North State Journal Vol. 8, Issue 16

BRIEF this week

Proposed bill would alter state, county boards of election

Raleigh Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), along with Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee Chairmen Sens. Warren Daniel (R-Burke) and Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus), introduced legislation aimed at reforming the structure of the State Board of Elections on Monday.

“Just as one party shouldn’t have total control over appointments, one person shouldn’t be in charge of making those appointments,” Daniel said in a statement. “We want the best, most qualified appointees from across the state to serve on the board, and this proposal will accomplish that.”

Senate Bill 749 would change the make-up of the State Board of Elections to eight members up from five effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The appointment breakdown would be two members appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, two members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, two members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, and two members appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

A.P. DILLON

Bill barring compelled speech in state hiring heads to governor’s desk

Raleigh

A bill barring compelled speech in state hiring and workplaces received final approval from the General Assembly and is awaiting action from Gov. Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 364, titled Nondiscrimination and Dignity in State Work, passed both chambers with vetoproof margins.

If enacted, the bill will add two new sections to the North Carolina Human Resources Act. One section would prohibit any state agency, department or institution from compelling or soliciting an applicant for employment to “endorse or opine about beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles regarding matters of contemporary political debate or social action as a condition of employment.”

Similarly, requiring or compelling an applicant to show proof of support or opposition to any given topic would also be prohibited.

Senate Bill 364 also contains a prohibition on the promotion of certain elements, some of which are components of the controversial Critical Race Theory.

A.P. DILLON

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament begins

Morehead City

The annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament began on Monday with six days of fishing. This year, 271 boats entered for their shot at the record breaking $5.8 million purse.

The event hosts a variety of charity events before, during and after the weeklong event benefitting organizations across Eastern North Carolina.

Big Rock is a prestigious tournament that attracts competitors from around the world. In recent years, anglers from 22 states and three international teams have participated, and in recent years a famous native North Carolinian – Michael Jordan – has tried his hand at fishing glory. The tournament is celebrating its 64th year in 2023.

NSJ STAFF

Trump still commands the room in speech to NC Republicans

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

GREENSBORO — Former President Donald Trump spoke

for nearly 90 minutes at the North Carolina Republican Party’s Saturday evening dinner, linking his current legal turmoil to an all-out effort to stop him from becoming the Republican nominee and winning the 2024 general election.

Arriving on the stage shortly after 7:30 p.m., Trump basked in a raucous standing ovation from more than 1,200 in the convention ballroom as Lee Greenwood’s

“God Bless the U.S.A.” played to its conclusion. The event was Trump’s second party convention of the day after speaking to Georgia Republicans. He also made

toward Trump

Florida governor never mentioned former president by name, while Pence offered strong rebuke

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

GREENSBORO — Former

President Donald Trump may have had the third spot in the speaking order, but his shadow hung over the 2023 North Carolina Republican Convention long before he stepped up to the podium.

The two men took markedly different tacks. DeSantis spent most of his 45-minute speech touting his accomplishments and vision, never mentioning Trump directly by name.

DeSantis set himself up as the candidate willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of heavy criticism. He cited his clashes with schools and the Disney corporation in Florida, wearing the criticism as a badge of honor.

a stop at a Georgia Waffle House before flying into Greensboro to hundreds of supporters waiting at the Piedmont Triad Airport.

Trump opened by congratulating state party chairman Michael Whatley on securing a third term as the party’s leader. Trump had also endorsed Whatley before the vote.

“North Carolina is a special place,” said Trump, who prevailed in the 2016 Republican primary and took the state in both 2016 and 2020’s general elections.

He took the opportunity to praise several of the state’s elected officials, thanking Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09), who restated his endorsement of Trump for

See TRUMP, page A2

On the day the convention opened, Trump was indicted on 37 federal charges for his handling of classified documents.

That put two of his biggest challengers in the race for the 2024 Republican nomination for president in a tough position. Both Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who spoke on Friday evening just hours after the indictment was announced, and Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence, who spoke at a Saturday luncheon, had to position themselves as better alternatives to Trump while still offering a reaction to a legal maneuver that many Republicans likely saw as out of line from a Democratic administration. And both had to do it knowing that Trump would have the last word of the weekend on Saturday night.

Republican dinner

“A leader, at the end of the day, can’t be concerned with short-term political calculations over doing what’s right,” he declared. “I have the responsibility to look out for the people I represent, and I had to care more about their jobs than saving my own political hide. …. Leadership is about doing what’s right when you have intense opposition. Sometimes you have to stand all alone. … It’s not entertainment. It’s not brand-building. It’s not virtue signaling.”

The only time DeSantis addressed Trump’s legal situation was in the final 10 minutes of his remarks after he promised to cut out federal bureaucracy. “The most significant issues facing our society,” he said, “those decisions are not being made by your elected representatives. They’re being im-

See CONVENTION, page A8

By A.P.

Dillon North State Journal

GREENSBORO — During a speech in North Carolina, presiden-

tial candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis drew clear contrasts between his successes as governor of Florida to the failures in the policies of Democratic President Joe Biden, who DeSantis called “the most unpopular president in modern history.”

“Hello, North Carolina. I bring greetings from the free state of Florida, and I am pleased to report that our great American comeback will begin when we send Joe Biden back to his basement in Delaware where

he belongs,” DeSantis said in the opening of his 45-minute speech given at the North Carolina Republican Party Convention on June 9 in Greensboro.

State Republican chairman Michael Whatley introduced DeSantis, who wasted no time in taking an early shot in his speech at Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper by saying he knew North Carolina will “do even better” once they have a Republican governor.

“American decline is not inevitable. It is a choice,” DeSantis told attendees of the convention attendees.

“It is a choice we will make as Americans over the course of the next 18

months, and I am running for president to reverse this decline and end the insanity we have seen going on throughout our country.”

During the speech, DeSantis hit key policy issues such as illegal immigration, the economy, education and the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. He highlighted blocking China from buying Florida farmland and fighting against Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies in investing and banking during his tenure.

He also called for an end to the “weaponization” of federal agencies

DeSantis, Pence take different approaches

DeSantis touts record while slamming ‘most unpopular president in modern history’ at NC

PHOTOS VIA JAMES PIEDAD

Top left, N.C. Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley introduces speakers at the annual N.C. Republican Party convention in Greensboro on Friday, June 9, 2023. Top right, former President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd during his speech on Saturday, June 10, 2023 in Greensboro. Bottom left, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during his address to the N.C. Republican Party convention in Greensboro on Friday, June 9, 2023. Bottom right, former Vice President Mike Pence talks with attendees at the N.C. Republican Party convention in Greensboro.

#388

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DESANTIS from page A1

and several times underscored that leaders cannot think in terms of polls and short-term political consequences but instead must lead in the here and now just as he has done in Florida.

“Look, we all know this country is going in the wrong direction. We see it every day. We can feel it,” said DeSantis. “We see the open border. We see the inflation. We see cities hollowed out with violent crime. We see an administration trying to kneecap our own domestic energy production. We see the weaponization of federal agencies. We see woke ideology running amok across all these institutions.”

DeSantis elaborated on “woke ideology,” saying it has an impact on people’s “everyday lives.”

“When woke takes over the economy through things like ESG, it makes the average American family poorer. When woke takes over our education institutions, it makes the average student dumber,” said DeSantis. “When woke does things across the bureaucracy, we see how that gets corrupted.” He later went on to describe the impact it has had on military recruitment and military readiness.

“There is no substitute for victory, and we have a task in front of us to shake the culture of losing that has infected the Republican Party in recent years,” said DeSantis, who went on to refer to the “massive red wave” in 2022 that did not materialize.

DeSantis warned that if Democrats maintain control in Washington, D.C., they will “pack” the Supreme Court, eliminate the Electoral College, make D.C. a state, and eliminate Voter ID and legalize ballot harvesting.

He also called out the federal government’s attempt to impose “biomedical security restrictions in the name of COVID mitigation,” before slamming Biden for the deaths of 13 soldiers in the withdrawal from Afghanistan due to his “gross dereliction of duty.”

“If we want to fix this country — and I think there’s a lot we need to do, but I think we can get it done

Proverbs 10:5

So the inspired proverb tells us. In its simplest form the reference is to the gathering and laying up of food in the summer days. There is a season when the harvest is waving in the fields, when the fruits hang heavy on trees and vines, when earth’s good things wait to be gathered. That is the time when men must be diligent—if they would lay in store for their winter’s needs. Not long does the opportunity wait. No sooner are the fruits ripe—than they begin to decay and fall off. No sooner is the harvest golden—than it begins to perish. Winter follows summer. Then there are no fruits on the trees or vines, no harvests waving on the fields. The hungry man cannot go out then to gather food, and if he has not gathered in summer—he must suffer hunger.

Life has its summers and its winters—its times of health, plenty, opportunity; then its times of sickness or need; and these seasons of need must survive, from the stores laid up in the days of abundance. Youth is a summer. It is a time for the forming of habits, for the foundation of character, for the making of friendships. Later on comes “real life,” with its duties, responsibilities, struggles, sorrows, and losses. But he who has gathered in life’s summer—shall not lack in life’s winter. A youth-time diligently spent in improvement, prepares one for whatever comes in the sterner years; while every opportunity wasted in youth—-is a risk for misfortune, or failure in later life.

The same law applies in spiritual life. In our time of quietness and security, we may store up in our hearts, the resources we shall need to draw upon for meeting temptation. Childhood and early youth in a true Christian home, are sheltered in a large measure from stern assaults and bitter conflicts. The atmosphere is kindly and congenial. The influences are helpful. There is a mother’s shoulder to cry on—and a father’s hand to lead and protect. This is life’s summer.

But the winter eventually comes. No young person can live always in such a shelter. The time comes—when the children must go out to face the temptations of the world. It is possible, however, in the days of quiet in the home—to so gather spiritual resources in the heart—that in the

— we must restore sanity in communities throughout this country,” DeSantis said. “We must restore normalcy throughout this country, and we must restore integrity to the institutions that are in this country. Truth must be our foundation and common sense can no longer be an uncommon virtue.”

Recounting how his state reopened multiple bridges within days and weeks instead of months following the devastation brought by Hurricane Ian in 2022, DeSantis hit Biden on the illegal immigration crisis at the U.S. border with Mexico. DeSantis received rounds of applause when he remarked that he had told Biden, “I will take my Florida builders and send them to the border wall.”

DeSantis said he will reverse Biden’s “disastrous economic policies” as leading to out-of-control inflation while touting Florida as having the “lowest per capita debt ratio in the entire country” and his state as being the 13th largest economy in the world.

He also referenced his leadership in keeping small businesses and schools open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will usher in a reckoning about the disastrous lockdown policies propagated by our federal government mandates, restrictions, all of that had devastating impacts on communities throughout this country,” DeSantis said. He went on to talk about the lack of accountability of those who imposed those policies and said he feared that a lot of the people involved in those policies like Dr. Anthony Fauci think that “they did the right thing and will do it again.”

On education, DeSantis highlighted his successful battle to root out “woke” from schools.

“Of all the things they’ve been able to accomplish, though probably one of the ones that’s closest to my heart, is we’ve drawn a very clear line in the sand in the State of Florida the purpose of our schools is to educate kids not to indoctrinate kids,” said DeSantis.

He said that he and his wife, as parents of three young children,

conflicts of later days, the life shall be safe.

“Children Playing on the Beach” by Mary Cassatt (1884) in the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Lives should be built in the home in the days of youth—not merely for the experiences of the home itself—but to meet the stern buffetings and the severe tests any possible future may bring. Principles should be fixed so firmly that nothing can ever swerve the life from them. Habits should be so wrought that nothing can change them. Conscience should be so trained that it can withstand greatest stress without wavering.

The lesson is for the young. In the bright sunny days—gather into their lives stores of moral and spiritual strength to counter the world’s fierce temptations. The great principles of Christianity should be fixed in their minds so no assaults of skepticism can make them doubt. Gather about you in the sunny days gentle and worthy friends. Above all, gather into your soul the friendship of Jesus Christ, and let His words bless your life and fill and enrich your heart. Then, when the winter days come, the memories of all these precious things will abide, and will shine like soft lamps in the gloom. Such gathering in the summer days of life—will make the winter cheerful and bright within, even with storm and darkness outside.

J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. This is an edited version of his original. His works are now in the public domain.

president. Trump pointed out Rep. Dan Bishop (NC-08) and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. He promised Robinson a future endorsement in the race for governor.

One of the themes Trump touched on repeatedly was contrasting his four years in office with President Joe Biden’s term. He talked about stopping endless wars and taking on China. He called revelations of foreign money being deposited in bank accounts controlled by Biden family members a scandal and challenged the media in the back of the room to report on it.

