTO

The average cost of a dozen eggs was at a record $4.95 in February.

Giant chipmaker TSMC pledges $100B to expand US manufacturing

The Taiwanese company produces chips for Apple, Intel and Nvidia

By Didi Tang and Michelle L. Price The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Chip giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plans to invest $100 billion in the United States, President Donald Trump said Monday, on top of $65 billion in investments the company had previously announced.

TSMC, the world’s biggest semiconductor manufacturer, produces chips for companies including Apple, Intel and Nvidia. The company had already begun constructing three plants in Arizona after the Biden administration offered billions in subsidies. Its first factory in Arizona has started mass production of its 4-nanometer chips.

Trump, who appeared with TSMC’s chief executive officer C. C. Wei at the White House, called it a “tremendous move” and “a matter of economic security.”

“Semiconductors are the backbone of the 21st-century economy. And really, without the semiconductors, there is no economy,” the president said.

“Powering everything from AI to automobiles to advanced manufacturing, we must be able to build the chips and semiconductors that we need right here in American factories with American skill and American labor.”

Wei said the investment will be for three more chip manufacturing plants, along with two packaging facilities, in Arizona.

The $165 billion investment “is going to create thousands of high-paying jobs,” Wei said.

Former President Joe Biden in 2022 signed a sweeping $280 billion law, the CHIPS and Science Act, to try to reinvigorate chip manufacturing in the U.S., especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, chip factories, especially those over-

seas making the majority of processors, shut down. It had a ripple effect that led to wider problems, such as automobile factory assembly lines shutting down, and fueled inflation.

Trump has criticized the law and taken a different approach, instead threatening to impose high tariffs on imported chips to bring chip manufacturing back to the U.S.

Trump has also said that companies like TSMC do not need federal tax incentives.

When asked if the new investment could minimize impact on the U.S. should China either isolate or seize Taiwan, Trump said he couldn’t say “minimize” because “that would be a catastrophic event obviously.”

Taiwan is an island that broke away from mainland China in 1949 following a civil war. Beijing claims sovereignty over the island and has ratcheted up military and diplomatic pressure on its leaders.

“It will at least give us a position where we have, in this very, very important business, we would have a very big part of it in the United States,” Trump said of the chip manufacturing.

He did not say if the investment would provide securi-

ty for the self-governed island that Beijing considers to be part of Chinese territory.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, the island’s de-facto embassy in the United States, said investments by Taiwanese businesses in the U.S. have exceeded 40% of the island’s total foreign investments and that the Taiwanese government is “glad” to see Taiwanese businesses to expand investments in the U.S. and to deep cooperation on supply chain between the two sides.

“It also brings the economic and trade relations closer,” the office said.

Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific program at German Marshall Fund of the U.S., said Taipei is hoping the increased investment pledge will help keep the U.S.-Taiwan relationship strong.

“Taiwan is evidently stepping up in a way that supports and advances President Trump’s priorities,” she said. “The U.S. will benefit greatly from TSMC’s investment.”

Trump has yet to indicate his stance on U.S. support for Taiwan’s security since he took office, and he has said Taiwan

Can a ‘gold card’ program visa spur investment in U.S. economy?

Despite the high price tag, there may be an appetite for the program

By Mae Anderson The Associated Press

NEW YORK — President

Donald Trump is planning a “gold card” visa with a potential pathway to U.S. citizenship for $5 million.

The program would replace an existing program that offers U.S. visas to investors who spend about $1 million on a company that employs at least 10 people. And it echoes similar “golden visa” programs in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Malta and others that have allowed participants to pay a fee or make an investment in order to secure a pathway to residency in desirable places.

“Golden visa” programs all have different frameworks and paths to permanent residency, and they have had mixed results in spurring investment in a country’s economy.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said Trump’s gold card would replace an existing program in two weeks, so details about who would qualify and what the application process would look like should be available before then. For now, all Trump has said is they will cost $5 million.

Of recipients, he said, “They’ll be wealthy, and they’ll be successful, and they’ll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people, and we think it’s going to be extremely successful.”

He added that companies, not just individuals, “will be able to buy gold cards. “ Congress created a program called EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in 1990 to create jobs and encourage foreign investment. Under that program, investors who spent about $1 million on a company that employs at least 10 people can qualify for a visa and a pathway to permanent residency.

About 8,000 people obtained investor visas in the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2022, according to the Homeland Security Department’s most recent Yearbook of Immigration Statistics. Henley & Partners, which advises both governments and people on residence or citizenship by investment programs, says more than 100 coun-

tries around the world offer or have offered “golden visas” to wealthy individuals and investors. That list includes the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada and Italy, although some countries have tightened their restrictions or ended programs. Under different programs in different countries, requirements include buying a house, making a financial investment or creating a certain number of jobs.

Basil Mohr-Elzeki, managing partner Henley & Partners North America, said the programs often help countries meet investment goals. But they don’t always last.

Spain’s government scrapped its program to allow people from outside the European

Kroger CEO resigns following investigation

Cincinnati Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen is stepping down after an internal investigation into his personal conduct. The company said Monday that the investigation into McMullen was unrelated to the business but was found to be inconsistent with Kroger’s business ethics policy. Board member Ronald Sargent will serve as chairman and interim CEO, effective immediately. McMullen, 64, began his career with Kroger in 1978 as a parttime bagger and stock clerk. He has served as Kroger’s CEO since 2014.

Microsoft shutting down Skype in May Redmond, Wash.

should pay the U.S. for its military defense.

Trump has hosted multiple business leaders at the White House since he took office in January to tout a series of investments that aim to demonstrate his leadership is a boon for the U.S. economy. He’s also pointed to the tariff threats as prodding the investments.

“It’s the incentive we’ve created. Or the negative incentive,” Trump said.

In January, he appeared with the heads of OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank at the White House as they announced plans for a new partnership to invest up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence. He also announced in January a $20 billion investment by DAMAC Properties in the United Arab Emirates to build data centers tied to AI.

After Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Trump last week at the White House, the company announced plans to invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, including plans for a new server factory in Texas. Trump said after their meeting that Cook promised him Apple’s manufacturing would shift from Mexico to the U.S.

Union to obtain residency permits if they invested more than half a million euros ($520,000) in real estate. The program was criticized for causing soaring housing prices. The U.K. ended its program in 2022 over security concerns.

Mohr-Elzeki said despite the high price tag, there may be an appetite for the program, but it remains to be seen what the parameters are.

“We don’t have that much information aside from the investment threshold and the intention,” he said. “We do think that there will be significant demand in this program. We are just waiting on the details of what frameworks that they’re going to be outlining.”

The key to whether it will be a success or not will less likely be the $5 million investment threshold and more to do with the process.

“Typically speaking, the lower the residency requirements, the more popular the program as those wealthy individuals globally, they like options,” he said. “So, they may be investing in the United States, but they may invest elsewhere as well — to have access to live in the States, access to live in Europe, access to live in the UAE. So, all of these come into play.

“ If the new program replaces the existing EB-5 program as soon two weeks, there are questions over what will happen to people in the existing program. Typically, those people get grandfathered into the new program, but Mohr-Elzeki said there’s a possibility they might not be.

In 2022, Congress extended the EB-5 program until 2027, so congressional action would be needed to change it. But Trump has said gold cards won’t require Congressional approval.

Microsoft is closing down Skype, the video-calling service it bought for $8.5 billion in 2011 that helped transform how people communicate online. The tech giant said last Friday it will retire Skype in May and shift some of its services to Microsoft Teams, its flagship videoconferencing platform. Skype users will be able to use their existing accounts to log into Teams. Microsoft has for years prioritized Teams over Skype and the decision to fold the brand is part of a broader shift in how people communicate online.

Intel pushes back Ohio semiconductor plant opening

New Albany, Ohio Intel Corp. has again pushed back the expected opening for its semiconductor project in central Ohio. The struggling chipmaker announced Friday that construction on the first of its two factories — known as fabs — planned for New Albany is now expected to be completed in 2030 and begin operations between then and 2031. Construction of the second fab is expected to be done in 2031 and operations should begin in 2032. Intel announced the project in January 2022 and broke ground eight months later at the site in Licking County, just northeast of Columbus. The first plant was initially due to begin operating in 2025.

Chip Ganassi Racing partners with OpenAI St. Petersburg, Fla.

Chip Ganassi Racing said last Friday it has partnered on a strategic research collaboration with OpenAI — a deal that makes the two-time reigning IndyCar championship winning team the first to bring in a partner from the artificial intelligence field. It is also OpenAI’s first collaboration in motorsports. Ganassi’s race teams plan to utilize OpenAI’s artificial intelligence technology to maximize performance on the racetrack and in the front office by using the company’s software engineering and research capabilities. Ganassi teams will work with OpenAI’s engineers.

NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING FEB. 28

Beginning Cash $2,527,874,116

Receipts (income) $404,347,733

Disbursements $273,181,604 Cash Balance $2,659,038,252

CHIANG YING-YING / AP PHOTO

TSMC’s investment will include three chip manufacturing plants, along with two packaging facilities, in Arizona.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump plans to replace the current EB-5 program with a “gold card” visa.

Gene Hackman, found dead at 95, was one of Hollywood’s most respected actors

The Oscar winner seemed capable of any kind of role

By Hillel Italie

The Associated Press

GENE HACKMAN, the prolific Oscar-winning actor whose studied portraits ranging from reluctant heroes to conniving villains made him one of the industry’s most respected and honored performers, was found dead last week along with his wife at their home. He was 95.

His dozens of films included Oscar-winning roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” a breakout performance in “Bonnie and Clyde,” a comic interlude in “Young Frankenstein,” a turn as the comic book villain Lex Luthor in “Superman” and the title character in Wes Anderson’s 2001 “The Royal Tenenbaums.”

He seemed capable of any kind of role — whether an uptight buffoon in “Birdcage,” a college coach finding redemption in the sentimental favorite “Hoosiers” or a secretive surveillance expert in Francis Ford Coppola’s Watergate-era release “The Conversation.”

“Gene Hackman (was) a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity,” Coppola said on Instagram. “I mourn his loss and celebrate his existence and contribution.”

A plain-looking man with a receding hairline, Hackman held special status within Hollywood — heir to Spencer Tracy as an everyman, actor’s actor and reluctant celebrity. He embodied the ethic of doing his job, doing it very well, and letting others worry about his image. The industry seemed to need him more than he needed the industry. Beyond the obligatory appearances at awards ceremonies, he was rarely seen on the social circuit and made no secret of his disdain for the business side of show business.

“Actors tend to be shy people,” he told Film Comment in 1988. “There is perhaps a component of hostility in that shyness, and to reach a point where you don’t deal with others in a hostile or angry way, you choose this medium for yourself.”

He was an early retiree — essentially done, by choice, with movies by his 70s — and a late bloomer. Hackman was in his mid-30s when cast for “Bonnie and Clyde” and past 40 when he won his first Oscar, as the rules-bending New York detective “Popeye” Doyle in the 1971 thriller about tracking down Manhattan drug smugglers, “The French Connection.”

Jackie Gleason, Steve McQueen and Peter Boyle were among the actors considered for the role. Hackman was a minor star at the time, seemingly without the flamboyant personality that the role demanded.

The actor himself feared that he

“Gene Hackman (was) a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss and celebrate his existence and contribution.”

Francis Ford Coppola

was miscast. A couple of weeks of nighttime patrols of Harlem in police cars helped reassure him. One of the first scenes of “The French Connection” required Hackman to slap around a suspect. The actor realized he had failed to achieve the intensity that the scene required, and asked director William Friedkin for another chance. The scene was filmed at the end of

the shooting, by which time Hackman had immersed himself in the loose-cannon character of Popeye Doyle. Friedkin would recall needing 37 takes to get the scene right.

“I had to arouse an anger in Gene that was lying dormant, I felt, within him — that he was sort of ashamed of and didn’t really want to revisit,” Friedkin told the Los Angeles Review of Books in 2012.

Hackman also resisted the role which brought him his second Oscar. When Clint Eastwood first offered him Little Bill Daggett, the corrupt town boss in “Unforgiven,” Hackman turned it down. But he realized that Eastwood was planning to make a different kind of western, a critique, not a celebration of violence. The film won him the Academy Award as best supporting actor of 1992.

“To his credit, and my joy, he talked me into it,” Hackman

Baker wins best director Oscar for

‘Anora’

The film moves provocative indie comedy into the mainstream

By Hannah Schoenbaum

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — “Anora” creator Sean Baker won best director, best picture and two other Academy Awards at the Oscars on Sunday, bookending a dominant awards season for the American filmmaker whose stories seek to humanize sex workers and immigrants. Baker, 53, wrote, produced, directed and edited the most dominant film of the night. The comedy-drama stars Mikey Madison as a Brooklyn exotic dancer who marries the impetuous son of a Russian oligarch. They impulsively tie the knot on a ketamine-induced Las Vegas getaway, angering his parents, who send their bumbling henchmen after the couple to force an annulment.

“Anora” swept on Sunday with five overall wins — two more than “The Brutalist.” Four of those statues went to Baker, who now ties Walt Disney for the most wins in a single year in Academy Awards history. (Unlike Disney in 1954, all Baker’s wins were for a single project. Bong Joon Ho was the previous record holder for most wins for a single film, in 2020 for “Parasite.”)

In addition to best director and best picture, Baker won for best original screenplay and best editing — a rarity as directors don’t typically cut their own films. He came into the night the favorite for the directing Oscar after earning the top prize from the Directors Guild of America, a win that historically all but guarantees an Os-

in Academy Awards sweep

cars victory. He also took home the top awards at the Producers Guild and Independent Spirit Awards. In his best director acceptance speech, he exhorted filmmakers to keep creating projects for the big screen, bemoaning the erosion of the theatergoing experience.

“In a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever,” Baker said. “It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home. If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll be losing a vital part of our culture. This is my battle cry.” Baker told Quentin Taranti-

no, who presented the award, that if he hadn’t cast Madison in 2019’s “Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood,” there would be no “Anora.” On Sunday, Madison took home the lead actress award — her first Oscar.

“Thank you so much to Sean. I adore you. This is all because of you,” Madison said onstage.

This year’s best director lineup featured five first-time nominees in the category for the first time in nearly three decades. All had writing credits on their respective films, demonstrating the academy’s growing preference for auteurs who can masterfully bring their own vision to life. For the Oscar, Baker beat

said of Eastwood during an interview with the American Film Institute.

Eugene Alden Hackman was born Jan. 30, 1931, in San Bernardino, California, and grew up in Danville, Illinois, where his father worked as a pressman for the Commercial-News. His parents fought repeatedly, and his father often used his fists on Hackman to take out his rage. The boy found refuge in movie houses, identifying with Errol Flynn and James Cagney as his role models.

When Hackman was 13, his father waved goodbye and drove off, never to return. The abandonment was a lasting injury to him. His mother had become an alcoholic and was constantly at odds with her mother, with whom the shattered family lived (Hackman had a younger brother). At 16, he “suddenly got the itch to get out.” Lying about his age, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines.

“Dysfunctional families have sired a lot of pretty good actors,” he observed ironically during a 2001 interview with The New York Times.

In 1956, Hackman married Fay Maltese, a bank teller he had met at a YMCA dance in New York. They had a son, Christopher, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, but divorced in the mid-1980s. In 1991 he married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist of Japanese descent who was raised in Hawaii.

When not on film locations, Hackman enjoyed painting, stunt flying, stock car racing and deep-sea diving. In his later years, he wrote novels and lived on his ranch in Sante Fe, New Mexico, on a hilltop looking out on the Colorado Rockies, a view he preferred to his films that popped up on television.

“I’ll watch maybe five minutes of it,” he once told Time magazine, “and I’ll get this icky feeling, and I turn the channel.”

“It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home. If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll be losing a vital part of our culture. This is my battle cry.”

Sean Baker

best $6 million ever spent. Last year’s best picture winner, “Oppenheimer,” had a $100 million budget.

Baker has been vocal about the difficulty of making independent films and surviving as an indie filmmaker in an industry that increasingly supports big-budget spectacles. In a rousing speech at the Independent Spirit Awards, he said indies are in danger of becoming “calling card films” — movies made only as a means to get hired for projects at major studios. Without backing for independent films, he said, some of the most creative and innovative projects might never be made.

He said he hopes the success of “Anora” will increase support for indie projects.

out Brady Corbet of “The Brutalist,” James Mangold of “A Complete Unknown,” Jacques Audiard of “Emilia Pérez” and Coralie Fargeat of “The Substance.”

“Anora” brings Baker’s signature style of provocative comedy from indie theaters into the mainstream, blending slapstick humor with social commentary in a way that makes lessons about marginalized groups palatable to a wider audience. He made the film on a modest budget of $6 million — an amount one producer previously joked is smaller than the catering budget of some of its competitors. He said Sunday that it was the

Baker has long been passionate about using his craft to help destigmatize sex work. His 2012 film “Starlet” follows a budding friendship between an adult film star and a crotchety widow who sells her a thermos full of cash at a yard sale. Baker said the connections he formed with sex workers involved in the project inspired him to feature them in several other films.

He received widespread praise for “Tangerine” (2015), in which he used three iPhone 5S smartphones to tell a story about transgender sex workers in Los Angeles. In “The Florida Project” (2017), a single mother living in an Orlando motel turns to sex work to provide for her daughter. And “Red Rocket” (2021) follows a retired porn actor’s journey back to his small Texas hometown.

GEORGE BRICH / AP PHOTO

Actor Gene Hackman reacts during an interview in March 1972.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Quentin Tarantino, left, presents the award for best director to Sean Baker for “Anora” during the Oscars on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

UNCA overcomes Helene, eyes Big Dance, B3

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA BASKETBALL

Tournament expansion for men and women unlikely next year

The NCAA has not finalized expansion plans for its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and a decision is unlikely soon. There has been talk of increasing the tournament field from 68 teams to 72 or 76. NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt said he doesn’t expect a vote in the near future. Changes in game operation and travel would need to be accounted for, so it would be unlikely for anything to take effect next year.

NFL Commanders acquire wide receiver Samuel in a trade with 49ers

Washington The Washington Commanders acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers, pending a physical, for a fifth-round pick. The deal cannot be made official until the start of the new league year

March 12. The 29-year-old gives the Commanders another playmaker for quarterback Jayden Daniels going into his second NFL season. Samuel had 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns last season with the 49ers.

MLB Manfred considering petition to have Rose posthumously removed from ineligible list

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is considering a petition to have Pete Rose posthumously removed from MLB’s ineligible list. A reinstatement petition was filed by Jeffrey Lenkov, a Southern California lawyer who represented Rose prior to his death at age 83 in September. Lenkov attended a Dec. 17 meeting with Rose’s

Fawn,

Stakes are different, but still huge for UNC, Duke in rematch

Blue Devils look to finish off a historic season, while the Tar Heels fight for their NCAA life

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

THE FIRST GAME has the hype. The second has the stakes. Duke and Carolina play twice every regular season. The early February series opener generally is preceded by a tsunami of media hype, becoming the biggest show this side of the Super Bowl. When the two teams meet to close out the regular season, however, things are different. Oh, there’s still hype — it’s not like the game is going to be ignored by ESPN or the various North Carolina media outlets.

The first game is a standalone, though — a high point in a long season. By the time the Blue Devils and Tar Heels meet a second time, there are things that need to be decided.

Often, NCAA seedings and ACC titles are on the line. But this time around, Duke has clinched at least a share of the league’s regular season crown already and is a surefire top March Madness seed, most likely in the East Region.

The Blue Devils are also on a historic roll. Duke has won seven straight games, by an average of 31.9 points, including the last four by a combined 400-252 score. The Blue Devils have scored 100 points in a game four times this season, the most since the 2010 season. That includes three times

See REMATCH, page B3

ACC expansion means the defending conference champions may be left out of the tourney

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

LAST YEAR, NC State provided basketball fans with the Cinderella story of a generation.

After entering as one of the bottom-dwelling teams in the conference, the Wolfpack won in front of a skeleton crew of fans on Tuesday’s opening day, then kept on winning. State won the ACC Tournament, then went on to the NCAA Final Four.

A year later, there’s a very good chance that, when the ACC Tournament tips off in Charlotte, NC State won’t be around to defend its title because the Wolfpack wasn’t good enough.

For the first time in the 70 -plus year history of the event, not every ACC team will be invited to play in the league’s jewel event. The league added three teams in the latest round of expansion and decided that

18 is just too many for the tournament to handle. So the bottom three teams will not get a shot at the ACC’s automatic bid to the NCAAs. Their season, essentially, ends at the close of the regular season. At 2-16 in the league, it’s al-

ready been decided that there will be no March Madness for Miami. At 4-14 entering the final week of scheduled games, State and Boston College are also on pace to miss out. The Wolfpack would need to win its final two games and hope for

“I think everybody should go to the ACC tournament. But that decision is way above my head.”

Kevin Keatts, NC State coach

some tiebreaker luck with the crowd of six-win teams in order to make a trip to Charlotte.

“I think it should be 80-some teams in the NCAA Tournament,” said State coach Kevin Keatts, the toast of last March.

“So I think everybody should go to the ACC Tournament. But that decision is way above my head. I’ll leave that up to the decision makers.”

And those decision makers were not the people most affected. Keatts earned an automatic extension, and, if rumors are to be believed, survived an immanent firing by winning out at least year’s tourney.

“I don’t know where it came from,” he said of the new tournament format. “If it was voted by coaches, I don’t remember ever voting for it.”

daughter,

Manfred and MLB executive Pat Courtney in the commissioner’s office.

CHRIS SEWARD / AP PHOTO

NC State coach Kevin Keatts, right, appears to have very little luck in making a point to the official during a February game in Chapel Hill. He may be getting a similar response from the ACC at tournament time.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Duke’s Kon Knueppel (7) tries to get a shot off against UNC’s RJ Davis (4) in this season’s first edition of the historic rivalry game. The Blue Devils and Tar Heels will do it again in Chapel Hill on Saturday.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, right, greets UNC head coach Hubert Davis, left, before February’s game between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels.

Disrupted by Helene, UNC Asheville still among Big South favorites

Coach Mike Morrell and the Bulldogs started the season with seven road games but returned home to remain of the nation’s best home teams

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

ASHEVILLE — Finishing the regular season with two straight losses was not how UNC Asheville men’s basketball coach Mike Morrell wanted his team to enter the Big South Tournament, but there is no denying his Bulldogs know how to handle adversity.

UNCA begins the postseason with a 20-10 record, including an 11-5 record in the Big South that earned the team the second seed behind in-state rival High Point. But the Bulldogs’ path to March Madness isn’t told in their record alone.

“I can walk probably 150, 200 yards and see the French Broad,” Morrell said of the river that runs through picturesque Asheville. “I just have to go right over the crest of my hill.”

From there, Morrell watched the unimaginable unfold. Hurricane Helene dumped nearly 14 inches of rain over three days in late September, and Morrell had a front-row seat to the storm that would terrorize the city and many others in Helene’s path.

“So I sat there and watched the whole thing, man,” he said. “The wind and the rain — the storm, kind of pushed through around the late morning, mid-morning that Friday. And so I walked down to the river, and kind of went across the bridge that I take home every day. I was probably there with 50, 75 people on that bridge. That was probably

around 12 or 1. … That bridge wasn’t there at 4.”

Morrell’s home was spared, but much of the River Arts District where he lives along the French Broad was washed away or flooded. Power, water and cell service were all wiped out throughout the region.

“That was unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” Morrell said.

“It also like — I kind of really don’t know what the right word is, but it was kind of like, ‘I don’t really give a s--t about basketball right now.’”

Morrell and the Bulldogs relocated to Charlotte, moving into hotels while the campus — which was without basic utilities and suffered some damage due to flooding and fallen trees, though nothing like what was seen elsewhere — shut down.

“That three-day stretch, I ain’t never been through nothing like that,” Morrell said.

“I mean, it was just complete

and utter chaos. Unbelievable.”

Morrell still had to prepare his team for the season, one without two-time Big South Player of the Year Drew Pember, who graduated after leading UNCA to the NCAA Tournament in 2023 and a conference title game appearance last year.

“I knew we were going to be different. I knew we weren’t going to go find another Pember,” said Morrell, who called the 6-foot-11 Tennessee transfer perhaps the best player in Big South history.

Still, Morrell was confident his top returning players — starters Josh Banks and Fletcher Abee, and key reserves Greg Gantt and Toyaz Solomon — along with transfers Justin Wright and Jordan Marsh and incoming freshman Kameron Taylor gave him a foundation on which to build.

The Bulldogs played a scrimmage against Furman, losing

Wright to a season-ending injury but otherwise performing well despite having only about eight practices due to the storm and its aftermath.

Then the team got on the bus and realized it wasn’t heading back to campus but to its Charlotte hotel.

“So there was just this emotion, these huge waves of emotion,” Morrell said. The Bulldogs, having reworked their scheduling due to the storm and losing two early-season games in Asheville, started their regular season with seven road games. They went 3-4 after starting with a loss at second-ranked Alabama on Nov. 4 and finishing with a 22-point loss at George Mason on Dec. 3.

“We did not play great, and I didn’t care,” Morrell said of the road trip-ending loss to the Atlantic 10’s Patriots. “I was so done. Our team was so done. We were so ready to get back home. I told that bus driver, ‘You can’t get this thing back to Asheville fast enough.’

“And we took the next day off. And after that day off, we had practice, and it was like new coach, new staff, new team, completely different vibe from being gone for two months.”

The Bulldogs returned to UNCA’s campus — which had power restored but was still without drinking water — and won their home opener against NAIA St. Andrews. They then won four more at Kimmel Arena before a road loss to UNC Wilmington. UNCA ended the calendar year with a win over visiting Virginia-Lynchburg and opened 2025 with a 103-99 win at home over High Point, the top team in the Big South.

“That was exactly what we needed,” Morrell said of playing

seven of eight at home. “It really was.” Marsh, the sophomore transfer from App State, leads the Bulldogs with 19.2 points per game, while Solomon has emerged after Pember’s departure with 15.5 points and 7.2 rebounds. Banks also averages over 15 points, and Abee is a double-digit scorer who shoots nearly 43% from 3-point range.

Even with many familiar faces, it’s a different look from the team that relied on Pember as its do-everything star in recent seasons. UNCA, despite everything, still finds itself near the top of the Big South and continues to be one of the nation’s best home teams.

The Bulldogs entered last Wednesday’s game with a 13-0 record at home before a 1-for-22 night from 3-point range contributed to a loss to Presbyterian. UNCA followed that with a regular season-ending road loss at Winthrop.

The Bulldogs will head about an hour north for the Big South Conference Tournament in Johnson City, Tennessee — about eight miles from Morrell’s hometown of Elizabethton — as the No. 2 seed. UNCA opens Friday night against Charleston Southern — a team it swept in the regular season — and with a win would then face either third-seeded Winthrop or sixth-seeded Longwood on Saturday for a chance to return to the championship game for a third straight year.

Morrell and his players entered the season wondering how they would move on without their star player and now approach its end having gone through so much more. This week gives them a chance to write another chapter.

“We’ve got some guys up there with experience who have won in that setting, but everybody’s playing for their life in that thing,” Morrell said. “And that’s one of the things about March Madness that makes it so beautiful.

“You’ve got to go try to play as free as you possibly can.”

ACC women’s basketball tourney underway in Greensboro

NC State holds the top seed in the event

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

GREENSBORO — North Carolina-based teams make up three of the top five seeds in the 2025 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament that kicked off this week in Greensboro.

The 14-game, 15-team conference tournament began Wednesday afternoon inside First Horizon Coliseum with three first-round contests.

ACC regular season co-champion NC State (24-5, 16-2 ACC) — ranked seventh nationally — received the top seed in the tournament, while 11th-ranked Duke (23-7, 14-4 ACC) and 14th-ranked UNC (25-6, 13-5 ACC) were given the third and fifth seeds, respectively.

Sitting at last place in the conference standings, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-20, 2-16 ACC) were not included in the tournament.

On Friday at 1:30 p.m., NC State is set to face the winner of No. 8 seed Virginia Tech (1811, 9-9 ACC) and No. 9 seed Georgia Tech (21-9, 9-9 ACC).

REMATCH from page B1

since Valentine’s Day. They’ve set an ACC record with 10 25-point victories in league play.

“I thought this was the most connected, executing Duke team that we’ve played against in the many times we’ve been here,” said Florida State’s Leonard Hamilton. “They have an execution. They execute their defense. And I think each time you make a mistake, they make you pay. They play to who they are. They play to each other.”

That’s a strong endorsement indeed, considering Hamilton has been at FSU and coming to Duke regularly since 2002 — seeing a pair of Blue Devil national champions in the process.

“In the many times we’ve been

The Wolfpack are riding a four-game winning streak after coming away with a share of the conference season crown, matching second-seeded Notre Dame (25- 4, 16-2 ACC) in the ACC win column.

A recent Feb. 23 win over the Fighting Irish gave NC State the tiebreaking top seed for the tournament; Notre Dame came away with a 5551 victory over the Wolfpack in last season’s ACC title game in Greensboro.

NC State head coach Wes Moore gestures to fans after a win over Notre Dame.

Devils are riding a three-game winning streak as they enter the tournament on a double-bye and will face one of No. 11 seed Stanford (16-13, 8-10 ACC), No. 14 seed Clemson (13-16, 6-12 ACC), or No. 6 seed Louisville (20-9, 13-5 ACC) on Friday 7:30 p.m.

Duke used recent double-digit wins over UNC and 22nd-ranked Florida State (23-7, 13-5 ACC) to climb up to the No. 5 seed in the ACC Tournament, relying heavily on the play of forward Toby Fournier.

and Virginia (18-11, 9-9 ACC). The fifth-seeded Tar Heels will challenge the winner of No. 13 seed Syracuse (12-17, 6-12 ACC) and No. 12 seed Boston College (15-16, 6-12 ACC) on Thursday at 11 a.m.

“We ran out of gas, and we really couldn’t get out of playing tired in that second half,” UNC coach Courtney Banghart said after her team’s recent loss to the Cavaliers.

“We find out that playing teams like that prepares you for the ACC and it prepares you for the postseason,” Moore said of his squad’s early-season losses to South Carolina, TCU and LSU. “Any weaknesses you have, they’re going to expose them and you’re going to know early in the year what you better fix. All three of those teams ranked top 10 in the country, but it’s still tough. It can shake your confidence, and this group didn’t let it, so hopefully they learned a lot right there that you can overcome stuff.”

Over in Durham, coach Kara Lawson’s third-seeded Blue

Coach Wes Moore said his NC State team have responded well to a shaky 4-3 start to the season, going on to win 20 of its next 22 games as senior guard Aziaha James (18 points, 4.9 rebounds per game) leads the team.

here, we’ve had a lot of challenges,” he said. “Against some good teams, we’ve had a lot of good games, a lot of close losses, close victories. But this team doesn’t appear to have a real serious weakness other than youth, and they seem to have found a way to overcome their inexperience by being together, connected and having that synergy that it takes to make a special run.”

The sophomore has averaged 23 points and more than seven rebounds in her past three games.

“We’re so pleased to finish the week 2-0,” Lawson said after the Blue Devils’ 71-57 road win over the Seminoles in the regular-season finale. “We started the week knowing we had work to do if we wanted to move up in the standings, and playing two teams ahead of us in the standings was great motivation for us. I’m very proud of the effort of my players and the discipline that they showed.”

While NC State and Duke enter March on a hot streak, UNC is hoping to bounce back after losses to the Blue Devils

UNC was without fifth-year forward Alyssa Ustby for the fourth straight game while also dealing with the absence of sophomore guard Reniya Kelly since Feb. 23. Banghart expressed hope about the pair returning for the postseason.

“We’ll get them as rested and healthy as we can and then get right back to it,” the sixth-year Tar Heels coach said. “You look at who you’re going to play and then you game plan accordingly. We think we’ll be healthier by then, and that will help because then now you get more minutes that you can spread across with more options.”

The ACC Tournament semifinals are set for noon and 2:30 p.m on Saturday, followed by a championship matchup scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.

“This team doesn’t appear to have a real serious weakness.”

Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton on Duke

Duke will also be playing for just its third regular-season sweep of the Tar Heels in the last decade and can win both by double-digits for just the fourth time since 1967, joining the 1999, 2002 and 2010 teams.

UNC has also been on a roll, but the stakes are higher for the Tar Heels entering the game.

If history is any indicator, a special Duke run usually gets ignited by a win over Carolina to close the regular season. Since 1991, the Blue Devils have beaten the Tar Heels 15 times in the season-ending showdown. Five of those times, Duke went on to win the national title. (UNC also triggered all four of its national championship runs with wins over Duke to launch into March.)

Entering the final week of the regular season, Carolina has put together its longest winning streak of the season, winning five straight, the last four by double figures. Still, it hasn’t budged the Heels onto the bright side of the bubble. UNC has gone from “next four out” into the “first four out” in most bracketology projections, but no reputable projection has Carolina in the field. That’s because the wins have come against the bottom tier of the ACC. At least two of the five victories came against opponents who will miss the ACC Tournament after finishing in the bottom three, and four of the five wins were considered Quad III or Quad IV wins for the Heels.

On the season, UNC is just 1-10 against Quad I foes —

those are the ones that change minds on the selection committee. And the current hot streak was immediately preceded by four Quad I losses in a six-game stretch that included a 17-point defeat at Duke. A win over Duke would give the Heels their elusive Quad I win and give them a legitimate argument that they deserve an NCAA bid. A loss would simply underscore the narrative that UNC’s hot streak is just a result of a soft spot in the schedule and not evidence of improvement. In other words, the thing UNC needs to get into the Big Dance is a win over the one team that would relish nothing more than keeping them out.

The time for hype is over. Second one is for the stakes.

COURTESY UNC ASHEVILLE

UNC Asheville guard Josh Banks shoots while coach Mike Morrell stands in the background in the Bulldogs’ 75-72 win over Charleston Southern on Feb. 15.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Hampton, Ritzie stand out at NFL Draft Combine

The UNC running back is projected to become a “plus starter”

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

SOME OF NORTH Carolina’s best college players made the trip to Indianapolis and showcased their skills at the NFL Draft Combine over the weekend.

Overall, it wasn’t the best couple of days for the state’s NFL hopefuls at Lucas Oil Stadium, but there were some standout performances and surprises that may earn bigger paydays come draft night.

From best to worst, here’s a look at how the state’s former college standouts either raised or hurt their chances to play on Sunday.

Omarion Hampton (running back, UNC)

Former UNC star Omarion Hampton is rightfully regarded as one of the best running backs in this draft class, and his combine numbers didn’t dispute that. Although his 40 time fell outside of the top 10 for running backs, he still ran a 4.46 and had a top-two broad jump performance (10 feet, 10 inches) as well as a top-four bench press output (18 reps) within his position.

Hampton has a prospect grade of 6.33, predicting that he will become a “plus starter” according to the NFL’s grading system.

Jahvaree Ritzie (defensive tackle, UNC)

Jahvaree Ritzie, the former UNC defensive tackle, had a positive day at the combine. His vertical jump (35.5 inches) ranked second and his broad jump (9 feet, 6 inches) ranked fifth amongst defensive tackles. His 26 reps on the bench press were also a top-three performance in his position group. With a prospect grade of 5.68, projecting him to be a practice squad player, his showing may cause some reconsideration and help his draft stock.

Kaimon Rucker (edge, UNC)

Former UNC standout edge rusher Kaimon Rucker didn’t participate in any on-the-field activities at the combine after fracturing his fibula in the Tar Heels’ regular season finale. However, he did pump out 27 reps on the bench press, which tied for third in the defensive end group.

Although he’s considered undersized for his position, standing at 6-foot-1 and 254 pounds, Rucker combines speed and explosiveness made him a great pass rusher in college. With

Reps on the bench press for Kaimon Rucker

concerns of how he’d do in against an NFL rushing attack, his performance on the bench press at least shows strength might not be an issue.

However, there are concerns about his ability to overcome his size against bigger tackles and if he can remain effective when his first pass rush move stalls. These concerns show in his 5.69 prospect grade, which projects him to be on the bottom of a roster or on the practice squad.

Shavon Revel Jr (cornerback, ECU)

Former standout ECU cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. is recovering from an ACL injury he suffered in September, but he still

left the combine with positive buzz despite not working out.

Revel earned a prospect grade of 6.33, indicating that he will “eventually be a plus starter.” Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 194 pounds, Revel combines length with speed and athleticism to stand out amongst the combine’s defensive backs as he can use that to his advantage in covering zones and making up ground in man coverage.

Alijah Huzzie (cornerback, UNC)

Because he suffered an injury during an East-West Shrine Bowl practice in January, Huzzie did not workout at the combine. However, he didn’t go unnoticed, even if a flock of reporters didn’t pay him any attention.

Huzzie went viral for just having Chicago radio host Mark Carman ask him questions while every other reporter seemed to have their focus on other players, including former Colorado star Travis Hunter.

As a prospect, though, scouts don’t have the highest expectations for Huzzie, expecting him to be an average backup or special teamer with a 5.89 grade.

Anthony Belton (offensive tackle, NC State)

Anthony Belton, the former NC State offensive tackle, ran one of the slowest 40-yard dashes in his position group (5.26 seconds), but he had a decent showing in the three-cone drill, finishing with a top-10 offensive lineman time of 7.77 seconds. Although his workout and reports indicate he’s not the quickest tackle, his size is a big plus, coming in at 6-foot-6 and 336 pounds. Belton has a 6.27 prospect grade, indicating he will “eventually be an average starter.”

NC State kicks off spring practice behind closed doors 27

The Wolfpack brought in both a new offensive and defensive coordinator

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

AFTER ONE of the most disappointing seasons of the Dave Doeren era — NC State had ACC Championship and CFB Playoff aspirations but ended up finishing with a 6-7 record (3-5 ACC) — the Wolfpack are looking to get back on track in 2025.

It’ll be a big undertaking for the Wolfpack, but the work to improve is already underway as the Wolfpack held its first of 15 spring practices on Feb. 25.

“It’s been a good winter,” said Doeren. “Coming in in January, we started right away. Different edge about this group. I think anytime you go through a tough season, returners have a different mentality, maybe don’t take things for granted. They know how hard it is and how demanding you need to be on each other. There’s a lot to prove for me, for our staff and for the players.”

A big focus for the spring will be getting up to speed with new offensive and defensive coordinators, who will both be bringing some much-needed change to the Wolfpack’s game.

“The two new coordinators are obviously installing systems but also their style of play and teaching the football IQ that they want these guys to have,” Doeren said. “The fundamentals are really a big, big thing. You have to learn new things as a player, and I think that’s great.”

ACC from page B1

It means that State will be the first defending conference champion to miss out on the chance to defend its title since South Carolina won in 1971 then left the conference entirely. Duke, which won in 2019 then didn’t play a game before the 2020 tournament was wiped out due to COVID, also deserves a mention. The Blue Devils also dropped out of the 2021 tournament after an outbreak, meaning they didn’t lose a tourney game until three years after winning their title.

NC State lost longtime defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, as he left to take the head coaching job at Marshall, and taking his place is veteran coach D.J. Eliot. Eliot, a coaching veteran with 27 years of experience, most recently worked at Baylor, but he has also coached in the SEC, Big 12, Pac-12 and NFL.

“I’ve known him for 20-something years, followed his career and really have so much respect for what he’s done coaching different position groups,” Doeren said. “When your coordinator’s been a D-line coach, a linebacker coach and a DB coach, he can install and understand stress points in every position. I thought it was the right time to evolve.”

On the offensive side of the

State also becomes the first original ACC member to miss the conference tourney since Maryland sat out due to NCAA punishment in 1991. UNC, which missed the 1961 tournament for a similar reason, is the only other original team not to play in every year’s edition. Louisville (2015), Syracuse (2016) and Georgia Tech (2020) are the only other ACC teams to miss a conference tournament. All three of those incidents were bans related to NCAA violations.

Barring a reconsideration by league brass, however, it will be-

ball, the Wolfpack decided to move on from offensive coordinator Robert Anae after two seasons, and in his place, Doeren promoted quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper.

“I just felt like, as a group, we needed to be able to score more points and play more unified football,” Doeren said. “I loved coach Anae, I loved working with him. He’s a great man and he did a lot for our program, but it just felt like Kurt is a unifying force over there.”

Roper had been with NC State for six seasons before the promotion, having worked with both the quarterbacks and running backs, and he brings 30 years of coaching experience to the table.

“I like the fact that both of my

come a regular occurrence, and the defending champions will be among the pioneers of this new era.

Ironically, the same thing that could keep State out — expansion producing a super-sized league — is also an argument to include everyone. With 18 teams, the ACC is forced to play an unbalanced schedule, meaning that some of the teams that will be home next week could be better than the teams opening play in Charlotte, just the victims of unlucky scheduling.

“Here’s my argument,” Keatts said. “All schedules are not

“There’s a lot to prove for me, for our staff and for the players.”

NC State coach Dave Doeren

coordinators have chips on their shoulders,” Doeren said. “At one time, they were both guys that were really hot in the business. And sometimes things happen and you have to work your way back up, and they want to prove themselves just like I do and our players do.”

Also a big change for NC State is that for the first time, all spring practices — including the annual Red vs. White game — will be closed to the public.

NC State joins a growing trend around the country as many major NCAA programs are opting to forego their spring games too.

“Obviously with two new coordinators, our practices are going to be closed to the public and nothing will be televised,” Doeren said. “We’re going to play and we’re going to get better this spring, but for obvious reasons, you don’t want your stuff out there if it doesn’t have to be.”

Despite the changes up top, the Wolfpack were able to return a few key pieces of their roster, none bigger than quarterback CJ Bailey, who had an impressive season last year as a true freshman.

“He was 170 pounds last year and didn’t know anything about anything,” Doeren said on Bailey. “Now, he’s 200-plus

created equal. And if you look at our schedule compared to somebody else, you know, our strength of schedule may be tougher. And so now, do you weigh the schedules and say, ‘All right, well, this team played a way tougher ACC schedule than the other team, and they’re getting in?’” State is currently ranked No. 70 in the nation in the strength of schedule metric NET (the ranking tool used by the NCAA selection committee). That’s higher than three of the four teams the Wolfpack are battling for to get into the ACC

Bryson Nesbit (tight end, UNC)

Former UNC tight end Bryson Nesbit didn’t test well at the combine. His 40 (4.88), vertical (32.5 inches) and broad jump (9 feet, 4 inches) all fell near or at the bottom of the tight end position group, which likely hurt his draft stock. Nesbit has a 5.68 prospect grade, projecting him to be a bottom of the roster or practice squad guy.

Power Echols (linebacker, UNC)

Power Echols, the former UNC standout linebacker, didn’t perform well compared to other linebackers at the combine. His 40 (4.73), broad jump (9 feet, 7 inches), three-cone drill (7.6 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.56) landed near or at the bottom of the linebacker group, which didn’t help his low 5.62 prospect grade.

pounds, he’s experienced, and he’s learned how to lead. That was a big thing in the offseason with him and I. Using his voice, he’s always used it on the field, but also learning how to use it off the field.

“Experience is one thing you can’t give a player. As good and talented as he is, those reps are precious. So I’m excited to see him at a different body weight and with a different mindset, having experience under his belt, knowing his teammates and understanding the lessons we learned last year and how this team needs to step forward.”

The path to a 10-win season looked easy last season before the team’s eventual collapse, but this year’s schedule is similarly one that the Wolfpack can take advantage of.

The Wolfpack won’t be playing Clemson this season, the first time they haven’t been scheduled against one another since 1970, but they will, however, face off against CFB Playoff runner-up Notre Dame in South Bend.

But if NC State wants to be taken seriously, they have to rise up to face these types of challenges.

“I expect to win every game,” Doeren said when asked about his expectations for this year’s team. “There isn’t a coach in college football that doesn’t expect to win every game. So we’re going to go one day at a time and try to become the best team that we can be, and our body of work will equal our record at the end.”

Tournament — Notre Dame, Cal and Boston College. Only Syracuse (No. 68) has played a tougher schedule among that grouping of teams.

“You play an unbalanced schedule,” Keatts said, “and everybody can get in, but when you get in the tournament, it’s nothing unbalanced. The cream always rises to the top. And we were the cream at that point last season.

“I would love for everybody to have a chance,” Keatts added. “If that was the case last year, there may not have been an NC State story.”

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

UNC defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie runs a drill at the NFL Combine last week.

KARL B DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

NC State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) throws the ball past Stanford’s defensive line during a game last November. Bailey returns to run the Wolfpack offense this year.

CUMBERLAND

Executor’s Notice IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E000135-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Kenneth Ware Porter, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 321 North Front Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, on or before May 14, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 13th day of February, 2025. Steve Randall Porter Executor of the Estate of Kenneth Ware Porter, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 2/13/2025, 2/20/2025, 2/27/2025 and 03/06/2025 NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 24E002970-250 Administrator’s / Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Shirley Jeanette Avery, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of May, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 20th day of February, 2025. Wendy A Robinson, Administrator 9552 South Lowe Avenue Chicago, IL 60628 Of the Estate of Shirley Jeanette Avery, Deceased NOTICE

In The General Court Of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File #24E001016250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE

The Undersigned having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Wilmer Berrio, deceased late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of June, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 6th day of March, 2025. Juan Camilo Berrio 3726 West Malory Court Cocoa FL. 32926

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25SP000133-250 FOR THE ADOPTION OF A FEMALE MINOR

TO: the biological father of Baby Girl Graham, a female child, born on February 7, 2025 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to Ciara Shantal Graham. Take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed with the Clerk of Superior Court for Cumberland County, North Carolina in the above entitled special proceeding. The Petition relates to Baby Girl Graham, a female child, born on February 7, 2025 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to Ciara Shantal Graham. Ms. Graham reports that the biological father is Richard Baldwin of Fayetteville, NC and that conception occurred in Cumberland County, NC. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you are required to file a response to such pleading not later than 40 days from the first day of publication of this notice, that date being March 6, 2025, and upon your failure to do so the Petitioner will apply to the Court for relief sought in the Petition. Any parental rights you may have will be terminated upon the entry of the decree of adoption. Kelly T. Dempsey, Attorney for Petitioners, 101 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 2828

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E000218-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Sarah Ayako Callaghan, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of May, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 14th day of February, 2025 _Ted N Fujimoto Administrator/Executor _712 Roundtree Dr Address _Fayetteville, NC 28303 City,State, Zip Of the Estate of Sarah Ayako Callaghan, Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE #25E000156-250 ADMINISTRATOR’S/EXECUTOR’S

NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator for the Estate of Cary Earl Dudley, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 13th day of May, 2025, (which is three months from the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 13th day of February, 2025. Gary Earl Dudley, Administrator 347 Grape Arbor Drive Fayetteville, NC 28312 Of the Estate of Cary Earl Dudley, deceased

Executor’s Notice

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25-E-000216-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Albert Francis Finn, III, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 6138 Ackerman Drive, Hope Mills, North Carolina 28348 on or before May 27, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 27th day of February, 2025. Kristina Elizabeth Finn Executor of the Estate of Albert Francis Finn, III, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 02/27/2025, 03/06/2025, 03/13/2025 and 03/20/2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATOR TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Elizabeth Ann McGeachy, having qualified as Administrator for the Estate of Frank W. Gaskill, III, Deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, at the address indicated below, on or before May 21, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate should please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 20th day of February, 2025. Elizabeth Ann McGeachy Administrator for the Frank W. Gaskill, III Estate Schell Bray PLLC P. O. Box 21847 Greensboro, NC 27420 Michael H. Godwin SCHELL BRAY PLLC 230 North Elm Street, Suite 1000 Greensboro, NC 27401 For Publication: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 2025.

Executor’s Notice IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E000134-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Harlon Gregory, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 3601 Chesaning Place, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311, on or before June 6, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 6th day of March, 2025. William Lester Clagett Executor of the Estate of Harlon Gregory, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 03/06/2025, 03/13/2025, 03/20/2025 and 03/27/2025

NOTICE

The undersigned, having qualified Joel Jones (administrator) of the Estate of Beulah Jane Jones, decreased, later of Cumberland County, hereby notified all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 6 day of June, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 6 day of March 2025. Joel Jones at 5042 beargrass dr, Dallas, NC, 28304 of the estate of Beulah Jane Jones, Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File #24E000846-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of James A. Howard deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims Against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 22 day Of May, 2025 , (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 20th day of Feb, 2025 . Akisha M. Howard Administrator/ Executor 1802 Glenwick Dr. Fayetteville, NC, 28304 Of the Estate of James A. Howard, Deceased

NOTICE

State Of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice

The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Carolyn J. Henderson deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on of before the 6th day of June, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 6th day of March, 2025. Administrator of the Estate of Carolyn J. Henderson

Contact address: 3602 Village Dr, Fayetteville Nc 28304

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In the General Court Of Justice

County of Cumberland

Superior Court Division Estate File # 24E001652-250

Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Jacquetta Annette Kent, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of May, 2025, (which is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 12th day of February 2025

SAUL T. KENT, JR. – Executor 425 Hallmark Road Fayetteville NC 28303 Of the Estate of Jacquetta Annette Kent, deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In The General Court Of Justice

County of Cumberland

Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E000238-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the estate of Max Craven McClellan Sr., deceased, late of Cumberland County, herby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 28 day of May, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 19 day of February, 2025. David G. McClellan Administrator/Executor 315 Tolarsville Road Address Lumberton, NC 28358 City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Max Craven McClellan Sr. Deceased

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

File No: 25-E-000074-250

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

ON ESTATE OF: Robert Lewis Morgan ALL persons, firms and corporations having claims Against Robert Lewis Morgan, deceased are notified to exhibit them to Joyce M. Aker, Administrator c/o Kenneth M. Johnson, P.A., 701 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, for decedent’s Estate, on or before the 13th day of May 2025 or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Administrator. This 13th day of February 2025. Joyce M. Aker, Administrator c/o Kenneth M. Johnson Attorney at Law PO Box 21247 Greensboro, NC 27420 (336) 272-8273 Published: February 13, 20th, 27th & March 6th

NOTICE OF EXECUTOR TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Tonya Strickland, having qualified as Executor for the Estate of David Ray Nimocks, Jr., Deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, at the address indicated below, on or before May 14, 2025 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate should please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 13th day of February, 2025. Tonya Strickland Executor of the David Ray Nimocks, Jr. Estate Schell Bray PLLC P.O. Box 21847 Greensboro, NC 27420 Michael H. Godwin SCHELL BRAY PLLC 230 North Elm Street, Suite 1000 Greensboro, NC 27401 For Publication: February 13, 20, 27 and March 6, 2025.

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 24E1195 The Undersigned, having qualified as Robin Glenn of the Estate of William Edward Peabody, deceased, late of Cumberland County, herby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of June, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 6th day of March, 2025 Robin Rae Glenn Administrator/Executor 190 Piney Lane Southern Pines, NC. 28387 Of the Estate of William Edward Peabody, Deceased

Notice to Creditors

The undersigned, having qualified as Shirlene Robinson of the Estate of Suzette Law, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of May, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24th day of February, 2025. AdministratorExecutor Shirlene Robinson Address: 6381 Lake Trail Drive, Fayetteville, N.C. 28304. Of the Estate of Ms. Suzette Law.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF RUTH MARIE RUPPE aka RUTH LEDFORD RUPPE CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E000076-250 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Ruth Marie Ruppe aka Ruth Ledford Ruppe deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Susan R. Black, Executor, at 313 Woodcrest Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before the 14th day of May, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 4th day of February, 2025. Susan R. Black Executor of the Estate of Ruth Marie Ruppe aka Ruth Ledford Ruppe Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: February 13, February 20, February 27 and March 6, 2025

Executor’s Notice

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E000122-250

State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Joyce A. Smallwood aka Joyce Tew Smallwood, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 2108 Rock Hill Road, Eastover, North Carolina 28312, on or before May 14, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 13th day of February 2025. Gail Smallwood Nazarchyk Executor of the Estate of Joyce A. Smallwood aka Joyce Tew Smallwood, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 2/13/2025, 2/20/2025, 2/27/2025 and 03/06/2025

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E000282-250

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Hubert Franklin Stephens, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of June, 2025. (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 6th day of March 2025 Wilma lee Stephens Administrator/Executor 3659 colonial cove Address Hope Mills , North Carolina 28348 City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Hubert Franklin Stephens, Deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Jo Ellen Stewart Cumberland County Estate File No. 25E000217-250 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Jo Ellen Stewart, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Kerri Stewart Hurley, Executor, at 3505 Turnberry Cir., Fayetteville, NC 28303, on or before the 7th day of June, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 28th day of February, 2025 Kerri Stewart Hurley Executor of the Estate of Jo Ellen Stewart Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Administrator’s Executor Notice In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E000234-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the estate of Carmen Haydee Rosado, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to undersigned on or before 6th Day of June, 2025, (which is the three months after day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 6th Day of March, 2025. Evelyn L Smith Administrator/Executor 805 Houndschase Chase Ct Fayetteville, NC 28311 Of the Estate of Carmen Haydee Rosado, deceased. 3/6,13,20,27/2025

are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 30st day of September 2025. Charles Ernest Lilly II Administrator/Executor 215 N. Dakota St. Address Charlotte, NC. 28216 City, State, Zip Of the estate of Charles Ernest Lilly, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE

COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 24E002863-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Kathleen Sprague McLamb, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of June, 2025,(which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

NEW HANOVER

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, SANDRA POPE

ABEYOUNIS, having qualified as

EXECUTOR of the Estate of HARRY R. POPE AKA HARRY RUGGLE POPE, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said SANDA POPE ABEYOUNIS, at the address set out below, on or before May 24, 2025 or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same.

All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 13th day of February, 2025.

SANDRA POPE ABEYOUNIS

EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF HARRY R. POPE AKA HARRY RUGGLE POPE c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE UNDERSIGNED, Vivian Vincent Bordeaux and Gene Albert Vincent, II, having qualified on the 9th day of January 2025, as Co-Personal Representatives of the Estate of Ruth Moser Vincent (2025E-45), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 26th day of May, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 20th day of February 2025.

Vivian Vincent Bordeaux and Gene Albert Vincent, II

Co-Personal Representatives

ESTATE OF RUTH MOSER VINCENT

David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411

Publish: February 20, 2025 February 27, 2025 March 6, 2025 March 13, 2025

and subsequently modified by Loan Modification recorded on March 25th, 2010 in Book 09098 at Page 0102 and/ or Instrument Number NA, Cabarrus County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, S&T BANK, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of RALPH L. WINGROVE, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said S&T BANK, at the address set out below, on or before June 11, 2025, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 3rd day of March, 2025 S&T BANK Executor of the Estate of RALPH L. WINGROVE c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator/ Executor of the Estate of Gary Clifford Lundy, deceased, late of New Hanover County, hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before 6th of June (which is three months after the day of this notice) will be placed in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the descendant are requested to make immediate payments to the undersigned This 6th day of March 2025 Jennifer Lundy 1818 Stage Road Durham, NC 27703 Administrator/ Executor of the Estate of Gary Clifford Lundy, Deceased Please publish 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27 ORANGE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Probate #_24001580670_____________

All persons, firm and corporations having claims against Lucy Yvonne Maness, late of Orange County, North Carolina are hereby notified to present them to Darren Manness, as Executor of the decedent’s estate in care of Kendall H. Page, Attorney, 210 N Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 on or before the 25th day of May, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the above named Executor. Kendall H. Page 210 N Columbia Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Bar # 14261 Notice to Run: 2/27/2025,3/6/2025, 3/13/2025 & 3/21/2025

2023 and bearing file number 23 M 895. Substitute Trustee Services, Inc., Trustee NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION TO: Oliver C. Dano, as Trustee for Aileen C. Dano Living Trust, 13657 Community St., Panorama City, CA 91402

Deeds of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on March 11, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain property situated in the County of Cabarrus, and State of North Carolina, being described as follows: Being all of Lot 218 Rocky River Crossing Map 5 Section 2 as shown on that plat recorded in Map Book 36, Page 22 of the Cabarrus County Registry to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Being the property conveyed in warranty Deed from MDC Homes - Charlotte, LLC to Kevin Wingler and April Wingler, dated 02/25/2003, recorded 02/27/2003, in Deed Book 4345, Page 39, in the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Tax Parcel Identification Number: 1-10B-218 Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 6229 Rose Way Court, Harrisburg, NC 28075

20, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Rodney Cordell Robinson Sr, dated December 9, 2011 to secure the original principal amount of $204,107.00, and recorded in Book 09803 at Page 0250 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 2177 Galloway Ln Southwest, Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID: 55278353020000 Present Record Owners: Rodney Cordell Robinson, Sr.

WAKE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Erin Kathryn Malloy Hanley (23E003776-910), late of Wake County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 29th day of May 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 20th day of February 2025. Erin Campbell 3009 Churchill Road Raleigh, NC 27607

Notice to Creditors

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Walter Jerry McClamb, late of Wake County, North Carolina (25E000534910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 23rd day of May 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 20th day of February 2025.

Stanley Hilton McClamb Executor of the Estate of Walter Jerry McClamb

c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law

P.O. Box 446

114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 02/20, 02/27, 03/06, 03/13/2025)

Notice to Creditors

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Linda Ann Wilson, late of Wake County, North Carolina (25E000428910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 23rd day of May 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 20th day of February 2025.

Jenatus Derrick Wilson, II Administrator of the Estate of Linda Ann Wilson

c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 02/20, 02/27, 03/06, 03/13/2025)

follows: You are hereby notified that Briarcliff Condominium Association, Inc. (the “Association”) has commenced a foreclosure on the Claim of Lien filed

Tax ID: 01-010B-0218.00

CABARRUS/ONSLOW

NOTICE IN THE FAMILY COURT 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Case No. 2025-DR-33-003 SUMMONS AND NOTICES [Termination of Parental Rights] STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MARION South Carolina Department of Social Services, Plaintiff, vs. Jasmine Lynae Davis Mark Evans John Doe Defendants. IN THE INTERESTS OF: CHILD BORN 2019 Minors Under the Age of 18. TO: DEFENDANT JASMINE LYNAE DAVIS, MARK EVANS, JOHN DOE YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer

September 19, 2023 in Cumberland County

23 M 895 (the “Claim of Lien”) as a result of failure to pay the Claim of Lien. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than April 15, 2025 (40 days from the date of first publication) and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief

Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Rocky River Crossing Homeowners Association, Inc.. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Rodney Cordell Robinson, Sr. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars

($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at

Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) dneill@mtglaw.com 21-000581-07

24SP001901-310 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

FILE NUMBER: 24SP002093-310

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by TRAVIS L. LUCAS AND LAKEISHA WILLAMS LUCAS payable to RBC MORTGAGE COMPANY , Lender, to ROSE AND WILLIAMS, P.L.L.C, Trustee, dated March 10, 2004, and recorded in Book 4306, Page 577 of the Durham County Public Registry by ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT , having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Durham County, North Carolina, in Book 10196, Page 777, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Durham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Rachel D. Horne. An Order for possession of the property may

for cash the following

the

property situated in Durham County, North Carolina, to wit: BEGINNING AT A STAKE IN THE PROPERTY LINE ON THE WEST SIDE OF ROXBORO STREET SOUTH 15 DEG. WEST 144.2 FEET FROM THE PROPERTY LINE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF EAST TRINITY AVENUE; AND RUNNING THENCE WITH THE PROPERTY LINE ON THE WEST SIDE OF ROXBORO STREET SOUTH 15 DEG. WEST 59 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE NORTH 76 DEG. WEST 115 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE NORTH 14-1/2 DEG. EAST 59 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE SOUTH 86 DEG. EAST 115 FEET TO THE POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING.

SAVING AND EXCEPTING THAT NARROW STRIP THEREOF ON THE WEST SIDE OF ROXBORO STREET AS MAY BE SEEN BY REFERENCE TO DEED FROM J.P. WOODY TO THE CITY OF DURHAM RECORDED IN DEED BOOK 99, PAGE 545 DURHAM COUNTY REGISTRY. SEE DEED BOOK 118, AND PAGE 405 AND DEED BOOK 310, PAGE 371, DURHAM COUNTY REGISTRY.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1219 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27701.

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

be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at

dated April 26, 2007 and recorded on April 26, 2007 in Book RE 2748, Page 211, as instrument number 2007024051 00301, Forsyth County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, and the holder

foreclosure sales, on March 18, 2025 at 11:00am, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0841-45-3292 ADDRESS: 110 N WOODCREST ST DURHAM, NC 27703 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): HEIRS OF TRAVIS L. LUCAS, LAKEISHA LUCAS THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF DURHAM, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 4306, PAGE 577, AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 3, S.P. MOR ING ESTATE, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 22, PAGE 69, DURHAM COUNTY REGISTRY. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS,

of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Forsyth County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 18, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: BEING all of condominium Unit No. 2500B of Miller Park Circle Condominiums as designated and described in the Declaration of Condominium, which was filed pursuant to the North Carolina Unit Ownership Act in Book 1312, pages 23-65, and in Unit Ownership File No. 1, pages 55 and 56, of the Forsyth County Registry, which Declaration is incorporated herein in its entirety, together with 1.0416 undivided percentage interest in the Common areas and Facilities of said Condominium. 2500 Miller Park Circle, Unit B. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2500 Miller Park Circle, Apt B, Winston Salem, NC 27103 Tax ID: 6825-13-0378.000

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FORSYTH COUNTY 24sp794 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES W. MAHAN, JR. DATED OCTOBER 11, 1993 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1800 AT PAGE 3181 IN THE FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Forsyth County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 18, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed James W. Mahan, Jr., dated October 11, 1993 to secure the original principal amount of $64,000.00, and recorded in Book 1800 at Page 3181 of the Forsyth County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 4124 Kingsland Cir, Winston Salem, NC 27106 Tax Parcel ID: 6808-92-6481.00 Present Record Owners: James W. Mahan, Jr. The record owner(s) of the property,

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

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1,

ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Samantha J. Kelley or Sarah A. Waldron ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 160 Jacksonville, NC 28541-0160 Telephone: (470) 321-7112 24SP001919-310

WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement

Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are James W. Mahan, Jr. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR

tenant

conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are The Heirs of Susan Sebastian. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement

whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the

ASSESS, OR

WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental,

DURHAM

located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 17, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell

25SP000002-770

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Wayne E. Charlton and Tara Charlton to First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated September 3, 2004 and recorded on September 8, 2004 in Book 1413 at Page 208, Robeson County Registry, North Carolina.

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

24 SP 245 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sanford Hardin and Susan Hardin to F. Spencer Cosby, Jr., Trustee(s), which was dated October 13, 2004 and recorded on October 13, 2004 in Book 1420 at Page 232, Robeson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 10, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit:

Beginning at a stake at the eastern edge of the cement portion of Highway No. 74, where a ditch separates the land of W. L. Thompson and the land of D. G. Lawson, and runs thence with the said ditch and D. G. Lawson’s line in a Northeasterly direction a distance of Seventy (70) yards, to a stake

to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: A certain lot or parcel of land lying and being in Lumberton Township, Robeson County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows:

That certain Lot or parcel of land located just East of the City of Lumberton, and being all of Lot Number 19, as shown and designated on a map prepared by Koonce, Noble and Associates, Inc., Consulting Engineers, in June 1976, entitled “BRITTSWOOD SUBDIVISION, SECTION TWO” and recorded in Robeson County Registry in Book of Maps 22, at Page 28, reference to said map and registration being hereby made for the purpose of incorporating the same herein by reference and for a more complete and particular description of said lands.

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

Said property is commonly known as 2975 Crystal Ln, Lumberton, NC 28358.

on March 10, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 4 as shown on a map for Ronald Anderson and Bender Ray Chavis recorded in Map Book 36, Page 107, Robeson County Registry. This property is subject to Restrictive Covenants recorded in Book 1084, Page 358, Robeson County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3612 Red Hill Road, Maxton, NC 28364.

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

in said ditch; thence turning and runs in a Northerly direction and parallel with the said Highway No. 74, a distance of 70 yards to a stake; thence turning and runs in a westerly direction and parallel with the first line and ditch, a distance of Seventy (70) yards to a stake in the eastern edge of the cement portion of said highway No. 74; thence turning and runs in a Southerly direction and with the edge of the cement of said highway, a distance of Seventy (70) yards to the beginning point. Said tract of land containing a square of land 70 yards by 70 yards adjoining the paved portion of highway #74 and land of D. G. Lawson. LESS AND EXCEPT: In Britts Township, Robeson County, North Carolina, and being all of that certain tract or parcel of land lying about 6 1/2 miles Southeast of the City of Lumberton, N.C., adjacent to and on the eastern side of N.C. Highway 72 (Old U.S. 74), and adjoining the lands of Earl Thompson on the North and East and other lands of Sadie Stone on the South and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe, the Northeast or third corner of that certain tract of which this is a part as shown in Deed Book 10-Q, at page 174, Robeson County Registry, and runs thence with the East line of said tract South 30 degrees 43 minutes East 89.03 feet to an iron pipe; thence South 63 degrees 00 minutes West 188.25 feet to an iron pipe in the East right of way line (30 feet from center) of N.C. Highway 72; thence with the East right of way line of N.C. Highway 72 North 29 degrees 23

by Maria Goris and Eligio Pena (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Maria Pena and Eligio Pena) to BB&T Collateral Service Corporation, Trustee(s), dated September 5, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 04679, at Page 0171 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on March 20, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Monroe in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a found iron in the eastern right of way line of US Highway 601 (Concord Highway), a common corner with the southwestern property corner of the Joe N. Helms (Deed Book 387, at Page 484, Union County Registry), thence with a common line of Joe N. Helms South 78 degrees 57 minutes 11 seconds East 243.43 feet to a set iron, thence South 17 degrees 06 minutes 37 seconds West 537.11 feet to a set iron, thence South 74 degrees 30 minutes 05 seconds west 216.10 feet to a set iron in the eastern right of way line of US Highway 601 (Concord Highway) thence along and with the eastern right of way line of US Highway 601 (Concord Highway), three (3) calls as follows: 1st North 01 degrees 57 minutes 07 seconds East 15.00 feet, thence 2nd with the arc of a curve in a northeasterly direction, said arc having a chord bearing North 08 degrees 37 minutes 27 seconds East, a chord distance of 317.40 feet, an arc radius of 1365.83 feet, an arc distance of 318.11 feet, thence 3rd, North 15 degrees 20 minutes 04 seconds East 299.59 feet, the point and place of beginning and being and containing a 3.07 acre tract, as shown

Gallaway McCurdy) to Brock and Scott, Trustee(s), dated August 9, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 08213, at Page 0872 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on March 20, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real

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

estate situated in Monroe in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake on the southern edge of Leewood Drive, the NE corner of Dr. F.B. Lee’s Lot No. 1 (now or formerly) and running thence with the edge of said Leewood Drive S 76-15 E 155 feet to an iron stake, the northwesterly corner of Emmett

Lee’s Lot No. 3 (now or formerly); thence with the westerly line of Lot No. 3, S 5-30 W 190.1 feet to an iron stake, the SW corner of Lot No. 3; thence N. 85-10 W 160 feet to an iron stake, the SE corner of Dr. F.B.

Lee’s Lot No. 1 (now or formerly); thence with the easterly line of Lot No. 1, N 7-15 E

214.5 feet to the point of beginning, and being all of Lot No. 2 of Club Acres (same is shown on Plat thereof recorded in Plat Cabinet 5, at Page 15 in the Union County Public Registry, North Carolina). Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 805 Leewood Drive, Monroe, North Carolina.

Assessor’s Parcel No: 09159005

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided

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

immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY

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

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

An Order for possession of the property may

minutes West 104.92 feet to an iron pipe in said right of way line at its intersection with the North line of said original tract; thence with the North line of said original tract North 67 degrees 53 minutes 20 seconds East 187.51 feet to the beginning, containing 0.42 acres, more or less

And being part of that certain tract conveyed by W.L. Thompson et ux, Annie Thompson to A. Kelly Stone by Deed dated 7 December 1946 and recorded in Deed Book 10-Q, at page 174, Robeson County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 9701 NC Highway 72 East, Lumberton, NC 28358.

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

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical,

on that unrecorded plat drawn by Derick L. Miles, NCRLS, dated April 17, 2001, to which unrecorded plat reference is hereby made for a more complete description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6508 Old concord Highway, Monroe, North Carolina.

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

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

“AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any

in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

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

be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988

environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Susan Hardin and Alton Lonewolf Hardin, Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship.

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

and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders

subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan

UNION

0529 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 512 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jackie E. Caldwell (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jackie E. Caldwell) to Hilton T. Hutchens, Jr. Esq., Trustee(s), dated August 4, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 08544, at Page 0365 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory

indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on March 20, 2025 and will sell to the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

24SP001803-910

Under and by virtue of the power of sale granted to New Hope Crossing Homeowner’s Association, Inc. pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §47F-3-116 and in accordance with their bylaws and corporate resolutions be it known that said Homeowners’ Association intends to sell property owned by (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Clara O. Ohia, ) secured by a Claim of Lien bearing file number 23M004018-910 filed with the Clerk of Superior Court for Wake County North Carolina on September 14, 2023. Due to a default being made in the payment of dues owed to the Homeowner’s Association and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the Claim of Lien evidencing said indebtedness

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 24SP000110-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY PETE N. MUHAMMAD DATED AUGUST 16, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12710 AT PAGE 2505 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 16SP002399-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WILLIAM F. HARDWICK, III AND ANGELA DAVIS HARDWICK DATED OCTOBER 4, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12205 AT PAGE 212 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED ON JULY 2, 2014 AT BOOK 15709, PAGE 911 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will

PM on March 20, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Monroe in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The following described property located in the City of Monroe, County of Union, State of North Carolina, more particularly described as follows:

Being all of Lot 65 of Lexington Commons, Phase II, as shown on Map recorded in Plat Cabinet J, File 834-840, in the Union County, North Carolina, Register of Deeds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2211 Kingstree Drive, Monroe, North Carolina.

Being the same property as conveyed to Ned Moore and Diane L. Moore (Deceased) from Essex Homes Southeast, Inc. by the Deed dated 07/18/2013 and Recorded 07/19/2013 in Book/Page/Instrument Number: 08055/0757/24989 in the Union County Records. PARCEL ID(S): 09321582 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty

dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

recorded in

02517 in

019040, at

Registry, North Carolina, default having

in

by

of the promissory

of

and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee

been

Inc.

as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the

East Side of East Park Drive; Northeast corner of East Park Drive and Cherry Street intersection, and runs thence with East Park Drive, North 38 East 70 feet to an iron stake, Preslar’s corner; thence with his line South 52 East 209 feet to an iron stake in Sanders (formerly Tucker’s) line; thence with Sanders line South 38 West 70 feet to an iron stake in the North side of Cherry Street; thence with North Side of Cherry Street, North 52 West 209 feet to the BEGINNING. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 517 East Park Drive, Monroe, North Carolina. County: Union Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

having directed that the Claim of Lien be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 10, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All of Lot 209 in NEW HOPE CROSSING Subdivision, Phase Eight, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1999, Page 85, WAKE County Registry, to which map reference is hereby mad for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4324 Standing Road Way, Raleigh, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court

courthouse at 11:00AM on March 20, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Pete N. Muhammad, dated August 16, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $105,994.00, and recorded in Book 12710 at Page 2505 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3204 Winfield Ct, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax Parcel ID: 0032422 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Pete N. Muhammad The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Pete N.

expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 13, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed William F. Hardwick, III and Angela Davis Hardwick, dated October 4, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $359,176.00, and recorded in Book 12205 at Page 212 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 399 Virginia Water Dr, Rolesville, NC 27571 Tax Parcel ID: 0332406 Present Record Owners: William Hardwick, III and Angela Davis Hardwick

Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 17, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wake Forest in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 577, The Willows at Traditions, Phase 2, as shown on that plat recorded in Book of Maps 2020, Pages 2111-2115, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 122 Daisy Meadow Lane, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Property Address: 122 Daisy Meadow Lane, Wake Forest, NC 27587 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)

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

costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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

Muhammad.

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

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are William Hardwick, III and Angela Davis Hardwick. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold

A deposit of five percent (5%) of

required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement/ payoff of the Claim of Lien without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement

form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason,

of

the

or

of the

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

whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser

entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to

title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If

WAKE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

FILE NO. 23SP003444-910

NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF Wake

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE UNDER THAT POWER OF SALE.

GRANTED IN THE Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, RECORDED AT BOOK 8693, page 1412, AND AS AMENDED Wake County Registry CONCERNING Russell W. Frazier, II and Spouse, if Any NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE OF ASSOCIATION’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions recorded at Book 8693, Page 1412, as amended Wake County Registry; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured by said Declaration and failure of performance of the stipulations and agreements therein contained, and pursuant to the Order entered in 23SP003444-910, Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina, the undersigned Trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate located in Wake County, North Carolina: Legal Description: Being all of Lot Q-2, Heritage Fairview Townhomes, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Book of Maps 2004, Page 1792, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina. Being also known as 1239 Fairview Club Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587. ALSO BEING that property described in that deed recorded at Deed Book 12973, Page 1445 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina. Present Legal Owners: Russell W. Frazier, II and Spouse, if Any Property Address: 1239 Fairview Club Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587-4234 A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

24SP002592-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Donnie McQueen and Cynthia McQueen (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donnie McQueen) to Substitute Trustee Services, Inc., Trustee(s), dated September 15, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 019151, at Page 02556 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30

PM on March 10, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: CONTAINING 0.40 acres, more or less, and being all of New Lot 119 of the Recombination Plat Tract 2, 3,Lot 119 & Lot 120 Lincoln Park Subdivision Property of DONNIE McQUEEN as per plat and survey thereof now on file in Book of Maps 2017 at page 2051 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, to which plat reference is hereby expressly made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 105 Star Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Address of Premises: 105 STAR ST RALEIGH, NC 27610 Tax or Assessor Parcel Number: 0077682 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

LAST WEEK

the time the Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid. This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without knowledge of the Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in his sole discretion, if he believes the challenge to have merit, may request the Court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. The real estate will be sold subject to any and all superior liens, including taxes and special assessments, if any. Upon the conclusion of the sale an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S.§45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of this Court.

If you occupy the property pursuant to a rental agreement please note that any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving notice of said sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor (homeowner) has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. EXCEPT IN THE INSTANCE OF BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OF HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF THE BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further

INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Date and Hour for Sale: March 7th, 2025 at 11:00AM Place of Sale: Wake County Courthouse Date of this Notice: January 21, 2025 /s/ James W. Kilbourne, Jr. James W. Kilbourne, Jr. Allen, Stahl & Kilbourne, PLLC Attorney for the Trustee Trustee F. Todd Whitlow of Brownlee, Whitlow & Praet, PLLC 3739 National Drive, Suite 105 Raleigh, NC 27612 Telephone: 919-817-8850 jamesk@asklawnc.com

Honored guest

N.C.’s Payton McNabb — standing next to second lady Usha Vance, right — waves as she is recognized by President Donald Trump on Tuesday. McNabb received a traumatic brain injury when a biological male playing on the opposing women’s team spiked a volleyball at

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NCDOR begins processing tax refunds

Raleigh The North Carolina Department of Revenue started processing individual income tax returns for 2024. Taxpayers can expect to receive refunds through the mail or direct deposit beginning the week of March 10. The NCDOR started accepting individual income tax returns Jan. 27 and encourages taxpayers to file electronically for security and convenience. Several free filing options are available. Individuals can check the status of their refunds through the “Where’s My Refund” application at ncdor.gov.

Pentagon changes name of Georgia Army base back to Fort Benning

Washington, D.C.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has, for the second time, reversed the renaming of a U.S. military base, saying that Fort Moore in Georgia should revert back to being called Fort Benning. The move reflects an effort by the Pentagon to overturn the Biden administration’s 2023 decision to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including for nine Army bases. The drive to revert to former names means that officials need to find service members with the same name as the Confederate leaders.

Stanly commissioners pass resolution on surplus vehicles

Fire districts and departments can now purchase vehicles from the county

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — Stanly

County is now able to sell its surplus county vehicles to local fire districts and nonprofit volunteer fire departments.

At the Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night, the board voted 7-0 to pass a resolution allowing the county to directly negotiate with fire districts and de-

partments on potential sales of unneeded vehicles.

“We’ve had some requests from fire districts over the years regarding the purchase of our surplus vehicles,” County Manager Andy Lucas told the board. “We surplus our vehicles through GovDeals, and you have to monitor that. And so some of them have asked if there is any way that we could negotiate with you all to pay a fair-market value for a surplus vehicle.”

Lucas explained that multiple fire districts have reached out to the county inquiring about surplus four-wheel drive vehicles, such as Dodge

“We’ve had some requests from fire districts over the years regarding the purchase of our surplus vehicles.”

Andy Lucas, county manager

Durangos and Ford Explorers. The county manager reiterated that official records would be kept for all transactions and that this new resolution would help move the county away from its former method

of offloading surplus vehicles through GovDeals, Inc.

“This would enable us to do it instead of having to put it on GovDeals and then having to compete with somebody out there in Kansas or Mississippi or Alabama or wherever. They would be able to just do that directly,” Lucas said.

The new resolution — as passed by the board of commissioners — permits the county manager to use “Kelly Blue Book, Edmunds or similar trusted source for determining vehicle market values based on age, mileage and condition of

Albemarle selects new Main Street manager

Katie Lynn was promoted from her interim position

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — Katie

Lynn, Albemarle’s new Main Street manager, began her full-time role in the position on Monday. Albemarle City Manager Todd Clark announced in a Feb. 24 press release that the city had promoted Lynn from her interim managerial position that she held since December.

Lynn will serve as the director of the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC) nonprofit, where she will lead efforts to advocate for the city’s historic downtown district. She will also be responsible in her role for leading events and bringing in economic development efforts to support the continued growth of the downtown Albemarle area.

“I am thrilled to continue serving the city of Albemarle and Albemarle Downtown in this capacity,” said Lynn, who also has experience as Albemarle’s administrative and events coordinator for the city’s downtown development office. “I look forward to working alongside downtown businesses, community members, and stakeholders to foster growth through events, fundraisers, beautification projects, and economic development initiatives.”

Lynn is an active volunteer on a local level, contributing to the Daughters of the American Revolution and the America250 NC Stanly County Committee. She holds prior experience working for an autism nonprofit in Columbia, Missouri, as well as with Major League Baseball’s nonprofit in New York.

Now in her new full-time role, Lynn becomes Albemarle’s first Main Street manager since former manager Joy Almond finished up her role with the city following the downtown Christmas Parade on Dec. 14. Last November, Almond announced that she was stepping down from her job with the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation after nearly a decade to accept a position as a Main Street program specialist for the North Carolina Main Street

program, which is a division of t he N.C. Department of Commerce.

During her time leading the nonprofit, she assisted in fundraising efforts for various projects, economic stimulus grants and property upkeep through donations, grants and event planning for the Stanly County Winter Wine Festival, Holiday Tour of Homes, Outdoorsman’s Bonanza, Fall Festival, and multiple Christmas events.

The city of Albemarle is a NC Main Street community that is designated by the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street and Rural Planning Center, while the ADDC is a nonprofit focused on carrying out the Main Street program at the local level. Through economic development, the program aims to seek the measurable outcomes of investment, business growth and job creation.

More information about the ADDC is available at albemarledowntown.com.

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF ALBEMARLE

Albemarle recently announced the the hiring of Main Street Manager Katie Lynn.

McNabb’s face. J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE / AP PHOTO

North State Journal

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Neal Robbins, Publisher

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P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

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RESOLUTION from page A1

the vehicle, and the records of such sale will maintained consistent with the county’s fiscal policies and other public, financial records.”

Commissioner Scott Efird then asked Lucas how successful the county has been at offloading its surplus vehicles on GovDeals, with the county manager responding that Stanly County has made “tens of thousands of dollars a year” by selling seasoned vehicles no longer needed by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office and Stanly County Umbrella Services Agency (SCUSA).

Through GovDeals, some of the surplus vehicles are purchased with the intention of extended usage, while others are bought and scrapped for salvaged parts.

“I know the building inspection department has some pretty nice trucks,” Commissioner Bill Lawhon asked. “How many miles are on those trucks when we finally decide to sell?”

Lucas stated that the Stanly County Inspection Department owns one vehicle but typically chooses to utilize a 60-month lease with its vehicles through Enterprise RentA-Car, which allows county workers to drive the vehicles without mileage limits.

“We’re also watching the expense side of the maintenance,” he said. “If we’re having to spend a lot of money each year on maintenance, then at some point we have to strongly consider getting a new vehicle. Normally, our numbers are somewhere between 125,000 miles and 135,000 miles, and seven-toeight years.”

The Stanly County Board of Commissioners is set to hold its next regular meeting on March 17 at 6 p.m. inside the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

Woman returns Helene ‘trash’ to rightful owners

Floods didn’t just sweep away homes; they took memories

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

SWANNANOA — The tops of dried, bent cornstalks crunch underfoot. Jill Holtz’s gaze is fixed on the ground ahead.

She wanders into the nearby woods and weaves between twisted branches. Then, Holtz spots something and starts to riffle through the withered twigs. To the untrained eye, it’s easy to overlook. But for Holtz, it’s instantaneous recognition.