“Walter Cronkite would’ve reported it, but we don’t have any

Walter Cronkite’s anymore,” Trump said as he pivoted several other topics including energy, manufacturing and trade. He then took aim at Florida Gov.

Ron DeSantis, his main foe in the GOP primary, in the speech. Trump recounted how he said he lifted DeSantis from losing his race for governor to being incredulous that he said “no comment” about running against him in 2024, telling the crowd excitedly, “That means he’s gonna run!”

Trump added that since then, “I haven’t been very nice to him,” as the crowd responded with both laughter and cheers from his supporters.

Back to Biden, Trump called his

both believe very strongly that parents should be able to send their kids to school w ithout worrying about what was being presented to their children in the classroom.

“Kids should be able to watch cartoons, kids should just be able to be kids without having some agenda shoved down their throat all the time,” DeSantis said. “In Florida, we’re standing for the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their kids, including the right of every parent to know what curriculum is being used in their kids’ school.”

He went on to say that parents have had to “blow the whistle” on “very inappropriate materials” found in classrooms that he said included “pornography in a fifthgrade library.”

DeSantis also recalled how he called out “the media and the left” for perpetrating a book ban “hoax.”

“I did a press conference that we called ‘exposing the book ban as a hoax,’ because it is a hoax,” said DeSantis. “But before I said a word, before I had the parents come up, I just played on a video screen the images that the parents had actually ob-

border policies worse than developing nations. “What Third World country would let in 15 million people?” asked Trump as he ticked off the significant differences between his policies at the border and those of his successor. He continued hitting Biden, saying that American enemies think the country “is being led by fools” and that he is the only one to stand up to them since he’s “been through the fire” of two general election campaigns and four years on the world stage already as president.

One of Trump’s newer stated policies in the speech was also a pitch to enact national concealed carry reciprocity. That has been a top priority for Hudson over the past sev-

jected to. The local news cameras had to cut their feed because they said it was too graphic to put on the air. Well, if it’s too graphic for the 6 o’clock news, how is it OK for a 10-year-old school child?”

DeSantis received several standing ovations, with the longest and loudest following his statements about his disputes with the Walt Disney Company and how the company had “called the shots for many decades” in Florida but said “there is a new sheriff in town, and we don’t subcontract our leadership to local corporations” or to “woke corporations.”

“They can say what they want, but we will do the right thing,” DeSantis said of some Republicans siding with Disney over DeSantis. “Let me be clear: We stand for our children. We reject the sexualization of our children. We will fight against anybody who seeks to rob them of their innocence, and on that principle, there will be no compromise.”

Near the end of his speech, the Florida governor told the crowd that the founding fathers studied past republics and found one thing in common — that they all had

eral Congressional terms and was the first bill he introduced earlier this year. That bill, H.R. 38, would allow people with state-issued concealed carry licenses or permits to conceal a handgun in any other state as long as the permit holder follows the laws of that state.

He also took on current culture hot buttons such as the debate over transgender medical procedures for children under 18, calling them child mutilation, and backed efforts to secure parents’ rights in state legislation. He also affirmed support for keeping biological males out of women’s sports.

In one of many asides of the night, Trump admitted he was surprised at the crowd reactions.

failed. He recounted the famous question posed to Benjamin Franklin about whether the colonists had a republic or a monarchy, to which Franklin replied, “A republic. If you can keep it.”

DeSantis also tied the beginnings of the nation to the need to fight to preserve the “fire of liberty” that started in 1776 at Independence Hall.

After the speech had concluded, North State Journal caught up with Whatley to gauge his reaction to DeSantis’ remarks.

“I think it was a great opportunity to get in front of all the Republican leaders in North Carolina and lay out his vision for America and what that means for North Carolina,” said Whatley.

“I think he did a very good job of being able to put together a vision and lay it out and we are so fortunate that we’ve got Vice President (Mike) Pence, President (Donald) Trump and Gov. DeSantis all coming here,” Whatley said. “I think it’s a true testament to the political and strategic importance of North Carolina as well as the strength of the North Carolina Republican Party.”

“It’s amazing how strongly people feel about that. I’m talking about cutting taxes, people go like that,” Trump said, making a polite clapping gesture. “I talk about transgender, everyone goes crazy. Who would have thought? Five years ago, you didn’t know what the hell it was.”

One night earlier, it was DeSantis forcefully articulating the case, saying there would be “no compromise” over protecting children.

In closing, Trump asked those in attendance to stand at his side and fight to “Make America Great Again” as the crowd rose to its feet and the Sam & Dave classic “Hold On, I’m Comin’” played Trump out to end the night.

“He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”

PHOTOS VIA JAMES PIEDAD

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives a speech at the N.C. Republican Party convention in Greensboro on Friday, June 9, 2023.

TRUMP from page A1

Biden Dept. of Education pauses rollout of transgender Title IX rule

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — In a May 26 blog post, the Biden administration’s Department of Education postponed until October its proposed Title IX rule that would force states to allow biological males to play on women’s sports teams. The blog post cited receiving more than 240,000 public comments on the proposed rule which is “twice as many” the department received on its most recent rulemaking change to Title IX.

“Carefully considering and reviewing these comments takes time, and is essential to ensuring the final rule is enduring,” the blog post reads.

Additionally, the proposed changes affecting athletics and women’s sports received more than 150,000 comments during the public comment period that spanned April 12 to May 15 of this year.

A large number of the comments received asked the Biden administration to stop the rule change, with scores calling it “nonsense” as well as political-

ly motivated, and warning the change will “further erase women from sports.”

Biden’s Department of Education called the proposed Title IX regulations released in July 2022 “historic,” going on to say they would “strengthen protections for students who experience sexual harassment and assault at school, and they would help protect LGBTQI+ students from discrimination.”

In May, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt opposed the proposed Title IX changes in a letter to the Biden administration. In the letter, Truitt asked the administration to “maintain the intent of Title IX as it pertains to safety and fairness in women’s sports.”

“Under no circumstance can we assume that Congress, when crafting this important law forty years ago, fathomed a biological male playing competitive sports in an all-female league or competition at any level,” Truitt wrote.

“The current proposed rule from the Department of Education would undermine the intent of Title IX, which was to increase

opportunities for female athletes.”

D uring this legislative session, lawmakers also took action.

Two bills were filed, House Bill 574 and Senate Bill 631, which would block those identifying as females from playing on women’s sports teams in K-12 and college. The measures, both titled the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” were passed by their respective chambers with veto-proof majorities before the crossover deadline and are considered companion bills at this time.

No Senate Democrats voted in favor of the Senate version while three Democrats voted for passage of the House bill. Reps. Garland Pierce (D-Scotland), Michael Wray (D-Northampton) and Shelly Willingham (D-Edgecombe) voted in favor.

Rep. Tricia Cotham (R-Mecklenburg), who left the Democratic Party in April, also voted to pass the bill and had also voted in favor of the bills in two committee meetings before the floor vote.

In a House Judiciary Committee hearing near the end of April, members heard testimo -

Audit finds overpayment to former Scotland County Schools superintendent

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A new audit report by the State Auditor’s Office has found overpayments made to the former superintendent of the Scotland County Public Schools district.

The audit contains three main overpayment areas: a $15,068 overpayment at the time of the superintendent’s retirement, 704 hours of retirement service credit for which the superintendent was not entitled to receive, and the district had failed to retain leave records for School District employees, including the former superintendent.

“In September 2020, the former Superintendent retired and was paid for 240 hours of unused vacation leave. This balance was overstated by 164 hours as the former Superintendent was only entitled to be paid for 76 hours,” the audit states. “The overstatement resulted from the failure to reduce his accumulated vacation hours for

each of the three years by the hours

that were paid out. As a result, rollover errors occurred over the three years.”

The audit further states that the vacation leave balance was not adjusted which caused the overpayment of $15,068 because the former finance officer “misinterpreted the terms of the former Superintendent’s employment contract.”

The State Auditor’s Office initiated its investigation after receiving a tip to its hotline.

Recommendations made in the audit report include suggesting Scotland County Public Schools seek repayment from the former superintendent for the overpayment amount and that the district should inform the State Treasurer’s Office about the retirement overpayments.

Additionally, the audit recommends the district’s leadership examine its oversight procedures to prevent future overpayments and to comply with retirement payment schedules.

The district did not dispute the

findings and in its response letter detailed multiple ways in which it will take corrective action and improve oversight processes.

The audit does not name the superintendent but refers to a male individual.

The most recent male superintendent for the district was Dr. Ron Hargrave, who left in 2020. Hargrave had served as Scotland County schools superintendent for seven years.

Takeda LeGrand was selected to replace Hargrave in November 2020. Scotland County Public Schools had used the National School Board Association to solicit applications for the job.

LeGrand was terminated from her position by the school board earlier this year on Feb. 27. The Scotland County School Board unanimously voted to “invoke the unilateral termination clause in the contract” of LeGrand.

Robert Logan, a former superintendent for Lee County schools, was named as interim superintendent effective April 4.

IN RALEIGH TO HARRIS ROAD/PURNELL ROAD IN WAKE FOREST WAKE COUNTY

STIP Project No. U-5307

The N.C Department of Transportation will hold an open-house public meeting and a combined public hearing on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at the Living Word Family Church auditorium, located at 10520 Star Road in Wake Forest. A pre-hearing open house will be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by a formal presentation at 7p.m.

NCDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has published the Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA contains a summary of the impacts associated with the various alternatives under consideration for the project. With the EA now available to the public, the formal review period has begun. The public meeting and hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to make formal comments that will be included in the project record.These comments will be considered in the selection of the Preferred Alternative for the improvements along the project corridor.

NCDOT representatives will be available at the public meeting to answer questions and receive comments regarding the project. The opportunity to submit written comments and questions will be provided. Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above hours.

The formal Public Hearing will include an explanation of the location of the detailed study alternatives, land acquisition and relocation requirements, state-federal relationship, and project procedures. Residents will have the opportunity to comment. The presentation and comments will be recorded and a written transcript will be prepared.

The EA, along with maps showing the location of the detailed study alternatives are available for review at the following locations:

• NCDOT – Division 5 Office: 2612 N. Duke Street, Durham

• NCDOT – Division 5, District 1 Office: 4005 District Drive, Raleigh

• City of Raleigh, Planning Department: One Exchange Plaza, Suite 300, Raleigh

• Town of Wake Forest Planning Department: 301 S. Brooks St, 3rd Floor, Wake Forest

The EA and maps are also available for review on the project website at: https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/capital-boulevard-upgrade/Pages/default.aspx

Those who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior by calling 1-800-481-6494.

Aquellas personas no hablan inglés, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan llamando al 1-800-481-6494.

ny from Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer out of the University of Kentucky who has five SEC titles and is a two-time Olympic trial qualifier.

“I felt betrayed and belittled and like my efforts and sacrifices I had made had been reduced to a photo op to validate the identity and feelings of a male,” Gaines told the committee about Lia Thomas, a biological male who says he identifies as female who officials awarded the March 2022 NCAA championship trophy to even though Thomas and Gaines

had tied for fifth in their competition.

“But that is not all, in addition to being forced to give up our awards and titles and our opportunities, the NCAA forced female swimmers to share a locker room with Thomas — a 6-foot4, 22-year-old male equipped with an exposing male genitalia — and a room full of vulnerable undressed women,” Gaines said. “Let me be clear: we were not forewarned about this arrangement, no one asks for our consent and we did not give our consent.”

Southern Poverty Law Center adds parental rights groups to its ‘hate map’

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH —

The Southern Poverty Law Center added parental rights groups to its “hate map” of extremist groups in 2022, according to a report by The Daily Signal.

According to the report, parents’ rights groups like Moms for Liberty are now included in the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) hate map, which has increasingly been found to tag mainly organizations that SPLC deems to be “right-wing” or ideologically different from its own left of center leanings.

The opening paragraphs of SPLC’s report “The Year in Hate and Extremism 2022” describes anti-LGBT rhetoric and violence by right-wing entities or individuals but ignore incidents by the left, such as antifa, Black Lives Matter or LGBT individuals who have engaged in violent acts. An example of LGBT violence is the mass shooting at a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, where a transgender male killed three children and three adults.

The report’s recommendations appear to want more government tracking of groups and individuals named on the hate map as well as those who fund them. Without outright calling for it, SPLC’s recommendations are a matrix of requests to social media, employers and elected officials to use their positions to either censor or “cancel” any given group.

SPLC’s report describes “locally driven right-wing mobilization” and an “assault on inclusive education.” In the report, SPLC portrays activism by Moms for Liberty as anti-LGBT and as being an “anti-student inclusion group” as well as having “extremist ties.” Yet the more than 250 chapters of Moms for Liberty formed organically — and quickly —during the year following the pandemic. The rise in parental activism seen nationwide appears to have been a reaction to what parents saw their children being taught during pandemic remote instruction, but also in pushing to get schools reopened for in-person instruction and fighting to remove mask mandates from children.