Scraggly, white lines give the appearance of shattered glass, but a name can still be made out at the top. It is a sonogram strip — crinkled, abused by the elements, but intact.

In early February, Holtz combed through parts of a flattened cornfield in Swannanoa — a rural area razed by fierce floodwaters from Hurricane Helene a few months earlier. The deluge swept away entire homes, and with it, people’s beloved photos, keepsakes and family heirlooms. Many have accepted that they are gone forever.

But lost items remain scattered across the region — tangled in gnarled trees, washed up in deep ravines and buried under mud. That’s why Holtz is on a mission: find and reunite those cherished possessions with storm victims who don’t have the time or energy to look themselves.

“It’s not just trash, and it’s not just trees and pieces of metal,” Holtz says. “It’s their lives. This is their hearts, their homes, the generations of history.”

Searching the cornfield

Over the past few months, Holtz has spent much of her free time making the nearly four-hour drive from Raleigh to Swannanoa to search for lost items. She balances her job as a North Carolina National Guard captain and being a mom to two sons — a 10-year-old and a 24-year-old. It’s difficult being away, Holtz says, but her kids support her efforts.

Holtz first visited western North Carolina after the storm on duty delivering aid. Then, while helping retrieve lost objects in Swannanoa for Violet Vardiman — a woman Holtz fondly calls “Miss Violet” — Holtz realized how many other missing belongings were out there. So she kept coming back. Holtz posts her finds to Facebook in hopes of finding their owners.

At first, searching for lost belongings was overwhelming because of the sheer volume of objects strewn about, Holtz says. Now, she looks a few feet ahead of her at a time to stay focused. She’s learned other tips and tricks, too. Use larger pieces of debris to store missing keepsakes while walking. Put on a hat or your hair will get caught in tree branches. Wear gloves and sturdy boots. And if you see a Dallas Cowboys mat, stomp on it first before picking it up — Holtz, after all, is a Buffalo Bills fan.

After exploring the cornfield and adjacent woods for about 20 minutes, Holtz already has a handful to bring back — an 8-track tape, a teddy bear with golden wings and plenty of photos. Despite some scratches and their sun-bleached tone, the photos are in decent shape for what they’ve been through.

As Holtz walks back to her

truck, she squints and scours the cornstalks for anything she missed. Holtz views each valuable she finds as an opportunity for joy, and if it’s left behind, there’s no guarantee it will be there next time.

Holding onto belongings until the time is right

What Holtz found in the cornfield will join the collection of other lost possessions in her trailer as she tries to find their owners. The spread inside resembles a garage sale. Photos make up a large chunk of Holtz’s collection. Pictures captured from weddings, school and simple slices of life. Just from collecting photos, Holtz says she feels like she knows some people’s entire life story without ever meeting them.

To restore photos, she’s developed her own cleaning routine: Use cool water and rubbing alcohol, then carefully scrub with a soft toothbrush. It’s time-consuming yet therapeutic. Holtz sets down a large mud-spattered canvas — a piece that will require the toothbrush treatment — and slowly pours water over it. The gentle stream crackles against the crisp canvas. Faces emerge from the splotchy, brown haze. It’s a family portrait, Holtz says.

“I hope I find the owner of that,” she says softly. Since Holtz started posting pictures of the lost possessions on Facebook, she’s consistently in contact with about 15 families. She has returned belongings to some and is waiting to connect in person with others. Some of the families have evacuated the state and haven’t returned — but Holtz doesn’t mind holding onto their things.

“Getting back history”

The next day, Holtz sets up her trailer by the cornfield. She had posted her location to social media and patiently waits to see if anyone comes. About a half hour later, a silver SUV pulls over. A woman from Swannanoa, Angie McGee, steps out. McGee is looking for lost photos. The 42-year-old searched for her family’s belongings after Helene washed away her home, but she wasn’t successful. Wearing black latex gloves, she rubs caked dirt from the photos and notices familiar faces: her brother, her father and her son.

She even spots her ultrasound photos — the same scroll that Jill had picked up the day before. She is stunned. McGee can’t believe the photos traveled nearly 2 miles downriver from her home — much less that Holtz had somehow found them. After months of anguish over what she had lost, McGee says she is finally “getting history back.”

“She done brought back a smile to me, she done brought back life to me. Not just me, my family,” McGee says. “Because, you know, there were things we lost that we thought maybe we never get back.”

At one point, McGee’s gaze settles on football shoulder pads with silver marker writing. The sight brings her to tears. They belong to her 12-year-old son, Link.

Holtz tries to not to cry. Later, the two women embrace before McGee leaves with her things. Giving people back their lost hope is why Holtz says she continues this work. But in these reunifying moments, it gives Holtz a little of her own hope, too.

“I’m in no hurry, and I don’t expect them to be in a hurry,” she says. “They’re still getting their lives back together.”

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Protecting North Carolina jobs by protecting manufacturing

We now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people.

IT’S A NEW day in Washington, D.C.

With President Donald Trump’s return and a Republican-controlled Congress, there is real hope for change that will strengthen our economy and make the nation more secure.

Before this new Congress, one of the first tasks is to make Trump’s first-term tax cuts permanent. Some of these cuts were enacted in 2017 but have already expired. If Congress does not act, more will disappear at the end of this year.

A new report from the National Association of Manufacturers shows why preserving these tax cuts is critical for North Carolina. Without action to extend the tax breaks, North Carolina could lose nearly 200,000 jobs and billions in economic activity. Those are steep costs that communities across North Carolina would pay.

The good news is that Republicans in Congress, including members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, are working hard on a tax bill. A quick look at the history of these tax cuts explains why this issue is a congressional priority.

The 2017 Trump tax cuts included tax breaks for individuals and businesses across the economy. Manufacturers, big and small, were among the bill’s principal beneficiaries. Lower domestic and international tax rates, new deductions for small business owners, and

incentives for innovation and investment spurred unprecedented manufacturing growth.

In 2018, the first year the tax cuts were in place, manufacturers created jobs at the highest rate in decades. Capital spending also spiked as manufacturers took advantage of tax reform to purchase new equipment, raise wages and expand facilities.

We in North Carolina benefited from this manufacturing resurgence. Across the state, we now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people. The industry accounts for almost 15% of our gross domestic product, adding $98.5 billion to our economy.

Today, some of the world’s leading manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and chemistry call the Tarheel State home. Last year, Site Selection Group named us the best state in the U.S. for manufacturing due to our strong, educated workforce, pro-business climate and geography.

In 2025, Congress can keep the momentum going and protect North Carolina’s manufacturing sector by restoring Trump’s pro-manufacturing tax code.

Among the most vital tax provisions that Congress must renew are those that lower costs for research and innovation

The top task for Team Trump

The dollar now represents just 59% of global reserves, down from 70% in 2000.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP has entered his second term with a bold agenda and unprecedentedly rapid action.

In the first month of his presidency, he signed 73 executive orders; he unleashed his Department of Government Efficiency, spearheaded by Elon Musk, to identify waste, fraud and abuse across executive branch agencies; he deployed his foreign policy team to the Middle East to broker an agreement in Ukraine and press for the end of Hamas in Gaza; he freed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to target criminal illegal immigration, and Border Patrol to enforce our southern border. All of that is both good and popular.

But there is a threat haunting the second Trump term. That threat is economic recession. Joe Biden left Donald Trump with a shaky economy.

The inflation rate remains high, at 3%, and moving in the wrong direction; interest rates are already high by recent standards, at 4.33%. The Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates to inflate the economy in time for the election now looks like jumping the gun.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading at nearly 25 times price to earnings; the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks (Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Tesla and Nvidia) average a P/E ratio of above 50. For point of reference, investor

extraordinaire Benjamin Graham, mentor of Warren Buffett, recommended that a healthy P/E ratio generally capped out around 15.

The technological advancement of AI — incredible though it is — has generated investment that has yet to translate to consummate productivity gains; in other words, there is a good chance that we are in an AI bubble as well. For what it’s worth, this isn’t a knock on AI; the internet bubble of the late 1990s wasn’t an indicator that the internet was overrated, merely that every new technology brings a gusher of investment that eventually ratchets down into the most productive channels. But it is fair to say that many of the stocks most tied to AI will see a decline over coming years.

Meanwhile, the bloat of government spending continues to inject money into an already inflated economy. In 2024, the federal government spent approximately $6.75 trillion. The vast majority of that spending comes in the form of entitlements, means-tested welfare programs and interest on the national debt. DOGE will touch little of this. The reality is that the United States is in a debt spiral from which it is unlikely to emerge without serious fiscal restructuring. And the world is already moving away from the dollar as the world’s reserve currency: A report from Brookings Institution found that the dollar now represents just 59% of global

by allowing businesses to expense and deduct certain costs. Also, lawmakers’ priorities are keeping exclusions that protect small, family-owned manufacturers from the estate tax and maintaining individual and corporate tax rates that have helped business owners keep more of their hard-earned money and compete on an international scale.

Beyond getting the policy right, Congress’s timing is critical.

Currently, manufacturers across our state are making hiring and production plans for the years ahead. Other manufacturers outside our state consider North Carolina a possible place to relocate or expand. The sooner Congress provides certainty that the U.S. tax code will continue to support manufacturers, the sooner business leaders can lock in their decisions and make additional investments in our state.

As a North Carolina legislator, I am proud of our work in Raleigh to make our state a place where businesses can thrive. We have cut the corporate tax rate, invested in our infrastructure, and streamlined state regulations.

Thankfully, North Carolina legislators again have strong partners in the nation’s capital.

Eight years ago, Trump and Republicans in Congress helped North Carolina launch a manufacturing boom. In 2025, it is time for Congress to do it again by sending a bill to Trump’s desk that permanently makes all of 2017’s pro -manufacturing tax policies.

Sen. Todd Johnson represents District 35 in the N.C. Senate and is majority whip.

reserves, down from 70% in 2000. As the Trump administration pursues sanctions and tariffs, that trend could accelerate.

So what should Team Trump do? First, the focus should quickly shift toward cutting regulations — the true sand in the gears of American commerce.

Second, the Republican Congress must move with alacrity to enshrine Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanently, ensuring a predictable tax regime for purposes of investment. Third, there should be serious consideration of reevaluating those means-tested welfare programs — programs that, as House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington points out, are the chief drivers of our continuing spending crisis.

There is only one path toward economic prosperity for the United States: economic freedom and fiscal sanity. Both can be achieved. But the Trump administration should move fast because the hole blown into the side of the American economy by consecutive decades of irresponsibility is already sinking the ship.

Ben Shapiro’s new collection, “Facts and Furious: The Facts About America and Why They Make Leftists Furious,” is available now. Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | SEN. TODD JOHNSON

Georgia lawmakers push to ban automated speed cameras near schools

A debate over profit versus safety on slowing cars in school zones

By Jeff Amy The Associated Press

DECATUR, Ga. — Outside

Beacon Hill Middle School in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, like along hundreds of roadsides across Georgia, the unblinking eye of a camera tickets drivers who speed through a school zone.

Supporters say cameras slow down drivers and provide constant enforcement that understaffed police departments can’t equal. But some state lawmakers want to ban them, saying the cameras are more about generating money for local governments and camera companies, and that some use them deceptively.

More than 20 states and the District of Columbia allow automated traffic cameras to issue speeding tickets, but more than 10 other states have outlawed them. However, it would be unusual for a state to reverse its position. New Jersey had a pilot program testing cameras to enforce red lights but pulled the plug in 2014.

Georgia’s fight will come to a head soon in its General Assembly, with three separate bills advancing out of committees. The state first authorized speed cameras, but only in school zones, in 2018.

Opponents say cameras are about money, not safety

More than 100 representatives in Georgia’s 180-member House signed on to House Bill 225, which would ban the

cameras. Dale Washburn, the Macon Republican sponsoring that measure, provided a stack of emails from outraged people ticketed statewide who said lights weren’t flashing, they didn’t even know they were in a school zone, or the cameras were otherwise unfair. While the tickets in Georgia are civil citations and don’t go on a driver’s criminal record, the state does block people who don’t pay from renewing their vehicle registration.

Almost 125,000 unpaid violations were reported in 2024, the Georgia Department of Revenue said. The cameras generated more than $112 million in revenue in 54 Georgia

cities and counties since 2019, WANF-TV found last year. Camera companies typically take a share of the revenue.

“These camera companies are engaged in deceit and trickery,” Washburn said. “Their goal is to write tickets, not to enhance children’s safety.”

One issue with abolishing cameras is that companies have become big political donors. Two big vendors, United Kingdom-based RedSpeed and Tennessee-based Blue Line Solutions, contributed around $500,000 to Georgia campaigns in recent years, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan watchdog that tracks money in politics.

Others want to reform camera use, not end it

Legislative leaders seem more likely to support two other bills that would keep cameras but more closely regulate them by providing better warning signs and limiting the hours of usage.

“So the objective is to alert drivers that they’re entering a school zone and get them to slow down and then for them not to be cited unless they are speeding in a school zone during designated hours,” said Republican Sen. Max Burns of Sylvania, who is sponsoring Senate Bill 75.

An alternate House bill that is similar to Burns’ would re-

quire half the money raised go to school safety. In Decatur, students surge out of Beacon Hill Middle at dismissal and walk along College Avenue, a two-lane street that’s also a state highway. Unlike most places in Georgia, where most students travel home in buses or their parents’ cars, a majority of Decatur’s 5,300 students either walk or ride bikes home.

Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said a student at Beacon Hill was struck in a hit-and-run accident and a crossing guard elsewhere was also hit before Decatur activated its cameras last fall.

“We really want to protect our most vulnerable residents, our students, and particularly when they are on foot or on a bicycle,” Garrett said.

Violations drop but many drivers still speed

Police Chief Scott Richards said according to a speed study conducted by the company, speeding has fallen 92%. But there are still plenty of drivers flying through the five zones where Decatur is using cameras. They issued 4,500 valid citations in January alone, he said.

“We would not be able to get those reductions if it were not for the photo enforcement in school zones,” Richards said.

Decatur officials tout their efforts as a model, saying the city has abundant signage and only operates the cameras for 30 minutes before and after schools begin in the morning and dismiss in the afternoon. A vehicle must be traveling 11 miles per hour over the speed limit to be cited.

Still, Washburn and others say the amount of money involved encourages overuse and bad behavior.

“Profit-based law enforcement cannot be trusted,” John Moore of Milledgeville wrote to Washburn in February. “I hope you can convince your colleagues to vote this menace out of our state for good.”

BlackRock strikes deal to bring ports on both sides of Panama Canal under American control

The control of the ports by a Chinese company has been a political football

By Didi Tang and Alex Veiga

The Associated Press

A HONG Kong-based conglomerate has agreed to sell its controlling stake in a subsidiary that operates ports near the Panama Canal to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., effectively putting the ports under American control after President Donald Trump alleged Chinese interference with the operations of the critical shipping lane.

In a filing, CK Hutchison Holding said Tuesday that it would sell all shares in Hutchison Port Holdings and in Hutchison Port Group Holdings to the consortium in a deal valued at nearly $23 billion, including $5 billion in debt.

The deal will give the BlackRock consortium control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal in Panama, as well as others in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere.

The transaction, which must be approved by Panama’s government, does not include any interest in a trust that operates ports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and South China, or any other ports in China.

In addition to BlackRock, a New York-based global investment management company with $11.6 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, the consortium includes BlackRock subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited. The deal gives them 90% interests in Panama Ports Company, which owns and operates the ports of Balboa and Cristobal in Panama, according to the filing.

Some 70% of the sea traffic that crosses the Panama Canal leaves or goes to U.S. ports.

The United States built the canal in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts. Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. Trump has claimed that Carter “foolishly” gave the canal away.

Trump and his supporters have also complained about the fees that ships are charged to use the waterway and alleged that China has been operating the canal, an assertion denied

by Panama’s government.

In January, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, the Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, raised concerns that China could exploit or block passage through the canal and that the ports “give China ready observation posts” to take action. “This situation, I believe, posts acute risks for U.S. national security,” Cruz said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama in early February and told President José Raúl Mulino that Panama had to reduce Chinese influence over the canal or face potential retaliation from the United States. Mulino reject-

ed the idea that China had any control over canal operations.

Panama quit China’s Belt and Road Initiative following Rubio’s visit, drawing condemnation from Beijing.

But while much attention was focused on Trump’s threat to retake control of the canal, his administration trained its sights on Hutchison Ports, the Hong Kong-based consortium that manages the ports key ports at either end of the canal. Hutchison Ports had recently been awarded a 25-year nobid extension to run the ports, but an audit looking at that extension was already underway. Observers believed the audit was a preliminary step toward eventually rebidding

the contract, but rumors had swirled in recent weeks that a U.S. firm close to the White House was being lined up to take over.

Frank Sixt, co-managing director of CK Hutchison, said in a statement that the transaction was “the result of a rapid, discrete but competitive process in which numerous bids and expressions of interest were received.”

“I would like to stress that the transaction is purely commercial in nature and wholly unrelated to recent political news reports concerning the Panama Ports,” Sixt said. BlackRock declined to comment outside of a press release touting the deal.

JEFF AMY / AP PHOTO

Students walk home past an automated speed camera outside Beacon Hill Middle School in Decatur, Georgia.

MATIAS DELACROIX / AP PHOTO

A cargo ship goes through the Panama Canal’s Cocoli locks in Panama City on Feb. 21.

STANLY SPORTS

Pfeiffer men’s basketball set for first NCAA Division III Tournament

The Falcons took home the USA South Tournament title last weekend

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

MISENHEIMER — Fresh off its first USA South Tournament championship win, the Pfeiffer University men’s basketball team now has another goal in mind as it prepares for its first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance.

The Falcons (18-7, 12-2 USA South) — riding a nine-game winning streak — are preparing to travel to Newport News, Virginia., to challenge the Roanoke College Maroons (23-5, 14-2 ODAC) on Friday at 4 p.m. in the first-round tournament matchup.

The winner of that game will play on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. against the winner of Christopher Newport (22-5) and John Jay College (19-8, 11-3 CUNYAC), who are also scheduled to face off together on Friday.

Marking the sixth NCAA Tournament appearance for Pfeiffer, the Falcons are hoping to continue the surge of momentum they’ve carried across the past two months in what has become their best season since reclassifying from NCAA Division II to Division III and beginning play in the USA South during the 2018-19 season.

In the recent USA South Tournament, the Falcons easily got past Mary Baldwin (14 -13, 7-7 USA South) in a 90-64 semifinals win on Feb. 27 and followed that up with a 108-80 victory over NC Wesleyan (17-10, 10-4 USA South) in Saturday’s conference championship game.

Senior guard Daymon Beckwith earned All-USA South honors and also received the USA South Tournament MVP award, while junior forward Doug Smith earned All-USA South first-team honors. Additionally, seniors Alex Cunningham and Jaylen Hamilton were named to the All-Tournament team for their performances in the event.

In the Falcons’ 28-point

blowout win in the conference title game, five Falcons scored in double figures: Beckwith (21 points), Cunningham (15), Donte Forrester-Jhagroo (12), Clayton Robinson (11), and Smith (10).

Now preparing to face Roanoke on Friday night, the Falcons will face a Maroons team that received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament after falling short in the ODAC Championship game over the weekend.

Led by senior guard and Charlotte native Joshua McClary, Roanoke had won nine in a row leading up to that tournament loss.

The 64-team, single-elimination 2025 NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament consists of 43 automatic qualifiers and 21 at-large bids; Indiana’s Trine University won the championship last year.

Looking ahead, the semifinals and championship will be held at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 20 and March 22.

The Pfeiffer University men’s basketball team celebrates its USA South Tournament championship win on March 1.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Madi Whitley

West Stanly, softball

Madi Whitley is a sophomore on the West Stanly softball team. The Colts opened their season with a 5-0 road win over Randleman. Whitley pitched a shutout on the mound, striking out seven and allowing just two hits over seven innings, meaning she held the entire Randleman team to as many base knocks as she got herself at the plate. Whitley went 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.

Bell makes late charge, holds off Byron for win

A late pass on Kyle Busch produced his second straight NASCAR victory

By Jim Vertuno The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Christopher Bell is making the most of his late-race chances to seize victories.

Bell passed Kyle Busch with five laps to go, then held off Daytona 500 winner William Byron to win the NASCAR Cup Series’ first road course race of the season Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas.

The late-race drama produced Bell’s second consecutive victory after his overtime win in Atlanta a week earlier.

Once Bell cleared Busch, the Oklahoma driver had to make a desperate bid to keep his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in front of the hard-charging Byron in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, and the Toyota of 2023 race winner Tyler Reddick of 23X1 Racing.

Bell raced to his 11th career victory and is a multiple race winner for the fourth consecutive season. Busch, who led 43 of 95 laps in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, faded to fifth as his winless streak stretched to 60 races dating to 2023.

“These road courses races are just so much fun,” Bell said. “(Busch) was doing such a good job running his race. He bobbled and allowed me to get out front. When he did, I just said, ‘Don’t beat yourself.’”

The furious nip-and-tuck finish could have ended in a crash that ruined someone’s race and jumbled the field with a late caution flag. Busch and Bell have a heated history of collisions in Austin, notably last year when Busch confronted the younger driver over contact in a race where Bell finished second.

This time, everyone kept it clean all the way to the end.

“Amazing to have such re -

“Amazing to have such respectful clean, hard racing. It was a beautiful way to end a race.”

Christopher Bell

spectful clean, hard racing. It was a beautiful way to end a race,” Bell said. That didn’t mean Byron wasn’t pushing him hard. And Byron had his own battle with Reddick, who was looking for an opening to attack the front.

“I couldn’t never get beside (Bell). We’ve always raced well together, I didn’t want to move him blatantly,” Byron said. Even Busch complimented Bell’s driving.

“I’ll give Christopher credit,” Busch said. “He ran me really hard.”

Bell’s crew chief, Adam Stevens, said the consecutive wins on a superspeedway oval and a road course show the team can fight for wins every week, starting with the next two races in Phoenix and Las Vegas. “We don’t think there’s a track that we go to that we don’t have a chance to win,” Stevens said. “We have everything we need to win every single weekend.”

Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott started third and quickly dropped to the back when he spun by Trackhouse Rac-

ing’s Ross Chastain in the first turn, but he fought his way back through the field to fourth. Connor Zilisch had a wild day in his Cup Series debut for Trackhouse. The 18-year-old started 14th and dropped back with contact in the first lap. He recovered to get back within in the top 15 by the start of the third stage. That’s when his day ended. Zilisch couldn’t avoid a spin by teammate Daniel Suarez in lap 50, smashed into the wall, and had to scramble out of his car when it caught fire.

STEPHEN SPILLMAN / AP PHOTO

Christopher Bell pulls into Turn 19 on his way to a NASCAR Cup Series win at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL

NFL franchise tags increase with record-high salary cap

Indianapolis NFL quarterbacks will have the highest franchise tag cost at $40.242 million, up $7.5 million from last year. The league released figures for franchise and transition tags on Friday, a day after announcing the salary cap has increased to a record-high $279.2 million in 2025. Linebackers are second to quarterbacks with a franchise number of $25.452 million, and defensive tackles are close behind at $25,123,100.

WNBA Mercury’s Taurasi retires after 20 WNBA seasons, 3 titles, 6 Olympic golds

Phoenix Diana Taurasi is retiring after 20 seasons, ending one of the greatest careers in women’s basketball history. The WNBA’s career scoring leader and a three-time league champion, Taurasi announced her retirement in an interview with Time magazine. The Phoenix Mercury — the only WNBA team she played for — also confirmed it. The 42-year- old won her sixth Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games and finishes her WNBA career with 10,646 points, nearly 3,000 more than second-place Tina Charles. She led UConn to three consecutive national titles, and the Mercury selected her No. 1 overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft.

GOLF

After 5 years in jail, Peake wins New Zealand Open, qualifies for British Open Queenstown, New Zealand Ryan Peake, an Australian former motorcycle gang member who turned to golf to turn his life around, has earned a place at the British Open by winning the 104th New Zealand Open by one stroke. The 31-year-old from Western Australia called the win “life-changing” after sinking a par putt on the 72nd hole to avoid a four-way playoff with fellow Australian Jack Thompson, South African Ian Snyman and Japan’s Kazuki Higi. He earned about $112,000 U.S. for winning.

Agassi, son of tennis legends, works to make mark in baseball

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s son Jaden is a pitching prospect

By David Brandt The Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. — It’s not the least bit surprising that Jaden Agassi — son of tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf — had a racket in his hand from the time he could walk.

The little boy loved to run. He loved to hit the ball. The problem was accuracy wasn’t his thing.

“It was hard for me to keep the ball in the lines,” Agassi said, laughing. “I just wanted to hit it as far as I could.”

So his parents signed him up for baseball. About 20 years later, he’s trying to make his own mark in the sports world.

The 23-year-old Agassi is a pitcher for Team Germany in this week’s World Baseball Classic qualifiers in Tucson, Arizona. The right-hander grew up in Las Vegas with his famous American dad and German mother before playing college baseball at USC. He holds dual citizenship and speaks a little German.

The popularity of baseball has grown in Germany over the past few decades, but manager Jendrick Speer was still searching for a few additions to the roster for the WBC qual-

ifiers when he stumbled across Agassi on social media and realized his connections to the country.

“I found him because he’s a good baseball player,” Speer said. “With all the technology out there, we found him while researching and discovered that he had played in college and had citizenship. It worked out great, and he’s a great guy.”

Agassi said his parents never pushed him into tennis, baseball or any other sport because they didn’t want to repeat their childhood and teenage years, which were totally consumed by tennis. Instead, he had a rel-

Francona says his mind went right back to baseball after a needed year off

The new Reds manager is preparing for his 24th season as an MLB skipper

By Stephen Hawkins The Associated Press

TERRY FRANCONA got used to getting out of bed whenever he wanted during his year away from managing, and his biggest decision then was whether to have a second cup of coffee before doing the daily crossword puzzle.

While it was a bit of an adjustment when he had to start getting up again in the predawn hours to get to the Cincinnati Reds spring training complex, Francona was quickly back to where he prefers to be every day.

“My mind went right back into baseball, and it kind of feels good,” Francona said soon after starting his first camp with the Reds, who hired him in October. “I enjoy, I love coming to the ballpark. There’s no place on this Earth I’m more comfortable. ... This is my home and, like, grew up in this place.”

The three-time Manager of the Year and two-time World Series champion, who turns 66 in April, is rejuvenated and feeling

better after what he knows was a much-needed break from the grind of professional baseball.

When Francona stepped away at the end 2023 after 11 seasons managing Cleveland, he needed a shoulder replacement and double hernia surgery. He had missed extended time in 2020 and 2021 due to health complications.

“I had a good year, man. I needed to be away from the game. And when you say that, when you know it yourself, you’re probably, probably a little late. I really needed it,” he said. “Physically, I was so beat up that it starts to become, you know, mental, and you start, it wears on you, and you become short on patience and things like that. Those are not good attributes for a manager. So I think I’m situated where I can do the job the way you’re supposed to, the way I want to.”

Cincinnati, going into its 30th season since last winning a playoff series, turned to the manager with 1,950 wins over 23 seasons.

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, an outfielder for him with the Red Sox in 2009, described Francona as having a magical personality and being a spark for whoever

atively normal upbringing and naturally gravitated toward the baseball diamond.

The lanky 6-foot-3 Agassi has had his share of setbacks during his baseball career. He needed Tommy John elbow surgery after his first game in 2019, which caused him to miss his junior season in high school. Then in 2020, his team played just a handful of games before COVID-19 shut down sports for the year.

“It almost worked as a blessing in disguise,” Agassi said. “I got almost two years to rehab my Tommy John, came back strong and then started my col-

lege career at USC.” His three seasons with the Trojans were a little up and down. He had a solid year as a sophomore with a 3-2 record and a 4.34 ERA, but after a coaching change, he regressed as a junior with a 9.70 ERA.

He found his footing again in MLB’s draft league last summer with a 2.96 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 271/3 innings. Now he’s hoping to latch on to an MLB organization once the WBC qualifiers are over. His stint with Team Germany — which will likely include a bullpen role — is another chance for him to showcase his mid90s fastball.

“It felt good to find some things that work for me,” Agassi said. “Stick on a plan and get 1% better every day.”

Agassi doesn’t mind that people often ask about his parents or why he doesn’t play tennis.

While neither parent may be a baseball expert, he said they’re both supportive of his baseball career and will be in the crowd this week as he pitches for mom’s home country with Team Deutschland across his chest.

“As a kid, you’re kind of oblivious to the world,” Agassi said. “It felt completely normal to me. I got a lot of knowledge and lessons learned from them. Picked up a lot of things and it’s been a blessing.”

he is managing.

“He has something that most people don’t have, maybe no one else has. It’s a very, very unique thing to him that it puts people in a great head space when they show up to the ballpark and the clubhouse every day,” Baldelli said. “He forms really, really, really nice relationships with all the people around him. He makes you feel special. He makes you feel like you can do things. He makes you feel like you’re a better player than you actually maybe even are sometimes.”

Francona agreed to a three-year contract through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028 to return to the organization to replace fired man-

ager David Bell. Cincinnati has been to the playoffs only once since 2013, during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Now back in the daily routine of baseball, right by the spring training home of the Guardians and near the stadium they share in Arizona, Francona was asked if he had any second thoughts. He responded by relaying his message to Nick Krall, the Reds president of baseball operations, and general manager Brad Meador when they were talking about the job last fall.

“I said if I come, I’m all in. That’s the only way I know how to do it,” Francona said. “When the season’s over, I’ll turn my motor off and collapse. But until then, let’s go.”

KYUSUNG GONG / AP PHOTO

Southern California starting pitcher Jaden Agassi (45) delivers a pitch during a 2022 game against Santa Clara. The son of two tennis greats is now pitching for Team Germany.

CAROLYN KASTER / AP PHOTO

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona walks from the field during spring training workout at the team’s training facility in Goodyear, Arizona.

Norman Herbert Faust

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

May 5, 1935 – Feb. 24, 2025

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Shirley Nadine Moose

Aug. 17, 1944 – Feb. 24, 2025

Norman Herbert Faust, 89, of Stanfield passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. There will be no formal services.

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

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 Garfield. 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.

Norm was born in Buffalo, New York on May 5, 1935, to the late Harold and Barbara Faust. Norm is lovingly survived by his wife Geri Faust of 68 years. Those also left to cherish his memory are his children, Michael Faust and his wife Kelly of Buffalo, NY, Robert Faust and his wife Paulette of Mt. Holly, NC, Alice Biel and her husband David of Concord, NC Susan Woodard and her husband Michael of Stanfield, NC., grandchildren, Brian Biel, Daniel Graser (Anna), Rebecca Strane (Taylor), Nicole Kennedy (Michael), Amber McCarthy (Connor), Matthew Biel, and Adam Biel, greatgrandchildren, Hailey, Harper, Caroline, and John, and many nieces and nephews.

Norm was preceded in death by his siblings, brother Harold Faust (Joan) and sister Ruth Blendowski. After retirement, Norm and Geri moved south from Buffalo to Florida, where they joined the Telephone Pioneers, which did community service projects around their area. They enjoyed traveling with this group on many cruises and destinations. Norm enjoyed playing softball and fishing. Later, they moved back north to North Carolina to be with his family.

Norm loved life and enjoyed having a good time. Norm’s passion was the Buffalo Bills, where he never missed a game. Go Bills!

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for his nephew, John Blendowski, who spent much time with Norm fishing in Florida and “solving all the world’s problems.” Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Faust family.

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Shirley Nadine Moose, 80, of Murrells Inlet, formally of Locust, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025. Her funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church, Locust, officiated by Pastor Brian Bolding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday evening, February 28, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust.

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 Sheriff’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. 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.

Nadine was born in Stanly County on August 17, 1944, to the late Homer and Maude Honeycutt. She is lovingly survived by her daughter Tammy Eudy and her husband Randy of Murrells Inlet, SC, and her son Stacy Moose and his wife Angie of Laurel Springs, NC. Those also left to cherish her memory are her grandson James Ocampo (Amelia) of Maryland. Nadine was a great mother and grandmother. She was a devoted Christian and loved her church family, regardless of where she lived. Nadine always put others first above her own needs. Affectionately known as “Momma Moose”, she was a social butterfly of any event and would always be the last one to leave any event so she could speak to everyone.

Nadine loved to cook, especially her late-night cake baking and she never missed an opportunity to make and eat a tomato sandwich. Although she would not like any attention brought to herself, her love, demeanor and mannerisms will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Moose family.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

Robin Marie Morris

Sept. 4, 1984 – Feb. 23, 2025

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.

Robin Marie Morris, 40, of Stanfield passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Hospice of the Carolinas Foothills. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Gathering in Albemarle, officiated by Pastor Paul Jenkins. There will be no formal visitation. Robin was born in Randolph County on September 4, 1984. Robin was preceded in death by her father, Daniel Smith and survived by her parents Todd and Julie Morris. She is also survived by her son Logan Morris (Kailey) of Boiling Springs. Those also left to cherish her memory are siblings, Jason Morris (Hollie), Michael Gauldin (Aaron), Kelsey Morris, grandparents, Connie Hunt, Max and Jean Hunt, William and Judy Morris, Linda Luther, Jerry Snider and nieces and nephew, Bristol Morris, Harper Morris, and Cooper Morris.

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.

Robin loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephew. She especially loved her k9 companions. She will be missed by all who knew her. The family would like to thank the staff at the Hospice of the Carolinas Foothills for the care they provided for Ms. Robin during her declining health. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Morris family.

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Christopher Chester Chow

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Oct. 24, 1940 – Feb. 23, 2025

Christopher Chester Chow, 84, of Locust, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. There will be no formal services.

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.

Mr. Chow was born in Japan on October 24, 1940, to the late Chung Yang Chow and the late Hou Chuan Li. Mr. Chow is survived by his wife Erma Chow of 60 years. Those also left to cherish his memory are children, Terry Chow (Debbie) of Punta Gorda, FL, Dennis Chow of Clarkston, MI, and Kevin Chow (Melanie) of Erie, PA, grandchildren, Marisa Chow (Austin), Allyson Chow, TJ Chow, Daniel Chow, Nicole Chow, Emma Chow, and Olivia Chow, siblings, Mary Hu (CT Hu), Vickie Wang, Anna Fan, Kenny Chow, Cathy O’Neill (Francis), sister-inlaw Chiyo Chow and his special pup, Cooper.

When John purchased his first Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily.

Mr. Chow is preceded in death by his brother Clifton Chow. Mr. Chow loved his family and enjoyed having a good time. He was dedicated to his work and believed in a strong work ethic, a trait he instilled in his children. His hobbies included golf and cooking and he loved playing the drums. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Chow family.

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 Richfield, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; five 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.

Thomas “Tommy” O’Reilly

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

July 18, 1986 – Feb. 19, 2025

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away fighting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Tommy is survived by his mother, Katherine L O’Reilly, Father, Thomas Francis O’Reilly, and stepmother Katie O’Reilly. He is also survived by his five siblings: Stephen Daniel O’Reilly, Kateri Alise Spizzirri, Rebekah and Allen Lanier, Sean Patrick O’Reilly and stepsister Andrea Martinez. Surviving grandparents, Margaret Graham and Thomas Francis and Susan O’Reilly. Nephews Daniel O’Reilly and Vincent Spizzirri, and niece Isabella Spizzirri. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved dog, Blue, a loyal and affectionate Blue Nose Pitt.

It is with joyful sorrows that we announce the passing of Tommy, who passed on to the one great source of Love. Tommy was a humble servant of God; he was also a proud member of the Quad Squad good vibe tribe, spinal cord survivors. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Tommy graduated from Central Cabarrus High School in 2004 and went on to study at Central Piedmont Community College. In 2008, Tommy survived a catastrophic vehicle crash, and his life mission began to light the way. As a quadriplegic, he began a new life with a deeper understanding of his purpose. His faith was solid in the Rastafarian and Agnostic teachings, as he dedicated to living a life of love and service. He celebrated each day to its fullest, loved nature and live music, and celebrated life to the fullest. He would often travel internationally to music festivals, helping to lead the way for the disabled to live more fuller lives. He mentored many new spinal cord survivors, as well as those who struggled with other mental health and substance disabilities. Tommy learned his mission, his truth, to live his life… unapologetically.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, 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.

Viewing Service: A viewing service to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held on February 25th at Stanly Funeral Home at 501 N Central Ave, Locust, NC at 1 p.m. followed by a visitation service for testimonials at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Revive Neurorecovery+ Center 3463 US 21 S Suite 112, Fort Mill, SC 29715, (704) 900-3674 in the name of Tommy O’Reilly. Rest in peace, Tommy. You will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

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, outfits 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.

Doris Jones Coleman

STATE & NATION

US tariffs take effect and Mexico, Canada and China retaliate with their own

President Donald Trump is using economic tools as a foreign policy stick

By Josh Boak, Paul Wiseman and Rob Gillies The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge and setting up costly retaliations by the United States’ North American allies.

Starting just past midnight, imports from Canada and Mexico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties.

The 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%, and Beijing retaliated Tuesday with tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports. It also expanded the number of U.S. companies subject to export controls and other restrictions by about two dozen.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would slap tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days. Mexico didn’t immediately detail any retaliatory measures.

Following Canada and China, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that Mexico will respond to 25% tariffs imposed by the United States with its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

Sheinbaum said she will announce the products Mexico will target on Sunday in a public event in Mexico City’s central plaza, perhaps with the delay indicating Mexico still hopes to de-escalate the trade war set off by Trump.

The U.S. president’s moves raised fears of higher inflation and the prospect of a trade war even as he promised the American public that taxes on imports are the easiest path to national prosperity. He has shown a willingness to buck the warnings of mainstream economists and put his own public approval on the line, believing that tariffs can fix what ails the country.

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form,” Trump said Monday at the White House. “And now we’re using them.”

U.S. markets dropped sharply Monday after Trump said there was “no room left” for negotiations that could lower the tariffs. Shares in Europe and Asia were mostly lower Tuesday after they took effect.

The Canada and Mexico tariffs were supposed to begin in February, but Trump agreed to a 30-day suspension to negotiate further with the two largest U.S. trading partners. The stat-

Sunlight shines through the flags of Canada and the United States, held together by a protester outside on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 1.

ed reason for the tariffs is to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and both countries say they’ve made progress on those issues. But Trump has also said the tariffs will only come down if the U.S. trade imbalance closes, a process unlikely to be settled on a political timeline.

The tariffs may be short-lived if the U.S. economy suffers. But Trump could also impose more tariffs on the European Union, India, computer chips, autos and pharmaceutical drugs. The American president has injected a disorienting volatility into the world economy, leaving it off balance as people wonder what he’ll do next.

“It’s chaotic, especially compared to the way we saw tariffs rolled out in the first (Trump) administration,” said Michael House, co-chair of the international trade practice at the Perkins Coie law firm. “It’s unpredictable. We don’t know, in fact, what the president will do.’’ Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticize the tariffs, and even some Republican senators raised alarms.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she’s “very concerned” about the tariffs going into effect because of her state’s proximity to Canada.

“Maine and Canada’s economy are integrated,” Collins said, explaining that much of the state’s lobsters and blueberries are processed in Canada and then sent back to the U.S.

The world economy is now caught in the fog of what appears to be a trade war.

Even after Trump announced Monday that the tariffs were going forward, Canadian officials were still in touch with their U.S. counterparts.

“The dialogue will continue, but we are ready to respond,” Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said in Ottawa as he went into a special Cabinet meeting on U.S.-Canada relations.

“There are still discussions taking place.”

Shortly after Blair spoke, Trudeau said Canada would impose 25% tariffs on $155 billion Canadian ($107 billion U.S.) worth of American goods, starting with tariffs on $30 bil-

“It’s

a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form.”

President Donald Trump

lion Canadian ($21 billion U.S.) worth of goods immediately and on the remaining amount on American products in three weeks.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” Trudeau said.

The White House would like to see a drop in seizures of fentanyl inside the United States, not just on the northern and southern borders. Administration officials say that seizures of fentanyl last month in everywhere from Louisiana to New Jersey had ties to foreign cartels.

Damon Pike, technical practice leader for customs and trade services at the tax and consulting firm BDO, suggested the responses of other countries could escalate trade tensions and possibly increase the economic pressure points.

“Canada has their list ready,” Pike said. “The EU has their list ready. It’s going to be tit for tat.’’

Tim Houston, the leader of Canada’s Atlantic coast province of Nova Scotia, said he would direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove all

U.S. alcohol from store shelves. Houston also said his government will limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses and double the cost for commercial vehicles from the United States on a tolled highway.

The Trump administration has suggested inflation will not be as bad as economists claim, saying tariffs can motivate foreign companies to open factories in the United States. On Monday, Trump announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the computer chipmaker, would be investing $100 billion in domestic production.

Still, it can take time to relocate factories spread across the world and train workers with the skills they need.

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, said the 20% tariffs on Chinese goods will be “crippling” for the toy industry, as nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China.

“There’s a sophistication of manufacturing, of the tooling,” he said. “There’s a lot of handcrafting that is part of these toys that a lot of people don’t understand … the face painting, the face masks, the hair weaving, the hair braiding, the cut and sew for plush to get it to look just so. All of that are very high hands, skilled labor that has been passed through generations in the supply chain that exists with China.” For a president who has promised quick results, Ahearn added a note of caution about how quickly U.S. factories could match their Chinese rivals.

“That can’t be replicated overnight,” he said.

JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

This combination of file photos shows, from left, U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, China’s President Xi Jinping and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Honored guest

Payton McNabb — standing next to second lady Usha Vance, right — waves as she is recognized by President Donald Trump during his speech at a joint session of Congress on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. See below for more.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Commissioners approve county fleet renewal

Deacon Jones Ford of Clinton for the purchase of three 2025 Ford Police Utility.

• $377,000 contract with Modern Chevrolet for the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado, four 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and seven 2025 Chevrolet Trax.

NCDOR begins processing tax refunds

Raleigh

The North Carolina Department of Revenue started processing individual income tax returns for 2024. Taxpayers can expect to receive refunds through the mail or direct deposit beginning the week of March 10. The NCDOR started accepting individual income tax returns Jan. 27 and encourages taxpayers to file electronically for security and convenience. Several free filing options are available. Individuals can check the status of their refunds through the “Where’s My Refund” application at ncdor. gov.

Pentagon changes

name of Georgia Army base back to Fort Benning

Washington, D.C.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has, for the second time, reversed the renaming of a U.S. military base, saying that Fort Moore in Georgia should revert back to being called Fort Benning. The move reflects an effort by the Pentagon to overturn the Biden administration’s 2023 decision to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including for nine Army bases. The drive to revert to former names means that officials need to find service members with the same name as the Confederate leaders.

The county purchased 24 vehicles at a cost of nearly $2.5 million

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — Forsyth County is looking to upgrade a portion of its county-owned vehicle fleet.

At its Feb. 27 regular business meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of 24 new vehicles across four separate contracts totaling approximately $2.381 million. In consultation with general services and other various

departments, the county decided it was time to begin the process of replacing existing high-mileage and/or wrecked vehicles within the county’s fleet.

The departments that will be receiving new vehicles include EMS (11), sheriff’s office (five), general services (three), library (two), tax (one), environmental health (one) and social services (one).

The contracts are as follows:

• $260,000 contract with Ilderton Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for the purchase of four 2025 Chrysler Voyagers, a 2025 Dodge Durango and a 2025 Dodge Ram 3500.

• $126,000 contract with

• $850,000 contract with Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus for the purchase of three Demers MX170 Ford E540 ambulance units.

In addition, the board also approved the purchase of:

• $775,000 contract with Emergency Transportation Associates for the purchase of four cab and chassis units with remount of ambulance bodies.

• $185,000 contract with Stryker Sales for three MTS Power-Load/MTS Power-Pro stretcher systems for the Emergency Services Department.

• $1.7 million contract with Motorola Solutions for the purchase of radio equipment needed to upgrade WSFCS’s radio system.

The board also approved a three-year lease agreement with Partners Health Management for 4,900 square

NC’s McNabb among special guests at Trump joint session address

She was injured while competing against a transgender volleyball player in 2022

By A.P. Dillon Twin City Herald

RALEIGH — President Donald Trump delivered his first address of his second term to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, outlining his administration’s plans for the nation with the main theme being the “Renewal of the American Dream,” and North Carolina’s Payton McNabb was among the special guests who joined the president and first lady at the address, including.

“Payton is a former high school athlete who had her

dreams of competing in college sports crushed in a September 2022 volleyball match when a biological man playing on the opposing women’s team spiked the volleyball at Payton’s face, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury,” the press release states. “Payton joined with the Independent Women’s Forum and has made it her mission to put an end to this brutal unfairness.”

McNabb issued a statement on X that said it is an “incredible honor” to be the guest of the president and first lady.

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to be present and to have my story recognized as part of the fight to protect women’s sports. Thank you for giving a voice to this issue!!!” McNabb wrote.

McNabb spoke with North State Journal on several occasions as the legislature passed House Bill 574, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, during its 2023 session. In one interview, McNabb described how she was knocked unconscious and exhibited a fencing response, which is an indication of a traumatic brain injury, following a forceful blow to the head from a volleyball spike by a biological male playing on the opponent’s team.

McNabb was playing volleyball on the Hiwassee Dam High School team, located in Cherokee County, when the injury occurred. As a result of the incident involving McNabb, the school board voted to forfeit all future games

feet of property located at 650 Highland Ave. at an annual rental price of approximately $29,000 per year.

The board then held three public hearings all dealing with zoning matters.

The first hearing was to down zone approximately 35 acres of property located at the northern terminus of Quick Silver Drive and the western terminus of Tiger Eye Court from Residential Single-Family (RS9) to Agricultural (AG).

The second hearing was for a site plan amendment for approximately 17 acres of property located at the southeast intersection of Stanleyville Drive and Montlieu Drive. The amendment would reduce the development from a 28-lot single family subdivision to 23 lots.

“The big change is that this site plan is basically single loaded, which means that you have a public street along one side of the property with long, narrow lots off of that,” said Planning and Zoning Services

See RENEWAL, page A2

against the team involved or any team with a transgender athlete on it.

McNabb says the impact of the blow left her with significant long-term physical and mental effects, including impaired vision, partial paralysis on her right side, and anxiety and depression. She was also forced to abandon her goal of playing college softball.

In April 2023, McNabb testified in front of the North Carolina House Judiciary Committee alongside All-American swimmer Riley Gaines, who has been a leader with the Independent Women’s Forum on the issue. At that time, Gaines posted the video of McNabb’s injury to the social media platform X to underscore the severity of the situation.

McNabb told members of the committee that she was forced to quit the rest of the season and still was experiencing pain, neurological injuries

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE / AP

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RENEWAL from page A1

Director Chris Murphy. “Previously what was approved was 28 lots with a more conventional design with a street down the middle and with lots on both sides. It is my understanding that there were some sewer issues that led them to need to do it this way.”

The third hearing was a rezoning request for approximately three acres of property located at the eastern terminus of Hammock Farm Road from General Industrial (GI) to Residential Single-Family (RS-40).

Following the hearings, the board approved each request.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 13.

MCNABB from page A1

and was also having learning issues.

Female Democrats offered pushback during committee hearings that month leading up to the bill’s passage.

During a House Judiciary Committee meeting, Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guildford) called the bill a “solution looking for a problem” while citing a small number of males playing on female teams.

Sen. Natasha Marcus (D-Mecklenburg), during a Senate Education/Higher Education Committee meeting, seemed to doubt McNabb’s incident involved a male.

“I understand there was one report at a volleyball game where it’s unclear if the athlete was a trans athlete and if that was the reason, injuries happen,” Marcus. “I will point out injuries happen in sports all the time. We don’t need legislation to try to protect everyone and in every case.”

Then-Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed House Bill 574, stating in his veto message that, “We don’t need politicians inflaming their political culture wars by making broad, uninformed decisions about an extremely small number of vulnerable children that are already handled by a robust system that relies on parents, schools and sports organizations.”

McNabb responded to Coo-

THURSDAY MARCH 6

FRIDAY MARCH 7

SUNDAY MARCH 9

MONDAY MARCH 10

Woman returns Helene ‘trash’ to rightful owners

Floods didn’t just sweep away homes; they took memories

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

SWANNANOA — The tops of dried, bent cornstalks crunch underfoot. Jill Holtz’s gaze is fixed on the ground ahead. She wanders into the nearby woods and weaves between twisted branches. Then, Holtz spots something and starts to riffle through the withered twigs. To the untrained eye, it’s easy to overlook. But for Holtz, it’s instantaneous recognition.

Scraggly, white lines give the appearance of shattered glass, but a name can still be made out at the top. It is a sonogram strip — crinkled, abused by the elements, but intact.

In early February, Holtz combed through parts of a flattened cornfield in Swannanoa — a rural area razed by fierce floodwaters from Hurricane Helene a few months earlier. The deluge swept away entire homes, and with it, people’s beloved photos, keepsakes and family heirlooms. Many have accepted that they are gone forever.

But lost items remain scattered across the region — tangled in gnarled trees, washed up in deep ravines and buried under mud. That’s why Holtz is on a mission: find and reunite those cherished possessions with storm victims who don’t have the time or energy to look themselves.

“It’s not just trash, and it’s not just trees and pieces of metal,” Holtz says. “It’s their lives. This is their hearts, their homes, the generations of history.”

Searching the cornfield

Over the past few months, Holtz has spent much of her free time making the nearly four-hour drive from Raleigh to Swannanoa to search for lost items. She balances her job as a North Carolina National Guard captain and being a mom to two sons — a 10-year-old and a 24-year-old. It’s difficult being

away, Holtz says, but her kids support her efforts.

Holtz first visited western North Carolina after the storm on duty delivering aid. Then, while helping retrieve lost objects in Swannanoa for Violet Vardiman — a woman Holtz fondly calls “Miss Violet” — Holtz realized how many other missing belongings were out there. So she kept coming back. Holtz posts her finds to Facebook in hopes of finding their owners.

At first, searching for lost belongings was overwhelming because of the sheer volume of objects strewn about, Holtz says. Now, she looks a few feet ahead of her at a time to stay focused.

She’s learned other tips and tricks, too. Use larger pieces of debris to store missing keepsakes while walking. Put on a hat or your hair will get caught in tree branches. Wear gloves and sturdy boots. And if you see a Dallas Cowboys mat, stomp on it first before picking it up — Holtz, after all, is a Buffalo Bills fan.

After exploring the cornfield and adjacent woods for about 20 minutes, Holtz already has a handful to bring back — an 8-track tape, a teddy bear with golden wings and plenty of photos. Despite some scratches and their sun-bleached tone, the photos are in decent shape for what they’ve been through.

As Holtz walks back to her truck, she squints and scours

the cornstalks for anything she missed. Holtz views each valuable she finds as an opportunity for joy, and if it’s left behind, there’s no guarantee it will be there next time.

Holding onto belongings until the time is right

What Holtz found in the cornfield will join the collection of other lost possessions in her trailer as she tries to find their owners. The spread inside resembles a garage sale.

Photos make up a large chunk of Holtz’s collection. Pictures captured from weddings, school and simple slices of life. Just from collecting photos, Holtz says she feels like she knows some people’s entire life story without ever meeting them.

To restore photos, she’s developed her own cleaning routine: Use cool water and rubbing alcohol, then carefully scrub with a soft toothbrush. It’s time-consuming yet therapeutic. Holtz sets down a large mud-spattered canvas — a piece that will require the toothbrush treatment — and slowly pours water over it. The gentle stream crackles against the crisp canvas. Faces emerge from the splotchy, brown haze. It’s a family portrait, Holtz says.

“I hope I find the owner of that,” she says softly. Since Holtz started posting pictures of the lost possessions on Facebook, she’s consistently

per’s veto message, saying, “I can’t comprehend why we’re even having to have this debate. Allowing biological males to compete against biological females is dangerous. This is an incredibly important bill to me especially because I had to live it. I may be the first to suffer an injury, but if this doesn’t pass, I won’t be the last.” Gaines echoed McNabb’s sentiments on the veto, stating, “His argument, actually, I didn’t understand it at all.”

mately in the long term, it hurts women,” said Gaines. “I couldn’t grasp what he means.”

Cooper’s veto was overridden by lawmakers in August 2023. No Democrats in the Senate supported the override, however, two House Democrats did.

Payton McNabb, a senior at Hiwassee Dam High School in Murphy, speaks at a news conference about transgender inclusion in sports at the North Carolina Legislative Building on April 19, 2023.

compete on female sports teams and opened up female locker rooms and bathrooms to males.

in contact with about 15 families. She has returned belongings to some and is waiting to connect in person with others. Some of the families have evacuated the state and haven’t returned — but Holtz doesn’t mind holding onto their things.

“I’m in no hurry, and I don’t expect them to be in a hurry,” she says. “They’re still getting their lives back together.”

“Getting back history”

The next day, Holtz sets up her trailer by the cornfield. She had posted her location to social media and patiently waits to see if anyone comes. About a half hour later, a silver SUV pulls over. A woman from Swannanoa, Angie McGee, steps out. McGee is looking for lost photos. The 42-year-old searched for her family’s belongings after Helene washed away her home, but she wasn’t successful. Wearing black latex gloves, she rubs caked dirt from the photos and notices familiar faces: her brother, her father and her son. She even spots her ultrasound photos — the same scroll that Jill had picked up the day before. She is stunned. McGee can’t believe the photos traveled nearly 2 miles downriver from her home — much less that Holtz had somehow found them. After months of anguish over what she had lost, McGee says she is finally “getting history back.”

“She done brought back a smile to me, she done brought back life to me. Not just me, my family,” McGee says. “Because, you know, there were things we lost that we thought maybe we never get back.”

At one point, McGee’s gaze settles on football shoulder pads with silver marker writing. The sight brings her to tears. They belong to her 12-year-old son, Link.

Holtz tries to not to cry. Later, the two women embrace before McGee leaves with her things. Giving people back their lost hope is why Holtz says she continues this work. But in these reunifying moments, it gives Holtz a little of her own hope, too.

made headlines for signing the executive order “Keeping Men Out Of Women’s Sports.” The president signed the order in the Oval Office surrounded by young women and girls.

Trump’s order directs the secretary of Education to enforce Title IX in a way that reserves women’s sports exclusively for biological females, instructs that agency to rescind funding from educational programs that allow transgender women to compete in women’s sports and directs other agencies to develop policies to protect women. McNabb is mentioned by name in the order’s fact sheet. North Carolina native Linda McMahon was confirmed to lead the Education Department on Monday.

“He essentially said that, if we were to pass

(H.B. 574) ulti-

The debate on men in women’s sports and spaces was a running theme under former President Joe Biden, who directed the U.S. Department of Education to issue changes to Title IX that altered the definition of sex to include gender identity. The change allowed for males to

States sued over the rule change, which was dealt a final legal blow this January after a federal judge’s ruling struck it down nationwide. The ruling followed the Biden administration quietly withdrawing the rule from the Federal Register in December 2024. The withdrawal notice cited mounting legal challenges and public comments opposing the rule.

In early February, Trump

Democrats in Congress have continued to oppose legislation banning transgender athletes, most recently with Senate Democrats blocking advancement of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The vote was 51-45, which is short of the 60 needed to move the bill forward. All 45 who voted in opposition were Democrats. North Carolina’s Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd voted yes. The House passed the Act by a vote of 218-206 in January, and all but two Democrats voted the measure down. North Carolina U.S. Reps. Alma Adams, Valerie Foushee and Deborah Ross all voted no. Rep. Don Davis voted present.

MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO

Jill Holtz somberly holds a burial flag she pulled from the mud — one of the most emotional moments in her searches, she said — and is waiting to return to a family she contacted.

HANNAH SCHOENBAUM / AP PHOTO

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Where have all the feminists gone?

The same feminists who fought so hard to have Title IX enacted are now doing all they can to destroy women in sports.

TRUTH IS INDEED sometimes stranger than fiction. Who would have ever thought that the so-called “women’s movement” would abandon their efforts to promote women? Well, they certainly have.

There is a “war on women,” and these women’s rights organizations have suited up for battle and begun firing at the very women they are supposed to defend. The large women’s rights organization, National Organization for Women, has lost all credibility as far as I am concerned.

NOW was founded in 1966. Its goals were lofty and intended to promote women and to “level the playing field.” Somewhere along the way, it lost sight of its goals.

I found it interesting to look through its founding documents. The original “Statement of Purpose” now has a disclaimer.

“Notice: This is a historic document, which was adopted at NOW’s first National Conference in Washington, D.C. on October 29, 1966. The words are those of the 1960s, and do not reflect current language or NOW’s current priorities.”

The same feminists who fought so hard to have Title IX enacted are now doing all they can to destroy women in sports. Title IX was signed into law by Richard Nixon in 1972. It gives women athletes the right to equal opportunity in sports in educational institutions that receive federal funds, from elementary schools to colleges and universities.

Now women’s sports are under attack from the left, which include NOW and many others. Those same feminists’ organizations that wanted to “level the playing field” for women are now tilting the field upside down. Let us look at a few of the weird things happening that are harming women.

COLUMN | SEN. TODD JOHNSON

• A woman was brutally beaten by a man pretending to be a woman in the Olympic Games.

• Far left ESPN recently fired a female sportscaster for speaking out against men in women’s sports.

• Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is pushing for a change in his state. A bill has been introduced to change the word “mother” to “inseminated person.”

• A male pole vaulter in Maine has won the girl’s state championship event. (He competed as a male last year and placed fifth.)

• President Donald Trump confronted the governor of Maine for not following his executive order barring males from competing in women’s sports.

• A state representative in Maine has been censured after speaking out against males in women’s sports. She is not allowed to speak on the House floor or to vote. Surely this is not legal.

We could go on and on with examples, but you get the idea of the craziness regarding this issue.

Women athletes, led by swimmer Riley Gaines, have filed a lawsuit against the NCAA. Women are fighting back, and if common sense prevails, they will come out victorious.

NOW, the so-called women’s rights group, has the audacity to oppose the lawsuit by the female athletes. They issued a statement saying that wanting women’s sports to be only for women is “white supremacist patriarchy at work.” Are the black women athletes “white supremacists?” These people are not only hypocrites, but they are also lunatics.

The transgender movement is trying to

Protecting North Carolina jobs by protecting manufacturing

We now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people.

IT’S A NEW day in Washington, D.C.

With President Donald Trump’s return and a Republican-controlled Congress, there is real hope for change that will strengthen our economy and make the nation more secure. Before this new Congress, one of the first tasks is to make Trump’s first-term tax cuts permanent. Some of these cuts were enacted in 2017 but have already expired. If Congress does not act, more will disappear at the end of this year.

A new report from the National Association of Manufacturers shows why preserving these tax cuts is critical for North Carolina. Without action to extend the tax breaks, North Carolina could lose nearly 200,000 jobs and billions in economic activity. Those are steep costs that communities across North Carolina would pay. The good news is that Republicans in Congress, including members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, are working hard on a tax bill. A quick look at the history of these tax cuts explains why this issue is a congressional priority. The 2017 Trump tax cuts included tax breaks for individuals and businesses across the economy. Manufacturers, big and small, were among the bill’s principal beneficiaries. Lower domestic and international tax rates,

new deductions for small business owners, and incentives for innovation and investment spurred unprecedented manufacturing growth.

In 2018, the first year the tax cuts were in place, manufacturers created jobs at the highest rate in decades. Capital spending also spiked as manufacturers took advantage of tax reform to purchase new equipment, raise wages and expand facilities.

We in North Carolina benefited from this manufacturing resurgence. Across the state, we now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people. The industry accounts for almost 15% of our gross domestic product, adding $98.5 billion to our economy.

Today, some of the world’s leading manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and chemistry call the Tarheel State home. Last year, Site Selection Group named us the best state in the U.S. for manufacturing due to our strong, educated workforce, pro-business climate and geography.

In 2025, Congress can keep the momentum going and protect North Carolina’s manufacturing sector by restoring Trump’s pro-manufacturing tax code.

Among the most vital tax provisions that Congress must renew are those that

change long-held views of society that really are unchangeable. Mothers will always be women. Girls cannot fairly compete against males. There truly are biological differences between male and female. God determined our gender, and changing parts does not change your biological sex.

Trump has signed an executive order banning transgender service members from serving in the military. Once again, that’s common sense. A Defense official said they believe there are around 4,200 troops, diagnosed with gender dysphoria, who are currently serving. It is estimated that the taxpayers have spent $52 million on psychotherapy, hormone treatment, sexchange surgeries and other treatments for transgender service members. (Note. My autocorrect tried to change sex-change surgeries to gender-affirming procedures.)

The Defense undersecretary for personnel, sent out the following memo: “The medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service.” I say amen.

We must remember the goal of the military is to produce great war fighters. Their job is to kill people and break things to protect the American people. It should not be a social experiment for transgender ideologies.

The war against women and our military is a serious matter. The attacks are fast and furious, and finally we are fighting back.

Joyce Krawiec represented Forsyth County and the 31st District in the North Carolina Senate from 2014 to 2024. She lives in Kernersville.

lower costs for research and innovation by allowing businesses to expense and deduct certain costs. Also, lawmakers’ priorities are keeping exclusions that protect small, family-owned manufacturers from the estate tax and maintaining individual and corporate tax rates that have helped business owners keep more of their hard-earned money and compete on an international scale.

Beyond getting the policy right, Congress’s timing is critical.

Currently, manufacturers across our state are making hiring and production plans for the years ahead. Other manufacturers outside our state consider North Carolina a possible place to relocate or expand. The sooner Congress provides certainty that the U.S. tax code will continue to support manufacturers, the sooner business leaders can lock in their decisions and make additional investments in our state.

As a North Carolina legislator, I am proud of our work in Raleigh to make our state a place where businesses can thrive. We have cut the corporate tax rate, invested in our infrastructure, and streamlined state regulations. Thankfully, North Carolina legislators again have strong partners in the nation’s capital.

Eight years ago, Trump and Republicans in Congress helped North Carolina launch a manufacturing boom. In 2025, it is time for Congress to do it again by sending a bill to Trump’s desk that permanently makes all of 2017’s pro-manufacturing tax policies.

Sen. Todd Johnson represents District 35 in the N.C. Senate and is majority whip.

TRIAD STRAIGHT TALK | JOYCE KRAWIEC

Georgia lawmakers push to ban automated speed cameras near schools

A debate over profit versus safety on slowing cars in school zones

By Jeff Amy The Associated Press

DECATUR, Ga. — Outside Beacon Hill Middle School in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, like along hundreds of roadsides across Georgia, the unblinking eye of a camera tickets drivers who speed through a school zone.

Supporters say cameras slow down drivers and provide constant enforcement that understaffed police departments can’t equal. But some state lawmakers want to ban them, saying the cameras are more about generating money for local governments and camera companies, and that some use them deceptively.

More than 20 states and the District of Columbia allow automated traffic cameras to issue speeding tickets, but more than 10 other states have outlawed them. However, it would be unusual for a state to reverse its position. New Jersey had a pilot program testing cameras to enforce red lights but pulled the plug in 2014.

Georgia’s fight will come to a head soon in its General Assembly, with three separate bills advancing out of committees. The state first authorized speed cameras, but only in school zones, in 2018.

Opponents say cameras are about money, not safety

More than 100 representatives in Georgia’s 180-member House signed on to House Bill 225, which would ban the

cameras. Dale Washburn, the Macon Republican sponsoring that measure, provided a stack of emails from outraged people ticketed statewide who said lights weren’t flashing, they didn’t even know they were in a school zone, or the cameras were otherwise unfair. While the tickets in Georgia are civil citations and don’t go on a driver’s criminal record, the state does block people who don’t pay from renewing their vehicle registration. Almost 125,000 unpaid violations were reported in 2024, the Georgia Department of Revenue said. The cameras generated more than $112 million in revenue in 54 Georgia

cities and counties since 2019, WANF-TV found last year. Camera companies typically take a share of the revenue.

“These camera companies are engaged in deceit and trickery,” Washburn said. “Their goal is to write tickets, not to enhance children’s safety.”

One issue with abolishing cameras is that companies have become big political donors. Two big vendors, United Kingdom-based RedSpeed and Tennessee-based Blue Line Solutions, contributed around $500,000 to Georgia campaigns in recent years, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan watchdog that tracks money in politics.

Others want to reform camera use, not end it

Legislative leaders seem more likely to support two other bills that would keep cameras but more closely regulate them by providing better warning signs and limiting the hours of usage.

“So the objective is to alert drivers that they’re entering a school zone and get them to slow down and then for them not to be cited unless they are speeding in a school zone during designated hours,” said Republican Sen. Max Burns of Sylvania, who is sponsoring Senate Bill 75.

An alternate House bill that is similar to Burns’ would re-

quire half the money raised go to school safety. In Decatur, students surge out of Beacon Hill Middle at dismissal and walk along College Avenue, a two-lane street that’s also a state highway. Unlike most places in Georgia, where most students travel home in buses or their parents’ cars, a majority of Decatur’s 5,300 students either walk or ride bikes home.

Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said a student at Beacon Hill was struck in a hit-and-run accident and a crossing guard elsewhere was also hit before Decatur activated its cameras last fall.

“We really want to protect our most vulnerable residents, our students, and particularly when they are on foot or on a bicycle,” Garrett said.

Violations drop but many drivers still speed

Police Chief Scott Richards said according to a speed study conducted by the company, speeding has fallen 92%. But there are still plenty of drivers flying through the five zones where Decatur is using cameras. They issued 4,500 valid citations in January alone, he said.

“We would not be able to get those reductions if it were not for the photo enforcement in school zones,” Richards said. Decatur officials tout their efforts as a model, saying the city has abundant signage and only operates the cameras for 30 minutes before and after schools begin in the morning and dismiss in the afternoon. A vehicle must be traveling 11 miles per hour over the speed limit to be cited.

Still, Washburn and others say the amount of money involved encourages overuse and bad behavior.

“Profit-based law enforcement cannot be trusted,” John Moore of Milledgeville wrote to Washburn in February. “I hope you can convince your colleagues to vote this menace out of our state for good.”

BlackRock strikes deal to bring ports on both sides of Panama Canal under American control

The control of the ports by a Chinese company has been a political football

By Didi Tang and Alex Veiga

The Associated Press

A HONG Kong-based conglomerate has agreed to sell its controlling stake in a subsidiary that operates ports near the Panama Canal to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., effectively putting the ports under American control after President Donald Trump alleged Chinese interference with the operations of the critical shipping lane.

In a filing, CK Hutchison Holding said Tuesday that it would sell all shares in Hutchison Port Holdings and in Hutchison Port Group Holdings to the consortium in a deal valued at nearly $23 billion, including $5 billion in debt.

The deal will give the BlackRock consortium control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal in Panama, as well as others in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere.

The transaction, which must be approved by Panama’s government, does not include any interest in a trust that operates ports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and South China, or any other ports in China.

In addition to BlackRock, a New York-based global investment management company with $11.6 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, the consortium includes BlackRock subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited. The deal gives them 90% interests in Panama Ports Company, which owns and operates the ports of Balboa and Cristobal in Panama, according to the filing.

Some 70% of the sea traffic that crosses the Panama Canal leaves or goes to U.S. ports.

The United States built the canal in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts. Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. Trump has claimed that Carter “foolishly” gave the canal away.

Trump and his supporters have also complained about the fees that ships are charged to use the waterway and alleged that China has been operating the canal, an assertion denied

by Panama’s government.

In January, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, the Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, raised concerns that China could exploit or block passage through the canal and that the ports “give China ready observation posts” to take action. “This situation, I believe, posts acute risks for U.S. national security,” Cruz said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama in early February and told President José Raúl Mulino that Panama had to reduce Chinese influence over the canal or face potential retaliation from the United States. Mulino reject-

ed the idea that China had any control over canal operations.

Panama quit China’s Belt and Road Initiative following Rubio’s visit, drawing condemnation from Beijing.

But while much attention was focused on Trump’s threat to retake control of the canal, his administration trained its sights on Hutchison Ports, the Hong Kong-based consortium that manages the ports key ports at either end of the canal. Hutchison Ports had recently been awarded a 25-year nobid extension to run the ports, but an audit looking at that extension was already underway. Observers believed the audit was a preliminary step toward eventually rebidding

the contract, but rumors had swirled in recent weeks that a U.S. firm close to the White House was being lined up to take over.

Frank Sixt, co-managing director of CK Hutchison, said in a statement that the transaction was “the result of a rapid, discrete but competitive process in which numerous bids and expressions of interest were received.”

“I would like to stress that the transaction is purely commercial in nature and wholly unrelated to recent political news reports concerning the Panama Ports,” Sixt said. BlackRock declined to comment outside of a press release touting the deal.

JEFF AMY / AP PHOTO

Students walk home past an automated speed camera outside Beacon Hill Middle School in Decatur, Georgia.

MATIAS DELACROIX / AP PHOTO

A cargo ship goes through the Panama Canal’s Cocoli locks in Panama City on Feb. 21.

Forsyth SPORTS

Jenkins hit ‘The Shot’ to win national title for Villanova; what happened to his ring?

After beating UNC with a dramatic buzzer beater, the Nova hero lost his championship ring

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

GLEN MILLS, Pa. — Kris Jenkins owes a Villanova fan a drink. Or maybe a shot as memorable as his in the 2016 national championship game.

At the very least, the next time he’s in the French Quarter, the former Villanova star who sunk a March Madness buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win a national title needs to keep his championship ring more secure on his finger.

“Let’s just say,” Jenkins said, “having a good time can turn into a disaster.”

Jenkins needed about a second to lift the Wildcats past UNC to win the 2016 national championship. He needed more than two years to get his prized ring back.

“I didn’t technically lose it,” Jenkins said with a laugh. “I just misplaced it.”

Ah yes, a brain cramp is a common refrain from anyone having a good time anywhere, much less at New Orleans landmark Pat O’Brien’s during the 2022 Final Four. The Wildcats, under Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright, reached the Final Four played that year at the Superdome. Villanova players past and present swarmed the area to root on the Wildcats.

At some point that weekend, in one of the few cities where the madness outside the arena often exceeds what’s happening inside for the pinnacle of college bas-

DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP PHOTO

Villanova’s Kris Jenkins makes the game-winning three-point shot in the final second of the 2016 NCAA championship game against UNC in Houston.

ketball, Jenkins showed off his ring and — poof! — somehow it disappeared. Gone for good?

Not quite.

The ring was recovered somewhere in the bar by a patron who presumed it belonged to someone important — a big clue, the oversized V in the middle of “national champions” on top of the ring and “Jenkins” on the side. So when the person spotted a woman in a Villanova shirt, the bling was handed off to 2014 graduate and fellow reveler Deirdre Keane.

“He said, ‘This one looks important,‘” Keane recalled of that moment.

“I was wearing it on my hand all day,” Keane said with a laugh. “It didn’t fit. It was a little big.” And it was, honestly, she says,

her intent to return to the ring to Jenkins. She tried passing it along through another former Villanova basketball player, but when that attempt fell through, well, what’s that expression about possession is nine-tenths of the law?

“I just kind of forgot to keep pursuing to get it back,” Keane said.

Jenkins was too sheepish about the incident to tell anyone he lost the ring. Plus, it’s not like he expected to find it on eBay.

“What can you do with it? You can keep it and try to sell it and do whatever, but at the end of the day, my name is on it,” he said.

Fast-forward to October 2022, and Keane’s dad attended a reception with Wright as the keynote speaker. Also at the reception was 1985 Villanova national champion Brian Harrington, who was there when Kevin Keane told Wright: I think my daughter has Kris Jenkins’ national championship ring.

The trio got Jenkins on the phone and he confessed: Yes, he lost his ring.

“Yeah, that’s mine,” Jenkins said. “Can I get that back?”

For a variety of reasons, the return process dragged to November 2024 when Harrington and fellow ’85 Wildcat Chuck Everson returned the ring to Jenkins ahead of his duties when the novice color analyst called a St. John’s game for FS2.

Jenkins flashed that ring — a bit more snug, this time — and posed for a photo with Harrington and Everson.

“Of all the people in the world, a Villanova Wildcat? It’s just how we roll,” Jenkins said. “Somehow, someway, we’re just always showing love and looking out.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kamauri Manuel

West Forsyth, boys’ basketball

Kamauri Manuel is a sophomore on the West Forsyth boys’ basketball team.

The Titans advanced to the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs with wins over Marvin Ridge and South Caldwell. Manuel scored 17 points with four assists in the first round win, then tied for the team high with 15 points in round two, adding six rebounds, six assists and two steals. For the season, Manuel was one of three double-figure scorers for West Forsyth and led the team in assists and steals.

Bell makes late charge, holds off Byron for win

A late pass on Kyle Busch produced his second straight NASCAR victory

By Jim Vertuno The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Christopher Bell is making the most of his late-race chances to seize victories.

Bell passed Kyle Busch with five laps to go, then held off Daytona 500 winner William Byron to win the NASCAR Cup Series’ first road course race of the season Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas.

The late-race drama produced Bell’s second consecutive victory after his overtime win in Atlanta a week earlier.

Once Bell cleared Busch, the Oklahoma driver had to make a desperate bid to keep his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in front of the hard-charging Byron in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, and the Toyota of 2023 race winner Tyler Reddick of 23X1 Racing.

Bell raced to his 11th career victory and is a multiple race winner for the fourth consecutive season. Busch, who led 43 of 95 laps in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, faded to fifth as his winless streak stretched to 60 races dating to 2023.

“These road courses races are just so much fun,” Bell said. “(Busch) was doing such a good job running his race. He bobbled and allowed me to get out front. When he did, I just said, ‘Don’t beat yourself.’”

The furious nip-and-tuck finish could have ended in a crash that ruined someone’s race and jumbled the field with a late caution flag. Busch and Bell have a heated history of collisions in Austin, notably last year when Busch confronted the younger driver over contact in a race where Bell finished second.

This time, everyone kept it clean all the way to the end.

Christopher Bell pulls into Turn 19 on his way to a NASCAR Cup Series win at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

“Amazing to have such respectful clean, hard racing. It was a beautiful way to end a race,” Bell said. That didn’t mean Byron wasn’t pushing him hard. And Byron had his own battle with Reddick, who was looking for an opening to attack the front.

“I couldn’t never get beside (Bell). We’ve always raced well together, I didn’t want to

move him blatantly,” Byron said.

Even Busch complimented Bell’s driving.

“I’ll give Christopher credit,” Busch said. “He ran me really hard.”

Bell’s crew chief, Adam Stevens, said the consecutive wins on a superspeedway oval and a road course show the team can fight for wins every week, starting with the next two races in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

“We don’t think there’s a track that we go to that we don’t have a chance to win,” Stevens said. “We have everything we need to win every single weekend.” Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott started third and quickly dropped to the back when he spun by Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in the first turn, but he fought his way back through the field to fourth.

Connor Zilisch had a wild

day in his Cup Series debut for Trackhouse. The 18-year-old started 14th and dropped back with contact in the first lap. He recovered to get back within in the top 15 by the start of the third stage. That’s when his day ended. Zilisch couldn’t avoid a spin by teammate Daniel Suarez in lap 50, smashed into the wall, and had to scramble out of his car when it caught fire.

STEPHEN SPILLMAN / AP PHOTO

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL

NFL franchise tags increase with record-high salary cap

Indianapolis NFL quarterbacks will have the highest franchise tag cost at $40.242 million, up $7.5 million from last year. The league released figures for franchise and transition tags on Friday, a day after announcing the salary cap has increased to a record-high $279.2 million in 2025. Linebackers are second to quarterbacks with a franchise number of $25.452 million, and defensive tackles are close behind at $25,123,100.

WNBA

Mercury’s Taurasi retires after 20 WNBA seasons, 3 titles, 6 Olympic golds

Phoenix Diana Taurasi is retiring after 20 seasons, ending one of the greatest careers in women’s basketball history. The WNBA’s career scoring leader and a three-time league champion, Taurasi announced her retirement in an interview with Time magazine. The Phoenix Mercury — the only WNBA team she played for — also confirmed it. The 42-year- old won her sixth Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games and finishes her WNBA career with 10,646 points, nearly 3,000 more than second-place Tina Charles. She led UConn to three consecutive national titles, and the Mercury selected her No. 1 overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft.

GOLF

After 5 years in jail, Peake wins New Zealand Open, qualifies for British Open Queenstown, New Zealand Ryan Peake, an Australian former motorcycle gang member who turned to golf to turn his life around, has earned a place at the British Open by winning the 104th New Zealand Open by one stroke. The 31-year-old from Western Australia called the win “life-changing” after sinking a par putt on the 72nd hole to avoid a four-way playoff with fellow Australian Jack Thompson, South African Ian Snyman and Japan’s Kazuki Higi. He earned about $112,000 U.S. for winning.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Texas raising football ticket prices due to cost of paying players, more scholarships Austin, Texas

Texas will be raising football season ticket prices by $13 per game next season as one of the wealthiest programs in the country tries to meet rising costs. Athletic director Chris Del Conte announced the price increase in his annual campus town hall. He detailed the program’s expected finances upon final approval of a landmark $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that lays the foundation for players to receive money directly from their schools. Texas will have nearly $30 million in new costs and about 200 new scholarships across all sports.

Agassi, son of tennis legends, works to make mark in baseball

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s son Jaden is a pitching prospect

By David Brandt The Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. — It’s not the least bit surprising that Jaden Agassi — son of tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf — had a racket in his hand from the time he could walk.

The little boy loved to run. He loved to hit the ball. The problem was accuracy wasn’t his thing.

“It was hard for me to keep the ball in the lines,” Agassi said, laughing. “I just wanted to hit it as far as I could.”

So his parents signed him up for baseball. About 20 years later, he’s trying to make his own mark in the sports world.

The 23-year-old Agassi is a pitcher for Team Germany in this week’s World Baseball Classic qualifiers in Tucson, Arizona. The right-hander

grew up in Las Vegas with his famous American dad and German mother before playing college baseball at USC. He holds dual citizenship and speaks a little German.

The popularity of baseball has grown in Germany over the past few decades, but manager Jendrick Speer was still searching for a few additions to the roster for the WBC qualifiers when he stumbled across Agassi on social media and realized his connections to the country.

“I found him because he’s a good baseball player,” Speer said. “With all the technology out there, we found him while researching and discovered that he had played in college and had citizenship. It worked out great, and he’s a great guy.”

Agassi said his parents never pushed him into tennis, baseball or any other sport because they didn’t want to repeat their childhood and teenage years, which were totally consumed by tennis. Instead, he had a rel-

Francona says his mind went right back to baseball after a needed year off

The new Reds manager is preparing for his 24th season as an MLB skipper

By Stephen Hawkins The Associated Press

TERRY FRANCONA got used to getting out of bed whenever he wanted during his year away from managing, and his biggest decision then was whether to have a second cup of coffee before doing the daily crossword puzzle.

While it was a bit of an adjustment when he had to start getting up again in the predawn hours to get to the Cincinnati Reds spring training complex, Francona was quickly back to where he prefers to be every day.

“My mind went right back into baseball, and it kind of feels good,” Francona said soon after starting his first camp with the Reds, who hired him in October. “I enjoy, I love coming to the ballpark. There’s no place on this Earth I’m more comfortable. ... This is my home and, like, grew up in this place.”

The three-time Manager of the Year and two-time World Series champion, who turns 66 in April, is rejuvenated and feeling better after what he knows was a much-needed break from the grind of professional baseball. When Francona stepped

“My mind went right back into baseball, and it kind of feels good.”

Terry Francona

away at the end 2023 after 11 seasons managing Cleveland, he needed a shoulder replacement and double hernia surgery. He had missed extended time in 2020 and 2021 due to health complications.

“I had a good year, man. I needed to be away from the game. And when you say that, when you know it yourself, you’re probably, probably a little late. I really needed it,” he said. “Physically, I was so beat up that it starts to become, you know, mental, and you start, it wears on you, and you become short on patience and things like that. Those are not good attributes for a manager. So I think I’m situated where I can do the job the way you’re supposed to, the way I want to.”

Cincinnati, going into its 30th season since last winning a playoff series, turned to the manager with 1,950 wins over 23 seasons. Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, an outfielder for him with the Red Sox in 2009, described Francona as

atively normal upbringing and naturally gravitated toward the baseball diamond.

The lanky 6-foot-3 Agassi has had his share of setbacks during his baseball career. He needed Tommy John elbow surgery after his first game in 2019, which caused him to miss his junior season in high school. Then in 2020, his team played just a handful of games before COVID-19 shut down sports for the year.

“It almost worked as a blessing in disguise,” Agassi said. “I got almost two years to rehab my Tommy John, came back strong and then started my college career at USC.”

His three seasons with the Trojans were a little up and down. He had a solid year as a sophomore with a 3-2 record and a 4.34 ERA, but after a coaching change, he regressed as a junior with a 9.70 ERA.

He found his footing again in MLB’s draft league last summer with a 2.96 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 271/3 innings.

Now he’s hoping to latch on to an MLB organization once the WBC qualifiers are over. His stint with Team Germany — which will likely include a bullpen role — is another chance for him to showcase his mid90s fastball.

“It felt good to find some things that work for me,” Agassi said. “Stick on a plan and get 1% better every day.”

Agassi doesn’t mind that people often ask about his parents or why he doesn’t play tennis.