Once these parents got involved, they stayed active by exposing what they believed to be public schools’ political and ideological indoctrination, sexually explicit and pornographic books in school libraries, engaging elected officials, as well as the training of teachers in the controversial Critical Race Theory with the express purpose of weaving the core components of Critical Race Theory into classroom lessons and interactions.

North State Journal reached out to various chapters of Moms for Liberty in North Carolina and received a statement from the co-founders of the original group, Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich. “Two-thirds of Americans

think the public education system is on the wrong track today. That is why our organization is devoted to empowering parents to be a part of their child’s public school education,” Justice and Descovich said. “That is our fundamental goal, which began just two years ago when teacher’s unions locked students out of schools during the pandemic.

“Empowering parents continues to be our mission today and that has fueled our organization’s growth - like wildfire to now 45 states in the country. Name-calling parents who want to be a part of their child’s education as ‘hate groups’ or ‘bigoted’ just further exposes what this battle is all about: Who fundamentally gets to decide what is taught to our kids in school — parents or government employees? We believe that parental rights do not stop at the classroom door and no amount of hate from groups like this is going to stop that.”

The SPLC’s report then highlights groups and praises other groups that are countering parental rights groups, such as “Support Our Schools.”

SPLC also does not mention the activist work of its own “education” offshoot previously called “Teaching Tolerance” that was renamed “Learning for Justice” in 2021.

Learning for Justice promotes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) themes, gender and LGBT ideologies, as well as “free” lessons and materials for teachers on racial and social justice in the classroom, many of which contain Critical Race Theory components.

Over the years, the SPLC has also failed to acknowledge that its “hate map” could, and has, inspired violent acts, such as the mass shooting attempt at the D.C. office of the Family Research Council (FRC) by Floyd Lee Corkins in August 2012.

A little over a year after that incident, Corkins was sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting a security guard who managed to head Corkins off as well as three charges of committing an act of terrorism.

After his arrest, Corkins had told the FBI that he had used the SPLC’s hate map to identify the Family Research Council as a target, according to a video of an interrogation of Corkins obtained by FRC. Corkins told the investigators, “It was ... uh, Southern Poverty Law, lists, uh, anti-gay groups.”

SPLC has also been criticized for maintaining $162 million in offshore accounts as of 2020, according to a report by the Washington Free Beacon. The discovery of the funds followed accusations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment against SPLC’s founder Morris Dees which ultimately lead to Dees being fired. In addition to the firing of Dees, Richard Cohen, the group’s CEO since 1986, also resigned after allegations of racism towards SPLC’s minority staffers.

The Lyndon Baines Johnson building housing the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. is shown.

NCDOT TO CONDUCT A COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO U.S.1 (CAPITAL BOULEVARD) FROM I-540

north STATEment

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

The I-PAYGO Pledge

IT USED TO BE THE NORM that people would pay for services they used during their lifetime.

Passing debt along to children to pay was considered unthinkable not too long ago.

No longer. Since 2001, Republicans, Democrats and independents (who caucus with Democrats) in Congress have managed collectively to not do much of anything to stop the transfer of $31 trillion of debt from older generations to younger citizens ― except for one modest deal in 2011 and the recently passed Fiscal Responsibility Act to end the debt ceiling crisis.

There has been no downside for elected representatives and senators who have voted for higher spending and lower taxes ― the “fun” stuff of politics.

We don’t need any laws to make elected representatives do the right thing. No Balanced Budget Amendment. No term limits. No budget resolutions such as discretionary caps or PAYGO mechanisms, even though they worked in the 1990s.

All we need to do is elect people to serve in Congress who will not check their brains at the door and simply “promise” to do the right thing based on their personal morals and ethics ― and balance the budget.

We need a new pledge similar to “The Taxpayer Protection Pledge,” otherwise known as the “No Tax Pledge,” instituted in 1986 by Americans for Tax Reform to protect the lower marginal tax rates passed under President Ronald Reagan.

The Tax Pledge has achieved its goal. Forty-two senators and 189 House representatives are current signatories, almost all Republicans. None of them will ever vote for higher marginal tax rates simply because they “gave their word” they wouldn’t by signing the pledge.

Great. Nothing wrong with that. But the Tax Pledge has done nothing to arrest the rate of growth in federal spending. Believe it or not, some of the reasoning behind the No Tax Pledge in 1986 was that it would “starve” the federal government beast of needed revenues left-wing libs wanted to use to fund their never-ending wish list of welfare programs.

It hasn’t worked out that way. In a world where the Federal Reserve can make up American currency out of thin air and expand its balance sheet by buying up close to half of all federal debt issued during the pandemic, there has been no downside for politicians who have voted for higher spending and lower taxes ― the “fun” stuff of politics. Both have led to annual trillion-dollar deficits and the previously mentioned $31 trillion national debt, up from $5.4 trillion in 2001.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

We need a new taxpayer protection pledge to hold them personally accountable to their constituents in every congressional district and state in the country.

“The ‘I Am Going To Pay For Everything As I Go’ Pledge.” Short name it “I-PAYGO.”

The pledge would read as follows:

“I (state your name) will not vote for any new program or higher spending in existing programs unless I also vote for A) higher taxes to pay for it; B) budget savings offsets from other federal programs to pay for it; 3) and/or some combination of both. If no such higher taxes or offsets are found, then I will not vote for it”. Period.

This may sound harsh to democratic republican purists who believe every elected leader will rise to the occasion and vote in the best interests of the country and future generations of Americans ― which hasn’t occurred in the past two decades. This personal affirmation will force each signatory to do the “hard things” they have been elected to do which is to set priorities for spending taxpayer money ― and not continue to do the easy things of increasing spending and cutting taxes with impunity.

Any signatory will be promising to do the following in Congress:

1) Vote against every appropriations bill until kingdom comes ― unless it is paid for; 2) Vote against every supplemental appropriations bill until kingdom comes ― unless it is paid for; 3) Vote against every tax cut bill until kingdom comes ― unless it is paid for by spending cuts elsewhere in the budget; and 4) introduce annual Budget Reconciliation bills with hundreds of billions of dollars of reductions and reforms in entitlements which are the main culprit in our massive deficits today anyway. Politicians will adhere to promises made to their voting constituents through pledges. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is living proof. Tell your congressman and senator to sign the I-PAYGO Pledge. It will be the most important promise they can make to any voter today.

Donald Trump’s indictment is unlikely to matter in the court of public opinion

LAST WEEK, we learned former President Donald Trump was facing indictment courtesy of a Miami grand jury related to the classified documents probe that began after the FBI raided Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022.

The Biden Justice Department alleges Trump violated the Espionage Act. He’s been charged with 37 felony counts, including 31 for alleged “Willful Retention of National Defense Information.”

He went on to blast Bragg’s actions as well as the Russia/Trump collusion hoax that Democrats and the media pushed for the four years of Trump’s presidency.

Trump is a master at turning a perceived “bombshell” into a positive.

“How can DOJ possibly charge me, who did nothing wrong, when no other presidents were charged, when Joe Biden won’t be charged for anything, including the fact that he has 1,850 boxes, much of it classified, and some dating back to his Senate days when even Democrat Senators are shocked,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social page after the news broke.

“Also, President Clinton had documents, and won in court. Crooked Hillary deleted 33,000 emails, many classified, and wasn’t even close to being charged! Only Trump — the greatest witch hunt of all time!” he concluded.

As to the merits of the case? Opinions vary, but even legal experts on the conservative side who have long been critics of the highly politicized nature of the Biden DOJ under Attorney General Merrick Garland’s leadership have indicated Trump could be in trouble based on what’s been laid out.

Another question on a lot of people’s minds is how all of this will impact his presidential election campaign. Will it hurt Trump with voters?

The answer, in my opinion, is probably not. In fact, back in April when Trump was hit with an indictment by George Soros-backed Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg over allegedly falsifying business records, there was a “rally around” effect in polling where Trump’s numbers shot up.

The same is likely to occur in this instance, which was explained by New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu during an exchange with MSNBC host Jen Psaki, who is a former press secretary for Biden.

“Obviously [the indictments don’t matter]. No, they absolutely don’t matter,” Sununu observed. “No. These indictments, if I may, (are a condemnation) of the media ― you’re creating The Boy Who Cried Wolf Syndrome, right?”

“What happened in New York was wrong. I mean, it really was. They are beating up on Trump for political reasons, everybody sees that. What happened with the Russian ‘collusion’ that never existed effectively exonerated the guy, so he can play a victim card,” Sununu pointed out. “You’ve all created a situation where, God, what kind of planet are we on where Donald Trump’s become the victim? That’s really what it is.”

They went back and forth over this point as Psaki repeatedly expressed disagreement with his conclusions, but Sununu wasn’t deterred, correctly asserting that people who aren’t already predisposed to hating Trump can see that much of what’s happened to him over the last six years in terms of impeachment and indictment has been politically motivated.

“Nobody buys that any attack on Trump isn’t anything but political. You’ve created, everybody has, kind of, created this scenario, he’s playing it to the fullest,” Sununu said. “He is playing the violin strings better than anyone imagined which is why his poll numbers have miraculously, are actually going up.”

Trump is a master at turning a perceived “bombshell” into a positive, and that is already playing out here primarily because, after all this time, a growing number of voters see right through what his Democrat critics have been trying to do.

Regardless of what one thinks about the specifics of the indictments, it does seem rather convenient that Biden’s Justice Department has leveled charges against the man who could be his opponent in 2024.

Think about it.

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.

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

The wrong indictments

President Biden, Hunter Biden, and other members of the Biden family should be under indictment for influence peddling and accepting bribes.

THE PLANNED INDICTMENT of President Donald Trump for “mishandling national secrets” is the natural next phase of the leftwing establishment’s arrogance and corruption.

The left has been desperately trying to stop Trump since he announced his candidacy in 2015 (recall the made-up Trump Tower-Moscow scandal, the phony Russia-Trump collusion scandal, the made-for-TV impeachment effort, etc.).

The constant attacks have only eroded Americans’ trust in government institutions — which is a far bigger problem than the left’s hatred of Trump. There are several other indictments that should have been announced to reestablish the integrity of the rule of law.

First, corrupt FBI agents such as those identified in the Durham Report should have already been indicted for extraordinary violations of their oaths of office. They lied to FISA court judges. They deliberately pursued a case they knew was based on a lie. They leaked knowingly phony information to the leftwing media to further undermine Trump — first as a candidate and then as the president of the United States. They should all face legal consequences. Other FBI officials should be indicted for colluding to protect Hillary Clinton when she clearly broke the law repeatedly. How many classified documents were saved on then-Secretary of State Clinton’s illegal home server? How did her emails end up on Anthony Weiner’s laptop? How does someone erase more than 32,000 potentially evidentiary emails and get off scot-free? How does a government official order her staff to destroy evidentiary hard drives with a hammer and face no consequences? Further, why did the then-director of the FBI arrogate to himself a decision that belongs to prosecutors and hold a press conference exonerating Clinton during a presidential campaign?

The Durham Report makes crystal clear the FBI’s double standard of aggressive hostility toward Trump and defensive deference toward Clinton. That there have not been any indictments of Clinton (or the Bidens for that matter) demonstrates that the current corrupt senior leadership of the FBI is protecting itself and its allies — and attacking its perceived enemies.

Second, there should be a wave of indictments against the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Delaware, and other universities that have been illegally accepting secret foreign money and refusing to report it to federal authorities.

As the United States Department of Education website notes: “Section 117 of the Higher Education

COLUMN | GARLAND TUCKER

Act of 1965 (HEA) requires institutions of higher education that receive federal financial assistance to disclose semiannually to the U.S. Department of Education any gifts received from and contracts with a foreign source that, alone or combined, are valued at $250,000 or more in a calendar year. The statute also requires institutions to report information when owned or controlled by a foreign source.”

We have no idea how many millions of dollars Communist China gave to the universities of Pennsylvania and Delaware (where President Biden has education centers). According to estimates (which are likely low) the University of Delaware (houses about 1,850 boxes of Biden’s vice presidential and senatorial documents) received $6.7 million in anonymous donations from the Chinese government. The University of Pennsylvania received nearly $40 million ($60 million including contracts). Both universities — and many more — are still breaking the law and not reporting foreign money they receive.

Third, President Biden, Hunter Biden, and other members of the Biden family should be under indictment for influence peddling and accepting bribes.

Chairman James Comer and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability have produced evidence that the depth of deliberate corruption in the Biden family operation is worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. The Bidens have created layers of phony companies as pass-throughs to hide a trail of foreign money they’ve been getting.