While neither parent may be a baseball expert, he said they’re both supportive of his baseball career and will be in the crowd this week as he pitches for mom’s home country with Team Deutschland across his chest.

“As a kid, you’re kind of oblivious to the world,” Agassi said. “It felt completely normal to me. I got a lot of knowledge and lessons learned from them. Picked up a lot of things and it’s been a blessing.”

having a magical personality and being a spark for whoever he is managing.

“He has something that most people don’t have, maybe no one else has. It’s a very, very unique thing to him that it puts people in a great head space when they show up to the ballpark and the clubhouse every day,” Baldelli said. “He forms really, really, really nice relationships with all the people around him. He makes you feel special. He makes you feel like you can do things. He makes you feel like you’re a better player than you actually maybe even are sometimes.”

Francona agreed to a three-year contract through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028 to return to the orga-

nization to replace fired manager David Bell. Cincinnati has been to the playoffs only once since 2013, during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Now back in the daily routine of baseball, right by the spring training home of the Guardians and near the stadium they share in Arizona, Francona was asked if he had any second thoughts. He responded by relaying his message to Nick Krall, the Reds president of baseball operations, and general manager Brad Meador when they were talking about the job last fall.

“I said if I come, I’m all in. That’s the only way I know how to do it,” Francona said. “When the season’s over, I’ll turn my motor off and collapse. But until then, let’s go.”

CAROLYN KASTER / AP PHOTO

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona walks from the field during spring training workout at the team’s training facility in Goodyear, Arizona.

KYUSUNG GONG / AP PHOTO

Southern California starting pitcher Jaden Agassi (45) delivers a pitch during a 2022 game against Santa Clara. The son of two tennis greats is now pitching for Team Germany.

the stream

Lady Gaga drops ‘Mayhem,’ Duchess of Sussex on Netflix, evil Hugh Grant

The Wiggles have gone country

The Associated Press

LADY GAGA’S seventh studio album “Mayhem” and a new lifestyle series on Netflix from the Duchess of Sussex called “With Love, Meghan” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: Carrie Underwood ascends to a judge on “American Idol “and a new series launches featuring the Marvel hero Daredevil.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Hugh Grant is deliciously deranged in “Heretic,” in which two young, unsuspecting missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) have the misfortune of knocking on the door of his Mr. Reed one day. In his review, critic Mark Kennedy writes, “So beautifully constructed and acted in the first half is ‘Heretic’ that you won’t really notice when it turns into a horror movie. You might be a step ahead of the missionaries, but not by much. Mr. Reed alternates between creepy and funny, well versed in Spider-Man and Voltaire, Radiohead and the Hollies, Wendy’s and Taco Bell. Grant has gloriously weaponized his natural charm.” The A24 film begins streaming on Max on Friday.

There’s no shortage of media projects about the Manson murders, but when a filmmaker like Errol Morris (“The Thin Blue Line,” “The Fog of War”) decides to delve into the killing spree you pay attention. “Chaos: The Manson Murders,” debuting on Netflix on Friday promises new links between the CIA, LSD and Charles Manson. In speaking to the Netflix publication Tudum, Morris said: “You could encapsulate the mystery in just one question: How is it that Manson managed to convince the people around him that killing was OK?”

Cate Blanchett, Charles Dance and Alicia Vikander star in “Rumours,” an absurdist satire and genre-hopping apocalypse film about world leaders gathered at the G7 who get lost in the woods. Guy Maddin (“My Winnipeg”) co-directed the film with Evan and Galen Johnson, now streaming on Paramount+.

MUSIC TO STREAM

She hath returned. Lady Gaga — whose theatrical pop once recalled Madonna and now serves as a reminder that big belts are cinema, whisper singers be damned — will release her seventh studio album on Friday. Titled “Mayhem,” and following 2024’s “Joker: Folie à Deux” soundtrack record and 2020’s colorful “Chromatica,” the album suggests a kind of revitalization of big pop. Seven years ago, global pop phenomenon Jennie became the first member of the K-pop

group Blackpink to go “SOLO.” Her debut single was a product of its time — nostalgic EDMpop with pitched up whistle effects and simple, declarative lyrics: “I’m goin’ solo-lo-lo-lolo-lo-lo.” She wasn’t leaving her band, but a lackluster relationship. And she still isn’t: On Friday, Jennie will release her first solo full-length album, “Ruby.” It’s stacked with ambitious col-

“‘With Love, Meghan,’ is not about a quest for perfection but more about finding joy in the little things.” Netflix

laborations — Doechii, Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa and Kali Uchis among them — but at the core is Jennie and her message of self-empowerment. The Wiggles have gone country. On their latest album, “Wiggle Up, Giddy Up — with Friends!” the Australian children’s entertainers have collaborated with Dolly Parton, Orville Peck, Lainey Wilson, Dasha and more for a twang-y good time.

SHOWS TO STREAM

Actor Charlie Cox says that “Daredevil: Born Again,” available on Disney+, pretty much picks up where the third season on Netflix left off.

“You don’t have to have seen all the back catalog to understand it, but essentially it is a continuation,” Cox told the AP at the show’s premiere. Cox plays blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who by night fights for justice as Daredevil. Vincent D’Onofrio reprises his role as Wilson Fisk. Jon Bernthal also returns as the Punisher.

“With Love, Meghan,” the lifestyle series starring the

Duchess of Sussex, was originally scheduled to premiere on Netflix in January but was delayed due to the Los Angeles-area wildfires. It’s now streaming, and we’ve recently learned that the Netflix has teamed up with Meghan on her new company, As Ever. She made the announcement recently in a video posted to her new Instagram account. “With Love, Meghan,” says Netflix, is not about a quest for perfection but more about finding joy in the little things. When Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of “American Idol” in 2005, she had no idea that 20 years later she would be a judge on that very same show. Underwood will sit alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges’ table, replacing Katy Perry, who departed to focus on her own music career. It will be interesting to see how Underwood interacts with the contestants because she’s been in their shoes. “Idol” premieres Sunday on ABC and also streams on Hulu. The fourth and final season of “Righteous Gemstones” debuts Sunday on HBO and Max. Created by and starring Danny McBride, the show follows a family of televangelists who run a successful megachurch. Their private lives are nothing like their public image. John Goodman and Adam DeVine also star. Season three of the critically acclaimed noir drama “Dark Winds” returns to AMC on Sunday. Set in the 1970s, the series follows three Navajo Tribal Police officers who patrol the Four Corners region of the Southwest (where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet.) George R. R. Martin and Robert Redford are executive producers. “Dark Winds” is 100% fresh on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, and a fourth season has already been ordered. It also streams on AMC+.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Like many gamers, I tend to bounce between fantasy and science fiction when I need to escape. Split Fiction, the latest adventure from Sweden’s Hazelight Studios, asks: Why not have both? It’s the story of two writers, Mio and Zoe, who are drawn into each other’s imaginary creations. In Zoe’s world, you get to cast spells and ride dragons, while Mio’s world has laser swords and flying cars. Like Hazelight’s previous game, the award-winning It Takes Two, Split Fiction is strictly two-player co-op. Get ready to snuggle up Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

“Heretic,” “The Righteous Gemstones” and “Dark Wind” are streaming this week on a device near you.

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Lady Gaga drops “Mayhem” on Friday.

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, returns to Netflix with her new lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan.”

STATE & NATION

US tariffs take effect and Mexico, Canada and China retaliate with their own

President Donald Trump is using economic tools as a foreign policy stick

By Josh Boak, Paul Wiseman and Rob Gillies The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge and setting up costly retaliations by the United States’ North American allies.

Starting just past midnight, imports from Canada and Mexico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties.

The 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%, and Beijing retaliated Tuesday with tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports. It also expanded the number of U.S. companies subject to export controls and other restrictions by about two dozen.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would slap tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days. Mexico didn’t immediately detail any retaliatory measures.

Following Canada and China, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that Mexico will respond to 25% tariffs imposed by the United States with its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

Sheinbaum said she will announce the products Mexico will target on Sunday in a public event in Mexico City’s central plaza, perhaps with the delay indicating Mexico still hopes to de-escalate the trade war set off by Trump.

The U.S. president’s moves raised fears of higher inflation and the prospect of a trade war even as he promised the American public that taxes on imports are the easiest path to national prosperity. He has shown a willingness to buck the warnings of mainstream economists and put his own public approval on the line, believing that tariffs can fix what ails the country.

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form,” Trump said Monday at the White House. “And now we’re using them.”

U.S. markets dropped sharply Monday after Trump said there was “no room left” for negotiations that could lower the tariffs. Shares in Europe and Asia were mostly lower Tuesday after they took effect.

The Canada and Mexico tariffs were supposed to begin in February, but Trump agreed to a 30-day suspension to negotiate further with the two largest U.S. trading partners. The stat-

Sunlight shines through the flags of Canada and the United States, held together by a protester outside on Parliament

ed reason for the tariffs is to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and both countries say they’ve made progress on those issues. But Trump has also said the tariffs will only come down if the U.S. trade imbalance closes, a process unlikely to be settled on a political timeline.

The tariffs may be short-lived if the U.S. economy suffers. But Trump could also impose more tariffs on the European Union, India, computer chips, autos and pharmaceutical drugs. The American president has injected a disorienting volatility into the world economy, leaving it off balance as people wonder what he’ll do next.

“It’s chaotic, especially compared to the way we saw tariffs rolled out in the first (Trump) administration,” said Michael House, co-chair of the international trade practice at the Perkins Coie law firm. “It’s unpredictable. We don’t know, in fact, what the president will do.’’ Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticize the tariffs, and even some Republican senators raised alarms.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she’s “very concerned” about the tariffs going into effect because of her state’s proximity to Canada.

“Maine and Canada’s economy are integrated,” Collins said, explaining that much of the state’s lobsters and blueberries are processed in Canada and then sent back to the U.S.

The world economy is now caught in the fog of what appears to be a trade war.

Even after Trump announced Monday that the tariffs were going forward, Canadian officials were still in touch with their U.S. counterparts.

“The dialogue will continue, but we are ready to respond,” Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said in Ottawa as he went into a special Cabinet meeting on U.S.-Canada relations.

“There are still discussions taking place.”

Shortly after Blair spoke, Trudeau said Canada would impose 25% tariffs on $155 billion Canadian ($107 billion U.S.) worth of American goods, starting with tariffs on $30 bil-

“It’s

a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form.”

President Donald Trump

lion Canadian ($21 billion U.S.) worth of goods immediately and on the remaining amount on American products in three weeks.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” Trudeau said.

The White House would like to see a drop in seizures of fentanyl inside the United States, not just on the northern and southern borders. Administration officials say that seizures of fentanyl last month in everywhere from Louisiana to New Jersey had ties to foreign cartels.

Damon Pike, technical practice leader for customs and trade services at the tax and consulting firm BDO, suggested the responses of other countries could escalate trade tensions and possibly increase the economic pressure points.

“Canada has their list ready,” Pike said. “The EU has their list ready. It’s going to be tit for tat.’’

Tim Houston, the leader of Canada’s Atlantic coast province of Nova Scotia, said he would direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove all

U.S. alcohol from store shelves. Houston also said his government will limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses and double the cost for commercial vehicles from the United States on a tolled highway.

The Trump administration has suggested inflation will not be as bad as economists claim, saying tariffs can motivate foreign companies to open factories in the United States. On Monday, Trump announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the computer chipmaker, would be investing $100 billion in domestic production.

Still, it can take time to relocate factories spread across the world and train workers with the skills they need.

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, said the 20% tariffs on Chinese goods will be “crippling” for the toy industry, as nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China.

“There’s a sophistication of manufacturing, of the tooling,” he said. “There’s a lot of handcrafting that is part of these toys that a lot of people don’t understand … the face painting, the face masks, the hair weaving, the hair braiding, the cut and sew for plush to get it to look just so. All of that are very high hands, skilled labor that has been passed through generations in the supply chain that exists with China.” For a president who has promised quick results, Ahearn added a note of caution about how quickly U.S. factories could match their Chinese rivals.

“That can’t be replicated overnight,” he said.

JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 1.

This combination of file photos shows, from left, U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, China’s President Xi Jinping and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Randolph record

Honored guest

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NCDOR begins processing

tax refunds

Raleigh The North Carolina Department of Revenue started processing individual income tax returns for 2024. Taxpayers can expect to receive refunds through the mail or direct deposit beginning the week of March 10. The NCDOR started accepting individual income tax returns Jan. 27 and encourages taxpayers to file electronically for security and convenience. Several free filing options are available. Individuals can check the status of their refunds through the “Where’s My Refund” application at ncdor.gov.

Pentagon changes name of Georgia Army base back to Fort Benning

Washington, D.C.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has, for the second time, reversed the renaming of a U.S. military base, saying that Fort Moore in Georgia should revert back to being called Fort Benning. The move reflects an effort by the Pentagon to overturn the Biden administration’s 2023 decision to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including for nine Army bases. The drive to revert to former names means that officials need to find service members with the same name as the Confederate leaders.

Security breach draws scrutiny at RCSS school

unauthorized

An

man entered the building at Hopewell Elementary School

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

TRINITY — The head of the Randolph County School sys tem has vowed that the district will be more attentive to safe ty issues and said broken hing es on a door that contributed to an intruder entering a school last week have been repaired.

Superintendent Stephen Gainey addressed the inci dent at Hopewell Elementary School in a message to parents and district residents, apolo gizing for the high level of anx iety that was created last week.

“While the situation did oc cur, it should never have hap pened,” Gainey said. “This in dividual had no business on the campus of Hopewell Elementa ry School, and definitely didn’t

have any business being inside the school.”

Police arrested Neal Mc Mann, 36, following the inci dent that resulted in a modi fied lockdown. At the time of the arrest in Randolph County, police said he had possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The charges against Mc Mann include felony drug possession, trespassing and resisting arrest. He has an out standing warrant for abscond ing supervision in Davidson County.

Gainey said that school offi cials determined the man en tered the school building be cause the door wasn’t secure based on bent door hinges.

Maintenance personnel ad dressed the problem and fixed it, Gainey said.

“I am very sorry that any stu dent, staff member or parent had to experience these feel ings,” Gainey said in his mes sage. “Please know that I will

I will work with my staff members to do everything possible to get your trust back and prevent this type of situation from ever happening again.”

Stephen Gainey, RCSS superintendent

work with my staff members to do everything possible to get your trust back and prevent this type of situation from ever happening again.”

The incident drew criticism from community members and parents for what was deemed lack of timely information de livered to parents regarding the situation. Some concerns were expressed by Morgan White in the form of an open letter to the school system, seeking “a full

Fast food scene grows in county

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

and transparent account” and “assurances that front office staff will regularly review and practice safety protocols to pre vent future security breaches.”

Gainey said the Feb. 26 in cident has led to follow up ac tion at Hopewell Elementa ry School, where a full time school resource officer will be assigned until further notice.

He said doors will be checked each morning prior to arrival of students and at other times throughout each school day. Doors will be checked again at the closing of the building each day.

Already, the district has a policy that forbids doors from being propped open.

Gainey said staff members at that elementary school and across the district should be aware that doors must remain locked and secured throughout the school day.

Visitors to and from cam puses in the district should en ter and exit school buildings through the front doors.

Gainey said there’s also rea son for praise regarding the situation.

“I want to personally thank the staff members … who in tervened so quickly upon notic ing the individual on campus to prevent a worse result,” he said.

Whataburger

That property of about 1.4 acres was purchased in 2023 for $1.6 million, according to reports.

Along with the Archdale location, a restaurant in High Point at 10118 North Main St. is also expected to open in the fall.

In early January, there was a groundbreaking in Hickory for what the company said would be the first Whataburger in the state. The company announced that Whataburgers are com ing to Greensboro and Win ston Salem with expected openings in the summer. Oth er locations with 2025 open ings will be in Gastonia and Charlotte.

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

This Cook Out in Randleman opened during the winter.

Payton McNabb — standing next to second lady Usha Vance, right — waves as she is recognized by President Donald Trump on Tuesday. McNabb received a traumatic brain injury when a biological male playing on the opposing women’s team spiked a volleyball at McNabb’s face.

THURSDAY MARCH 6

FRIDAY MARCH 7

SATURDAY MARCH 8

Apprenticeship Randolph seeks new students

The program through Randolph Community College is open to high school students

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The dead line for inclusion in the next round of Apprenticeship Ran dolph is approaching next week.

Last month’s Apprentice ship Randolph Community night scheduled for Randolph Community College’s Corpo rate Training Center in Ashe boro was canceled because of weather related concerns. While it wasn’t rescheduled, there’s time to apply to be part of the program.

“We typically take around 20 students, juniors and se niors,” said Stacey Miller, di rector of apprenticeships at RCC.

Applications for Appren ticeship Randolph are being accepted through March 10. Open houses connected to the program for students and par

CRIME LOG

Feb. 25

• John Levi McIntosh, 35, of Trinity, was arrested by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for possessing methamphetamine, possessing controlled substances on jail premises, trespassing, and possessing drug paraphernalia.

• Chad Douglas Wilson, 45, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for trafficking cocaine, intending to sell or deliver cocaine, intending to sell or deliver marijuana, intending to sell or deliver Schedule III and IV controlled substances, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances, possessing controlled substances, resisting a public officer, and possessing drug paraphernalia.

Feb. 26

• Neal Allen McMann, 37, of Trinity, was arrested by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for possessing methamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia, resisting a public officer, trespassing, and breaking or entering.

Feb. 27

• Christopher David Bryant, 39, of Trinity, was arrested by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.

Feb. 28

• Dustin Craig Patrick, 33, of Pleasant Garden, was arrested by Asheboro Police Department

Stacey Miller, RCC apprenticeship director

ents continue through the end of this week, with applicants required to attend at least one to move the process forward, Miller said.

RCC says that “this program bridges education and career success, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s job market.”

The program provides an opportunity to be involved in several fields, including com puter integrated machining, industrial systems technolo gy mechatronics and infor mation technology (computer support specialist).

“Students sew what those jobs would entail,” Miller said. “Some very well paying ca reers come out of it.”

Participants in Apprentice ship Randolph have tuition

(Asheboro PD) for misdemeanor larceny, possessing stolen goods, breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and breaking into a motor vehicle.

• Carl Arthur Richardson, 37, of Bennett, was arrested by RCSO for resisting a public officer, communicating threats, assaulting a government official, and being intoxicated and disruptive.

Mar. 1

• Andrea Charlene Brumfield, 51, of Winston, was arrested by NC Probation and Parole for driving while impaired, driving with a revoked license, possessing an open container of alcohol, lacking liability insurance, failing to maintain lane control, and possessing a fictitious or revoked driver’s license or registration.

Mar. 2

• Flavio Vargas Bustos, 32, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police Department (Asheboro PD) for possessing a firearm as a felon, intending to sell or deliver cocaine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances, possessing controlled substances within 1000 feet of a park, possessing drug paraphernalia, and driving without a license.

• Isaiah Luke Overly, 23, of Liberty, was arrested by NC Highway Patrol for driving while impaired, driving with a revoked license, and reckless driving with wanton

waived through state funding. It’s a three year program, con sisting of classroom instruc tion and on hands education through an employer. The stu dents are paid for work hours.

“It’s a lot, working about 20 hours a week,” Miller said. “It’s really a win w in for the students.”

Employers benefit from the program as they can identify potential future full time em ployees. New employers are of ten added to the program.

Last month’s community night would have offered at tendees a chance to tour facil ities, meet instructors and in dustry professionals and learn about the program benefits.

“Apprenticeship Randolph is more than just a program — it is a game changer for stu dents and industries alike,” said Shah Ardalan, president of RCC. “By combining hands on training with academic ex cellence, this initiative creates a seamless pathway from edu cation to career, empowering students to build their futures without the burden of student debt.”

disregard.

• Christy Lanette King, 42, of Asheboro, was arrested by Randleman Police Department (Randleman PD) for resisting a public officer.

Mar. 3

• Lacey Lee Andrews, 33, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police Department (Asheboro PD) for fleeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, possessing a stolen motor vehicle, stealing a motor vehicle, resisting a public officer, carrying a concealed weapon, driving with a revoked license, failing to heed a light or siren, speeding, and failing to stop at a steady red light.

• Daniel Obrian McClure, 34, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for violating a domestic violence protective order.

• Darlene Cruthis Surratt, 60, of Thomasville, was arrested by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for possessing felony Schedule II controlled substances, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances, and possessing drug paraphernalia.

• Issiah Montrell Mack, 21, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for resisting a public officer.

• Jimmy Scott York, 50, of Liberty, was arrested by RCSO for assaulting a female.

Randolph Guide

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County:

March 7

The Liberty Showcase Presents: Moe Bandy 8 p.m.

Country music singer known for a string of popular hits including “It’s A Cheatin’ Situation,” “Just Good Ol’ Boys,” “Barstool Mountain,” “I Cheated Me Right Out of You,” and “I Just Started Hatin’ Cheatin’ Songs Today.” Call 336-524-6822 for more information.

The Liberty Showcase Theater 101 S. Fayetteville St. Liberty

March 7-9

RSVP Community Theater Presents: “Four Old Broads” by Leslie Kimbell

Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now! $17 for adults and $12 for seniors, youth and military. Purchase in person (check or cash only) at Brightside Gallery (170 Worth St) open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Ave. Asheboro

March 8

Creekside parkrun

9 a.m.

A free, fun and friendly weekly 5K community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate — it’s up to you! Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee at The Chat & Chew or The Wet Whistleplease come and join us!

Creekside Park 214 Park Drive Archdale

Randolph-Asheboro YMCA Spring Craft Fair

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join us for a full day of family fun with more than 80 vendor tables and food trucks! Admission is free. For more information, contact 336-625-1976.

343 N.C. Hwy. 42 North Asheboro

March

9

Randleman Wedding Expo

2 p.m.

Newly engaged? Let us help you plan your wedding details with all the top local event professionals in Randolph County and surrounding areas! Planners, officiants, caterers, photographers, florists, DJs and more.

Williams Place Wedding Venue 5099 Edgar Road Sophia

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Protecting North Carolina jobs by protecting manufacturing

We now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people.

IT’S A NEW day in Washington, D.C.

With President Donald Trump’s return and a Republican controlled Congress, there is real hope for change that will strengthen our economy and make the nation more secure.

Before this new Congress, one of the first tasks is to make Trump’s first term tax cuts permanent. Some of these cuts were enacted in 2017 but have already expired. If Congress does not act, more will disappear at the end of this year.

A new report from the National Association of Manufacturers shows why preserving these tax cuts is critical for North Carolina. Without action to extend the tax breaks, North Carolina could lose nearly 200,000 jobs and billions in economic activity. Those are steep costs that communities across North Carolina would pay.

The good news is that Republicans in Congress, including members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, are working hard on a tax bill. A quick look at the history of these tax cuts explains why this issue is a congressional priority.

The 2017 Trump tax cuts included tax breaks for individuals and businesses across the economy. Manufacturers, big and small, were among the bill’s principal beneficiaries. Lower domestic and international tax rates, new deductions for small business owners, and

incentives for innovation and investment spurred unprecedented manufacturing growth.

In 2018, the first year the tax cuts were in place, manufacturers created jobs at the highest rate in decades. Capital spending also spiked as manufacturers took advantage of tax reform to purchase new equipment, raise wages and expand facilities.

We in North Carolina benefited from this manufacturing resurgence. Across the state, we now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people. The industry accounts for almost 15% of our gross domestic product, adding $98.5 billion to our economy.

Today, some of the world’s leading manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and chemistry call the Tarheel State home. Last year, Site Selection Group named us the best state in the U.S. for manufacturing due to our strong, educated workforce, pro business climate and geography.

In 2025, Congress can keep the momentum going and protect North Carolina’s manufacturing sector by restoring Trump’s pro manufacturing tax code.

Among the most vital tax provisions that Congress must renew are those that lower costs for research and innovation

The top task for Team Trump

The dollar now represents just 59% of global reserves, down from 70% in 2000.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP has entered his second term with a bold agenda and unprecedentedly rapid action.

In the first month of his presidency, he signed 73 executive orders; he unleashed his Department of Government Efficiency, spearheaded by Elon Musk, to identify waste, fraud and abuse across executive branch agencies; he deployed his foreign policy team to the Middle East to broker an agreement in Ukraine and press for the end of Hamas in Gaza; he freed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to target criminal illegal immigration, and Border Patrol to enforce our southern border. All of that is both good and popular.

But there is a threat haunting the second Trump term. That threat is economic recession. Joe Biden left Donald Trump with a shaky economy.

The inflation rate remains high, at 3%, and moving in the wrong direction; interest rates are already high by recent standards, at 4.33%. The Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates to inflate the economy in time for the election now looks like jumping the gun.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading at nearly 25 times price to earnings; the so c alled Magnificent Seven stocks (Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Tesla and Nvidia) average a P/E ratio of above 50. For point of reference, investor

extraordinaire Benjamin Graham, mentor of Warren Buffett, recommended that a healthy P/E ratio generally capped out around 15.

The technological advancement of AI — incredible though it is — has generated investment that has yet to translate to consummate productivity gains; in other words, there is a good chance that we are in an AI bubble as well. For what it’s worth, this isn’t a knock on AI; the internet bubble of the late 1990s wasn’t an indicator that the internet was overrated, merely that every new technology brings a gusher of investment that eventually ratchets down into the most productive channels. But it is fair to say that many of the stocks most tied to AI will see a decline over coming years.

Meanwhile, the bloat of government spending continues to inject money into an already inflated economy. In 2024, the federal government spent approximately $6.75 trillion. The vast majority of that spending comes in the form of entitlements, means t ested welfare programs and interest on the national debt. DOGE will touch little of this. The reality is that the United States is in a debt spiral from which it is unlikely to emerge without serious fiscal restructuring. And the world is already moving away from the dollar as the world’s reserve currency: A report from Brookings Institution found that the dollar now represents just 59% of global

by allowing businesses to expense and deduct certain costs. Also, lawmakers’ priorities are keeping exclusions that protect small, family owned manufacturers from the estate tax and maintaining individual and corporate tax rates that have helped business owners keep more of their hard earned money and compete on an international scale.

Beyond getting the policy right, Congress’s timing is critical.

Currently, manufacturers across our state are making hiring and production plans for the years ahead. Other manufacturers outside our state consider North Carolina a possible place to relocate or expand. The sooner Congress provides certainty that the U.S. tax code will continue to support manufacturers, the sooner business leaders can lock in their decisions and make additional investments in our state.

As a North Carolina legislator, I am proud of our work in Raleigh to make our state a place where businesses can thrive. We have cut the corporate tax rate, invested in our infrastructure, and streamlined state regulations.

Thankfully, North Carolina legislators again have strong partners in the nation’s capital.

Eight years ago, Trump and Republicans in Congress helped North Carolina launch a manufacturing boom. In 2025, it is time for Congress to do it again by sending a bill to Trump’s desk that permanently makes all of 2017’s pro‑manufacturing tax policies.

Sen. Todd Johnson represents District 35 in the N.C. Senate and is majority whip.

reserves, down from 70% in 2000. As the Trump administration pursues sanctions and tariffs, that trend could accelerate.

So what should Team Trump do? First, the focus should quickly shift toward cutting regulations — the true sand in the gears of American commerce.

Second, the Republican Congress must move with alacrity to enshrine Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanently, ensuring a predictable tax regime for purposes of investment. Third, there should be serious consideration of reevaluating those means t ested welfare programs — programs that, as House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington points out, are the chief drivers of our continuing spending crisis.

There is only one path toward economic prosperity for the United States: economic freedom and fiscal sanity. Both can be achieved. But the Trump administration should move fast because the hole blown into the side of the American economy by consecutive decades of irresponsibility is already sinking the ship.

Ben Shapiro’s new collection, “Facts and Furious: The Facts About America and Why They Make Leftists Furious,” is available now. Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | SEN. TODD JOHNSON

A debate over profit versus safety on slowing cars in school zones

By Jeff Amy The Associated Press

DECATUR, Ga. — Outside

Beacon Hill Middle School in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, like along hundreds of road sides across Georgia, the un blinking eye of a camera tick ets drivers who speed through a school zone.

Supporters say cameras slow down drivers and provide con stant enforcement that un derstaffed police departments can’t equal. But some state lawmakers want to ban them, saying the cameras are more about generating money for lo cal governments and camera companies, and that some use them deceptively.

More than 20 states and the District of Columbia allow au tomated traffic cameras to is sue speeding tickets, but more than 10 other states have out lawed them. However, it would be unusual for a state to re verse its position. New Jersey

had a pilot program testing cameras to enforce red lights but pulled the plug in 2014.

Georgia’s fight will come to a head soon in its General As sembly, with three separate bills advancing out of com mittees. The state first autho rized speed cameras, but only in school zones, in 2018.

Opponents say cameras are about money, not safety

More than 100 representa tives in Georgia’s 180 mem ber House signed on to House Bill 225, which would ban the cameras. Dale Washburn, the Macon Republican sponsor ing that measure, provided a stack of emails from outraged people ticketed statewide who said lights weren’t flash ing, they didn’t even know they were in a school zone, or the cameras were otherwise unfair.

While the tickets in Geor gia are civil citations and don’t go on a driver’s criminal re cord, the state does block peo ple who don’t pay from renew ing their vehicle registration.

Almost 125,000 unpaid viola tions were reported in 2024, the Georgia Department of Revenue said. The cameras generated more than $112 mil lion in revenue in 54 Georgia cities and counties since 2019, WANF T V found last year. Camera companies typically take a share of the revenue.

“These camera companies are engaged in deceit and trick ery,” Washburn said. “Their goal is to write tickets, not to enhance children’s safety.”

One issue with abolish ing cameras is that compa nies have become big politi cal donors. Two big vendors, United Kingdom ba sed Red Speed and Tennessee ba sed Blue Line Solutions, contribut ed around $500,000 to Geor gia campaigns in recent years, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan watchdog that tracks money in politics.

Others want to reform camera use, not end it

Legislative leaders seem more likely to support two oth er bills that would keep cam

eras but more closely regulate them by providing better warn ing signs and limiting the hours of usage.

“So the objective is to alert drivers that they’re entering a school zone and get them to slow down and then for them not to be cited unless they are speeding in a school zone during designated hours,” said Republican Sen. Max Burns of Sylvania, who is sponsoring Senate Bill 75.

An alternate House bill that is similar to Burns’ would re quire half the money raised go to school safety.

In Decatur, students surge out of Beacon Hill Middle at dis missal and walk along College Avenue, a two lane street that’s also a state highway. Unlike most places in Georgia, where most students travel home in buses or their parents’ cars, a majority of Decatur’s 5,300 students either walk or ride bikes home.

Decatur Mayor Patti Gar rett said a student at Beacon Hill was struck in a hit and r un accident and a crossing guard elsewhere was also hit before Decatur activated its cameras last fall.

“We really want to protect our most vulnerable residents, our students, and particularly when they are on foot or on a bi cycle,” Garrett said.

Violations drop but many drivers still speed

Police Chief Scott Richards said according to a speed study conducted by the company, speeding has fallen 92%. But there are still plenty of drivers flying through the five zones where Decatur is using cam eras. They issued 4,500 valid citations in January alone, he said.

“We would not be able to get those reductions if it were not for the photo enforcement in school zones,” Richards said.

Decatur officials tout their efforts as a model, saying the city has abundant signage and only operates the cameras for 30 minutes before and after schools begin in the morning and dismiss in the afternoon. A vehicle must be traveling 11 miles per hour over the speed limit to be cited.

Still, Washburn and others say the amount of money in volved encourages overuse and bad behavior.

“Profit ba sed law enforce ment cannot be trusted,” John Moore of Milledgeville wrote to Washburn in February. “I hope you can convince your colleagues to vote this menace out of our state for good.”

Joney Lee Tate

March 22, 1951 –March 2, 2025

Joney Lee Tate, 73, of Randleman passed away at Clapp’s Nursing Home on Saturday, March 2, 2025. He was born March 22, 1951 in Mt. Airy, NC to Eugene Tate and Elizabeth Faye Tate.

Joney will be loved and missed by all who knew him. He loved people, family gatherings, and his faith, finding his salvation as a Christian later in life.

Joney was owner/operator of Tate’s Used Cars, a member of Hobo Vanners Club of Archdale, and big fan of Pig Pickings. He was often found in his junkyard working on old cars, riding his motorcycle, or heading to the mountains. Joney loved fishing and his dogs, especially Jackal.

Joney is survived by his significant other, Sue Jacobs of the home; daughters, Emily Tate Gilmore (Brian) of Trinity, Sueann Lee Tate Cox (Paul) of Winston-Salem; son, Keith Jacobs of Asheboro; grandchildren, Ashely Gilmore, Lynzie Gilmore, Jeremy Jacobs, Taylor Jacobs, Cole Jacobs, Brandall Lee Brady, Carley Ann Brady; sisters, Vickie Tate of Thomasville, Darlene Tate of Denton, Sylvia Smith of Central Falls; brother-inlaw, Carl (Coggie) Dilldine. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Gelane Dilldine.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 600 South Main Street, Randleman in the Eddie Pugh Memorial Chapel. Pugh Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tate family.

Charles Wayne Willard

Feb. 20, 1945 –Feb. 27, 2025

Charles Wayne Willard, aged 80, of Sophia passed away on February 27, 2025 at his home.

Mr. Willard was born in Mt. Airy, NC on February 20, 1945 to Edward and Stella Chilton Willard. Charles was employed with The Quantum Group for 24 years where he was the Plant Manager over production of many employees. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his brothers, Steve Clay Willard and Jackie Willard. Charles was a good Christian man who loved his “little family,” which is his wife, Ann and their dog Joey. Charles loved to fish, golf, and being in the yard all day. He was a Hero and a survivor.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Hospice of Randolph County, Marie: Joey, and Stephanie. The family would also like to thank Dr. Brian Munley, cardiologist, for his instrumental part in obtaining the correct diagnosis for Charles.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Duty Willard; son, Mark Wayne Willard and wife Leasia Dale Willard of Sophia; daughter, Susan Ann Gonzales and husband Ronnie Gonzales of Forest City; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; brother, Kenneth Willard of Jamestown; brothersin-law, Roger Duty of Lake Royale, Bill Duty of Nash County, Johnny Duty of Denton, Jesse Duty of Stella, and Larry Duty of Wendell; sister-in-law, Nancy Duty Barts and her son Ricky Barts of Asheboro; multiple nieces and nephews, including Brittany Nicole Duty of Charlotte and Destiny Skye Greene.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2-3 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will follow on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Glenn “Mac” Pugh Chapel with Pastor Joey Miller officiating.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph County, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC 27203.

Rev. Joseph Elwood Brown

Oct. 17, 1932 –Feb. 27, 2025

Rev. Joseph Elwood Brown, age 92, of Asheboro passed away on February 27, 2025 at Brookdale in High Point. Rev. Brown was born in Randolph County on October 17, 1932, to Orvit and Lillian Brown. He served his country in the U.S.Army. Joseph retired from Wyson and Miles and retired as minister of Hilltop Baptist Church after 23 years of service. In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Lena Davis Brown, sons, Benny Brown and Phillip Brown, daughters, Sandra Bescher, Libby Wallace, and Vivian Saunders, grandsons, Joseph Brown and Matthew Brown, brother, Darrell Brown, and sisters, Arlene Thomas, Virgie Lucas, Patsy Cox, Evelyn Cox, and son in laws Terry Thomas and Edwin (Scoot) Wallace.

He is survived by his daughters, Shirley Beckham (Donald) and Annette Parks (Larry); 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and sisters, Carol Cox and Nancy Hinshaw.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 12:00-12:50 p.m. at Hilltop Baptist Church, 826 Crestview Church Road in Asheboro. Funeral services will follow on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the church with Rev. Cliff VanVliet and Rev. Tommy Kidd officiating. Burial will be held at Randolph Memorial Park.

Oris Eugene Harper

Jan. 20, 1930 –Feb. 26, 2025

Oris Eugene Harper, age 95, of Asheboro, NC, passed away on February 26, 2025, at Randolph Health. Oris was born on January 20, 1930, in Asheboro, NC, to Burnie Harper and Daisy Maness. A man of deep faith, he believed in “God-FamilyCountry”- in that order. He was a proud veteran who cherished his service to his country and carried that pride throughout his life. Oris loved his family more than anything and was known for taking his grandchildren to the beach every summer, creating memories they would treasure forever. His contagious laugh could light up any room and bring a smile to everyone around him. He was a founding member of Sunset Avenue Church of God and found great joy in his church family. Oris is predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife, Alma Ware, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.

He is survived by his sons, Steve Harper (Crystal) and Scott Harper (Shannon); his daughter, Sharon McNeil; and his grandchildren, Dale McNeil (Christine), Chasity Maynard (Garrett), Stephanie Smedly (Robert), Ann Marie Harper (Danny Nunez), Steven Harper (Amanda), Scottie Harper (Lori), Burnie Harper (Jamie Crumley), Dwight Harper (Kristin), and Seth Harper (Jessica) His legacy continues through his greatgrandchildren, Ciara Musgrave (Avery), Destiny McNeil, Dillon McNeil, Mason Maynard, Cole Maynard, Ila Maynard, Logan Harper, Natalie Harper, Brinley Harper, Scottie Harper III, Grace, Camden, Lilyan Harper, Kaylee Austin, Oris was also blessed to see the next generation of his family with his great -grandchildren, Noah McNeil, Briella Williams, Wyatt Harper, Levi Harper, Emmilyn Smedley, Aria Harper, Luke Smedley, Holden, and Theodore Harper.

He leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever cherish his memory and the impact he had on their lives.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery with Pastor Boyd Byerly officiating and with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Charles Ray “CR” Morgan

April 24, 1954 –Feb. 25, 2025

Charles Ray “CR” Morgan, 70, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025 surrounded by loved ones at Alpine Health. He was born April 24, 1954 in Randolph County, NC to John Curtis Morgan and Helen Maxine Brown Morgan.

CR will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; married to the love of his life, Shelia, for 26 years. CR was a volunteer fireman with Randleman Fire Department and worked as a technician for both Roush Racing and Petty Enterprises. A skilled handyman, he built and opened the Tiger’s Den in Randleman. CR will be missed by all who knew him.

CR is survived by his loving wife, Shelia Morgan of the home; daughters, Stephanie Fennell of Asheboro, Stacy Fennell of Asheboro; grandson, Caleb Venable of Randleman; sister-in-law, Jan Morgan. In addition to his parents, CR is preceded in death by his siblings, David Morgan, Johnny Morgan, Frances (Hank) Hudson, and Lib Hedgecock.

“He was my hero,” Caleb Venable, grandson.

To honor his wishes, no services are planned.

Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman is honored to serve the Morgan family.

STATE & NATION

US tariffs take effect and Mexico, Canada and China retaliate with their own

President Donald Trump is using economic tools as a foreign policy stick

By Josh Boak, Paul Wiseman and Rob Gillies The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Donald Trump’s long threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge and setting up costly retaliations by the United States’ North American allies.

Starting just past midnight, imports from Canada and Mex ico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties.

The 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%, and Beijing retaliated Tuesday with tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports. It also expanded the number of U.S. companies subject to ex port controls and other restric tions by about two dozen.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would slap tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days. Mexi co didn’t immediately detail any retaliatory measures.

Following Canada and Chi na, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that Mexico will respond to 25% tariffs imposed by the United States with its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

Sheinbaum said she will an nounce the products Mexico will target on Sunday in a pub lic event in Mexico City’s cen tral plaza, perhaps with the de lay indicating Mexico still hopes to de escalate the trade war set off by Trump.

The U.S. president’s moves raised fears of higher inflation and the prospect of a trade war even as he promised the Ameri can public that taxes on imports are the easiest path to national prosperity. He has shown a will ingness to buck the warnings of mainstream economists and put his own public approval on the line, believing that tariffs can fix what ails the country.

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used be cause they were either dishon est, stupid or paid off in some other form,” Trump said Mon day at the White House. “And now we’re using them.”

U.S. markets dropped sharply Monday after Trump said there was “no room left” for negotia tions that could lower the tariffs. Shares in Europe and Asia were mostly lower Tuesday after they took effect.

The Canada and Mexico tar iffs were supposed to begin in February, but Trump agreed to a 30 day suspension to negoti ate further with the two largest U.S. trading partners. The stat ed reason for the tariffs is to ad

dress drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and both coun tries say they’ve made progress on those issues. But Trump has also said the tariffs will only come down if the U.S. trade im balance closes, a process un likely to be settled on a political timeline.

The tariffs may be short lived if the U.S. economy suffers. But Trump could also impose more tariffs on the European Union, India, computer chips, autos and pharmaceutical drugs. The American president has inject ed a disorienting volatility into the world economy, leaving it off balance as people wonder what he’ll do next.