President Biden claims to know nothing of his son’s business dealings, but the records show thenVice President Biden was routinely meeting with Hunter Biden’s business associates. The evidence is clear that Biden’s brother was also deeply involved in the influence-peddling scheme.

Much of this was initially reported as Hunter Biden’s laptop began to be investigated. Biden government officials immediately falsely claimed the story was Russian disinformation. Whistleblowers and potential eyewitnesses have been surfacing. Yet, after three years, there has been no action. In fact, FBI leadership insisted that the IRS disband a team that was looking into Hunter Biden and corruption. These are the indictments that should have been announced this week. Instead, the FBI has protected the Bidens just as it protected the Clintons. The contrast with the ruthless, dishonest and illegal efforts to ruin President Trump is stunning. This is the scale of corruption, bias and lawlessness with which the American people should weigh the Trump indictments.

Beware the Democrats’ trap

The immediate effect on the Republican 2024 nomination race has been to create enormous sympathy for Trump.

PERHAPS WE’VE ALL grown too cynical — and too given to conspiracy theories — as we’ve been buffeted by the last six years of trench war politics. Nonetheless, I worry that the GOP is about to fall victim to a Democrat-set trap with serious consequences.

Democrats have understandably concluded that Donald Trump is their best key to 2024 electoral success. In 2016, Trump lost the popular vote while securing an electoral vote majority. He then led the GOP to successive losses of the House, Senate and the presidency while simultaneously galvanizing the far-left wing of the Democratic party. In the face of what would now seem to be insurmountable reelection odds for Joe Biden — i.e., three years of incompetent leadership, a weakened economy, an unprecedented immigration crisis, physical decrepitude and charges of serious corruption — the Democrats’ best hope for victory in 2024 is to run again against Trump.

Driven by their overpowering contempt for Trump, the Democrats have seemingly stumbled onto — or perhaps devilishly devised ― a strategy to secure the GOP nomination for him. Fully utilizing the politicization of the Department of Justice and the FBI, which was exposed in the recent Durham Report, local, state and federal prosecutors have conspired to keep Trump in the forefront of electoral politics, to strengthen his Republican base and to inflame further the antipathy of the Democratic base. Never mind that the charges against Trump appear patently weak, that Trump’s treatment stands in marked contrast to that of Hilary Clinton and the Bidens, and that the hallowed tradition of blind American justice has been sorely trampled upon.

The immediate effect on the Republican 2024 nomination race has been to create enormous sympathy for Trump. The focus has been shifted to Trump and away from who is the best GOP candidate and who could most decisively defeat Biden. Republicans’ memories of the dysfunctionality of Trump’s four-year administration — his incessant, incoherent tweeting; his philosophical inconsistencies; and his uncivil verbal abuse of supporters and opponents alike — have all been washed away in a torrent of sympathy for Trump’s unfair victimization. The Democrats’ dream of opposing Trump in 2024 is now within sight.

Washington’s Reagan Airport

THOSE WHO LIVE in or near the nation’s capital, or routinely travel there, know that the Washington, D.C., region is home to the best airport in the country, Reagan National. It’s also home to one of the worst airports, Dulles International.

Reagan is a gem for air travelers. It’s beautifully remodeled, usually easy to get through the TSA lines, and contains good restaurants and gates within a few minutes of the main terminal. Most importantly, there is no other major airport in the country that I know of where you can leave downtown and arrive at the airport in less than 20 minutes when traffic isn’t heavy. Dulles is almost an hour from D.C., is crowded and has a crazy train system that doesn’t even get you close to the planes but can add another 30 minutes to the travel time.

That is all a prelude to saying that a new bipartisan proposal sponsored by Reps. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) and Burgess Owens (R-Utah), the Direct Capital Access Act, would increase the number of flights in and out of Reagan National Airport. It’s a dream come true for air travelers. It’s long overdue.

Reagan was originally built to provide an easily accessible airport for members of Congress to fly in and out of. But it is still operating under archaic and outdated rules that were, believe it or not, written in 1966 — more than a half-century ago when “The Beverly Hillbillies” was a hit television show.

Reagan is the only airport in the country that is subject to federal restrictions on the number of allowed daily flights. This makes no sense anymore because the airport has just been modernized with more gates. So, increasing the number of inbound and outbound flights during nonpeak times is a no-brainer.

Over the last 50 years, the amount of air travel in and out of D.C. has increased tenfold — or about three times faster than the number of flights. Now you know why you’re getting stuck in the middle seats. If these trends continue, the airlines will have to stuff passengers in the baggage compartments.

But there may yet be a subsequent leg of this strategy. While Joe Biden shows no signs of voluntarily stepping down, it is not inconceivable that he might be forced to bow out in 2024. The Democratic Party may ultimately yield to the reality of Biden’s dismal poll ratings, his leadership failures, emerging evidence of his corruption and his physical decline. If this were to happen late in the 2024 race, the GOP could find itself burdened with Trump but facing a much stronger Democratic opponent than Biden. Presumably, the Democrats would never turn to the hapless Kamala Harris or leftist lightning rods like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren or AOC. Instead, they would probably fall back on the “2020 Biden formula” of putting forth someone who would seem moderate but who could be counted on to implement the party’s leftist agenda. It would surely be someone much younger than Biden — or Trump. Gone would be the issue of Biden’s age. In its place would be the specter of Trump’s age. The Democrats would no longer be saddled with the impossible task of defending the Biden-Harris administration. They could happily revert to running against their favorite target — Donald Trump.

At this crucial point, the GOP’s challenge is to offer succor to Trump in his legal fights and simultaneously to refocus on nominating their best candidate for 2024. The country desperately needs a change in direction. It will not be a quick or easy fix. The task is daunting: reducing the size and scope of government, reducing federal spending, reigning in entitlements, rebuilding the military, cleaning up the DOJ and FBI, once again leading the free world, restoring law and order, and reigniting the sense of pride and hope in America. As Ron DeSantis noted recently, we need at least eight years (two terms) of Republican presidential and congressional leadership in order to secure a real change in direction.

The immediate pitfalls are apparent. Somehow Republicans will have to sidestep the Democrats’ “Trump trap,” affirm the best of Trump’s policies, keep Trump and his supporters within the GOP fold, and nominate a candidate with the discipline, focus, vision and track record both to win in 2024 and, most importantly, to lead us out of the Democrats’ failed leftist quagmire. It won’t be easy.

Even worse is a “perimeter rule,” written when LBJ was president, which restricts the overall number of flights that can take off and land outside a 1,250-mile radius of Washington. That was a noise control regulation because back 40 and 50 years ago, jets were much louder and a nuisance to neighborhoods near the runways. But today, planes are much quieter, and so this issue is now moot (or mute). As a consequence, if you want to fly nonstop to Western cities such as Los Angeles or Seattle, with few exceptions, you have to trek out to Dulles in the northern Virginia exurban parts of Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Or even further out to BWI, near Baltimore.

The House bill would add 20 to 25 inbound/ outbound flights a day from Reagan as part of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill this fall. Here is an Economics 101 lesson for members of Congress who oppose this reform: If you increase the supply of something, its price goes down. The reform bill would also allow more nonstop flights to Denver, LAX, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco and Seattle.

So, who would be opposed to this? The two loudest lobbying voices against the measure are United Airlines and American Airlines. United has a hub at Dulles and so is hotly opposed to diverting air passengers to the rival airport across town. American has a hub at Reagan, and so it doesn’t want Delta and Southwest and JetBlue competing with its high-priced flights out of Reagan. There’s no legitimate public policy objection; it’s just about protecting their turf from competition.

Guess what major airport in the United States has nearly the highest ticket prices? Reagan.

Over the past year, airline costs have risen by 18% and are expected to rise even faster this summer. Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan is trying to blow up airline mergers — for example, the proposed JetBlue and Spirit marriage — because she wrongly says it will raise ticket prices. But she’s been silent on the Reagan airport issue. What is even more incomprehensible is that the two Democratic senators from Virginia, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, as well as the northern Virginia congressional delegation are against the Reagan expansion plan. Hello! Reagan is in northern Virginia, where the population has tripled in 50 years. They don’t want more flights?

The bill is estimated to create more than 1,000 new jobs and generate up to $400 million in economic benefit to the capital region. And most of the travelers who will benefit from the lower airline prices live in Virginia.

BE IN TOUCH

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

Someone ought to remind Congress that we are living in 2023, not 1966, and that today, airline travel is for everyone, not just the rich and powerful as it once was when Pan Am and its short-skirted flight attendants ruled the skies and served martinis to wealthy CEOs. Lowering the cost of flying and expanding the convenience of air travel is in everyone’s interests — except for the airlines that are lobbying their pals in Congress to keep ticket prices high.

Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a co-founder of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity. His latest book is “Govzilla: How the Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy.”

To reduce airline ticket prices, expand

NATION & WORLD

No breakthrough in NATO-Turkey talks about Sweden joining

The Associated Press

ISTANBUL, Turkey — NATO

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg made no breakthrough on Sunday in talks about Sweden’s membership in the military organization with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with officials from the two countries to meet in just over a week to try to bridge their differences.

NATO wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time U.S. President Joe Biden and other allied leaders meet in Lithuania on July 11-12, but Turkey and Hungary have yet to endorse the move. All 31 member countries must ratify a candidate’s accession protocol for it to join the trans-Atlantic alliance.

Turkey’s government accuses Sweden of being too lenient on terror organizations and security threats, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt. Hungary has also delayed its approval, but the reasons why haven’t been made publicly clear.

“President Erdogan and I agreed today that the permanent joint mechanism should meet again in the week starting on June 12. Membership will make Sweden safer, but also NATO and Turkey stronger,” Stoltenberg told reporters in Istanbul.

The permanent joint mecha-

nism was set up to address Turkey’s concerns about Sweden and Finland, the latter of which became the 31st member of NATO in April.

“Sweden has fulfilled its obligations,” for membership, Stoltenberg said. He noted that the country has amended its constitution, strengthened its anti-terror laws, and lifted an arms embargo on Turkey since it applied to join NATO just over a year ago. Fearing they might be targeted

by Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Sweden and Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATO’s security umbrella. As Stoltenberg held talks in Istanbul, hundreds of people, including dozens of pro-Kurdish protesters, gathered in Stockholm to demonstrate against Sweden’s planned NATO membership. Up to 500 people took part in the action titled “No to NATO — no Er-

dogan Laws in Sweden.” They rallied under the banner of the “Alliance Against NATO,” an umbrella for a mix of Kurdish organizations, leftist groups, anarchists, youth and climate activists and people opposed to Sweden’s new anti-terror laws, which took effect on June 1, as well as those calling for free media.

In January, a protest in Stockholm involving the burning of a copy of the Quran brought Sweden’s membership talks at NATO to a grinding halt, after Erdogan suspended the meetings. The incident led to anti-Sweden demonstrations around the Muslim world.

“We know that Erdogan is watching this and ... he has been very angry at these things in the past, so most likely we will have the same response from him and delay the Swedish NATO accession even further,” Alliance Against NATO spokesperson Tomas Pettersson said.

Stoltenberg appeared to suggest that the protests might have been raised during his talks.

“I understand it is hard to see demonstrations against Turkey and against NATO in Sweden,” Stoltenberg said. “But let me be clear, freedom of assembly and expression are core values in our democratic societies. These rights must be protected and upheld.”

He also said that it’s important to “remember why these demonstrations are taking place. The organizers want to stop Sweden from joining NATO. They want to block Sweden’s counterterrorism cooperation with Turkey, and they want to make NATO weaker. We should not allow them to succeed.”

Homeland Security names Border Patrol veteran to lead the agency Washington, D.C.

The Biden administration named U.S. Border Patrol veteran Jason Owens to lead the agency, replacing retiring chief Raul Ortiz at a time of intense political scrutiny over the administration’s immigration policies.

In a statement announcing Owens’ promotion, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, “Chief Owens is a talented, selfless, and inspiring leader who is dedicated to the Border Patrol’s law enforcement mission, the men and women who fulfill it, and the country that we all serve.”

The New York Times reported that Owens has been with the Border Patrol for more than 20 years, most recently as the head of the Del Rio division in Texas. Del Rio is one of nine sectors along the southern border. The sector stretches 245 miles along the Rio Grande River that divides Texas from Mexico. It is staffed by roughly 1,400 Border Patrol agents.

Ortiz said last month in a note to staff that was obtained by The Associated Press that he will leave June 30. Ortiz managed the Border Patrol and its roughly 20,000 agents through the COVID-19 pandemic and Title 42 emergency health restrictions that began in March 2020 and allowed agents to quickly return migrants over the southern border.

But Republicans, who say the Biden administration has done little to deter immigration, are still aiming to make it a key issue this Congress where they’ve been holding repeated hearings that have been harshly critical of the administration and specifically of Mayorkas.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Zelenskyy says ‘counteroffensive, defensive actions’ taking place in Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said counteroffensive and defensive actions are underway against Russian forces, asserting that his top commanders are in a “positive” mindset as their troops engaged in intense fighting along the front line.

plemented by nameless faceless bureaucrats that you will never have the opportunity to vote out of office.”

“What happens is, when there’s no constitutional accountability, our founding fathers would have absolutely predicted the weaponization we’ve seen with these government agents, particularly Justice and the FBI,” he said. “Because when you don’t have constitutional accountability, human nature is such that they will abuse power. And that’s what happened.

When I was in Congress, I remember, Hillary (Clinton) had emails with the classified, and my view was, ‘Gee, as a naval officer, if I would have taken classified from my department, I would have been court marshaled in a New York minute,’ and yet they seem to not care about that. Is there a different standard for a Democratic secretary of state versus a former Republican president? I think we should have one standard for everyone. We can’t have one faction of society weaponizing the state against other factions it doesn’t like.”

Pence, whose accomplishments are entwined with Trump’s, was more open in speaking of the former president, saying, “We gather here after a sad day for America: A former president, facing an unprecedented indictment by a Justice Department run by the

current president and a potential political rival.”

Pence said he was “deeply troubled” by the indictment and promised as president to “end years of politicization at the Department of Justice and restore the confidence of the American people in equal treatment under the law.”

After throwing his support behind Trump in the current legal issue, Pence’s remarks reached an emotional crescendo as he discussed his break with the president during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

He pointed out that the oath he took to protect and defend the Constitution when he was inaugurated as vice president is the same one taken by members of the military, like his son.

“It gives me no pleasure to say it,” Pence said of Jan. 6, “but on that fateful day, the American people deserve to know — President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution, and I always will.

“Under our Constitution, the states conduct our elections and

certify those elections,” he said.

“Once they certify the election, Article 2, Section 1 reads, ‘The president of the Senate (the vice-president of the U.S.) shall, in a joint session of Congress, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted.’ No more, no less.

“Despite the fact that the Constitution provides the vice president with no authority to reject or return the vote to the states, my former running mate insisted, and continues to insist, that I had the right to overturn the election,” he continued. “President Trump was wrong then, and he is wrong now. I had no right to overturn the election, and Kamala Harris will have no right to overturn the election when we beat them in 2024.”

Pence said he has prayed for Trump regularly over the last two years and will continue to do so, but he stands by his decision to defy him.

“The Bible says, ‘He keeps his oath, even when it hurts,’ and I know something about that,” Pence said then paused for several seconds to collect himself. “I say from my heart, anyone that puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president.”

Bringing his remarks back to his son and other people in uniform, Pence said, “How can we ask our men and women in uniform to take that oath and risk their lives to defend the Constitution and not demand the same of those leaders who would send them into battle?”

The Ukrainian leader, at a Kyiv news conference alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comment a day earlier that Ukraine’s counteroffensive had started — and Ukrainian forces were taking “significant losses.”

Zelenskyy said that “counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in.”

Top Ukrainian authorities have stopped short of announcing a full-blown counteroffensive was underway, though some Western analysts have said fiercer fighting and reported use of reserve troops suggests it was.

“I am in touch with our commanders of different directions every day,” he added, citing the names of five of Ukraine’s top military leaders. “Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin.”

Recent Western injections of billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment — some of it high-tech and top-ofthe-line — to Ukraine has raised expectations about when it would be used, and to what effect against dug-in Russian lines.

AP PHOTO

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto hold a joint press conference, in Ankara, Turkey, Friday, March 17, 2023.

PHOTO VIA JAMES PIEDAD

Former President Donald Trump looks to the crowd during his speech at the N.C. Republican Party convention on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

PHOTO VIA JAMES PIEDAD

Former Vice President Mike Pence points during his speech to the N.C. Republican Party convention in Greensboro on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

MLS

Agyemang helps Charlotte rally for 3-3 draw

Charlotte

Patrick Agyemang scored his first career goal, coming off the bench to find the net in the 89th minute to rally FC Charlotte to a 3 -3 draw with the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night. Cristian Roldan gave Seattle (8- 6 - 4) the lead in the 11th minute when he took a pass from Jackson Ragen and scored his second goal of the season.

Defender Jaylin Lindsey scored the equalizer for Charlotte (6 -8- 4) in the 17th minute.

Lindsey’s first goal of the season came with assists from Karol Swiderski and Ashley Westwood. Seattle took a 2-1 lead into intermission on a goal by Raúl Ruidíaz in the 36th minute, but Charlotte knotted the score in the 53rd minute when Westwood took a pass from Benjamin Bender and scored his first career goal. The Sounders regained the lead in the 70th minute on another goal by Ruidíaz. Stefan Frei did not make a save for the Sounders. Kristijan Kahlina stopped three shots for Charlotte. Charlotte is idle next week.

SOCCER

Nicaragua tossed from Gold Cup, U.S. will face Trinidad and Tobago in Charlotte

Miami Nicaragua was thrown out of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for using an ineligible player in eight matches and was replaced in the tournament by Trinidad and Tobago. The Confederation of North and Central American and Caribbean Football said the decision was made by its disciplinary committee. It did not identify the ineligible player and said some of the matches included Nations League play. Trinidad and Tobago will compete in Group A with the United States, Jamaica and a qualifier. The U.S. was scheduled to play Nicaragua in Charlotte on July 2 but will now instead face Trinidad and Tobago.

Sanders eager to be Panthers’ 3-down back

The former Eagles running back signed a four-year deal with Carolina

By Steve Reed The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Miles Sand-

ers relishes the idea of becoming an every down back for the Carolina Panthers this season, a role he didn’t always have with the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles or in the Super Bowl.

Sanders joined the Panthers as a free agent this offseason, signing a four-year, $25 million contract to help Carolina offset the loss of Christian McCaffrey, who was traded last season.

“I’m in a great mood every day,” Sanders said this week at OTAs. “I’m loving who I’m practicing with and who I’m going to war with. And the coaching staff we have is tremendous. They have a lot of experience and knowledge.”

The 26-year-old Sanders is coming off his best year as a professional, rushing for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2022 regular season.

He added another 132 yards on the ground and two TDs in Philadelphia’s first two playoff games.

Dominant Deacons head to Omaha

Wake Forest has set records in its NCAA Tournament run

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

WAKE FOREST is headed to the third College World Series in program history. It’s the first trip to Omaha since 1955 when the Demon Deacons won the national title.

the final two, hitting nine home runs on the way to a 22-5 victory.

“I’m so proud of this team,” said coach Tom Walter. “This is a big day for our program. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people. …We had high expectations of this team all year. The higher the expectations got, the more these guys showed up. In big games, your big-time players have to show up.”

played 34% of the offensive snaps while Gainwell played more than 50%.

And it was quarterback Jalen Hurts who did the bulk of the damage in the Eagles’ running game, rushing for 70 yards and three scores.

“Last game of the season? For all of the marbles? Everybody can answer that question,” Sanders said when asked if he was disappointed by how he was used in the Super Bowl. “If they put themselves in my shoes, would they be happy? I don’t want to make headlines, (but) if it does, I don’t care.”

But Sanders said that isn’t the reason he left Philadelphia.

Through five games of regional and super regional play, Wake Forest has made a statement that another title is well within reach. The Deacs are the top-ranked team in the country and entered the tournament with the No. 1 overall seed. They’ve done nothing since to give anyone reason to question those positions.

In five games of NCAA Tournament play, Wake has scored 75 runs, an average of 15 per game. By comparison, the Deacs scored 58 runs in 11 games on their way to the 1955 title.

The Deacons are one of eight teams that will be playing for a title in Omaha. They’re the first No. 1 overall seed to advance to the CWS since 2018. All seven of the other contenders have been in the College World Series more recently than Wake Forest — even Oral Roberts, which upset its way there for its second CWS appearance and first since 1978.

Miles Sanders

But when the Eagles arrived on the game’s biggest stage, Sanders took a backseat to Kenneth Gainwell.

Sanders only got seven carries for 16 yards in the Eagles’ 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, perhaps the result of fumbling out of bounds on the game’s opening play. He only

“I can get into that another day, maybe,” Sanders said. “Maybe you should ask them why I’m moving here.” Sanders had posted on social media after the season that he wanted to return to Philadelphia, but the Eagles appeared unwilling to meet his contractual demands. So Sanders found a lucrative offer and the promise of more playing time in Carolina, while the Eagles traded a fourth-round pick to the Detroit Lions to acquire D’Andre Swift as his replacement. The Panthers have high expectations for Sanders moving forward.

“Miles is a three-down back and he can do a little bit of everything,” coach Frank Reich said. “He’s explosive, he’s fast and he has good vision and patience. Really smart. And on third down, when he has to block, he’s a willing blocker.”

See PANTHERS, page B3

Opponents have managed just 16 runs, and the plus-59 run differential is the largest for a team entering the College World Series in NCAA history.

Wake has trounced opponents during its two-week run to Omaha. Out of 45 innings played, Wake has led at the end of 42 of them. They played scoreless first innings with George Mason both times the two teams met in the regional round and were tied 3-3 with Alabama following the fourth inning of the first Super Regional game. Other than that, it was all Deacs. Wake led by 10 or more runs after 13 of the 45 innings played and has never trailed at any point in the NCAA Tournament.

Alabama gave Wake its one close game so far in the first game of the super regional. Wake jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, but the Crimson Tide battled back to tie it up. Wake scored in the fifth to move back in front and went on to a 5-4 victory.

Game 2 was all Deacs as Wake scored 10 runs in the first three innings and another 10 in

Wake is one of five teams remaining that have won it all in the past. LSU (six titles, most recently in 2009), Florida (one in 2017) and Virginia (one in 2015) are also in the field. Stanford (two, most recently in 1988) and Texas (six, most recently in 2005) played for a spot Monday night.

Wake’s well-balanced excellence makes it hard to catch the Deacs on a bad night. If the pitching is struggling, Wake has the offensive firepower to keep up in a slugfest. Brock Wilken set the ACC career home run record during a three-home run day in the clinching game of the super regional.

He was more interested in talking about the team celebration, however.

“It’s super special to be part of something that’s bigger than yourself,” he said. “It’s amazing to do it on the biggest college baseball stage. … That dogpile was surreal. Not a lot of people get to do that. To be able to do that with my best friends, that meant the world to me. I was hugging teammates and coaches, saying, ‘We did it.’ The job’s not finished, but this is a huge step along the way.”

When Wake struggles at the

See WAKE FOREST, page B4

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

Wake Forest pitcher Seth Keener celebrates after the Demon Deacons beat Alabama on Sunday to advance to the College World Series.

AP PHOTO

Panthers running back Miles Sanders runs after a catch during a practice last month in Charlotte.

“The higher the expectations got, the more these guys showed up.”

Tom Walter, Wake Forest coach

“Making it to the Super Bowl is pretty addicting and if I knew the formula I would do it every year.”

TRENDING

Dalvin Cook: The running back has been released by the Vikings. In six years with Minnesota, Cook reached third on the franchise all‑time rushing list with 5,993 yards. The 27‑year‑old is coming off his fourth consecutive season surpassing the 1,000‑yard rushing mark, making the Pro Bowl in each year. Cook was scheduled to count more than $14.1 million against Minnesota’s salary cap. Cutting him will chop $9 million off the team’s cap charges for this year.

Amanda Nunes:

The UFC bantamweight champion retained her title, beating Irene Aldana by unanimous decision at UFC 289 on Saturday night before announcing her retirement. Nunes, 23‑5‑0 for her career, entered the postfight news conference on crutches and revealed she has suffered nerve damage in one leg for some time. Nunes dominated the fight, landing far more strikes than her opponent, while Aldana’s corner repeatedly encouraged their fighter to go on the offensive.

Sue Bird:

The 21‑year WNBA veteran’s career was honored by the Seattle Storm on Sunday when the team retired her No. 10. Bird’s number was the second retired by the franchise, joining Lauren Jackson’s No. 15 hanging in the rafters of Climate Pledge Arena. Bird, the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft, averaged 11.7 points and 5.6 assists in 580 regular season games with the Storm, was a 13‑time All‑Star and won four championships in Seattle. She also won two NCAA titles at UConn.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

NASCAR

Martin Truex Jr. has won at Sonoma Raceway for the fourth time in his career, passing Chase Elliott for the lead after a late restart and held off Kyle Busch for his second NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season. Truex previously won on the road course in 2013, 2018 and 2019. Only Jeff Gordon with five has more victories at Sonoma than Truex, who earned the 33rd win of his Cup career.

Duke baseball coach Chris Pollard after the Blue Devils were beaten by Virginia in the Charlottesville super regional.

Kyle Busch lamenting this week’s rare break in the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.