“It’s chaotic, especially com pared to the way we saw tariffs rolled out in the first (Trump) administration,” said Michael House, co chair of the interna tional trade practice at the Per kins Coie law firm. “It’s unpre dictable. We don’t know, in fact, what the president will do.’’ Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticize the tariffs, and

even some Republican senators raised alarms.

Sen. Susan Collins (R Maine) said she’s “very concerned” about the tariffs going into effect be cause of her state’s proximity to Canada.

“Maine and Canada’s econo my are integrated,” Collins said, explaining that much of the state’s lobsters and blueberries are processed in Canada and then sent back to the U.S.

The world economy is now caught in the fog of what ap pears to be a trade war.

Even after Trump announced Monday that the tariffs were go ing forward, Canadian officials were still in touch with their U.S. counterparts.

“The dialogue will continue, but we are ready to respond,” Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said in Ottawa as he went into a special Cabinet meet ing on U.S. Canada relations.

“There are still discussions tak ing place.”

Shortly after Blair spoke, Trudeau said Canada would im

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form.”

President Donald Trump

pose 25% tariffs on $155 bil lion Canadian ($107 billion U.S.) worth of American goods, starting with tariffs on $30 bil lion Canadian ($21 billion U.S.) worth of goods immediately and on the remaining amount on American products in three weeks.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pur sue several non tariff measures,” Trudeau said.

The White House would like to see a drop in seizures of fen tanyl inside the United States, not just on the northern and southern borders. Administra tion officials say that seizures of fentanyl last month in every where from Louisiana to New Jersey had ties to foreign cartels.

Damon Pike, technical prac tice leader for customs and trade services at the tax and consult ing firm BDO, suggested the re sponses of other countries could escalate trade tensions and pos sibly increase the economic pressure points.

“Canada has their list ready,” Pike said. “The EU has their list ready. It’s going to be tit for tat.’’ Tim Houston, the leader of Canada’s Atlantic coast prov ince of Nova Scotia, said he

would direct the Nova Scotia Li quor Corporation to remove all U.S. alcohol from store shelves. Houston also said his govern ment will limit access to provin cial procurement for American businesses and double the cost for commercial vehicles from the United States on a tolled highway.

The Trump administration has suggested inflation will not be as bad as economists claim, saying tariffs can motivate for eign companies to open facto ries in the United States. On Monday, Trump announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Man ufacturing Company, the com puter chipmaker, would be in vesting $100 billion in domestic production.

Still, it can take time to relo cate factories spread across the world and train workers with the skills they need.

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, said the 20% tariffs on Chinese goods will be “crippling” for the toy industry, as nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China.

“There’s a sophistication of manufacturing, of the tooling,” he said. “There’s a lot of hand crafting that is part of these toys that a lot of people don’t under stand … the face painting, the face masks, the hair weaving, the hair braiding, the cut and sew for plush to get it to look just so. All of that are very high hands, skilled labor that has been passed through genera tions in the supply chain that ex ists with China.”

For a president who has promised quick results, Ahearn added a note of caution about how quickly U.S. factories could match their Chinese rivals.

“That can’t be replicated over night,” he said.

AP PHOTO

This combination of file photos shows, from left, U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, China’s President Xi Jinping and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP Sunlight shines through the flags of Canada and the United States, held together by a protester outside on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 1.

RandolpH SPORTS

Play at the plate

Asheboro catcher Cohen Caviness prepares to tag Southwestern Randolph’s Jake Scruggs during last week’s nonconference baseball game during the opening week of the spring season. Asheboro pulled out the victory. For more on the start of some spring sports, see Page B3.

Eastern Randolph seniors soak in special playoff moments

The last players who were part of the core of the Wildcats’ state-finalist team reached their final postseason

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

RAMSEUR — Timothy Brower and Julian Brooks have played dozens of basketball games for Eastern Randolph in their home gym.

That’s what happens, in part, when you’re highly seeded for conference tournament and state-playoff games. So Friday night marked a notable occasion for the senior Wildcats.

It might have been their fi-

nal time suiting up for a home game. If so, Brower and Brooks went out with a bang.

“I was thinking about that during the national anthem,” Brower said of his time playing in that venue.

Brower went on to score 31 points and Brooks racked up 23 points in Eastern Randolph’s 68-59 victory against South Stanly in the second round of the Class 1A state playoffs.

Combined with senior forward Will Stalker, who came off the bench, the seventh-seeded Wildcats had enough power in the West Region game. The trio of players in their final season came through.

“That’s what I expect now,”

Trinity turns to alum as next football coach

Mark Raynor has spent time with several programs in Guilford County

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

TRINITY — Mark Raynor was groomed during high school on Trinity football, so he said it’s fitting that he’ll be the next coach of the Bulldogs.

“It was a good opportunity for me to go back and be a head coach,” Raynor said. “It’s a great situation. It’s an opportunity to get back home.”

The 2006 Trinity alum was named the team’s coach last week. He replaces Bear Bradley, who resigned this winter after two seasons to join the staff at Greensboro Grimsley.

Raynor spent last season as defensive coordinator at Southern Guilford following a four-season stint as Northeast Guilford’s head coach. He also had previous four-year stints as an assistant coach at Western Guilford and Southern Guilford.

He said he expects a smooth-

“It’s a great situation. It’s an opportunity to get back home.”

Mark Raynor, Trinity football coach

er transition than when he took over at Northeast Guilford, with the first season coming during the pandemic in the spring semester of 2021. His teams there went a combined 13-26, though capped by a Class 3A state-playoff appearance and a 7-4 record in 2023.

“I’m fired up that it’s going to be normal,” he said of getting started compared to the 2020 -21 school year.

Raynor, 36, said his time at Northeast Guilford involved various learning experiences.

“There’s a lot of trial and error,” he said. “It taught me how to be a leader. … I got to see how I want to see a program go.”

Trinity hasn’t had a winning season since 2017. The Bulldogs finished 3-7 in 2024.

So for Raynor, he said he un-

Eastern Randolph coach Johnny Thomas said. Brooks and Brower have been part of a special stretch for the Wildcats program. They were integral participants two years ago when Eastern Randolph reached the state championship game.

Because of that, they’re unfazed by the situations.

“After playing in that state championship, my nerves (haven’t) ever been so bad,” Brower said of feeling any pressure. “We played too much basketball for that.”

Brooks said he was intent on making a big impact.

“I had to come out and play strong,” he said. “Had to come out and show. Just had to make

derstands that might call for creativity.

“You’ve got to be able to adapt,” he said.

Raynor was an offensive lineman, mostly at left tackle, as a Trinity player. He also participated on wrestling and track and field teams with the Bulldogs.

He calls Trinity “the town that kind of built me.”

This brings another alum into the Trinity coaching ranks. Brett Andrews finished his first season as boys’ basketball coach last month.

Raynor will move into a teaching position (weightlifting, physical education, health) at Trinity at the end of March.

the best out of it before it was too late.”

Eastern Randolph has reached at least the 18-win mark in three consecutive seasons after failing to win more than 12 games in any of the previous six seasons.

Even though Thomas said Friday night’s game was more difficult than he had wanted, he hopes the Wildcats (18-8) can maintain their recent upward trend. They’ve won nine of their last 10 games.

“We’re kind of building ourselves up,” Thomas said.

Next was Tuesday night’s third-round game at second-seeded South Stokes (26 -2).

Tenth-seeded South Stanly (17-9) didn’t have answers for

Eastern Randolph’s inside-outside tandem.

Brooks scored 15 first-half points as the Wildcats led 30-21 at the break, aided by a banked-in 3-pointer from Brower.

“The game like this, me and (Brooks) have to dominate,” Brower said.

Brower’s big third quarter included going 6-for-6 on free throws as the margin grew to 18 points.

Sophomore guard Tyler Gee said the Wildcats had the right combinations.

“We kept feeding it to (Brooks) because no one could stop him,” Gee said. “(Brower) is always making shots.”

See PLAYOFF, page B3

One school nixed from proposed conference

Three schools from Randolph County would stay together in the latest realignment draft

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

EASTERN RANDOLPH, Southwestern Randolph and Uwharrie Charter Academy remain together in the latest version of North Carolina High School Athletic Association conference realignment proposals, but it’s down to a six-school league.

Carrboro is no longer grouped in that conference, which also would include North Moore, Northwood and Jordan-Matthews. UCA doesn’t play football.

With Carrboro out of the mix, it’s a relief for at least a couple of schools regarding traveling distance.

“We’re OK with that (latest change),” said Matt Kiser, co-athletics director at Southwestern Randolph. “Carrboro isn’t just up the road. That was our biggest concern.”

That leaves Northwood — in Chatham County — as the longest trip for Randolph County schools.

Kiser said the travel time from Southwestern Randolph to Carrboro is esti-

See NCHSAA, page B2

“Carrboro isn’t just up the road. That was our biggest concern.”

Matt Kiser, Southwestern Randolph co‑athletics director

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

COURTESY PHOTO

Mark Raynor

HOME PLATE MOTORS

Braxton Walker

Randleman, wrestling/baseball

Walker dominated in four matches in the Class 2A state tournament at 215 pounds, winning the championship last week at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro.

Walker, a senior, used three technical falls and a major decision in securing the title. He defeated Seaforth’s Ethan Kuball 14-2 in the final, completing the season with a 40-3 record.

Walker had placed fourth last year in the 190-pound class. He racked up 89 victories across a two-season period.

Later in the week, he went to the mound for the Randleman baseball team and delivered 13 strikeouts against host Northwest Guilford as the Tigers won for the first time this season. He’s also a first baseman.

Southwestern Randolph wrestler takes pride in career

Jose Flores was a qualifier for the state tournament in each of his four seasons

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

GREENSBORO — Southwestern Randolph wrestler

Jose Flores found perspective as his high school wrestling career came to close in eerily quiet fashion.

He leaves as a one-time state champion, though he couldn’t repeat that in his last two seasons.

“Overall, I’m disappointed I couldn’t get first,” Flores after last week’s tournament ended. “I did do better than I did last year. As I looked at it, I placed three seasons.”

Flores placed third in Class 2A at 285 pounds. It came without fanfare and minus the buzz of the finals, something he experienced two years earlier.

On a Monday afternoon in late February, there was just one match going on to finish consolation bouts. The beginning of the championship round was about two hours away. The seating bowl in First Horizon Coliseum was nearly deserted.

There was Flores, putting the finishing touches on a 5-1 decision against Antonio Nixon of Trask in the third-place bout.

“It kind of is a different situation,” Flores said. “It’s not an environment that I’m used to because I’m usually in finals.”

His 41-2 record this season included a consolation-round victory against Trinity’s Joseph Trahan, who he also defeated during the regular season.

Flores’ career record ended at 140-21. Before the weight classes

“As I looked at it, I placed three seasons.” Jose Flores, Southwestern Randolph wrestler

were adjusted, Flores became the Class 2A champion in the 220-pound division as a sophomore in 2023. Last year 215, he was fourth.

Holding the tag as a state champion came with challenges the past two seasons.

“It really makes it tough,” Flores said. “Yes, I won states. I’ve got to defend it.”

This year’s frustration for Flores came in the semifinals against eventual champion Jaden McClary of Goldsboro. Flores trailed 3-0, but had locked in a move from the top position that looked promising when it was deemed time had expired.

But there was a timing glitch that, after numerous appeals, was acknowledged and resulted in a long delay to sort out. When the bout resumed, the wrestlers started in a neutral position rather than with Flores holding the upper hand “where I had him close to a pin,” the Southwestern Randolph wrestler said. Flores said McClary had time to rest, and then the Goldsboro junior basically bull-rushed him until the match ended.

Browning on the board

Wheatmore’s Noah Browning placed sixth at 190 pounds in Class 2A and he considered that a special accomplishment.

“It’s a big thing for me,” he said.

The first-time state qualifier racked up a 42-16 record as a senior.

Browning had a 3-3 record in the states. That marked a significant climb from his first season, when he won six matches. He said he thinks his record was 6-36.

By daily in practice he saw the board in the team room listing state place finishers and those who compiled 100 or more victories. So earlier in the winter he passed the 100-win mark.

“You see that board, I want to be on there,” he said. “I’ve been here four years, I better get my name on there. A pretty big deal for me.” He ended with 112 career victories.

Back for more?

This year’s state champions from Randolph County were Eastern Randolph’s Randleman’s Braxton Walker (2A, 215), Trinity’s Aiden Burkholder (2A, 106) and Lawson Coltrane (2A, 165), Wheatmore’s Ayden Sumners (2A, 126) and Dominic Hittepole (2A, 175), Eastern Randolph’s David Lambright (1A, 126) and Maddox Carson (1A, 285), and Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Lorenzo Alston (1A, 157) and Michael Shropshire (1A, 215). Of that group, only Walker and Coltrane are seniors. That could bode well for the future.

“We can build off it and they’re both coming back,” Wheatmore coach Kyle Spencer said of his champions. Alston won his third state title.

Correction

The number of years since Eastern Randolph’s last individual state champion was off by one year in last week’s edition. It had been 21 years since Doug Long and Jordan Wall were champs in 2004.

Southwestern Randolph’s Jose Flores matches up with Holmes’ Steven Ferebee in the first round of the state tournament.

Season set to begin at Caraway

Stock car racing at area track reaches another milestone year

Randolph Record staff

SOPHIA — Caraway

Speedway is touting the beginning of its 60th year of racing when the green flag is

mated at 1 hour, 18 minutes by car, so it would take longer via bus.

Eastern Randolph athletics director Foster Cates said there was a meeting among the six schools in the updated conference.

“Everybody seemed real excited about it,” Cates said. “Some new faces.”

The proposed conference involving the three schools in Randolph County includes Class 3A and Class 4A schools in the NCHSAA’s expanded classification that goes from four classifications to eight beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

waved Sunday afternoon.

Eight divisions are scheduled to participate in the season-opening event. The main attraction is a 100-lap feature in Limited Lake Models.

There will be races in Chargers, 602 Modifieds, Mini Stocks, UCARs, Crown Vic’s, US Legends Cars and Bandoleros. Added up, there will be 257 laps. Racing begins at 2:30 p.m. There are two other racing dates this month on Saturdays. March Modness is slated for March 15, while the Dogwood 200 is set for March 29. This begins a stretch of racing scheduled for the speedway in nine consecutive months.

There is a bit of complication for Eastern Randolph and Southwestern Randolph because this conference version leaves five football-playing schools. So with four league games, that’s six nonconference games needed to fill a 10 -game regular-season schedule.

“We’re still working on that,” Kiser said. “A little of it is putting the puzzle pieces together.”

Cates said one less conference game was something Eastern Randolph has addressed immediately, especially since one date to fill will come later in the season. The Wildcats have tentative agreements with five schools for nonconference games and have been

working on setting up a sixth. Carrboro has been moved to a Class 4A/5A group that includes Cedar Ridge, Durham School of the Arts, Orange, Seaforth, South Granville and Oxford Webb. Schools can still appeal the realignments, but those would go directly to the NCHSAA board rather than the realignment committee. The board is expected to hold a special session to approve the conferences. For the other five schools in Randolph County that are in the NCHSAA, there have been no changes to proposed conference alignments since the initial draft revealed in December.

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Cougars fall in second round

UCA was the only girls’ team in the county to make it to the third round

Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Third-seeded Southwestern Randolph tumbled in a 53-47 home loss to No. 19 seed Bandys in the Class 2A state playoffs Friday night.

Maddie Strider had 16 points and Gracie Hodgin provided 11 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars.

Southwestern Randolph (26-2) won its first 25 games before losing two of its last three, with both defeats at home. Bandys improved to 18-8

Earlier last week, Southwestern Randolph topped No. 30 seed Southwestern Randolph 68-46 as Jordin George scored 23 points. The junior guard eclipsed the 1,000-point mark for her career. Macy Allred had 13 points, Maddie Strider scored 12 points and Kenzie Martin added 10 points.

• No. 15 seed Randleman exited with a 64-43 setback at second-seeded East Burke (281). The Tigers finished with a 16-11 record.

In the first round, Randleman defeated 18th-seeded

Providence Grove 55-36 in a matchup between Piedmont Athletic Conference members.

Bella Byman’s 18 points and Jacquline McDaniel’s 13 points boosted the Tigers.

Jada Nixon and Laurel Bernhardt had 11 points apiece for Providence Grove (17-9).

• No. 20 seed Wheatmore (14-11) fell 77-42 at No. 13 seed Maiden (23-5).

Class 1A

Sixth-seeded Uwharrie

SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP

Charter Academy pushed its winning streak to five games by topping No. 11 seed Highlands 47-37 in the second round Friday.

Nevaeh Staples racked up 20 points and Kayla Brown had 10 points for the Eagles (24-7), who were to visit third-seeded Albemarle (24-4) on Tuesday night.

Highlands finished 14-11.

In the first round, Staples poured in 21 points to lead UCA past No. 27 Murphy 52- 49.

Area teams excel in early spring action

Asheboro began the baseball season by winning under an interim coach

Randolph Record

HERE ARE some notables from the first week of competition in spring sports last week.

Baseball

Asheboro won its opener with interim coach Glen Hunt, defeating host Southwestern Randolph 6-1 with Cohen Caviness and Adam Curry both driving in two runs. Mason Kotlowski pitched three scoreless innings.

• Eastern Randolph is 3-0 despite missing players who are on the basketball team, drilling host Jordan-Matthews 17-3, beating visiting North

Rowan 21-8 and whipping visiting Anson 15-5. Lucas Smith had five runs batted in in the first game and then two hits in each of the next two games.

• Randleman’s Braxton Walker, just four nights after winning an individual state championship in wrestling, struck out 13 batters in the Tigers’ 3-1 road victory Friday against Northwest Guilford.

• Two-time defending Class 1A state champion Uwharrie Charter Academy lost its opener by 13-2 at Southwest Guilford. Brett Smith took the loss.

Softball

Asheboro had big run totals with mixed results against Western Guilford. The Blue Comets won the opener 29-21 at home, but lost 43-39 on the road three days later.

• Trinity rolled past host Burlington Williams by 21-7, sparked by two doubles apiece by Faith Powell and Karrington Batten.

Girls’ soccer

Providence Grove’s Taryn Waugh tallied two goals in a 4-2 victory at Ledford and then four goals in a 7-0 romp past visiting Southeast Guilford. The Patriots also blew past visiting Burlington Cummings 8-0, with three goals from both Waugh and Rylee Stover.

• Wheatmore, which has been a recent Class 2A state power, got four goals from Natalie Bowman in a season-opening 8-0 victory at East Davidson. The Warriors then had a rough outing with a 9-0 setback at Northwest Guilford.

Randleman’s Kadie Green makes a catch in front of teammate Teanna Bostick during last week’s game vs. visiting West Stanly, which won 5-0 in the nonconference softball game.

PLAYOFF from page B1

Brower pumped in 24 points in the second half, including 12 in the first five minutes of the third quarter. He fouled out with 32.9 seconds left.

In the first round, Eastern Randolph handled No. 26 Mitchell by 84-63. Brower poured in 23 points to go with 11 assists. and Brooks and Camden Jones both notched 14 points for Eastern Randolph, which led 47-22 at halftime. Will Stalker added 11 points and eight rebounds.

• At Kernersville, top-seeded Bishop McGuinness overwhelmed visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy in a 67-41 second-round victory.

No. `6 seed UCA finished with a 19-10 record. The Villains improved to 25-2.

Three nights earlier, Jaxon Mabe’s 17 points and Aaron Smith’s 15 points were tops for UCA in its 61-46 home victory against 17th-seeded Murphy.

Class 2A

Randleman, the No. 2 seed in Class 2A West Region, was knocked off by No. 31 seed Forest Hills by 70-62 in the first round.

It was a stunning conclusion for the Tigers (23-2), who had captured the Piedmont Athletic Conference’s regular-season and tournament championships and could have played four home games in the state playoffs if they had advanced.

Seniors Tyshaun Goldston and Chase Farlow led Randleman with 22 and 20 points, respectively.

Forest Hills, paced by Landon Blakeney’s 23 points, stretched a 29-25 halftime lead to 49-39 entering the fourth quarter.

• Also in Class 2A, sixth-seeded Lincoln Charter ousted No. 27 seed Providence Grove 82-56 despite 24 points from Will Dabbs and 11 points from Andrew Thomas. The Patriots finished 12-15 in their first season under coach Shane Worth.

Class 3A

Asheboro dropped a 76-63 first-round decision at No. 16 seed Northeast Guilford (19-7) despite Osiris Rodriguez ending his career with an 18-point effort. Jalial Timmons and Jewel Barrett-Riggins both had 13 points for the 17th-seeded Blue Comets (15-9).

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Nevaeh Staples of Uwharrie Charter Academy goes up for a shot during the first round against Murphy last week.

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Culkin wins best supporting actor Oscar, completing sweep

The “Succession” star took home a slew of awards in February

By Elise Ryan The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Kieran

Culkin won the Oscar for best supporting actor Sunday at the 97th Academy Awards, completing a sweep of the category that followed his dominance in television awards last season.

The award, for portraying the chaotic but endearing Benji in Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain,” marked his first win and nomination.

Culkin thanked his manager, his mom, Eisenberg and his wife, Jazz Charton — taking the moment to remind his wife that he wants more kids.

“About a year ago, I was on a stage like this, and I very stupidly, publicly, said that I want a third kid from her because she said if I won the award, I would, she would give me the kid,” he said, recalling his speech at the Emmys last January. After the show, “She goes, ‘Oh, God, I did say that. I guess I owe you a third kid.’ And I turned to her and I said, ‘Really? I want four.’”

Culkin triumphed over nominees Guy Pearce for “The Brutalist,” Edward Norton for “A Complete Unknown,” Yura Borisov for “Anora” and his fel-

“Jesse Eisenberg, thank you for this movie. You’re a genius. I would never say that to your face. I’m never saying it again. So, soak it up.”

Kieran Culkin

low “Succession” alum Jeremy Strong for “The Apprentice.” The category was one of few with a clear favorite ahead of this year’s ceremony, after Culkin picked up the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Independent Spirit Award, SAG Award and a slew of critics’ awards earlier this month.

Written and directed by Eisenberg, “A Real Pain” follows cousins — played by Culkin and Eisenberg — on a trip through Poland for a Holocaust tour to honor their late grandmother. Culkin’s Benji is introduced as unfiltered but quick to connect. Eisenberg’s David is his rule-following, guarded foil. Oscillating between serious reflections on Jewish identity, generational trauma and mourning, and the inherent comedy of mismatched relatives, Eisenberg’s script deftly navigates heavy themes with humor that lands

because of Culkin’s ability to deliver it earnestly.

“Jesse Eisenberg, thank you for this movie. You’re a genius,” Culkin said on stage. “I would never say that to your face. I’m never saying it again. So, soak it up.”

It wasn’t a sure bet that Culkin’s Benji would make it to screens. When production on the final season of “Succession” ran long, Culkin considered dropping out of the film to spend time with his family. Emma Stone, last year’s best actress Oscar winner whose company Fruit Tree produced the project, convinced him to stay on — by reassuring him that they could make it work without him, knowing that wasn’t necessarily true.

“She let me off the hook completely,” Culkin said of his ex-girlfriend. “And I think it was the moment I got off the phone that I was like ‘Oh (expletive), I’m doing this movie.’”

Culkin’s film debut came at age 7 in “Home Alone,” where he played the soda-slurping younger cousin of his older brother Macaulay’s Kevin McCallister. His first major award nomination was a Golden Globe nod for the 2002 film “Igby Goes Down.” But it was his turn as Roman Roy on “Succession” nearly two decades later that brought Culkin widespread acclaim.

Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an

Real Pain” during the Oscars on Sunday.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest novel marks vibrant return

“Dream Count” is Adichie’s way of dignifying her story

By Helen Wieffering The Associated Press

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI

Adichie’s “Dream Count” feels like a homecoming. The Nigerian author’s first work of longform fiction in more than a decade reminds us of the sharp wisdom and sturdy empathy that have made her one of the most celebrated voices in fiction. At its face, “Dream Count” is about the emotional lives of four women living between Nigeria and Washington, D.C., each grappling with a search for purpose, stability and love. Deep into its pages, the book turns to darker questions of justice and exploitation when one character’s life is irrevocably changed. The novel begins with the perspective of Chiamaka, or Chia, a Nigerian-born woman who has spent her adulthood and career in America. Living alone amid lockdown in the pandemic, she begins to reflect on a cast of former romances — each one part of her “dream count,” a loose tally she keeps of her efforts to find a complete, all-knowing love. Her voice and memories connect the many threads of “Dream Count” that follow.

In turns, the book shifts its focus to three other women and their dreams. There is Chia’s friend Zikora, an ambitious

KNOPF VIA AP

“Dream Count” was written by Chimamanda Ngozi

Adichie, the best-selling author of” Americanah.”

lawyer who is desperate to be a mother, and Chia’s brazen cousin Omelogor, a banker in Nigeria who has a crisis of confidence upon coming to America. The novel starts to crackle with urgency and outrage when we meet Kadiatou, Chia’s cook and housekeeper who also works as a maid in an upscale hotel. Far from the Guinean village of her youth, Kadiatou has finally found steady work and contentment in America when she is suddenly, horrifically assaulted by one of the hotel’s prominent guests. Adichie renders the moment of her assault in quick, shuddering details. Though Kadiatou is surprised to find her bosses believe her account, she

soon learns that the rest of the world wants a say, as well. Reporters and photographers stake out her apartment within hours of the assault. Her body and life history are dissected as evidence in the lead-up to an international trial. Kadiatou’s tale isn’t born completely of imagination. Nearly 15 years ago, a New York hotel housekeeper named Nafissatou Diallo came forward to accuse the then-leader of the International Monetary Fund of sexually assaulting her when she arrived to clean his room. Adichie explains in the novel’s endnote how she was hooked and gutted by Diallo’s testimony. “Dream Count” is Adichie’s way, she writes, of dignifying her story. “Imaginative retellings matter,” she says. “Literature keeps the faith and tells the story as reminder, as witness, as testament.”

One could question what purpose it serves for the novel to include Kadiatou’s wrenching survival story alongside the tales of well-to-do women. Though Chia and her friends root for and support Kadiatou, they’re ultimately embroiled in their own growing pains. At points, the novel’s sense of time speeds up too quickly or fails to fully develop a thread.

But none of these weak points ever risks dampening the novel’s vibrant energy. “Dream Count” succeeds because every page is suffused with empathy, and because Adichie’s voice is as forthright and clarifying as ever.

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

actor in a supporting role for “A

Chuck Norris turns 85, James Taylor hits 77, Rob Reiner is 78, Shaq celebrates 53

The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week:

MARCH 6

Rock musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) is 79. Filmmaker-actor Rob Reiner is 78. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is 53.

MARCH 7

Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 83. R&B musician Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is

MARCH 8

Actor-musician Micky Dolenz (The Monkees) is 80. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice is

MARCH 9

Actor

MARCH 10

Actor Chuck Norris is 85. Actor Katharine Houghton (Film: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?”) is 80. Actor Sharon

the stream

Lady Gaga drops ‘Mayhem,’ Duchess of Sussex on Netflix, evil Hugh Grant

The Wiggles have gone country

The Associated Press

LADY GAGA’S seventh studio album “Mayhem” and a new lifestyle series on Netflix from the Duchess of Sussex called “With Love, Meghan” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: Carrie Underwood ascends to a judge on “American Idol “and a new series launches featuring the Marvel hero Daredevil.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Hugh Grant is deliciously deranged in “Heretic,” in which two young, unsuspecting missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) have the misfortune of knocking on the door of his Mr. Reed one day. In his review, critic Mark Kennedy writes, “So beautifully constructed and acted in the first half is ‘Heretic’ that you won’t really notice when it turns into a horror movie. You might be a step ahead of the missionaries, but not by much. Mr. Reed alternates between creepy and funny, well versed in Spider-Man and Voltaire, Radiohead and the Hollies, Wendy’s and Taco Bell. Grant has gloriously weaponized his natural charm.” The A24 film begins streaming on Max on Friday.

There’s no shortage of media projects about the Manson murders, but when a filmmaker like Errol Morris (“The Thin Blue Line,” “The Fog of War”) decides to delve into the killing spree you pay attention. “Chaos: The Manson Murders,” debuting on Netflix on Friday promises new links between the CIA, LSD and Charles Manson. In speaking to the Netflix publication Tudum, Morris said: “You could encapsulate the mystery in just one question: How is it that Manson managed to convince the people around him that killing was OK?”

Cate Blanchett, Charles Dance and Alicia Vikander star in “Rumours,” an absurdist satire and genre-hopping apocalypse film about world leaders gathered at the G7 who get lost in the woods. Guy Maddin (“My Winnipeg”) co-directed the film with Evan and Galen Johnson, now streaming on Paramount+.

MUSIC TO STREAM

She hath returned. Lady Gaga — whose theatrical pop once recalled Madonna and now serves as a reminder that big belts are cinema, whisper singers be damned — will release her seventh studio album on Friday. Titled “Mayhem,” and following 2024’s “Joker: Folie à Deux” soundtrack record and 2020’s colorful “Chromatica,” the album suggests a kind of revitalization of big pop. Seven years ago, global pop phenomenon Jennie became the first member of the K-pop

group Blackpink to go “SOLO.” Her debut single was a product of its time — nostalgic EDMpop with pitched up whistle effects and simple, declarative lyrics: “I’m goin’ solo-lo-lo-lolo-lo-lo.” She wasn’t leaving her band, but a lackluster relationship. And she still isn’t: On Friday, Jennie will release her first solo full-length album, “Ruby.” It’s stacked with ambitious col-

“‘With Love, Meghan,’ is not about a quest for perfection but more about finding joy in the little things.” Netflix

laborations — Doechii, Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa and Kali Uchis among them — but at the core is Jennie and her message of self-empowerment. The Wiggles have gone country. On their latest album, “Wiggle Up, Giddy Up — with Friends!” the Australian children’s entertainers have collaborated with Dolly Parton, Orville Peck, Lainey Wilson, Dasha and more for a twang-y good time.

SHOWS TO STREAM

Actor Charlie Cox says that

“Daredevil: Born Again,” available on Disney+, pretty much picks up where the third season on Netflix left off.

“You don’t have to have seen all the back catalog to understand it, but essentially it is a continuation,” Cox told the AP at the show’s premiere. Cox plays blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who by night fights for justice as Daredevil. Vincent D’Onofrio reprises his role as Wilson Fisk. Jon Bernthal also returns as the Punisher.

“With Love, Meghan,” the lifestyle series starring the

Duchess of Sussex, was originally scheduled to premiere on Netflix in January but was delayed due to the Los Angeles-area wildfires. It’s now streaming, and we’ve recently learned that the Netflix has teamed up with Meghan on her new company, As Ever. She made the announcement recently in a video posted to her new Instagram account. “With Love, Meghan,” says Netflix, is not about a quest for perfection but more about finding joy in the little things. When Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of “American Idol” in 2005, she had no idea that 20 years later she would be a judge on that very same show. Underwood will sit alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges’ table, replacing Katy Perry, who departed to focus on her own music career. It will be interesting to see how Underwood interacts with the contestants because she’s been in their shoes. “Idol” premieres Sunday on ABC and also streams on Hulu. The fourth and final season of “Righteous Gemstones” debuts Sunday on HBO and Max. Created by and starring Danny McBride, the show follows a family of televangelists who run a successful megachurch. Their private lives are nothing like their public image. John Goodman and Adam DeVine also star. Season three of the critically acclaimed noir drama “Dark Winds” returns to AMC on Sunday. Set in the 1970s, the series follows three Navajo Tribal Police officers who patrol the Four Corners region of the Southwest (where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet.) George R. R. Martin and Robert Redford are executive producers. “Dark Winds” is 100% fresh on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, and a fourth season has already been ordered. It also streams on AMC+.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Like many gamers, I tend to bounce between fantasy and science fiction when I need to escape. Split Fiction, the latest adventure from Sweden’s Hazelight Studios, asks: Why not have both? It’s the story of two writers, Mio and Zoe, who are drawn into each other’s imaginary creations. In Zoe’s world, you get to cast spells and ride dragons, while Mio’s world has laser swords and flying cars. Like Hazelight’s previous game, the award-winning It Takes Two, Split Fiction is strictly two-player co-op. Get ready to snuggle up Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

“Heretic,” “The Righteous Gemstones” and “Dark Wind” are streaming this week on a device near you.

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Lady Gaga drops “Mayhem” on Friday.

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, returns to Netflix with her new lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan.”

HOKE COUNTY

Watering the grass

Hoke County fire departments responded to a number of fires over the past week, including near Club Pond, Rose Street and Eastern Hoke County. Hillcrest Fire Department extinguished this grass fire off Doc Brown Road. With burn warnings and dry weather last week and storms and high winds on tap, chances of downed limbs and power outages are possible, firefighters said.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NCDOR begins processing tax refunds

Raleigh The North Carolina Department of Revenue started processing individual income tax returns for 2024. Taxpayers can expect to receive refunds through the mail or direct deposit beginning the week of March 10. The NCDOR started accepting individual income tax returns Jan. 27 and encourages taxpayers to file electronically for security and convenience. Several free filing options are available. Individuals can check the status of their refunds through the “Where’s My Refund” application at ncdor.gov.

Pentagon changes name of Georgia Army base back to Fort Benning Washington, D.C.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has, for the second time, reversed the renaming of a U.S. military base, saying that Fort Moore in Georgia should revert back to being called Fort Benning. The move reflects an effort by the Pentagon to overturn the Biden administration’s 2023 decision to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including for nine Army bases. The drive to revert to former names means that officials need to find service members with the same name as the Confederate leaders.

NC’s McNabb among special guests at Trump joint session address

She was injured while competing against a transgender volleyball player in 2022

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — President

Donald Trump delivered his first address of his second term to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, outlining his administration’s plans for the nation w ith the main theme being the “Renewal of the American Dream,” and North Carolina’s Payton McNabb was among the special guests who joined the president and first lady at the address, including.

“Payton is a former high school athlete who had her dreams of competing in college sports crushed in a Sep-

tember 2022

when a biological man playing on the opposing women’s team

the volleyball at Payton’s face, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury,” the press re-

lease states. “Payton joined with the Independent Women’s Forum and has made it her mission to put an end to this brutal unfairness.”

McNabb issued a statement on X that said it is an “incredible honor” to be the guest of the president and first lady.

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to be present and to have my story recognized as part of the fight to protect women’s sports. Thank you for giving a voice to this issue!!!” McNabb wrote.

McNabb spoke with North State Journal on several occasions as the legislature passed House Bill 574, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, during its 2023 session.

In one interview, McNabb described how she was knocked unconscious and exhibited a

Woman returns Helene ‘trash’ to rightful owners

Floods didn’t just sweep away homes; they took memories

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

SWANNANOA — The tops of dried, bent cornstalks crunch underfoot. Jill Holtz’s gaze is fixed on the ground ahead. She wanders into the nearby woods and weaves between twisted branches. Then, Holtz spots something and starts to riffle through the withered twigs. To the untrained eye, it’s easy to overlook. But for Holtz, it’s instantaneous recognition. Scraggly, white lines give the appearance of shattered glass, but a name can still be made out at the top. It is a sonogram strip — crinkled, abused by the elements, but intact.

In early February, Holtz combed through parts of a flattened cornfield in Swannanoa — a rural area razed by fierce floodwaters from Hurricane Helene a few months earlier. The deluge swept away entire homes, and with it, people’s beloved photos, keep

sakes and family heirlooms. Many have accepted that they are gone forever.

But lost items remain scattered across the region — tangled in gnarled trees, washed up in deep ravines and buried under mud. That’s why Holtz is on a mission: find and reunite those cherished possessions with storm victims who don’t have the time or energy to look themselves.

“It’s not just trash, and it’s not just trees and pieces of metal,” Holtz says. “It’s their lives. This is their hearts,

HANNAH SCHOENBAUM / AP PHOTO

Payton McNabb, a senior at Hiwassee Dam High School in Murphy, speaks at a news conference about transgender inclusion in sports at the North Carolina Legislative Building on April 19, 2023.

MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO

Jill Holtz looks at a crumpled sonogram she found in the woods near a cornfield she was searching in Swannanoa.

COURTESY HILLCREST FD

FROM THE FARM | STEPHANIE CARTER

It’s Farmer’s Market season

If you don’t have the means or time to grow your own food, then support local farmers!

I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, but I couldn’t care less about whether that groundhog up north sees his shadow or not. We live in North Carolina, for crying out loud, and the weather here does what it wants! So take that Punxsutawney Phil!

Now that I got lost on that rabbit trail, let’s get back on topic! Here in N.C., we have a very diverse and unique array of growing zones, from 6a (mountains) to 9a (very southeastern tip of N.C.), allowing us to produce a wide range of crops! How exciting! If you don’t know what zone you live in, just look up the USDA hardiness zone map to see what grows in your area before planting random things like rhubarb if you live in a hotter area. Don’t assume box stores know what your area should be growing, either. Sometimes they have it right, and sometimes they’re more clueless than someone buying “oceanfront property in Arizona.”

(George Strait, 1987, “Ocean Front Property”)

However, if you do not have the means or time to grow your own food, then check out and support local farmers! By buying local, you have the ability to impact your area directly, and

that is something needed now more than ever. Your pocketbook will feel it a little more, so be prepared, but knowing your money is going to support someone local makes it worth it.

Here are several ways you can start supporting local farmers:

• Farmers markets: There are many to found throughout the state and many starting up. Some are year-round, but many are starting back this month or next. The Visit NC Farm app provided by the NCDA is a great resource for finding markets and farming activities close to you. The markets do have to register with NCDA to be on the app, so this is not a complete representation of what is available. Joining local Facebook pages can help you find local farmers and ask questions about them. Calling your county extension office or just Googling local should help you find one.

• Produce stands: I’m sure everyone has seen these by the side of the road.

• Small local grocery stores: Many times, these guys buy their products from local producers. There are many more ways to buy local! Please consider what impact you can have on your local economy!

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Protecting North Carolina jobs by protecting manufacturing

We now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people.

IT’S

A NEW day in Washington, D.C.

With President Donald Trump’s return and a Republican-controlled Congress, there is real hope for change that will strengthen our economy and make the nation more secure.

Before this new Congress, one of the first tasks is to make Trump’s first-term tax cuts permanent. Some of these cuts were enacted in 2017 but have already expired. If Congress does not act, more will disappear at the end of this year.

A new report from the National Association of Manufacturers shows why preserving these tax cuts is critical for North Carolina. Without action to extend the tax breaks, North Carolina could lose nearly 200,000 jobs and billions in economic activity. Those are steep costs that communities across North Carolina would pay.

The good news is that Republicans in Congress, including members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, are working hard on a tax bill. A quick look at the history of these tax cuts explains why this issue is a congressional priority.

The 2017 Trump tax cuts included tax breaks for individuals and businesses across the economy. Manufacturers, big and small, were among the bill’s principal beneficiaries. Lower domestic and international tax rates, new deductions for small business owners, and

incentives for innovation and investment spurred unprecedented manufacturing growth.

In 2018, the first year the tax cuts were in place, manufacturers created jobs at the highest rate in decades. Capital spending also spiked as manufacturers took advantage of tax reform to purchase new equipment, raise wages and expand facilities.

We in North Carolina benefited from this manufacturing resurgence. Across the state, we now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people. The industry accounts for almost 15% of our gross domestic product, adding $98.5 billion to our economy.

Today, some of the world’s leading manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and chemistry call the Tarheel State home. Last year, Site Selection Group named us the best state in the U.S. for manufacturing due to our strong, educated workforce, pro-business climate and geography.

In 2025, Congress can keep the momentum going and protect North Carolina’s manufacturing sector by restoring Trump’s pro-manufacturing tax code.

Among the most vital tax provisions that Congress must renew are those that lower costs for research and innovation

The top task for Team Trump

The dollar now represents just 59% of global reserves, down from 70% in 2000.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP has entered his second term with a bold agenda and unprecedentedly rapid action.

In the first month of his presidency, he signed 73 executive orders; he unleashed his Department of Government Efficiency, spearheaded by Elon Musk, to identify waste, fraud and abuse across executive branch agencies; he deployed his foreign policy team to the Middle East to broker an agreement in Ukraine and press for the end of Hamas in Gaza; he freed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to target criminal illegal immigration, and Border Patrol to enforce our southern border. All of that is both good and popular.

But there is a threat haunting the second Trump term. That threat is economic recession. Joe Biden left Donald Trump with a shaky economy.

The inflation rate remains high, at 3%, and moving in the wrong direction; interest rates are already high by recent standards, at 4.33%. The Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates to inflate the economy in time for the election now looks like jumping the gun.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading at nearly 25 times price to earnings; the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks (Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Tesla and Nvidia) average a P/E ratio of above 50. For point of reference, investor

extraordinaire Benjamin Graham, mentor of Warren Buffett, recommended that a healthy P/E ratio generally capped out around 15.