PRIME NUMBER

Different NBA teams former Wake Forest player and Charlotte‑born Ish Smith has played for during 13 pro seasons, an NBA record. He earned his first NBA title on Monday when the Nuggets claimed their first championship.

Nick Taylor became the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open, sinking a 72‑foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to beat Tommy Fleetwood in the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday. The last player from Canada to win the Canadian Open was Pat Fletcher in 1954 at Point Grey in Vancouver.

HORSE RACING

Novak Djokovic has won his record 23rd Grand Slam title with a 7‑6 (1), 6‑3, 7‑5 victory over Casper Ruud in the French Open final Sunday, breaking a tie with Rafael Nadal for the most major men’s singles trophies. Djokovic won his third French Open, making him the only man with at least three titles from each major.

Arcangelo took the lead at the top of the stretch and won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making Jena Antonucci the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. Arcangelo finished the 1½‑mile race in 2:29.23 and 1½ lengths in front of favored Fotre, with Tapit Trice third. Arcangelo paid $17.80, $7.20 and $4.,90 and earned $900,000.

DARREN YAMASHITA | AP PHOTO

TENNIS

THIBAULT CAMUS | AP PHOTO

GOLF

NATHAN DENETTE | THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

“Let’s go, right? We’re rolling right now.”

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

MARY ALTAFFER | AP PHOTO

“We’re going to be back.”

COURTESY DUKE ATHLETICS

Ron Sanchez resigned as Charlotte’s men’s basketball coach to return to Virginia as an assistant on coach Tony Bennett’s staff.

Sanchez steps down at Charlotte to rejoin UVA staff

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — After a decade in Conference USA, the Charlotte 49ers athletic department will head into the American Athletic Conference this year with not only a new football coach but a new basketball coach.

The school announced last week that Ron Sanchez had resigned from his head coaching position after five seasons of leading the Charlotte men’s basketball team to a 72-78 record and three winning seasons.

Less than an hour after the news, it was announced that Sanchez, 43, was returning to Virginia coach Tony Bennett’s staff where he had previously served as an assistant from 2009-2018 before joining the Niners.

“This is a bittersweet day for me and my family as I step down to pursue other opportunities,” San-

chez said in a statement. “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead the 49ers basketball program over the past five years and I want to thank Niner Nation for its support. I will be forever grateful to my staff, players and the University. I can only hope that the impact we made on our student-athletes is as strong as the impact they have made on us.”

Last season, Sanchez’s Niners amassed 22 wins — the most for the program since 2001 — and won the CBI championship, the program’s first postseason tournament title.

Associate coach Aaron Fearne has been named as Charlotte’s interim head coach while the program conducts a national search for the 12th head coach in program history.

“Ron took over a proud but struggling program and carefully rebuilt it into a 22-game winner,”

Charlotte athletic director Mike Hill said in a press release. “He has led with class, dignity and devotion to our young men. His decision to step down from Charlotte was a difficult one for him and everyone associated with our

“We have commenced a national search for our next head coach and are excited about the future.”

program. We wish him and his family every happiness.

“Our competitive goals are clear. We are driven to regularly contend for American Athletic Conference championships and return to the NCAA Tournament. We have commenced a national search for our next head coach and are excited about the future.”

On top of a coaching change in June with the offseason already underway and the transfer portal closed, the Niners will have their work cut out for them as they enter a tougher conference in the AAC.

Additionally, Charlotte’s two All-Conference USA players from

last season’s roster — guard Brice Williams and center Aly Khalifa — both entered the transfer portal following the season. Williams has since transferred to Nebraska for the 2023-24 season, while Khalifa has transferred to BYU.

It’s also possible that the timing of Sanchez’s decision could play a role in how the Niners’ coaching search plays out — and that Fearne could stay on as head coach given his familiarity with the roster. Feane has been at Charlotte for five seasons following nine years of professional coaching in Australia.

“I’m thankful to Mike Hill for the opportunity to lead our program during this time,” he said. “We are focused on welcoming back all of our players for workouts starting Monday. We have recruited some excellent pieces to help elevate the program to another level for our first season in the American Athletic Conference.”

Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum, Miami assistant Kotie Kimble, Milwaukee coach Bart Lundy and UNC

Stackhouse on the moment that lives on in rivalry history

The new NC Sports Hall of Famer is remembered for his ferocious dunk against Duke in 1995

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

RALEIGH — Some people look for the groundhog. In Chapel Hill, they look for The Dunk.

Both are February traditions. When the shortest month rolls around, it’s time to see what the rodent predicts for the rest of the winter, and it’s time to get ready for Duke-Carolina.

When the two schools resume basketball hostilities, there will be weeks of run-up, promoting the game that always seems to live up to the hype. With that hype comes great plays from past battles of the blues, and near the top of the list is The Dunk.

“I get to see it every year,” said Jerry Stackhouse, a 2023 inductee into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and author of “The Dunk.” “Whenever that DukeNorth Carolina rivalry comes back, I laugh and say, ‘I get to see myself with a little bit of hair.’”

It was 1995 in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke was struggling through its worst season in more than a decade. But for one night, the Blue Devils were able to hang with the highly ranked Tar Heels in an epic double-overtime battle.

Stackhouse scored 25 in the UNC win, none bigger than The

PANTHERS from page B1

Sanders, who will be reunited with running backs coach Duce Staley in Carolina, is expected to get more action in the passing game than in Philadelphia. He

Dunk. He came in from the wing, driving to the basket. Cherokee Parks tried to contest him. So did Eric Meek. Both wished they hadn’t.

Stackhouse swept the ball up and under, windmilling it home as all five Blue Devils stood underneath the basket. He then stomped away, doing a monster walk across his rival’s home floor to celebrate.

Some dunks put you on a poster. The Dunk put Jerry Stackhouse into the sizzle reel for the sport’s biggest games of every

proved he could be a valuable asset in that area as a rookie, catching 50 passes for 509 yards with three TDs. But Sanders’ role in the passing game quickly diminished after that, averaging less than 25 re -

“It was one of those moments, man. Everybody brings it up.”

Jerry Stackhouse

regular season.

“It was one of those moments, man,” Stackhouse said. “That always stands out to me. Everybody brings it up. They’ve always got a memory of that, of where they

ceptions in the past three seasons, including a career-low 20 catches last season.

Gainwell had more receptions (23) than Sanders in 2022.

“This is going to give me more opportunities to help my team

were. A lot of people come up to me talking about that dunk. It’s probably … well, it’s one of my favorites.”

There were better dunks?

“My favorite might have been against Virginia Tech in Greensboro Coliseum,” he said.

That came a month before The Dunk. He drove into the middle of the paint and found his path blocked by center Travis Jackson. Not a problem — Stackhouse went up, over and through the big man, extending his arm overtop the defender and slamming home a power dunk that sent Jackson sprawling as the other Hokies stood underneath the basket, watching.

Stackhouse was more than just impressive dunks. He was part of a Final Four team in 1995 as well as an All-ACC and All-American for the Tar Heels. He went on to be drafted No. 3 overall and had an 18-year NBA career, making a pair of All-Star teams.

Now, Stackhouse has transitioned to a coaching career. He’s spent two seasons as an NBA assistant and two coaching an NBA G-League team. Since 2019, he’s been a college coach at Vanderbilt, competing with another member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame’s 2023 class — Hickory’s Rick Barnes, now head coach at Tennessee.

“Coach Barnes is a class act,” Stackhouse said of his cross-state rival in the SEC. “I’m proud to know that guy. I didn’t like him

win — and that’s all I’m about,”

Sanders said. “I’m a team guy and I want to do whatever I can to help our team win. Making it to the Super Bowl is pretty addicting and if I knew the formula I would do it every year.”

Asheville coach Mike Morrell are four other names that have floated around the rumor mill as possible candidates for Charlotte’s new job opening.

McCollum, in particular, has been linked to the Niners as a coach ready to make the transition to NCAA Division I basketball following sustained success in Division II. The 42-year-old has won four D2 national championships with a 365–85 record at Northwest Missouri since 2009 while also winning 10 consecutive Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association championships.

K imble is another D2 coach who could be on the rise and already has a tangible connection to Charlotte. Before his move to Miami’s staff last season, he spent four years on the Niners’ staff assisting Sanchez after also working as an assistant at William & Mary and UNC Asheville.

The person who ultimately gets hired for the job will inherit a team that finished fifth (9-11) in last year’s Conference USA standings and is looking for its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2005.

as much when he was at Clemson and I was battling against him (as a player at UNC), but now he’s been a great resource. As I’ve gotten introduced to SEC basketball, he’s just been a great mentor and supporter. He’s an unbelievable coach. He’s awesome. And his team, they foul you and don’t get called. I’m still trying to get him to show me how his teams can foul as much as they do and not get called for it.”

Stackhouse has another college coaching mentor to refer to while learning the ropes. He played for legendary UNC coach Dean Smith.

“Coach Smith was way ahead of his time,” Stackhouse said. “I’m glad I got a chance to learn from him. A lot of the things he imparted to me, I didn’t even realize at the time, and now I’m sharing it with the kids that I coach. I think a lot of who I am, my DNA, my identity as a basketball coach comes from him.

“I learned from a lot of different coaches I played for, but none more than him. Life lessons. Just the way we approach practice. We’ve got an offensive thought of the day. We’ve got a defensive thought. Just being on time, being punctual. They’re all things I got from Coach Smith.”

He also gave Smith and the UNC program plenty during his two years with the Tar Heels, not the least of which was a dunk that still pops eyes every February. It’s enough to send even the bravest groundhog back into his hole.

“The one in Greensboro is up there,” he said, “but for iconic, it has to be that one in Cameron.”

Reich said he likes what he’s seen from Sanders so far — on the field and in the locker room.

“That signing was a really big signing for us,” Reich said. “I knew we knew it at the time, but now we really know.”

Associate coach Aaron Fearne is the 49ers’ interim head basketball coach

Mike Hill, Charlotte athletic director

NELL REDMOND | AP PHOTOL

WADE PAYNE | AP PHOTO

Vanderbilt coach Jerry Stackhouse, who was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame last month, says much of his coaching style comes from his time playing under Dean Smith at UNC.

Golf’s second-oldest tournament arrives in the shadow of the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger

By Doug Ferguson

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Rickie Fowler was walking toward his golf ball in the 18th fairway on a cool, cloudy Sunday afternoon when he looked to his right and to his left and asked a most unusual question for any U.S. Open but this one.

“Are these the widest fairways for a U.S. Open?” he said.

There’s a lot different about a U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, and that goes beyond the second-oldest championship in golf being held on the edge of Beverly Hills.

The U.S. Open hasn’t had Bermuda rough in play off the fairways since 2005 at Pinehurst No.

2, and yet the greens on the North course are bentgrass. As for the fairways? True, this is one of the widest U.S. Open courses. But it might help to put a notice several tee boxes that says, “Targets are smaller than they appear.”

“Looks big,” Fowler said. “Plays small.”

Another big change for this U.S. Open is the topic of conversation.

The U.S. Open comes one week after the PGA Tour announced the Saudi Arabian wealth fund it had been battling in court over LIV Golf is now its partner in a new for-profit commercial company.

No one knows what this means for LIV Golf and the players that defected, or the PGA Tour and how to appease players who chose to stay.

“I know the same amount of information you do. It’s very tough to make any kind of comment or decision because I don’t have enough information,” Justin Thomas said.

“There’s still a lot of things that

“I have absolutely no idea what the scores

have to play out.”

Thomas joined Fowler and Jordan Spieth for a casual game over 18 holes, a perfect day to beat the crowd and get a good look at the course in U.S. Open conditions. It was cool and dry, and the course was fast. Given the dry forecast, this would appear to be a week where the USGA can control conditions to its liking.

Thomas was among several players who came over to LACC during the West Coast swing, either after Torrey Pines or before Riviera. It’s not entirely a blind date. This will be the third time in the

For this US Open in LA, fairways look wider than they really are Nuggets take home 1st NBA title

Denver beat the Heat 94-89 in Game 5

By Eddie Pells

The Associated Press

last nine years the U.S. Open goes to a course for the first time. The difference is that Erin Hills (2017) and Chambers Bay (2015) had only opened about 10 years before getting a U.S. Open, and neither is on the list for another one.

LACC has history — a lot of it — and already is assured of another U.S. Open in 2039.

Gil Hanse oversaw a restoration to the George Thomas Jr. design a dozen years ago to a course that first moved to this property in 1911. It offers just about everything.

“It’s cool, very unique,” Thomas said. “It has a wide variety of holes very short and very long. Hitting the fairway and getting it in the fairway is a premium. But you have a lot of wedges in your hand, and then you’ve got holes where you’re trying to figure out how to make par.”

And after all that, Thomas concluded, “I have absolutely no idea what the scores are going to be like.”

The par 3s will get plenty of attention, and that was another first for Thomas — the first time he has ever hit a 3-wood into a par 3 twice in one round. The first was at the 284-yard seventh. The other was at the 290-yard 11th hole.

Thomas mentioned the impor-

tance of hitting the fairway and getting it in the fairway, and that’s not always the same thing. On the 380-yard 12th hole, Thomas and Fowler each hit a long iron into the fairway, leaving a wedge or short iron. Spieth hit driver over the edge of a bunker on the left side. The shot was perfect — or looked that way.

The turf is fast enough that the ball rolled out and didn’t stop until it was in the right rough. It took him a while to find it. He had a lob wedge into the green without being able to control it, and control is everything in a U.S. Open.

The rough doesn’t need to be thick to be penal with Bermuda grass. Even at 3 inches, golf balls sink to the bottom. This being a Sunday before U.S. Open week begins, the volunteer marshals had yet to show up.

“Every time we missed the fairway, it took more than one to find a ball,” Thomas said. “It sits down. It’s very odd for California, let alone a U.S. Open. I don’t know if I’ve played a U.S. Open on Bermuda. But it’s very, very nasty.”

There was Bermuda grass at Pinehurst in 2014, but by then, the Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw project had eliminated most of the Bermuda rough in favor of expansive waste areas.

coach Michael Malone said.

It felt almost perfect that an unheralded and once-chubby second-round draft pick from Serbia would be the one to lift Denver to the top of a league that, for decades, has been dominated by superstars, first-round draft picks and players who lead the world in sneaker and jersey sales.

“We are not in it for ourselves, we are in it for the guy next to us. And that’s why this (means) even more.”

Nikola

Jokic,

NBA Finals

DENVER — Confetti flying in Denver. The Nuggets sharing hugs while passing around the NBA championship trophy.

Those scenes that, for almost a half-century, seemed impossible, then more recently started feeling inevitable, finally turned into reality Monday night.

The Nuggets outlasted the Miami Heat 94-89 in an ugly, frantic Game 5 that did nothing to derail Nikola Jokic, who bailed out his teammates with 28 points and 16 rebounds on a night when nothing else seemed to work.

Jokic became the first player in history to lead the league in points (600), rebounds (269) and assists (190) in a single postseason. Not surprisingly, he won the Bill Russell trophy as the NBA Finals MVP — an award that certainly has more meaning to him than the two overall MVPs he won in 2021 and ’22 and the one that escaped him this year.

“We are not in it for ourselves, we are in it for the guy next to us,” Jokic said. “And that’s why this

(means) even more.”

Fireworks exploding outside Ball Arena at the final buzzer after the Nuggets held off the Heat to clinch the series, making Denver the home of the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time in the franchise’s 47 years in the league.

“The fans in this town are unbelievable,” said team owner Stan Kroenke, who also owns the Colorado Avalanche, which won its third Stanley Cup last year. “It

weekend.

“To get the win in Game 1 of the super regional is what it’s supposed to be,” Walter said. “I’m so proud of him, the man he is, the leader that he is.”

LSU, the No. 5 national seed,

means a lot to us to get this done.”

True to the Nuggets’ personality, they kept pressing, came at their opponent in waves and figured out how to win a game that went against their type. Their beautiful game turned into a slugfest, but they figured it out, nonetheless.

“What I was most proud about is, throughout the game, if your offense is not working and your shots are not falling, you have to dig in on the defensive end,” Nuggets

is also able to dominate at the plate and on the mound. Two of the three finalists for the Golden Spikes player of the year award are Tigers — LSU pitching ace Paul Skenes and outfielder Dylan Crews. No. 2 national seed Florida

Over their near five-decade stay in the league, the Nuggets have been the epitome of a lovable NBA backbencher — at times entertaining, adorned by rainbows on their uniforms and headlined by colorful characters on the floor and bench. But they were never quite good enough to break through against the biggest stars and better teams to the east, west and south of them.

Before this season, there were only two teams founded before 1980 – the Nuggets and Clippers –that had never been to an NBA Finals. The Nuggets took their name off that list then joined San Antonio as the second original ABA team to capture the NBA’s biggest prize. The other two ABAers, the Pacers and Nets, have been to the finals but lost.

It was Jokic blossoming into a do-everything force that made the Nuggets a team to watch. Not everybody did. A shift to winning couldn’t change Denver’s location on the map — in a weird time zone in flyover territory — and it didn’t shift everyone’s view of the Nuggets.

has the third finalist in Jac Caglianone, who is a dominant batter and pitcher as a two-way player. Virginia, at No. 7, is the next highest national seed still playing.

So, for all of Wake’s accomplishments, there’s still plenty left

Even in Denver.

There’s little doubt that this has always been a Broncos-first sort of town. No single Denver victory will outshine the day in 1998 when John Elway broke through and that team’s owner, Pat Bowlen, held the Lombardi Trophy high and declared: “This one’s for John!”

But this one? It won’t take a back seat to much. It’s for every Dan (Issel), David (Thompson), Doug (Moe) or Dikembe (Mutombo) who ever came up short or got passed over for a newer, shinier model with more glitter and more stars.

For the first time in 47 seasons, nobody in the NBA shines brighter than the Nuggets.

“You live vicariously through these guys,” said Denver great LaPhonso Ellis, as he pointed to the big scoreboard announcing the Nuggets as champions. “And to see that there, ‘2023 NBA Champions’ here in Denver, that’s so cool, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

to accomplish.

MVP plate, the Deacs can rely on some of the strongest pitching in the nation led by Rhett Lowder, who moved to 15-0 with a win over Alabama in the first game of the

“It’s a big day for us,” Walter said after the super regional. “We’re going to celebrate this one for 36 hours and then get back to work because this team has even bigger goals.”

RINGO H.W. CHIU | AP PHOTO

The Los Angeles Country Club is hosting the 123rd U.S. Open this week, the first time the tournament is coming to the course.

are going to be like.”

Justin Thomas

WAKE FOREST from page B1

JACK DEMPSEY | AP PHOTO

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center left, celebrates with his daughter Ognjena and teammates after Denver won the NBA title with a victory over the Heat in Monday’s Game 5.

$2,726,987,895

$77,150,300

$101,282,787

$6,924,591,218

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COVID-19 from page B5

Fraud in pandemic unemployment assistance programs stands at $76 billion, according to congressional testimony from Labor Department Inspector General Larry Turner. That’s a conservative estimate. Another $115 billion mistakenly went to people who should not have received the benefits, according to his testimony.

Turner’s task in identifying all of the pandemic unemployment insurance fraud has been complicated by a lack of cooperation from the federal Bureau of Prisons, according to a September “alert memo” issued by his office. Scam artists used Social Security numbers of federal prisoners to steal millions of dollars in benefits.

Hospitalizations for the virus have steadily declined, according to CDC data, and Biden in April ended the national emergency to respond to the pandemic.

But on politically divided Capitol Hill, lawmakers have not put the pandemic behind them and are engaged in a fierce debate over the success of the relief spending and who’s to blame for the theft.

Too much government money, Republicans argue, breeds fraud, waste and inflation. Democrats have countered that all the financial muscle from Washington saved lives, businesses and jobs.

Republicans and Democrats did, however, find common ground last year on bills to give the federal government more time to catch fraudsters. Biden in August signed legislation to increase the statute of limitations from five to 10 years on crimes involving the two major programs managed by the SBA.

The extra time will help federal prosecutors untangle pandemic fraud cases, which often involve identity theft and crooks overseas. But there’s no guarantee they’ll catch everyone who jumped at the chance for an easy payday. They’re busy, too, with crimes unrelated to pandemic relief funds.

“Do we have enough cases and leads that we could be doing them in 2030? We absolutely could,” said Fruchter, the federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Washington. “But my experience tells me that likely there will be other priorities that will come up and will need to be addressed. And unfortunately, in our office, we don’t have a dedicated pandemic fraud unit.”

NYC mandates minimum wage for app-based workers, a national first

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — New York City will implement a minimum pay rate for food delivery workers on apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash — marking a first for the U.S., officials said this week.

The new rule could nearly triple average earnings for app-based delivery workers in the coming years. New York’s more than 60,000 delivery workers currently make an average of $7.09 an hour, according to the city. But on July 12, an increased pay rate of $17.96 an hour will take effect — and that minimum wage is set to rise to $19.96 by April 2025, the city said. For years following, the minimum pay rate will be adjusted annually for inflation.

“Our delivery workers have consistently delivered for us — now, we are delivering for them,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a Sunday statement announcing the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s new rule.

“This new minimum pay rate, up by almost $13.00/hour, will guarantee these workers and their families can earn a living, access greater economic stability, and help keep our city’s legendary restaurant industry thriving.”

Ligia Guallpa, executive director of the Brooklyn-based Worker’s Justice Project, called the move a “historic moment for New York City” — as labor organizers across the country call for better pay and improved working conditions for gig workers, who often face unreliable earnings and little safety protections.

“This rule will set the pay floor for all the essential deliveristas who work tirelessly — whether through a pandemic, a snowstorm or wildfire smoke — and who have been denied a living wage for far too long,” Gullapa said in a statement.

“While there’s still work to do, a minimum pay rate for food delivery workers will transform the lives

of thousands of families across the city and deliver long overdue justice for deliveristas.”

While Guallpa and others applauded New York’s new minimum pay rate, food delivery services including Uber Eats and DoorDash have pushed back — arguing that the decision could have unintended consequences on app workers.

“The city is lying to delivery workers — they want apps to fund this increase by eliminating jobs and reducing tipping while forcing the remaining workers to deliver orders faster,” Uber Eats spokesperson Josh Gold said in a statement sent to The Associated Press.

Grubhub, which noted it believes the city “had good intentions,” also expressed disappointment and similar concerns over the rule. Meanwhile, DoorDash said it may pursue legal action.

“Given the broken process that

resulted in such an extreme final minimum pay rule, we will continue to explore all paths forward — including litigation — to ensure we continue to best support Dashers and protect the flexibility that so many delivery workers like them depend on,” DoorDash said in a statement. Under the new rule, food delivery services will have some flexibility in how they pay new workers. Apps can choose if they want to pay delivery workers per trip, per hour worked or another policy created by the company — as long as earnings meet the minimum pay rate, the city said. With the $17.96 minimum rate taking effect next month, apps that pay workers for all the time they are on call (connected to the app) will be required to pay about 30 cents per minute, not including tips. For apps that only compensate for trip

to use ChatGPT to plan your next trip

The Associated Press PLANNING TRAVEL can be a daunting maze. Guidebooks, by their nature, send all readers to the same destinations. And web searches can yield an unhelpful mess of content.

Yet some tech-savvy travelers are finding success using artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT and Bard to inspire and plan their vacations, treating these services like free, on-demand travel agents.

“I liked the idea of ChatGPT because it gives you a very clear list,” says Alpa Patel, an avid traveler based out of New York City.

Patel has been planning a family trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the summer. After getting frustrated with the cookie-cutter travel websites served up by Google, she had an idea: Why not ask ChatGPT for some advice?

“I started with the best places to stay and it gave me a list of neighborhoods, along with the best hotels. I actually picked my hotel through that list,” Patel says.

SET YOUR PREFERENCES

Although Patel enjoyed the simplicity of these responses, she quickly found another reason why AI chatbots like ChatGPT can be

“I very specifically asked, ‘What are good day trips when you have a child who suffers from car sickness?’ It came up with some ideas that you could go to by train.”

avid traveler Alpa Patel

useful for travel planning: customization.

Google was giving her endless recommendations for the Scottish Highlands, but Patel’s younger son gets carsick, so she didn’t think it would be feasible for him to spend hours in a car to get there. She found ChatGPT was able to give her reasonable alternatives.

“I very specifically asked, ‘What are good day trips when you have a child who suffers from car sickness?’ It came up with some ideas that you could go to by train,” she says.

This approach differs from traditional ways of researching travel ideas. It requires some creativity on the traveler’s part to

identify their niche interests, such as 1950s architecture in New York City or the best tonkotsu ramen in the Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo. Rather than simply reading a list of ideas, trip planning with AI chatbots involves feeding it the preferences that matter to you.

PUSH BACK AND VERIFY

Unlike real travel experts, artificial intelligence models can’t get their feelings hurt. That means it’s OK to shoot down ideas you don’t like — in fact, it’s encouraged.

While web search results essentially reset with every new query, the language models powering chatbots can carry on long conversations, remembering and responding to questions and feedback throughout.

And while these models are great at generating ideas and answering simple questions, nothing they say should be taken as, well, true. ChatGPT, for example, is based on historical information up to 2021, so you can’t expect it to provide the latest details, which you might find with a search engine like Google. The chatbot may recommend a restaurant that closed during the pandemic or a train line that isn’t running on your travel dates.