The technological advancement of AI — incredible though it is — has generated investment that has yet to translate to consummate productivity gains; in other words, there is a good chance that we are in an AI bubble as well. For what it’s worth, this isn’t a knock on AI; the internet bubble of the late 1990s wasn’t an indicator that the internet was overrated, merely that every new technology brings a gusher of investment that eventually ratchets down into the most productive channels. But it is fair to say that many of the stocks most tied to AI will see a decline over coming years.

Meanwhile, the bloat of government spending continues to inject money into an already inflated economy. In 2024, the federal government spent approximately $6.75 trillion. The vast majority of that spending comes in the form of entitlements, means-tested welfare programs and interest on the national debt. DOGE will touch little of this. The reality is that the United States is in a debt spiral from which it is unlikely to emerge without serious fiscal restructuring. And the world is already moving away from the dollar as the world’s reserve currency: A report from Brookings Institution found that the dollar now represents just 59% of global

by allowing businesses to expense and deduct certain costs. Also, lawmakers’ priorities are keeping exclusions that protect small, family-owned manufacturers from the estate tax and maintaining individual and corporate tax rates that have helped business owners keep more of their hard-earned money and compete on an international scale.

Beyond getting the policy right, Congress’s timing is critical. Currently, manufacturers across our state are making hiring and production plans for the years ahead. Other manufacturers outside our state consider North Carolina a possible place to relocate or expand. The sooner Congress provides certainty that the U.S. tax code will continue to support manufacturers, the sooner business leaders can lock in their decisions and make additional investments in our state.

As a North Carolina legislator, I am proud of our work in Raleigh to make our state a place where businesses can thrive. We have cut the corporate tax rate, invested in our infrastructure, and streamlined state regulations.

Thankfully, North Carolina legislators again have strong partners in the nation’s capital.

Eight years ago, Trump and Republicans in Congress helped North Carolina launch a manufacturing boom. In 2025, it is time for Congress to do it again by sending a bill to Trump’s desk that permanently makes all of 2017’s pro -manufacturing tax policies.

Sen. Todd Johnson represents District 35 in the N.C. Senate and is majority whip.

reserves, down from 70% in 2000. As the Trump administration pursues sanctions and tariffs, that trend could accelerate.

So what should Team Trump do? First, the focus should quickly shift toward cutting regulations — the true sand in the gears of American commerce.

Second, the Republican Congress must move with alacrity to enshrine Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanently, ensuring a predictable tax regime for purposes of investment. Third, there should be serious consideration of reevaluating those means-tested welfare programs — programs that, as House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington points out, are the chief drivers of our continuing spending crisis.

There is only one path toward economic prosperity for the United States: economic freedom and fiscal sanity. Both can be achieved. But the Trump administration should move fast because the hole blown into the side of the American economy by consecutive decades of irresponsibility is already sinking the ship.

Ben Shapiro’s new collection, “Facts and Furious: The Facts About America and Why They Make Leftists Furious,” is available now. Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | SEN. TODD JOHNSON

HELENE from page A1 their homes, the generations of history.”

Searching the cornfield

Over the past few months, Holtz has spent much of her free time making the nearly four-hour drive from Raleigh to Swannanoa to search for lost items. She balances her job as a North Carolina National Guard captain and being a mom to two sons — a 10-year-old and a 24-year-old. It’s difficult being away, Holtz says, but her kids support her efforts.

Holtz first visited western North Carolina after the storm on duty delivering aid. Then, while helping retrieve lost objects in Swannanoa for Violet Vardiman — a woman Holtz fondly calls “Miss Violet” — Holtz realized how many other missing belongings were out there. So she kept coming back. Holtz posts her finds to Facebook in hopes of finding their owners.

At first, searching for lost belongings was overwhelming because of the sheer volume of objects strewn about, Holtz says. Now, she looks a few feet ahead of her at a time to stay focused.

She’s learned other tips and tricks, too. Use larger pieces of debris to store missing keepsakes while walking. Put on a hat or your hair will get caught in tree branches. Wear gloves and sturdy boots. And if you see a Dallas Cowboys mat, stomp on it first before picking it up — Holtz, after all, is a Buffalo Bills fan.

After exploring the cornfield and adjacent woods for about 20 minutes, Holtz already has a handful to bring back — an 8-track tape, a teddy bear with golden wings and plenty of pho -

MCNABB from page A1

fencing response, which is an indication of a traumatic brain injury, following a forceful blow to the head from a volleyball spike by a biological male playing on the opponent’s team.

McNabb was playing volleyball on the Hiwassee Dam High School team, located in Cherokee County, when the injury occurred. As a result of the incident involving McNabb, the school board voted to forfeit all future games against the team involved or any team with a transgender athlete on it.

McNabb says the impact of the blow left her with significant long-term physical and mental effects, including impaired vision, partial paralysis on her right side, and anxiety and depression. She was also forced to abandon her goal of playing college softball.

In April 2023, McNabb testified in front of the North Carolina House Judiciary Committee alongside All-American swimmer Riley Gaines, who has been a leader with the Independent Women’s Forum on the issue. At that time, Gaines posted the video of McNabb’s injury to the social media plat-

tos. Despite some scratches and their sun-bleached tone, the photos are in decent shape for what they’ve been through. As Holtz walks back to her truck, she squints and scours the cornstalks for anything she missed. Holtz views each valuable she finds as an opportunity for joy, and if it’s left behind, there’s no guarantee it will be there next time.

Holding onto belongings until the time is right

What Holtz found in the cornfield will join the collection of other lost possessions in her trailer as she tries to find their

form X to underscore the severity of the situation.

McNabb told members of the committee that she was forced to quit the rest of the season and still was experiencing pain, neurological injuries and was also having learning issues.

Female Democrats offered pushback during committee hearings that month leading up to the bill’s passage.

During a House Judiciary Committee meeting, Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guildford) called the bill a “solution looking for a problem” while citing a small number of males playing on female teams.

Sen. Natasha Marcus (D-Mecklenburg), during a Senate Education/Higher Education Committee meeting, seemed to doubt McNabb’s incident involved a male.

“I understand there was one report at a volleyball game where it’s unclear if the athlete was a trans athlete and if that was the reason, injuries happen,” Marcus. “I will point out injuries happen in sports all the time. We don’t need legislation to try to protect everyone and in every case.”

Then-Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed House Bill 574, stating in his veto message that, “We don’t

owners. The spread inside resembles a garage sale.

Photos make up a large chunk of Holtz’s collection. Pictures captured from weddings, school and simple slices of life. Just from collecting photos, Holtz says she feels like she knows some people’s entire life story without ever meeting them.

To restore photos, she’s developed her own cleaning routine: Use cool water and rubbing alcohol, then carefully scrub with a soft toothbrush. It’s time-consuming yet therapeutic.

Holtz sets down a large mud-spattered canvas — a piece that will require the toothbrush treatment — and slowly pours

“Thank you for giving a voice to this issue!!!”

Payton McNabb on X

need politicians inflaming their political culture wars by making broad, uninformed decisions about an extremely small number of vulnerable children that are already handled by a robust system that relies on parents, schools and sports organizations.”

McNabb responded to Cooper’s veto message, saying, “I can’t comprehend why we’re even having to have this debate. Allowing biological males to compete against biological females is dangerous. This is an incredibly important bill to me especially because I had to live it. I may be the first to suffer an injury, but if this doesn’t pass, I won’t be the last.”

Gaines echoed McNabb’s sentiments on the veto, stating, “His argument, actually, I didn’t understand it at all.”

“He essentially said that, if we were to pass (H.B. 574) ultimately in the long term, it hurts women,” said Gaines. “I couldn’t grasp what he means.”

“Getting back history”

water over it. The gentle stream crackles against the crisp canvas. Faces emerge from the splotchy, brown haze. It’s a family portrait, Holtz says.

“I hope I find the owner of that,” she says softly. Since Holtz started posting pictures of the lost possessions on Facebook, she’s consistently in contact with about 15 families. She has returned belongings to some and is waiting to connect in person with others. Some of the families have evacuated the state and haven’t returned — but Holtz doesn’t mind holding onto their things.

Cooper’s veto was overridden by lawmakers in August 2023.

No Democrats in the Senate supported the override, however, two House Democrats did. The debate on men in women’s sports and spaces was a running theme under former President Joe Biden, who directed the U.S. Department of Education to issue changes to Title IX that altered the definition of sex to include gender identity. The change allowed for males to compete on female sports teams and opened up female locker rooms and bathrooms to males.

States sued over the rule change, which was dealt a final legal blow this January after a federal judge’s ruling struck it down nationwide. The ruling followed the Biden administration quietly withdrawing the rule from the Federal Register in December 2024. The withdrawal notice cited mounting legal challenges and public comments opposing the rule.

In early February, Trump made headlines for signing the executive order “Keeping Men Out Of Women’s Sports.” The president signed the order in the Oval Office surrounded by young women and girls.

Trump’s order directs the

The next day, Holtz sets up her trailer by the cornfield. She had posted her location to social media and patiently waits to see if anyone comes. About a half hour later, a silver SUV pulls over. A woman from Swannanoa, Angie McGee, steps out. McGee is looking for lost photos. The 42-year-old searched for her family’s belongings after Helene washed away her home, but she wasn’t successful. Wearing black latex gloves, she rubs caked dirt from the photos and notices familiar faces: her brother, her father and her son. She even spots her ultrasound photos — the same scroll that Jill had picked up the day before.

She is stunned. McGee can’t believe the photos traveled nearly 2 miles downriver from her home — much less that Holtz had somehow found them. After months of anguish over what she had lost, McGee says she is finally “getting history back.”

“She done brought back a smile to me, she done brought back life to me. Not just me, my family,” McGee says. “Because, you know, there were things we lost that we thought maybe we never get back.”

At one point, McGee’s gaze settles on football shoulder pads with silver marker writing. The sight brings her to tears. They belong to her 12-year-old son, Link.

Holtz tries to not to cry. Later, the two women embrace before McGee leaves with her things. Giving people back their lost hope is why Holtz says she continues this work. But in these reunifying moments, it gives Holtz a little of her own hope, too.

“I’m in no hurry, and I don’t expect them to be in a hurry,” she says. “They’re still getting their lives back together.”

secretary of Education to enforce Title IX in a way that reserves women’s sports exclusively for biological females, instructs that agency to rescind funding from educational programs that allow transgender women to compete in women’s sports and directs other agencies to develop policies to protect women. McNabb is mentioned by name in the order’s fact sheet. North Carolina native Linda McMahon was confirmed to lead the Education Department on Monday. Democrats in Congress have continued to oppose legislation banning transgender athletes, most recently with Senate Democrats blocking advancement of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The vote was 51-45, which is short of the 60 needed to move the bill forward. All 45 who voted in opposition were Democrats. North Carolina’s Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd voted yes.

The House passed the Act by a vote of 218-206 in January, and all but two Democrats voted the measure down. North Carolina U.S. Reps. Alma Adams, Valerie Foushee and Deborah Ross all voted no. Rep. Don Davis voted present.

MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO

Jill Holtz somberly holds a burial flag she pulled from the mud — one of the most emotional moments in her searches, she said — and is waiting to return to a family she contacted.

HOKE SPORTS

SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP

Baseball, softball, girls’ soccer open play

North State Journal staff

HOKE COUNTY’S basketball season came to an end, while the wrestlers made an impact on the mat at the state championships.

Boys’ volleyball

Hoke’s newest varsity sport took another step forward as the brand new boys’ volleyball team held its first practice last week, with nearly two dozen prospective players in attendance. The Bucks will compete in the NCBVA.

Girls’ soccer

The Bucks girls’ soccer team opened with a 1-2 record, beating Lumberton 1-0 at home. Hoke opened with a 4-1 road loss at Terry Sanford and also fell at home to Cape Fear 3-0.

This week, the Bucks open league play at home against Scotland. They also host Seventy-First in a nonleague game, then have their first Sandhills

Conference road game, at Lee County.

Softball

Hoke County softball has had its hitting shoes on to start the season. The Bucks have scored in double figures in all three games so far, opening the season with a 3-0 record.

Hoke won a home-and-home series with Jack Britt by 10-6 and 14-4 scores. Sandwiched in between those two games was an 11-10 home win over St Pauls.

Hoke has been led by right fielder Kailey Bowman, catcher Alyssa Cascavilla and pitcher Niya Jones, who all are batting over .500. Cascavilla leads

the team in steals and slugging, while Jones has team highs in hits and RBIs.

This week, the Bucks try to keep things rolling with games at Scotland and home against Red Springs and Lee County. Scotland and Lee are both Sandhills Conference games.

Baseball

The Bucks opened baseball season with a pair of losses. Hoke County dropped a home-and-home series with Jack Britt, losing on the road 7-5 and at home 12-5.

Junior Carson Hewitt had five strikeouts on the mound in the opener, while seniors Connor Oldham, Jacob Borman and Chase Carter all recorded hits. In game two, Oldham, Hewitt, Emmanuel Parsons and Jayden Hollingsworth got hits.

This week, Hoke has a homeand-home with Scotland, sandwiched around a home game wit hRed Springs. The Bucks close the week with a game at Lumberton.

Hoke County’s brand new boys’ volleyball team holds its first practice ever. Here,

hitting drill against the wall.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Niya Jones

Hoke County, softball

Jones has led the Bucks on the mound and at the plate as Hoke jumped out to wins in their first three games of the season. In the opener, she had three hits and scored a run while striking out nine in a complete game to beat Jack Britt. In the rematch with Britt, she had three hits, including a double, and drove in four runs while going the distance and striking out three on the mound.

Against St. Pauls, she had a hit, run and RBI and struck out 10 in 6.1 innings to record another win.

After beating UNC with a dramatic buzzer beater, the Nova hero lost his championship ring

By Dan Gelston

The Associated Press

GLEN MILLS, Pa. — Kris Jenkins owes a Villanova fan a drink. Or maybe a shot as memorable as his in the 2016 national championship game.

At the very least, the next time he’s in the French Quarter, the former Villanova star who sunk a March Madness buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win a national title needs to keep his championship ring more secure on his finger.

“I didn’t technically lose it,” Jenkins said with a laugh. “I just misplaced it.”

Ah yes, a brain cramp is a common refrain from anyone having a good time anywhere, much less at New Orleans landmark Pat O’Brien’s during the 2022 Final Four. The Wildcats, under Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright, reached the Final Four played that year at the Superdome. Villanova players past and present swarmed the area to root on the Wildcats.

At some point that weekend, in one of the few cities where the

“Let’s just say,” Jenkins said, “having a good time can turn into a disaster.” Jenkins needed about a second to lift the Wildcats past UNC to win the 2016 national championship. He needed more than two years to get his prized ring back.

madness outside the arena often exceeds what’s happening inside for the pinnacle of college basketball, Jenkins showed off his ring and — poof! — somehow it disappeared. Gone for good?

Not quite. The ring was recovered somewhere in the bar by a patron who presumed it belonged to someone important — a big clue, the oversized V in the middle of “national champions” on top of the ring and “Jenkins” on the side. So when the person spotted a woman in a Villanova shirt, the bling was handed off to 2014 graduate and fellow reveler Deirdre Keane.

“He said, ‘This one looks important,‘” Keane recalled of that moment.

“I was wearing it on my hand

all day,” Keane said with a laugh. “It didn’t fit. It was a little big.” And it was, honestly, she says, her intent to return to the ring to Jenkins. She tried passing it along through another former Villanova basketball player, but when that attempt fell through, well, what’s that expression about possession is nine-tenths of the law?

“I just kind of forgot to keep pursuing to get it back,” Keane said.

Jenkins was too sheepish about the incident to tell anyone he lost the ring. Plus, it’s not like he expected to find it on eBay.

“What can you do with it? You can keep it and try to sell it and do whatever, but at the end of the day, my name is on it,” he said.

Fast-forward to October

2022, and Keane’s dad attended a reception with Wright as the keynote speaker. Also at the reception was 1985 Villanova national champion Brian Harrington, who was there when Kevin Keane told Wright: I think my daughter has Kris Jenkins’ national championship ring.

The trio got Jenkins on the phone and he confessed: Yes, he lost his ring.

“Yeah, that’s mine,” Jenkins said. “Can I get that back?”

For a variety of reasons, the return process dragged to November 2024 when Harrington and fellow ’85 Wildcat Chuck Everson returned the ring to Jenkins ahead of his duties when the novice color analyst called a St. John’s game for FS2.

Jenkins flashed that ring — a bit more snug, this time — and posed for a photo with Harrington and Everson.

“Of all the people in the world, a Villanova Wildcat? It’s just how we roll,” Jenkins said. “Somehow, someway, we’re just always showing love and looking out.”

HCHS BUCKS SOFTBALL / FACEBOOK

HC BUCKS ATHLETICS / FACEBOOK

players do a

Bell makes late charge, holds off Byron for win

A late pass on Kyle Busch produced his second straight NASCAR victory

By Jim Vertuno The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Christopher Bell is making the most of his late-race chances to seize victories.

Bell passed Kyle Busch with five laps to go, then held off Daytona 500 winner William Byron to win the NASCAR Cup Series’ first road course race of the season Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas.

The late-race drama produced Bell’s second consecutive victory after his overtime win in Atlanta a week earlier.

Once Bell cleared Busch, the Oklahoma driver had to make a desperate bid to keep his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in front of the hard-charging Byron in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, and the Toyota of 2023 race winner Tyler Reddick of 23X1 Racing.

Bell raced to his 11th career victory and is a multiple race winner for the fourth consecutive season. Busch, who led 43 of 95 laps in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, faded to fifth as his winless streak stretched to 60 races dating to 2023.

“These road courses races are just so much fun,” Bell said. “(Busch) was doing such a good job running his race. He bobbled and allowed me to get out front. When he did, I just said, ‘Don’t beat yourself.’”

The furious nip-and-tuck finish could have ended in a crash that ruined someone’s race and jumbled the field with a late caution flag. Busch and Bell have a heated history of collisions in Austin, notably last year when Busch confronted the younger driver over contact in a race where Bell finished second.

This time, everyone kept it clean all the way to the end.

“Amazing to have such respectful clean, hard racing. It was a beautiful way to end a race,” Bell said.

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL NFL franchise tags increase with record-high salary cap Indianapolis NFL quarterbacks will have the highest franchise tag cost at $40.242 million, up $7.5 million from last year. The league released figures for franchise and transition tags on Friday, a day after announcing the salary cap has increased to a recordhigh $279.2 million in 2025. Linebackers are second to quarterbacks with a franchise number of $25.452 million, and defensive tackles are close behind at $25,123,100.

WNBA

Mercury’s Taurasi retires after 20 WNBA seasons, 3 titles, 6 Olympic golds

Phoenix Diana Taurasi is retiring after 20 seasons, ending one of the greatest careers in women’s basketball history. The WNBA’s career scoring leader and a three-time league champion, Taurasi announced her retirement in an interview with Time magazine. The Phoenix Mercury — the only WNBA team she played for — also confirmed it. The 42-year- old won her sixth Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games and finishes her WNBA career with 10,646 points, nearly 3,000 more than second-place Tina Charles. She led UConn to three consecutive national titles, and the Mercury selected her No. 1 overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft.

“Amazing to have such respectful clean, hard racing. It was a beautiful way to end a race.”

Christopher Bell

That didn’t mean Byron wasn’t pushing him hard. And Byron had his own battle with Reddick, who was looking for an opening to attack the front.

“I couldn’t never get beside (Bell). We’ve always raced well

GOLF

After 5 years in jail, Peake wins New Zealand Open, qualifies for British Open

Queenstown, New Zealand Ryan Peake, an Australian former motorcycle gang member who turned to golf to turn his life around, has earned a place at the British Open by winning the 104th New Zealand Open by one stroke. The 31-year-old from Western Australia called the win “life-changing” after sinking a par putt on the 72nd hole to avoid a four-way playoff with fellow Australian Jack Thompson, South African Ian Snyman and Japan’s Kazuki Higi. He earned about $112,000 U.S. for winning.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Texas raising football ticket prices due to cost of paying players, more scholarships

Austin, Texas

Texas will be raising football season ticket prices by $13 per game next season as one of the wealthiest programs in the country tries to meet rising costs. Athletic director Chris Del Conte announced the price increase in his annual campus town hall. He detailed the program’s expected finances upon final approval of a landmark $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that lays the foundation for players to receive money directly from their schools. Texas will have nearly $30 million in new costs and about 200 new scholarships across all sports.

together, I didn’t want to move him blatantly,” Byron said.

Even Busch complimented Bell’s driving.

“I’ll give Christopher credit,” Busch said. “He ran me really hard.” Bell’s crew chief, Adam Ste-

vens, said the consecutive wins on a superspeedway oval and a road course show the team can fight for wins every week, starting with the next two races in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

“We don’t think there’s a track that we go to that we don’t have a chance to win,” Stevens said.

“We have everything we need to win every single weekend.”

Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott started third and quickly dropped to the back when he spun by Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in the first

turn, but he fought his way back through the field to fourth. Connor Zilisch had a wild day in his Cup Series debut for Trackhouse. The 18-year-old started 14th and dropped back with contact in the first lap. He recovered to get back within in the top 15 by the start of the third stage. That’s when his day ended. Zilisch couldn’t avoid a spin by teammate Daniel Suarez in lap 50, smashed into the wall, and had to scramble out of his car when it caught fire.

STEPHEN SPILLMAN / AP PHOTO

Christopher Bell pulls into Turn 19 on his way to a NASCAR Cup Series win at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Jonathan “Jon” Shelton Calloway

Oct. 17, 1973 –Feb. 24, 2025

Jonathan Shelton Calloway, age 51, of Raeford, North Carolina passed away at home on February 24, 2025.

Jonathan (Jon) Calloway was born to Elsie and Shelby Calloway in Cumberland County, North Carolina in October of 1973 and was a native of Raeford, North Carolina where he graduated from Hoke County High School in 1993.

During his youth, Jon could often be found enjoying the pleasures of a childhood in the country with his younger brother Steven. The pair regularly enjoyed riding their dirt bike and three-wheeler along the trails they made. They also loved riding the tractor with their dad, Shelby and would fight over who got to steer. He also enjoyed fishing on the ponds around the farm. Jon also shared fond memories with his brother Steven and their mom and dad, Bill, including a memorable trip to both Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a child, Jon enjoyed regular target practice and learning gun safety with his brother. One of his favorite things was being a member of the church softball league. He spent many summers on the field playing softball with friends and family.

Throughout his preteen and teen years, Jon was seriously into electronics. He loved a good set of speakers and a stereo. He loved making mixed tapes of his favorite 80s music. By the time he graduated high school his music collection, both homemade and purchased, was immense. Jon was always first in line for new releases by his favorite artists. The only thing to rival his music collection would be his equally large collection of VHS tapes and DVDs.

During this same time, Jon got a CB base station and spent many hours connecting with people under the handle “Lonely Boy”.

Throughout his school career, Jon participated in track and field competitions with the Special Olympics. Always with his best buddy Israel. Throughout his life the Special Olympics remained very close to his heart.

After high school Jon had several jobs including working at Kmart, but his favorite was working as a security guard for the golf course in Southern Pines, North Carolina. He talked often and fondly about that time in his life and

obituaries

how it brought back good memories.

Jon loved many things in life, but his greatest loves were the Lord and football. Specifically, Dallas Cowboys football. Jon truly was their NUMBER ONE fan. When Dallas was on lookout, nothing was keeping him from the game. One of his fondest memories was when he was able to visit the Stadium as a child. Next to that would be the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers game he got to attend for his birthday.

Most recently Jon could often be found enjoying the sunshine on his front porch with his dog Peanut or laughing his head off to a funny TV show while enjoying a junior bacon cheeseburger with mayonnaise on both sides of the bread. Not too many burgers though. He loved visiting with his parents and getting together with his brothers and sisters and their families. Jon was a spiritual person and was always willing to talk about God and his many blessings.

To those who knew him, Jon was a blessing. His kindness and loving nature could be felt by anyone he crossed paths with. Those of us who knew him and had him in our lives are truly blessed and will be forever grateful.

He is survived by his loving parents Mary and Bill Love and Shelby Calloway all of Raeford; brother, Steven Calloway and wife Leanne; sister Kelly Calloway Peele and husband Tim; sister Shelly Blanton and husband Andy; and brother Lawrence Calloway and fiancé Melinda. Bonus sister Lee Ann Paul. Nephews Logan Calloway, Matthew Peele and wife Grace, Vincent Smith and Justin Smith. Great niece Pressley Smith and great nephew Colton Smith. Aunts Joyce and Laura as well as his Uncle Bob. He is also survived by his beloved canine companion and guardian, Peanut.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Jon’s caregivers Keith McPhatter and Mary Goodwin, along with Kim, Devon and the staff at TT and T Services for taking such good care of Jon. The family would also like to express their appreciation for the amazing care provided to Jon by Dr. Bobby Maynor and his nurse Trivia McKenzie.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jon’s honor to one of the following:

The Special Olympics of North Carolina: sonc.net.

The Ronald McDonald House Durham: rmbstriangle .org. NAMI North Carolina: naminc.org.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 02, 2025, from 2-3 p.m. at Crumpler Funeral Home 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.

Service will follow at 3 p.m. Burial will be in the Five Point Community Church Cemetery, 2999 Calloway Rd, Raeford, NC 28376.

Boris Spassky, chess champion who lost match to Bobby Fischer, dies at 88

The Soviet grandmaster brought international attention to chess

The Associated Press

MOSCOW — Boris Spassky, a Soviet-era world chess champion who lost his title to American Bobby Fischer in a legendary 1972 match that became a proxy for Cold War rivalries, died Thursday in Moscow. He was 88.

The death of the one-time chess prodigy was announced by the International Chess Federation, the game’s governing body. No cause was given.

Spassky was “one of the greatest players of all time,” the group said on the social platform X. He “left an indelible mark on the game.”

The televised 1972 match with Fischer, at the height of the Cold War, became an international sensation and was known as the “Match of the Century.”

When Fischer won the international chess crown in Reykjavik, Iceland, the then29-year-old chess genius from Brooklyn, New York, brought the U.S. its first world chess title.

Fischer, known to be testy and difficult, died in 2008. After his victory over Spassky, he later forfeited the title by refusing to defend it.

Former world champion Garry Kasparov wrote on X that Spassky “was never above befriending and mentoring

the next generation, especially those of us who, like him, didn’t fit comfortably into the Soviet machine.”

Spassky emigrated to France in 1976. On its website, the chess federation called Spassky’s match with Fischer “one of the most iconic” in the history of the game.

Yugoslav grandmaster Svetozar Gligoric said that Spassky’s secret strength “lay in his colossal skill in adapting himself to the different styles of his opponents,” The Washington Post reported. The chess federation called Spassky “the first genuinely universal player” who “was not an opening specialist, but he excelled in complex and dy-

namic middlegame positions where he was in his element.”

At the time of their famous match, the Soviet Union had compiled an unbroken streak of world chess championships that stretched back decades.

After his loss, Spassky went home to a cold reception in the Soviet Union, where he had become a national disappointment, the Post said. He said he was not allowed to leave the country, and his marriage, his second, fell apart.

“I feel at home at the chessboard,” he was quoted as saying in a recollection of the Reykjavik match published by the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2022, the Post said. “Our chess kingdom does not have borders.”

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, dies at 82

The couple met the day the country star moved to Nashville

By Maria Sherman The Associated Press

CARL DEAN, Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, died Monday in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 82.

According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton’s publicist, Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,” Parton wrote in a statement.

The family has asked for respect and privacy. No cause of death was announced.

Parton met Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat the day she moved to Nashville at 18.

CHARLIE RIEDEL / AP PHOTO

Dolly Parton performs during an event celebrating the Kansas statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on Aug. 14, 2023, in Overland Park, Kansas.

“I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),” Parton described the meeting. “He seemed to be

genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”

They married two years later, on Memorial Day — May 30, 1966 — in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.

Dean was a businessman, having owned an asphalt-paving business in Nashville. His parents, Virginia “Ginny” Bates Dean and Edgar “Ed” Henry Dean, had three children. Parton referred to his mother as “Mama Dean.”

Dean is survived by Parton and his two siblings, Sandra and Donnie.

Parton and Dean kept strict privacy around their relationship for decades, Parton telling The Associated Press in 1984: “A lot of people say there’s no Carl Dean, that he’s just somebody I made up to keep other people off me.”

She joked that she’d like to pose with him on the cover of a magazine “So that people could at least know that I’m not married to a wart or something.”

J. WALTER GREEN / AP PHOTO

Bobby Fischer, right, and Boris Spassky play their last game together in Reykjavik, Iceland, on Aug. 31, 1972.

STATE & NATION

US tariffs take effect and Mexico, Canada and China retaliate with their own

President Donald Trump is using economic tools as a foreign policy stick

By Josh Boak, Paul Wiseman and Rob Gillies The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge and setting up costly retaliations by the United States’ North American allies.

Starting just past midnight, imports from Canada and Mexico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties.

The 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%, and Beijing retaliated Tuesday with tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports. It also expanded the number of U.S. companies subject to export controls and other restrictions by about two dozen.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would slap tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days. Mexico didn’t immediately detail any retaliatory measures.

Following Canada and China, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that Mexico will respond to 25% tariffs imposed by the United States with its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

Sheinbaum said she will announce the products Mexico will target on Sunday in a public event in Mexico City’s central plaza, perhaps with the delay indicating Mexico still hopes to de-escalate the trade war set off by Trump.

The U.S. president’s moves raised fears of higher inflation and the prospect of a trade war even as he promised the American public that taxes on imports are the easiest path to national prosperity. He has shown a willingness to buck the warnings of mainstream economists and put his own public approval on the line, believing that tariffs can fix what ails the country.

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form,” Trump said Monday at the White House. “And now we’re using them.”

U.S. markets dropped sharply Monday after Trump said there was “no room left” for negotiations that could lower the tariffs. Shares in Europe and Asia were mostly lower Tuesday after they took effect.

The Canada and Mexico tariffs were supposed to begin in February, but Trump agreed to a 30-day suspension to negotiate further with the two largest U.S. trading partners. The stat-

ed reason for the tariffs is to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and both countries say they’ve made progress on those issues. But Trump has also said the tariffs will only come down if the U.S. trade imbalance closes, a process unlikely to be settled on a political timeline.

The tariffs may be short-lived if the U.S. economy suffers. But Trump could also impose more tariffs on the European Union, India, computer chips, autos and pharmaceutical drugs. The American president has injected a disorienting volatility into the world economy, leaving it off balance as people wonder what he’ll do next.

“It’s chaotic, especially compared to the way we saw tariffs rolled out in the first (Trump) administration,” said Michael House, co-chair of the international trade practice at the Perkins Coie law firm. “It’s unpredictable. We don’t know, in fact, what the president will do.’’ Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticize the tariffs, and even some Republican senators raised alarms.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she’s “very concerned” about the tariffs going into effect because of her state’s proximity to Canada.

“Maine and Canada’s economy are integrated,” Collins said, explaining that much of the state’s lobsters and blueberries are processed in Canada and then sent back to the U.S.

The world economy is now caught in the fog of what appears to be a trade war.

Even after Trump announced Monday that the tariffs were going forward, Canadian officials were still in touch with their U.S. counterparts.

“The dialogue will continue, but we are ready to respond,” Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said in Ottawa as he went into a special Cabinet meeting on U.S.-Canada relations. “There are still discussions taking place.”

Shortly after Blair spoke, Trudeau said Canada would impose 25% tariffs on $155 billion Canadian ($107 billion U.S.) worth of American goods, starting with tariffs on $30 bil-

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form.”

President Donald Trump

lion Canadian ($21 billion U.S.) worth of goods immediately and on the remaining amount on American products in three weeks.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” Trudeau said.

The White House would like to see a drop in seizures of fentanyl inside the United States, not just on the northern and southern borders. Administration officials say that seizures of fentanyl last month in everywhere from Louisiana to New Jersey had ties to foreign cartels.

Damon Pike, technical practice leader for customs and trade services at the tax and consulting firm BDO, suggested the responses of other countries could escalate trade tensions and possibly increase the economic pressure points.

“Canada has their list ready,” Pike said. “The EU has their list ready. It’s going to be tit for tat.’’

Tim Houston, the leader of Canada’s Atlantic coast province of Nova Scotia, said he would direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove all

U.S. alcohol from store shelves. Houston also said his government will limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses and double the cost for commercial vehicles from the United States on a tolled highway.

The Trump administration has suggested inflation will not be as bad as economists claim, saying tariffs can motivate foreign companies to open factories in the United States. On Monday, Trump announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the computer chipmaker, would be investing $100 billion in domestic production.

Still, it can take time to relocate factories spread across the world and train workers with the skills they need.

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, said the 20% tariffs on Chinese goods will be “crippling” for the toy industry, as nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China.

“There’s a sophistication of manufacturing, of the tooling,” he said. “There’s a lot of handcrafting that is part of these toys that a lot of people don’t understand … the face painting, the face masks, the hair weaving, the hair braiding, the cut and sew for plush to get it to look just so. All of that are very high hands, skilled labor that has been passed through generations in the supply chain that exists with China.”

For a president who has promised quick results, Ahearn added a note of caution about how quickly U.S. factories could match their Chinese rivals.

“That can’t be replicated overnight,” he said.

AP PHOTO

JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Sunlight shines through the flags of Canada and the United States, held together by a protester outside on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 1.

This combination of file photos shows, from left, U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, China’s President Xi Jinping and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

MOORE COUNTY

Honored guest

Payton McNabb — standing next to second lady Usha Vance, right — waves as she is recognized by President Donald Trump during his speech at a joint session of Congress on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Turn to page A2 for more.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Commissioners approve new cellular tower off 24-27

NCDOR begins processing tax refunds

Raleigh The North Carolina Department of Revenue started processing individual income tax returns for 2024. Taxpayers can expect to receive refunds through the mail or direct deposit beginning the week of March 10. The NCDOR started accepting individual income tax returns Jan. 27 and encourages taxpayers to file electronically for security and convenience. Several free filing options are available. Individuals can check the status of their refunds through the “Where’s My Refund” application at ncdor.gov.

Pentagon changes name of Georgia Army base back to Fort Benning

Washington, D.C.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has, for the second time, reversed the renaming of a U.S. military base, saying that Fort Moore in Georgia should revert back to being called Fort Benning. The move reflects an effort by the Pentagon to overturn the Biden administration’s 2023 decision to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including for nine Army bases. The drive to revert to former names means that officials need to find service members with the same name as the Confederate leaders.

The new facility will expand broadband and cellular connectivity in the area

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Board of Commissioners has paved the way for the expansion of broadband on the Highway 24-27 corridor between Carthage and Robbins.

At its March 4 meeting, the board continued a public hearing for a conditional rezoning request for 0.11 acres of property located at 9739 North Carolina Highway 24-27 in order to construct a 259-foot wireless communications facility.

“The purpose of this facility is that it will complete coverage on 24-27, Carthage to

Robbins,” said attorney Jonathan Yates, who was representing the applicants. “This was a missing hole. … Folks traveling on the road can use their phones, folks living around there can use their phones and mobile broadband, but most importantly, it’s access to 911.”

According to the applicants, the facility is designed for Verizon, but both the tower and the 70-by-70-foot compound will also be able to support three additional broadband carriers if they choose to expand their coverage in the area.

Following the hearing, the board approved the request.

“We need cell service in that area for safety as well as for the people,” said Commissioner Jim Von Canon.

The board also approved the acquisition of property located at 406 Monroe St.

“It will complete coverage on 24-27, Carthage to Robbins.”

Jonathan Yates, applicant attorney

“As we moved into the renovations of the courthouse across the street, we had to move probation and parole out,” said County Manager Wayne Vest. “Once we did that, we leased the property at 406 Monroe St. Probation and parole have been in the space since August of last year, and when the renovations are complete, they’ll move back into the court facility across the street.”

“Once that happens though,

we’re going to have a series of building improvements and maintenance items that we need to tackle with our own facilities and moving staff around so having this additional space would be a tremendous benefit in doing that.”

The purchasing price for the property is $725,000 plus closing costs, and it will come already as furnished.

“We’ve been talking about this for quite a while and iIt makes perfect sense,” said Vice Chair Nick Picerno. “The building is fairly priced, we’ve been renting it — and it’s better to own than rent — and we’ll be using it in the future.”

The monthly lease payment to rent the building was approximately $5,200 per month.

Finally, the board approved the reclassification of the animal shelter attendant from a part-time position to a full-time one in order to help with increased workload demand at the county animal shelter.

“Over the past year, our shel-

Woman returns Helene ‘trash’ to rightful owners

Floods didn’t just sweep away homes; they took memories

By Makiya Seminera

The Associated Press

SWANNANOA — The tops of dried, bent cornstalks crunch underfoot. Jill Holtz’s gaze is fixed on the ground ahead. She wanders into the nearby woods and weaves between twisted branches. Then, Holtz spots something and starts to riffle through the withered twigs. To the untrained eye, it’s easy to overlook. But for Holtz, it’s instantaneous recognition. Scraggly, white lines give the appearance of shattered glass, but a name can still be made out at the top. It is a sonogram strip — crinkled, abused by the elements, but intact.

In early February, Holtz combed through parts of a flattened cornfield in Swannanoa

— a rural area razed by fierce floodwaters from Hurricane Helene a few months earlier. The deluge swept away entire homes, and with it, people’s beloved photos, keepsakes and family heirlooms. Many have accepted that they are gone forever.

But lost items remain scattered across the region — tangled in gnarled trees, washed up in deep ravines and buried under mud. That’s why Holtz is on a mission: find and reunite those cherished possessions with storm victims who don’t have the time or energy to look themselves.

“It’s not just trash, and it’s not just trees and pieces of metal,” Holtz says. “It’s their lives. This is their hearts, their homes, the generations of history.”

Searching the cornfield

Over the past few months, Holtz has spent much of her

free time making the nearly four-hour drive from Raleigh to Swannanoa to search for lost items. She balances her job as a North Carolina National Guard captain and being a mom to two sons — a 10-year- old and a 24-year-old. It’s difficult being away, Holtz says, but her kids support her efforts. Holtz first visited western North Carolina after the storm on duty delivering aid. Then, while helping retrieve lost objects in Swannanoa for Violet Vardiman — a woman Holtz fondly calls “Miss Violet” — Holtz realized how many other missing belongings were out there. So she kept coming back. Holtz posts her finds to Facebook in hopes of finding their owners.

At first, searching for lost belongings was overwhelming because of the sheer volume of objects strewn about, Holtz says. Now, she looks a few feet ahead of her at a time to stay focused.

She’s learned other tips and tricks, too. Use larger pieces of debris to store missing keepsakes while walking. Put on a hat or your hair will get caught in tree branches. Wear gloves and sturdy boots. And if you see a Dallas Cowboys mat, stomp on it first before picking it up — Holtz, after all, is a Buffalo Bills fan.

After exploring the cornfield and adjacent woods for about 20 minutes, Holtz already has a handful to bring back — an 8-track tape, a teddy bear with golden wings and plenty of photos. Despite some scratches and their sun-bleached tone, the photos are in decent shape for what they’ve been through.

As Holtz walks back to her truck, she squints and scours the cornstalks for anything she missed. Holtz views each valuable she finds as an opportunity for joy, and if it’s left behind,

THURSDAY 3.6.25

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

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Ryan Henkel, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

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MEETING from page A1

ter staff have taken a hard look at our operations, making improvements aimed at increasing adoptions and rescues, reducing euthanasia, while expanding ways to reach the public about stray and adoptable animals,” said Major Eric Galloway.

According to Galloway, the animal shelter identified ways to temporarily increase the functional shelter capacity, but to stay legally compliant with that, more work has been required.

“These changes have required extra effort from our staff, particularly when it comes to maintaining legal compliance under the new arrangement,” Galloway said. “The current employee in the part-time position brings years of experience to the table and would be a tremendous asset to have on our team full time.”

The Moore County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 18.

THURSDAY MARCH 6

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: moorecommunity@ northstatejournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

NC’s McNabb among special guests at Trump joint session address

She was injured while competing against a transgender volleyball player in 2022

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — President Donald Trump delivered his first address of his second term to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, outlining his administration’s plans for the nation with the main theme being the “Renewal of the American Dream,” and North Carolina’s Payton McNabb was among the special guests who joined the president and first lady at the address, including.

“Payton is a former high school athlete who had her dreams of competing in college sports crushed in a September 2022 volleyball match when a biological man playing on the opposing women’s team spiked the volleyball at Payton’s face, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury,” the press release states. “Payton joined with the Independent Women’s Forum and has made it her mission to put an end to this brutal unfairness.”

McNabb issued a statement on X that said it is an “incredible honor” to be the guest of the president and first lady.

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to be present and to have my story recognized as part of the fight to protect women’s sports. Thank you for giving a voice to this issue!!!” McNabb wrote.

McNabb spoke with North State Journal on several occasions as the legislature passed House Bill 574, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, during its 2023 session.

In one interview, McNabb described how she was knocked unconscious and exhibited a fencing response, which is an indication of a traumatic brain injury, following a forceful blow to the head from a volleyball spike by a biological male playing on the opponent’s team.

McNabb was playing volleyball on the Hiwassee Dam High School team, located in Cherokee County, when the injury occurred. As a result of the incident involving McNabb, the school board voted to forfeit all future games against the team involved or any team with a transgender athlete on it.

McNabb says the impact of the blow left her with significant long-term physical and mental effects, including impaired vision, partial paralysis on her right side, and anxiety and depression. She was also forced to abandon her goal of playing college softball.

In April 2023, McNabb testified in front of the North Caroli-

a news

na House Judiciary Committee alongside All-American swimmer Riley Gaines, who has been a leader with the Independent Women’s Forum on the issue. At that time, Gaines posted the video of McNabb’s injury to the social media platform X to underscore the severity of the situation.

McNabb told members of the committee that she was forced to quit the rest of the season and still was experiencing pain, neurological injuries and was also having learning issues.

Female Democrats offered pushback during committee hearings that month leading up to the bill’s passage.

During a House Judiciary Committee meeting, Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guildford) called the bill a “solution looking for a problem” while citing a small number of males playing on female teams.

Sen. Natasha Marcus (D-Mecklenburg), during a Senate Education/Higher Education Committee meeting, seemed to doubt McNabb’s incident involved a male.

“I understand there was one report at a volleyball game where it’s unclear if the athlete was a trans athlete and if that was the reason, injuries happen,” Marcus. “I will point out injuries happen in sports all the time. We don’t need legislation to try to protect everyone and in every case.”

Then-Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed House Bill 574, stating in his veto message that, “We don’t need politicians inflaming their political culture wars by making broad, uninformed decisions about an extremely small number of vulnerable children that are already handled by a robust system that relies on parents, schools and sports organizations.”

McNabb responded to Cooper’s veto message, saying, “I can’t comprehend why we’re even having to have this de-

MOORE CITIZENS FOR

bate. Allowing biological males to compete against biological females is dangerous. This is an incredibly important bill to me especially because I had to live it. I may be the first to suffer an injury, but if this doesn’t pass, I won’t be the last.”

Gaines echoed McNabb’s sentiments on the veto, stating, “His argument, actually, I didn’t understand it at all.”

“He essentially said that, if we were to pass (H.B. 574) ultimately in the long term, it hurts women,” said Gaines. “I couldn’t grasp what he means.”

Cooper’s veto was overridden by lawmakers in August 2023. No Democrats in the Senate supported the override, however, two House Democrats did. The debate on men in women’s sports and spaces was a running theme under former President Joe Biden, who directed the U.S. Department of Education to issue changes to Title IX that altered the definition of sex to include gender identity. The change allowed for males to compete on female sports teams and opened up female locker rooms and bathrooms to males.

States sued over the rule change, which was dealt a final legal blow this January after a federal judge’s ruling struck it down nationwide. The ruling followed the Biden administration quietly withdrawing the rule from the Federal Register in December 2024. The withdrawal notice cited mounting legal challenges and public comments opposing the rule.

In early February, Trump made headlines for signing the executive order “Keeping Men Out Of Women’s Sports.” The president signed the order in the Oval Office surrounded by young women and girls.

Trump’s order directs the secretary of Education to enforce Title IX in a way that reserves women’s sports exclusively for biological females, instructs that agency to rescind funding from educational programs that allow transgender women to compete in women’s sports and directs other agencies to develop policies to protect women. McNabb is mentioned by name in the order’s fact sheet. North Carolina native Linda McMahon was confirmed to lead the Education Department on Monday.

Democrats in Congress have continued to oppose legislation banning transgender athletes, most recently blocking advancement of the Senate’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The vote was 51-45, which is short of the 60 needed to move the bill forward. All 45 who voted in opposition were Democrats. North Carolina’s Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd voted yes.

COUNTY

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

March 6, 7, 8

Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House & Property Tours

1-4 p.m.

The Moore County Historical Association’s Shaw House grounds and properties are open for tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. The tours are free and open to all ages. Enjoy learning of the impressive history here in Moore County.

Shaw House 110 Morganton Road Southern Pines

March 7

Cosmic Bowling 6-11:55 p.m.

Enjoy a night of Family Fun at Sandhills Bowling Center. Cosmic Bowling is $17 per person and includes two hours of bowling and free shoe rental.

Sandhills Bowling Center 1680 N.C. Highway 5 Aberdeen

March 9

The Main Squeeze Live in Concert 3 p.m.

The Main Squeeze is coming to the Sunrise! Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the hottest funk bands stateside. Tickets are $27.50 each.

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

Becoming Led Zeppelin 8-10 p.m.

The documentary film “Becoming Led Zeppelin” explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise in just one year against all the odds. Powered by awe-inspiring, psychedelic, never-beforeseen footage, performances and music, Bernard MacMahon’s experiential cinematic odyssey explores Led Zeppelin’s creative, musical and personal origin story. PG-13.

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

HANNAH SCHOENBAUM / AP PHOTO

Payton McNabb, a senior at Hiwassee Dam High School in Murphy, speaks at

conference about transgender inclusion in sports at the North Carolina Legislative Building on April 19, 2023.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Deconstruction era, part 2

Eighth grade student achievement in reading and math continues to decline while mental health issues increase.

“Breaking up is hard to do.” ― Neil Sedaka

Democrat Party members look like so many fish caught in a net, futilely flipping this way then that way, trying to find purchase on any issue that will save them from extinction.

This is a painful divorce on full display in the media. The cuckold, the bully, the infidelity, the betrayal, the unthinkable loss of power to the MAGA mob is painful. They cannot stand it. Democratic leadership is reduced to trying to disrupt, dismantle and destroy the newly elected administration. Fearing righteous retribution, the liberal leadership will sacrifice the institution, if necessary, to regain control of the federal government.

The Department of Government Efficiency ripped off the first fig leaf exposing USAID for paying out billions of tax dollars to fraudulent money laundering schemes. While conservatives in government try to identify fiscal abuse by auditing departments, the bureaucrats are hiding the books and calling the judges. How painful to learn that our generous foreign aid was made a cuckold by decades of corruption.

The Democrats are crying wolf, saying that we will forsake the poor and starve the needy. Where is their outrage for the billions of dollars paid into the pockets of a few people in control. Elon Musk is condemned for discovering this blatant corruption, but the embezzlers like George Soros and the Clintons get a pass.

The Republican administration is accused of acting like a bully, demanding that government employees return to their

offices and get to work. Deemed even more insulting, many were asked to email their employer listing accomplished tasks they had recently performed. To most employers, this is business as usual, but the liberals again called up the judges to obstruct this request.

Meanwhile, the government buildings you own and maintain are only about 25% occupied. Additionally, offers extended to government employees for a generous buyout option is reported as an outrageous abuse of worker’s rights. Conservatives find this needless inefficiency a terrible waste of talent and treasure.

FEMA got caught with its pants down. First came the horrific Hurricane Helene, then the ferocious fires in California. FEMA was broke. Money escrowed for natural disasters was diverted to housing, feeding and transporting illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities. Another betrayal, hearts broken, lives lost. The foundational faith in government fairness was washed away in the Swannanoa River. It was not until late January, under the Trump administration, that federal aid and manpower were deployed to western North Carolina, the first step in resurrecting the relationship.

Dr. Anthony Fauci climbed into bed with the World Health Organization and big pharma. These strange bedfellows orchestrated a disaster all their own.

Generations to come will pay the price for the health crisis caused by these agencies tinkering with vaccines and bioweapons. Social engineering, culture compliance and coercion caused the utter collapse of societies around the world. Love, comfort and care for the sick and elderly became a punishable offence in the name of science.

Protecting North Carolina jobs by protecting manufacturing

We now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people.

IT’S A NEW day in Washington, D.C.

With President Donald Trump’s return and a Republican-controlled Congress, there is real hope for change that will strengthen our economy and make the nation more secure. Before this new Congress, one of the first tasks is to make Trump’s first-term tax cuts permanent. Some of these cuts were enacted in 2017 but have already expired. If Congress does not act, more will disappear at the end of this year.

A new report from the National Association of Manufacturers shows why preserving these tax cuts is critical for North Carolina. Without action to extend the tax breaks, North Carolina could lose nearly 200,000 jobs and billions in economic activity. Those are steep costs that communities across North Carolina would pay. The good news is that Republicans in Congress, including members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, are working hard on a tax bill. A quick look at the history of these tax cuts explains why this issue is a congressional priority.

The 2017 Trump tax cuts included tax breaks for individuals and businesses across the economy. Manufacturers, big and small, were among the bill’s principal beneficiaries. Lower domestic and

international tax rates, new deductions for small business owners, and incentives for innovation and investment spurred unprecedented manufacturing growth.

In 2018, the first year the tax cuts were in place, manufacturers created jobs at the highest rate in decades. Capital spending also spiked as manufacturers took advantage of tax reform to purchase new equipment, raise wages and expand facilities.

We in North Carolina benefited from this manufacturing resurgence. Across the state, we now have more than 9,000 manufacturers that employ nearly 475,000 people. The industry accounts for almost 15% of our gross domestic product, adding $98.5 billion to our economy.

Today, some of the world’s leading manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and chemistry call the Tarheel State home. Last year, Site Selection Group named us the best state in the U.S. for manufacturing due to our strong, educated workforce, pro-business climate and geography. In 2025, Congress can keep the momentum going and protect North Carolina’s manufacturing sector by restoring Trump’s pro-manufacturing tax code.

Among the most vital tax provisions

“Trust the science,” we were told through masks at a distance of 6 feet. A little infidel in a white lab coat betrayed our reverence for science and medicine in two weeks. The children in this relationship are suffering from neglect. The Department of Education spent $190 billion to mitigate the damage from COVID-19 school closings. The return on this investment is worsening academic performance. Eighth grade student achievement in reading and math continues to decline, while mental health issues increase. The teachers unions blames lack of funds for their inability to bring students’ basic skills up to grade level. The dysfunctional relationship between students, teachers and administrators has fostered generations of adults living below their potential. This is child abuse.

Our country is in an epic custody battle for the soul of America. The Democrat Party is wrestling with the Republicans to maintain control of the federal and state agencies they have exploited. This is a tough fight.

Conservatives are committed to breaking up the judicial and fiscal regulations subverted by established state and federal agencies for over a century. The courts are compromised by judges and attorneys general who align with liberal agencies inside our borders and outside our value system. The balance of justice is no longer impartial but weighted to benefit the special interests of an inner circle of global power.

This is not vengeance. This is not retribution. This is the restoration of the relationship between the American people and the United States Constitution.

Connie Lovell lives in Pinehurst.

that Congress must renew are those that lower costs for research and innovation by allowing businesses to expense and deduct certain costs. Also, lawmakers’ priorities are keeping exclusions that protect small, familyowned manufacturers from the estate tax and maintaining individual and corporate tax rates that have helped business owners keep more of their hard-earned money and compete on an international scale.

Beyond getting the policy right, Congress’s timing is critical.

Currently, manufacturers across our state are making hiring and production plans for the years ahead. Other manufacturers outside our state consider North Carolina a possible place to relocate or expand. The sooner Congress provides certainty that the U.S. tax code will continue to support manufacturers, the sooner business leaders can lock in their decisions and make additional investments in our state.

As a North Carolina legislator, I am proud of our work in Raleigh to make our state a place where businesses can thrive. We have cut the corporate tax rate, invested in our infrastructure, and streamlined state regulations. Thankfully, North Carolina legislators again have strong partners in the nation’s capital.

Eight years ago, Trump and Republicans in Congress helped North Carolina launch a manufacturing boom. In 2025, it is time for Congress to do it again by sending a bill to Trump’s desk that permanently makes all of 2017’s pro-manufacturing tax policies.

Sen. Todd Johnson represents District 35 in the N.C. Senate and is majority whip.

COLUMN | CONNIE LOVELL

BlackRock strikes deal to bring ports on both sides of Panama Canal under American control

The control of the ports by a Chinese company has been a political football

By Didi Tang and Alex Veiga The Associated Press

A HONG Kong-based conglomerate has agreed to sell its controlling stake in a subsidiary that operates ports near the Panama Canal to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., effectively putting the ports under American control after President Donald Trump alleged Chinese interference with the operations of the critical shipping lane.

In a filing, CK Hutchison Holding said Tuesday that it would sell all shares in Hutchison Port Holdings and in Hutchison Port Group Holdings to the consortium in a deal valued at nearly $23 billion, including $5 billion in debt.

The deal will give the BlackRock consortium control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal in Panama, as well as others in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere.

The transaction, which must be approved by Panama’s government, does not include any interest in a trust that operates ports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and South China, or any other ports in China.

In addition to BlackRock, a New York-based global investment management company with $11.6 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, the consortium includes BlackRock subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited. The deal gives them 90% interests in Panama Ports Company, which owns and operates the ports of Balboa and Cristobal in Panama, according to the filing.

Some 70% of the sea traffic

there’s no guarantee it will be there next time.

Holding onto belongings until the time is right

What Holtz found in the cornfield will join the collection of other lost possessions in her trailer as she tries to find their owners. The spread inside resembles a garage sale.

Photos make up a large chunk of Holtz’s collection. Pictures captured from weddings, school and simple slices of life. Just from collecting photos, Holtz says she feels like she knows some people’s entire life story without ever meeting them.

that crosses the Panama Canal leaves or goes to U.S. ports.

The United States built the canal in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts. Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. Trump has claimed that Carter “foolishly” gave the canal away. Trump and his supporters have also complained about the fees that ships are charged to use the waterway and alleged that China has been operating the canal, an assertion denied by Panama’s government.

In January, U.S. Sen. Ted

To restore photos, she’s developed her own cleaning routine: Use cool water and rubbing alcohol, then carefully scrub with a soft toothbrush. It’s time-consuming yet therapeutic. Holtz sets down a large mud-spattered canvas — a piece that will require the toothbrush treatment — and slowly pours water over it. The gentle stream crackles against the crisp canvas. Faces emerge from the splotchy, brown haze.

It’s a family portrait, Holtz says.

“I hope I find the owner of that,” she says softly. Since Holtz started posting pictures of the lost possessions on Facebook, she’s consistently in contact with about 15 families. She has returned belong-

Cruz, the Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, raised concerns that China could exploit or block passage through the canal and that the ports “give China ready observation posts” to take action. “This situation, I believe, posts acute risks for U.S. national security,” Cruz said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama in early February and told President José Raúl Mulino that Panama had to reduce Chinese influence over the canal or face potential retaliation from the United States. Mulino rejected the idea that China had any control over canal operations.

ings to some and is waiting to connect in person with others. Some of the families have evacuated the state and haven’t returned — but Holtz doesn’t mind holding onto their things.

“I’m in no hurry, and I don’t expect them to be in a hurry,” she says. “They’re still getting their lives back together.”

“Getting back history”

The next day, Holtz sets up her trailer by the cornfield. She had posted her location to social media and patiently waits to see if anyone comes. About a half hour later, a silver SUV pulls over. A woman from Swannanoa, Angie McGee, steps out.

McGee is looking for lost

Panama quit China’s Belt and Road Initiative following Rubio’s visit, drawing condemnation from Beijing.

But while much attention was focused on Trump’s threat to retake control of the canal, his administration trained its sights on Hutchison Ports, the Hong Kong-based consortium that manages the ports key ports at either end of the canal.

Hutchison Ports had recently been awarded a 25-year no -bid extension to run the ports, but an audit looking at that extension was already underway. Observers believed the audit was a preliminary step toward eventually rebidding the contract, but rumors had

photos. The 42-year-old searched for her family’s belongings after Helene washed away her home, but she wasn’t successful. Wearing black latex gloves, she rubs caked dirt from the photos and notices familiar faces: her brother, her father and her son.

She even spots her ultrasound photos — the same scroll that Jill had picked up the day before.

She is stunned. McGee can’t believe the photos traveled nearly 2 miles downriver from her home — much less that Holtz had somehow found them. After months of anguish over what she had lost, McGee says she is finally “getting history back.”

swirled in recent weeks that a U.S. firm close to the White House was being lined up to take over.

Frank Sixt, co-managing director of CK Hutchison, said in a statement that the transaction was “the result of a rapid, discrete but competitive process in which numerous bids and expressions of interest were received.”

“I would like to stress that the transaction is purely commercial in nature and wholly unrelated to recent political news reports concerning the Panama Ports,” Sixt said. BlackRock declined to comment outside of a press release touting the deal.

“She done brought back a smile to me, she done brought back life to me. Not just me, my family,” McGee says. “Because, you know, there were things we lost that we thought maybe we never get back.”

At one point, McGee’s gaze settles on football shoulder pads with silver marker writing. The sight brings her to tears. They belong to her 12-year-old son, Link.

Holtz tries to not to cry. Later, the two women embrace before McGee leaves with her things. Giving people back their lost hope is why Holtz says she continues this work. But in these reunifying moments, it gives Holtz a little of her own hope, too.

MATIAS DELACROIX / AP PHOTO

A cargo ship goes through the Panama Canal’s Cocoli locks in Panama City on Feb. 21.

MOORE SPORTS

WINTER SPORTS ROUNDUP

Union Pines girls advance to third round

North State Journal staff

BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL basketball season came to an end in Moore County, but one area girls’ team is still alive in the NCHSAA playoffs

Basketball

The Pinecrest boys saw their season come to an end with a loss to No. 13 Clayton. The Patriots entered as a No. 20 seed in class 4A, but they fell 89-48 in the first round.

Pinecrest finished its season at 15-10 and parts ways with a senior class that included Savion Jackson, Elijah Melton, Zymire Spencer, Derrick Graham, Blake Hillyard, Dakota Bender and Kenan Van Scoyoc. The Pa-

triots will need to replace their top three scorers and rebounders next season.

The Pinecrest girls also finished their season with a first-round loss. The Patriots were the No. 21 seed in class 4A and opened with No. 12 South Garner. The Titans rolled to a 60-42 win.

Kennedy Moore led the way for Pinecrest with 17 points, while Aniya McGregor had 15. Pinecrest finished the year with a 14-13 record. Seniors that will be moving on include Anna Depenbrock, Luxy Durbin, Tizhia Bond and Danaj’e McNeill. The Patriots return their top three scorers and assist players as well as two of the top three rebounders.

The Union Pines boys dropped their first-round game to North-

ern Nash. The Vikings drew a No. 28 seed in class 3A and gave the No. 5 Knights a scare before falling 78-71. Senior Jaylen Kyle led the way with 26 points in his final game for Union Pines. Fellow senior Adien Leonard and junior Kingsley Donaldson added 14 each. Donaldson added 12 rebounds and five steals.

In addition to Kyle and Leonard, the 14-12 Vikings bid farewell to Kolby Scruton and Lawson Fields.

The Union Pines girls entered the week as the only team in the county still playing. The No. 6 Vikings beat West Brunswick 64-22 then topped Eastern Alamance 65-50 to advance to a third-round game against Rocky Mount that took place after press time.

Bender, Elijah Melton, Savion Jackson, Zymire Spencer and Kenan

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Keayna McLaughlin

Pinecrest alum, girls’ basketball

Keayna McLaughlin is a 2020 graduate of Pinecrest. She currently plays basketball for Fayetteville State University.

The FSU Broncos won the CIAA Women’s Tournament for the second straight season, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. McLaughlin, a senior guard, was named to the All-Tournament team. She led the way in the championship game with 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals.

Bell makes late charge, holds off Byron for win

A late pass on Kyle Busch produced his second straight NASCAR victory

By Jim Vertuno

The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Christopher Bell is making the most of his late-race chances to seize victories.

Bell passed Kyle Busch with five laps to go, then held off Daytona 500 winner William Byron to win the NASCAR Cup Series’ first road course race of the season Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas.

The late-race drama produced Bell’s second consecutive victory after his overtime win in Atlanta a week earlier.

Once Bell cleared Busch, the Oklahoma driver had to make a desperate bid to keep his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in front of the hard-charging Byron in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, and the Toyota of 2023 race winner Tyler Reddick of 23X1 Racing.

Bell raced to his 11th career victory and is a multiple race winner for the fourth consecutive season. Busch, who led 43 of 95 laps in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, faded to fifth as his winless streak stretched to 60 races dating to 2023.

“These road courses races are just so much fun,” Bell said. “(Busch) was doing such a good job running his race. He bobbled and allowed me to get out front. When he did, I just said, ‘Don’t beat yourself.’”

The furious nip-and-tuck finish could have ended in a crash that ruined someone’s race and jumbled the field with a late caution flag. Busch and Bell have a heated history of collisions in Austin, notably last year when Busch confronted the younger driver over contact in a race where Bell finished second.

This time, everyone kept it clean all the way to the end.

“Amazing to have such respectful clean, hard racing. It was a beautiful way to end a race,” Bell said.

“Amazing to have such respectful clean, hard racing. It was a beautiful way to end a race.”

Christopher Bell

That didn’t mean Byron wasn’t pushing him hard. And Byron had his own battle with Reddick, who was looking for an opening to attack the front.

“I couldn’t never get beside (Bell). We’ve always raced well

together, I didn’t want to move him blatantly,” Byron said.

Even Busch complimented Bell’s driving.

“I’ll give Christopher credit,” Busch said. “He ran me really hard.” Bell’s crew chief, Adam Ste-

vens, said the consecutive wins on a superspeedway oval and a road course show the team can fight for wins every week, starting with the next two races in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

“We don’t think there’s a track that we go to that we don’t have a chance to win,” Stevens said. “We have everything we need to win every single weekend.” Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott started third and quickly dropped to the back when he spun by Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in the first

turn, but he fought his way back through the field to fourth. Connor Zilisch had a wild day in his Cup Series debut for Trackhouse. The 18-year-old started 14th and dropped back with contact in the first lap. He recovered to get back within in the top 15 by the start of the third stage. That’s when his day ended. Zilisch couldn’t avoid a spin by teammate Daniel Suarez in lap 50, smashed into the wall, and had to scramble out of his car when it caught fire.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pinecrest boys’ basketball seniors (left to right) Derrick Graham, Blake Hillyard, Dakota

Van Scoyoc.

STEPHEN SPILLMAN / AP PHOTO

Christopher Bell pulls into Turn 19 on his way to a NASCAR Cup Series win at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Jeffrey Reid Furr

June 23, 1963 – Feb. 24, 2025

Jeffrey Reid Furr, 61, of Pinebluff, NC went to be with His Lord and Savior on Monday, February 24, 2025.

He was born June 23, 1963 in Pinehurst, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents Billy and Shirley Irene Furr; brothers, Carl, Michael and William Lee Furr; and his beloved cat, Tom. Survived by his sister, Thersea Ring (Lester); sister-in-law, Martha Furr; special cousins, Rosa Jester (JP), Judy Burgess (Kent) and Rhonda Smith; nieces, Kay Ward and Denise Cotten, and nephew, Jamie Furr; and special family friend Rick Jennings.

Jeff was an active member of Aberdeen Pentecostal Church where he played the piano and sang for many years. He loved the music ministry. He worked in the medical industry for over 35 years in the Radiology and MRI field. Jeff loved spending time with his family and friends. If you knew him, you loved him. Jeff had the biggest heart and took care of his mother and father for many years and longed for the day to be with them again.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6- 8 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home, 425 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28387. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Aberdeen Pentecostal Holiness Church, 217 S. Pinehurst Street, Aberdeen, NC 28315, with Rev. Pamela Jones Mills and Rev. Melvin Thorne officiating. Burial will follow the service at West End Cemetery, 445 Knox Lane, West End, NC 27376. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to St. Jude or Aberdeen Pentecostal Church. Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Lorena Gae Miller Arnold

June 20, 1933 – Feb. 27, 2025

Lorena Gae Miller Arnold, 91, Southern Pines died unto the Lord on February 27 at her home.

Lorena was born on June 20, 1933, in Calhoun County, WV.

After Lorena graduated from Alderson-Broadus in 1956 with a BS in nursing, she served as a lieutenant in the USAF.

After a long career in nursing, she graduated from Campbell Seminary in 2007 with a Master of Divinity in response to a call to vocational ministry.

In 1960, Lorena married Sgt. Conley Arnold, whom she met in England when her car broke down. They raised their family in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Lorena loved the Lord, her church, her family, and the work she did as a chaplain. She never met a stranger and practiced hospitality in all areas of her life. She was an adventurer, poet and admirer of God’s creation.

Lorena was predeceased by husband Conley Arnold; parents Rev. Harry and Zelia Miller; sisters Irene DeMoss, Norma Gene Gaston; brother Donald Miller; daughter-in-law Debbie Arnold.

She is survived by daughter Judi; sons Harry (Beth), Scott, Joseph (Loretta); grandchildren Kayla, Kristen, Jess, Emily, Sam, Nate; brothers Richard (Jenny), John (Kathy); many nieces and nephews.

The Arnold family would like to thank Dr. David Cowherd, Dr. John Jameson, and the staff at Quail Haven and Amedisys Hospice for their kindness and care.

Her funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, at Southern Pines First Baptist Church with Rev. Tom Allen and Rev. Jamie Kipfer presiding. Burial will follow at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.

Muriel McCardle

Aug. 29, 1930 – Feb. 23, 2025

Muriel Frances McCardle, 94 of Southern Pines, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at Penick Village in Southern Pines.

Born on August 29, 1930, in Sharon, Connecticut to the late Edwin and Frances Hoyt.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward James McCardle and one brother, Edwin John Hoyt Jr.

Muriel was raised in Kingston NY where she met her husband, Edward, they were married for 54 years. She received her RN training at Kingston Hospital and worked as a nurse until her retirement in 1990. She enjoyed vacations with her family and friends and volunteering in numerous organizations and capacities in all the communities she lived in. She and her husband moved to Seven Lakes NC after they retired, where they pursued their love of golf, bridge, boating on Lake Auman, celebrations and spending quality time with their friends and family. She was a congregate at Our Lady of the Americas church in Candor and The Chapel at Penick Village.

Muriel moved to Penick Village in 2010, she enjoyed her time there and had many friends that lived in the community including the staff that helped her in such a loving, caring and professional manner. Her family would like to thank all the staff that helped support her and will always be grateful for the care she received there.

Muriel will be greatly missed, she was a strong woman who supported her family through celebrations and crises. Her high sense of morals and her will to do the right thing was instilled in her children and grandchildren and will guide them throughout their lives.

She is survived by her three children, Kevin McCardle (Deborah Baum), Karen Hyman (Ed Coryell), and Nancy Yambem (Jerry Feldmann); grandchildren, Caitlin McMahon (David Kaufman-Moore), Noah Hyman, Josh Hyman, Erin McCardle, Corey McCardle (Tim Cornett) and Santi Yambem; greatgranddaughter, Ruth McMahon.

A memorial service will be held on March 22, at 2 p.m. at Penick Village Chapel with Pastor Colette Bachand officiating. Reception to follow in the Penick Village Celebration Room.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Penick Village Foundation/ Thiede Fund.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Logan Elijah Wood

Aug. 28, 1998 – Feb. 26, 2025

Logan Elijah Wood, 26, of Fuquay-Varina and formerly Whispering Pines, passed suddenly on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Logan was born in Marshall, Michigan, on August 28, 1998. His family moved to Whispering Pines when he was only nine years old. He was a graduate of Union Pines High School, class of 2017. On Aug 18, 2018, Logan married Jordyn La Forge before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He had earned the rank of Senior Airman upon his honorable discharge. In 2023, the couple moved to FuquayVarina where he started working as a Gunsmith for Fuquay Gun. Logan enjoyed shooting sports and fishing and always enjoyed the times he spent golfing with his family and his friends. Logan was the husband of Jordyn La Forge Wood. He was the father of Hayden, three years old, and Lily, 11 months. He is survived by his parents Billy and Erika Winter Wood. He was the brother of Quinten Wood, Gabby Sykes, husband Nic, Spencer Wood, and wife Bri. He was the loving uncle of Tristan and Gwen Wood. He is also survived by his In-Laws, Tina and Ed La Forge. A celebration of his life will be held at the Boles Funeral Home, 425 W. Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, on Tuesday, March 4, at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral prior to the ceremony from 1-2 p.m. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Talmadge Lee “Toody” Phillips

May 8, 1945 – Feb. 26, 2025

If you ever heard an Elvis tune belted out with enthusiasm, witnessed an impassioned debate over a bad call at a ball game, or saw a man digging in the dirt convinced he’d just found the next great treasurethen you probably knew Toody Phillips.

Born in Asheboro, NC, to the late Rachel and Harold Phillips, Toody made his home in Jackson Springs, NC, where he filled his days with laughter, adventure, and a little bit of well-placed stubbornness.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ann Godfrey Phillips; daughter, Tonita High of Aberdeen, NC; son, Todd Phillips and wife Heather of Vass, NC; and son, Timothy Phillips of West End, NC. He was a proud grandfather to Jessica Rachel High, Ella Phillips, Nicholas Phillips, Anna Phillips, and Evan Phillips.

Toody had a way of making friends everywhere he went, whether on the ball field, coaching from the bleachers, out searching for hidden treasures with his trusty metal detector, or just enjoying a good laugh with those he loved. He was a man of many catchphrases, but none summed him up better than his signature, “Well alright!”-usually said with a big grin and a twinkle in his eye.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 2-3 p.m. at Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church with a service following at 3 p.m. Interment at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you cheer extra loud at the next ball game you attend, sing an Elvis song at the top of your lungs, or go on a little treasure hunt of your ownbecause that’s exactly what he would have wanted. Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.

Matthew David Rossi

Aug. 21, 1961 – Feb. 23, 2025

Matthew David Rossi, 63, of Pinehurst, passed suddenly at his home on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

Born in Meriden, CT, on August 21, 1961, he was the son of Betty Rossi Jandrisevits and the late Joseph Rossi. After his high school graduation, Matt went on to earn his Bachelors’ Degree from Clark University in Worcester, MA. He was an athletic man, excelling in soccer. Matt enjoyed spending the summers at Hampton Beach, NH. He was a positive and upbeat person. His kind nature to others would often pick them up and put them in a better mood.

In addition to his mother, Betty Rossi Jandrisevits, he is survived by his wife, Holly Rossi of Pinehurst. He was the father of Amanda Poor and Trevor Poor. He was the brother of Gregory Rossi, wife Beth. Matt is also survived by his grandson, Ace Matthew and nephew Evan Rossi. He was the step-brother of Jim Jandrisevits, Gary Jandrisevits, Sue Brown and Dan J.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Boles Funeral Home, 35 Parker Ln, Pinehurst Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the ceremony. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Linda Rose Thornberg

Aug. 21, 1952 – Feb. 28, 2025

Linda Rose Thornberg, 72 of Pinebluff, passed away on February 28, 2025, at Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst. Born on August 21, 1952, in Washington, Indiana to the late William G. and Mary Rose Wonder. Linda worked for Pinehurst Surgical Clinic for over 25 years. She was a faithful member of Grace Church. In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her first husband, Joe Miles. She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Alan Thornberg; three children, Jennifer Windish (Chris), Christina Miles, and David Thornberg (Katie); siblings, Bill Wonder, Mary Doris Wonder, Sue Keith, and Barb Knepp; grandchildren, Jordan, Dylan, Halie, Chelsea, David, Jonathan, Josh, and Maddie; also survived by five great-grandchildren, Everly, Blakely, Charlotte, Eleanor, and Wade.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Pinehurst. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Pinehurst with burial following at Pinebluff Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Breanna Danielle Durrett

Oct. 8, 1992 – Feb. 18, 2025

We announce the passing of our beloved Breanna Durrett on February 18, 2025, at the age of 32. She was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend whose kindness, creativity, and generous spirit touched the lives of so many.

Breanna was born at her grandparents’ family home in Murphy, Texas on October 8, 1992. She grew up in Arlington, Texas where she excelled in school, gymnastics/dance, reading, and art. She graduated with honors from Legacy High School and also graduated from a four-year seminary course which she attended before school each day. She later graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She experienced the joy of marriage after meeting Jarek Bird her freshman year of college, who went on to be her husband for over nine years. Although she wasn’t blessed to be a mother in this life, she was great with children and they were naturally drawn to her cheerful disposition.

Breanna had a kind heart and was always thinking of others and gave the most thoughtful gifts. She had a love for her family, especially her niece and nephews. Breanna had a bubbly personality and a smile that could brighten any room. She loved deeply and brought joy to those around her. Whether sharing childhood memories with her family, laughing with friends, or spending time with her cats, she filled the world with love and light. Despite physical and mental health challenges, she continually worked to better herself through therapy and personal study. She found joy in helping those around her.

Breanna is survived by her parents, Joe and DeeDee Durrett; her older brother Brandon, his wife Sara and their three kids Rome, Capri, and Grayer; her younger brother Dallin; her younger sister Aubree and her husband Jacob Sanchez; her grandmothers, Sandra Wortham and Chris Durrett; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing she is happy and at peace surrounded in the love of her Heavenly Father, her Savior, and many other loved ones who have passed on before. Breanna will be deeply missed, but her kindness, joyous spirit, and her abiding love will remain with us always until we are with her again.

A visitation and funeral service will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9800 US-15 #501, Pinehurst, NC 28374. Interment will be at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 1105 Morganton Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387. For those who wish to send flowers, they may be sent to Boles Funeral Home 425 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28374.

Donald Lee Hamilton

Dec. 25, 1934 – Feb. 27, 2025

Donald Lee Hamilton, 90, of Southern Pines, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27 at FirstHealth Hospice House.

Don cherished the fact that he was born on Christmas Day, 1934 in his grandparents’ home in Boonville, Indiana to Lee and Annis Broshears Hamilton. Both of his grandfathers were coal miners.

He was loving, generous, hardworking, and faithful. His quick wit and long stories will be remembered by family and friends. Don was a “Hoosier” through and through. He graduated from Wiley High School in Terre Haute, IN in 1953. As the first member of his family to attend college, he graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN in 1957. There he met his future wife, Emily (Laurie) Hooton. Their three sons, two daughters-in-law, and his brother also graduated from DePauw. He lettered in basketball and tennis.

After earning a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations in 1958, he joined The Magnavox Corporation in Fort Wayne, IN. His career paused briefly for a deployment with the Air National Guard to Chambley, France during the Berlin Wall crisis. He rose through the ranks at Magnavox/ Philips Electronics to become Senior Vice President of Human Resources in New York City. He retired in 1993 having spent his entire 35-year career with the same company. Don then became Parish Administrator for his church, St. Mark’s Episcopal in New Canaan, CT. He chaired numerous committees and was a member of the Vestry and Senior Warden. In 1998, he and Emily (Laurie) retired to Pinehurst, NC where he served The Village Chapel as a Board Member and chaired many committees. He was also a Board Member of the Sandhills/ Moore Coalition for Human Care where he served as the Chair of Church Relations and Client Services. In 2019, the Coalition’s Golf Tournament Fundraiser was held in his honor.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Emily (Laurie) Hooton Hamilton of Southern Pines, sons Dr. Todd Hamilton and wife Tricia of Green Bay, WI, and Mark Hamilton and wife Liz of Southern Pines, brother Dr. Stanley Hamilton of Bloomington, IN, and daughterin-law Rev. Lisa Hamilton of Venice, FL. He is also survived by grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, Tyler, Brandon and Chris, and great-grandson Boone. He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Scott Hamilton and Scott’s son, Edward “Teddy” Hamilton. A Celebration of Life service will be held at The Village Chapel in Pinehurst on March 22 at 11 am. The burial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Greencastle, IN at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care, 1500 W Indiana Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

STATE & NATION

US tariffs take effect and Mexico, Canada and China retaliate with their own

President Donald Trump is using economic tools as a foreign policy stick

By Josh Boak, Paul Wiseman and Rob Gillies The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge and setting up costly retaliations by the United States’ North American allies.

Starting just past midnight, imports from Canada and Mexico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties.

The 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%, and Beijing retaliated Tuesday with tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports. It also expanded the number of U.S. companies subject to export controls and other restrictions by about two dozen.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would slap tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days. Mexico didn’t immediately detail any retaliatory measures.

Following Canada and China, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that Mexico will respond to 25% tariffs imposed by the United States with its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

Sheinbaum said she will announce the products Mexico will target on Sunday in a public event in Mexico City’s central plaza, perhaps with the delay indicating Mexico still hopes to de-escalate the trade war set off by Trump.

The U.S. president’s moves raised fears of higher inflation and the prospect of a trade war even as he promised the American public that taxes on imports are the easiest path to national prosperity. He has shown a willingness to buck the warnings of mainstream economists and put his own public approval on the line, believing that tariffs can fix what ails the country.

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form,” Trump said Monday at the White House. “And now we’re using them.”

U.S. markets dropped sharply Monday after Trump said there was “no room left” for negotiations that could lower the tariffs. Shares in Europe and Asia were mostly lower Tuesday after they took effect.

The Canada and Mexico tariffs were supposed to begin in February, but Trump agreed to a 30-day suspension to negotiate further with the two largest U.S. trading partners. The stat-

ed reason for the tariffs is to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and both countries say they’ve made progress on those issues. But Trump has also said the tariffs will only come down if the U.S. trade imbalance closes, a process unlikely to be settled on a political timeline.

The tariffs may be short-lived if the U.S. economy suffers. But Trump could also impose more tariffs on the European Union, India, computer chips, autos and pharmaceutical drugs. The American president has injected a disorienting volatility into the world economy, leaving it off balance as people wonder what he’ll do next.

“It’s chaotic, especially compared to the way we saw tariffs rolled out in the first (Trump) administration,” said Michael House, co-chair of the international trade practice at the Perkins Coie law firm. “It’s unpredictable. We don’t know, in fact, what the president will do.’’ Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticize the tariffs, and even some Republican senators raised alarms.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she’s “very concerned” about the tariffs going into effect because of her state’s proximity to Canada.

“Maine and Canada’s economy are integrated,” Collins said, explaining that much of the state’s lobsters and blueberries are processed in Canada and then sent back to the U.S.

The world economy is now caught in the fog of what appears to be a trade war.

Even after Trump announced Monday that the tariffs were going forward, Canadian officials were still in touch with their U.S. counterparts.

“The dialogue will continue, but we are ready to respond,” Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said in Ottawa as he went into a special Cabinet meeting on U.S.-Canada relations. “There are still discussions taking place.”

Shortly after Blair spoke, Trudeau said Canada would impose 25% tariffs on $155 billion Canadian ($107 billion U.S.) worth of American goods, starting with tariffs on $30 bil-

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form.”

President Donald Trump

lion Canadian ($21 billion U.S.) worth of goods immediately and on the remaining amount on American products in three weeks.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” Trudeau said.

The White House would like to see a drop in seizures of fentanyl inside the United States, not just on the northern and southern borders. Administration officials say that seizures of fentanyl last month in everywhere from Louisiana to New Jersey had ties to foreign cartels.

Damon Pike, technical practice leader for customs and trade services at the tax and consulting firm BDO, suggested the responses of other countries could escalate trade tensions and possibly increase the economic pressure points.

“Canada has their list ready,” Pike said. “The EU has their list ready. It’s going to be tit for tat.’’

Tim Houston, the leader of Canada’s Atlantic coast province of Nova Scotia, said he would direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove all

U.S. alcohol from store shelves. Houston also said his government will limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses and double the cost for commercial vehicles from the United States on a tolled highway.

The Trump administration has suggested inflation will not be as bad as economists claim, saying tariffs can motivate foreign companies to open factories in the United States. On Monday, Trump announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the computer chipmaker, would be investing $100 billion in domestic production.

Still, it can take time to relocate factories spread across the world and train workers with the skills they need.

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, said the 20% tariffs on Chinese goods will be “crippling” for the toy industry, as nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China.

“There’s a sophistication of manufacturing, of the tooling,” he said. “There’s a lot of handcrafting that is part of these toys that a lot of people don’t understand … the face painting, the face masks, the hair weaving, the hair braiding, the cut and sew for plush to get it to look just so. All of that are very high hands, skilled labor that has been passed through generations in the supply chain that exists with China.”

For a president who has promised quick results, Ahearn added a note of caution about how quickly U.S. factories could match their Chinese rivals.

“That can’t be replicated overnight,” he said.

AP PHOTO

JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Sunlight shines through the flags of Canada and the United States, held together by a protester outside on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 1.

This combination of file photos shows, from left, U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, China’s President Xi Jinping and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.