For example, if you are plan-

time, that rate will be about 50 cents per minute, not including tips, in 2023 — and is expected to rise to 53 cents per minute in April 2024 and 55 cents per minute in April 2025, plus inflation adjustments.

The future rate of 55 cents per minute could add up to $33 per hour of trip time — but drivers are rarely able to spend the entirety of their shifts on trips. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection found that workers spend about 60% of their working time engaged in trips and 40% on call.

The implementation of the minimum pay rate follows a law passed by the New York City Council in 2021, which required the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to study the working conditions and pay of app-based food delivery workers and establish a minimum rate based on the findings.

ning a visit to Japan at the end of cherry blossom season, ChatGPT might not know exactly when or where these blooms were actually happening.

GET INSPIRED

AI chatbots like ChatGPT might seem like technological wizards, but they’re still quite limited in what they can do. Don’t expect them to know current flight prices to Dubai or book a reservation at a restaurant it recommends.

However, some travel companies are working on integrating AI chatbots with the booking process. Expedia recently introduced an integration with ChatGPT that saves its recommendations in the Expedia app.

“Any hotels recommended in the conversation powered by ChatGPT will automatically save to a new ‘trip’ in the app that travelers can go back to when they’re ready to shop and book their trip, adding on flights, activities, cars, etc.,” said Rajesh Naidu, senior vice president and chief architect at Expedia Group, in an email. These integrations are in their early days, so travelers will still have to do the actual booking legwork. But the fun of using AI chatbots lies in the ideas they can generate and the collaborative approach they foster.

“It’s the ideation stage,” Patel says. “It’s giving me the inspiration for what to look deeper into.”

How

AP PHOTO

A food delivery worker rides through the a busy street in lower Manhattan, Friday, April 28, 2023, in New York.

2023 BMW X1

A surprisingly slick sports activity vehicle

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

BOSTON — As a car journalist, I’ll often be asked if any new cars sold today are so bad that they should be avoided completely. And, for the most part, there aren’t.

But while no cars are truly bad, some vehicles are far better than others. Unsurprisingly, they’re often in hyper-competitive classes where being good isn’t enough — you need to be great. That’s the case with this week’s test car, the new 2023 BMW X1.

The subcompact luxury crossover segment is full of great vehicles like the Lexus UX, Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Range Rover Evoque.

When I slipped behind the wheel of the new BMW X1, though, I was shocked at what I saw. The minimalist interior design that I loved in the BMW iX has made its way downmarket. A pair of large screens, seemingly sharing a single piece of curved glass, appear to float atop the dash. The left is your instrument cluster, while the right is a vibrant touchscreen where just about everything in the car is controlled.

A floating center console sits in the middle, with vehicle controls including the start/stop button, shifter toggle (I almost called it a knob out of habit, but it’s literally a rocker switch), a scrolling volume wheel for the audio, and a couple of miscellaneous other buttons for the drive mode and parking brake and the like.

This is very much a case of everything you need and nothing you don’t. There are no physical climate controls aside from the front and rear defrost, which are regulatorily required. Instead, there are permanent controls at the bottom of the screen which are easy to navigate visually. Want

it warmer? Press the red side. For colder, tap the blue. The automatic climate is excellent enough that you’ll rarely find yourself needing to touch these.

The BMW infotainment screen is sharp, and is best used for one of the strongest implementations of wireless Apple CarPlay I’ve seen.

Wireless Android Auto works too, but BMW takes advantage of some newer CarPlay features and can display Apple Maps not only on the infotainment screen like you may have experienced in other cars, but it sends a gorgeous map over to the instrument cluster as well.

In most cars, if you want in-cluster navigation maps, you need to use the built-in systems, which ar-

en’t always the best (the excellent Google Maps-powered implementations in newer Volvo and GM vehicles are a notable exception). But in the BMW, you get a little square of Apple Maps tucked right in the middle of the BMW-native digital cluster. It frees up your infotainment screen to display what you’re playing on Apple Music, for example, if you’d prefer to see that.

Regardless, it’s a terrific way to make use of your screen real estate, and given how great all the cars in this class are, it could be enough on its own to push you toward the X1 if you’re an avid iPhone user. Speaking of phones, there’s a wireless phone charger at the base of the center stack with

an ingenious little bar that’s reminiscent of those that hold you in place on a roller coaster.

Want to store your phone away, charging and safe from getting flung about in a crash? Drop it on the phone charger and pop the restraining bar into place. Need to get it? Just grab your phone, and it releases instantly. I love it. That said, if you have some large cups in the cupholders, they will block easy access to your phone, which seems like an oversight if you’re a Big Gulp fan.

Under that floating center console is an open storage spot big enough for a medium-sized purse or, as I used it, for your AirPods, wallet, keys, mints, sunglasses,

and whatever other detritus you might otherwise throw in your cupholders because you’d like it close at hand.

Stepping outside, the exterior of the new BMW X1 is inoffensive and actually quite handsome, resisting the outrageously massive kidney grille that bedevils some recent BMW designs. There are only so many ways you can draw a crossover, but BMW’s exterior design team has done a good job making this one stand out with some sharp edges, nips, and tucks to keep things pleasing, especially in the gorgeous San Remo Green Metallic I had.

My tester, an all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive28i, was well-equipped and priced appropriately for the class at $46,795, though it, inexplicably, did not have adaptive cruise control fitted. Instead, it’s an optional extra which is mind-boggling and shows some amount of cravenness on the part of BMW USA’s product planners, considering you can get the same features for free in a base-model Toyota Corolla.

My only other major complaint is how long it takes for the auto start/stop feature to restart the car — plus the fact that there’s no dedicated button to disable the feature. Instead, you tap the drive mode button and pop the car into Sport, which makes it more fun to drive anyway.

Still, when properly equipped, the BMW X1 is my current favorite of all the subcompact luxury crossovers and would make for a fantastic city runabout or even a first car for a safety-and-fashion-conscious teen of a certain economic persuasion.

You’d also likely love the Lexus UX or the Volvo XC40 and pay around the same amount. But some cars are more equal than others, and the BMW X1 stands out with its terrific design and litany of advanced features.

PHOTOS COURTESY BMW

‘Transformers’ edge out ‘Spider-Verse’ to claim first place at box office

The Associated Press

IT WAS MILES MORALES and the Spider-Verse versus the “Transformers” at the box office this weekend and the bots came out on top.

“ Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” the seventh entry in the series, took the No. 1 spot in its first weekend in North American theaters with $60.5 million according to studio estimates Sunday. “ Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse “ wasn’t too far behind, however, with an estimated $55.4 million in its second weekend.

Paramount Pictures released “Rise of the Beasts” in 3,678 locations starting with Thursday previews. Set in 1994, it’s technically a sequel to the 1980s-set “Bumblebee” and a prequel to the other films. With a new cast led by Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback and a new director in Steven Caple Jr., it’s also an attempt to reset and breathe fresh life into the $4.8 billion franchise.

“Rise of the Beasts” also earned $110 million from 68 international markets, giving it a $170.5 million global debut.

Critics didn’t love the movie, but that’s also par for the course for this franchise. Overall, Rotten Tomatoes aggregated a less-than-fresh 52%

rating. “The problem with “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is the same problem faced by all of the installments — balancing the humanity with the metal,” wrote AP’s Mark Kennedy in his review.

In fact, the only movie that did get a fresh rating was “Bumblebee,” which also made the least money of all of them. Audiences (62% male)

were more positive, giving “Rise of the Beasts” an A- CinemaScore. According to PostTrak surveys, general audiences gave it 4.5 stars out of 5. “To have a No. 1 debut is impressive given the formidable competition from ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ which had a much stronger opening than anyone anticipated and in its second weekend is a really powerful player,” said Paul

Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore.

Sony’s “Spider-Verse” sequel fell about 54%. In just two weeks, it’s already surpassed the total domestic box office of the first film with $225.4 million in ticket sales and become the highest grossing Sony Pictures Animation release. With terrific reviews in its arsenal, “Spider-Verse” is likely destined for a

longer life at the box office, too.

While many of the films in the top 10 are known brands or IP, one original property, A24’s “ Past Lives,” is making waves in the specialty space. Playing on just 26 screens in its second weekend, Celine Song’s romance made $520,772 for a stunning $20,030 per screen average. It expands nationwide on June 23.

The summer movie season should continue to pick up heat with major new films coming nearly every week. Next weekend family audiences get Pixar’s “Elemental,” while the superhero crowd can catch up with “ The Flash.”

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

1. “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” $60.5 million.

2. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” $55.4 million.

3. “The Little Mermaid,” $22.3 million.

4. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” $7 million.

5. “The Boogeyman,” $6.9 million.

6. “Fast X,” $5.2 million.

7. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” $2.1 million.

8. “About My Father,” $845,000.

9. “The Machine,” $575,000.

10. “Past Lives,” $520,772.

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Bumblebee, left, and Cheetor in a scene from “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”

Sen. Budd introduces General Aviation Airport Access Act

On Monday, Senator Tedd Budd (R-NC) introduced S. 1874, also known as the General Aviation Airport Access Act. This bill requires federally funded airports to designate part of their parking area for transient general aviation aircraft, which would increase airport access for smaller planes. “As a general aviation pilot, I’ve seen and heard from aviators who have experienced sky-high charges for airport services that they don’t need,” said Budd. “Affordable services should be available to all pilots, including small planes. I’m proud to introduce a bill to increase access for more pilots to utilize more airports.” According to a press release from the senator’s office, over 400 aviation organizations have called on Congress to address the problems associated with transient ramps at public-use airports. This bill does not affect the charges for services outside of the airport’s transient parking area. Airport operators and FBOs who provide a broader range of services to pilots may continue to charge for those services. “AOPA thanks Senator Tedd Budd for his leadership on this issue,” stated Mark Baker, President & CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. “These airports are public-use facilities, and access to them should not be limited by requiring a pilot to pay a business for services they never asked for, used, or wanted. This legislation is long overdue, it’s more than fair, and it’s the right thing to do.”

COUNTY NEWS

Juneberry Jams to continue into July

Saturday, June 10, was Day One of Juneberry Jams, a festival held at Juneberry Ridge in Norwood. It’s the third year the Jams have been held on three summer Saturdays. Day One, titled Soil Bluegrass Beatles, featured author Daniel Griffith discussing soil health and performances by bluegrass group The Trailblazers and a Beatles tribute from Forever Abbey Road.

Day Two will take place on June 24, titled Feeding Local, Folk & Fleetwood Mac. A fireside chat and cocktail hour with local farmers about food as medicine and regenerative farming will kick off the day followed by Asheville folk group Ashes & Arrows and a Fleetwood Mac tribute from Kansas City group Landslide.

The festival will close on July 8 with Day Three, titled Ethical Meat & Break-out Country Stars. The speaker series will open the day with expert butcher and farmer Meredith Leigh, who discusses our relationship with meat. Charlotte’s Caroline Keller Band will follow as the first of two country acts. The main act, Ryan Perry, will then take the stage.

JUNEBERRY.COM

Board of Education expresses frustration over local budget needs

Board also passes resolutions taking positions on state legislation

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Schools Board of Education met Tuesday, June 6 with a presentation on budget needs and two resolutions taking a stance on proposed legislation current in the General Assembly.

The board began by expressing their frustration over the proposed 2023-24 budget for Stanly County Schools.

The biggest takeaway from the presentation was that the board felt that their local funding from the county was not sufficient enough to meet their needs.

According to the presentation, SCS has received a 15% increase in local funding over a five-year period which is not in

line with the county’s growth.

“As a five-year trend, SCS is not growing proportionate to the county’s revenue,” said Superintendent Jarrod Dennis. “We are growing, so our revenue source has to grow with us. If not, then think about what that would look like.”

Currently, the projected per-pupil allotment for SCS traditional students equates to $1,632.60, which is the lowest among the surrounding counties.

“When you see Montgomery ranked 36th, Anson ranked 50th and then Stanly ranked 94th, it is appalling,” said Board Chair Glenda Gibson. “I hope that with the resolutions that we have done, that people who are watching this, that they see that we are working hard, we’re trying, but this is unacceptable to be 94th in ranking.”

Some of the increases in cost the board is looking at is $1,200,000 for a 1% certified supplement increase and $1,400,000 to create a new pay

Superintendent Jarrod Dennis

scale for classified employees, but the county is only set to cover $1,100,000.

Also according to Dennis, in order to meet supplements, SCS has to take $1.75 million out of local current expenses because the county only covers $375,000 for supplements.

“We need the full funding,” said board member Dustin Lisk.

“If I recall correctly from the county manager’s budget request, it showed that around an additional $0.043 in tax would have fully funded every request from every agency that they are responsible for. I would remind

He vividly recounted the first day of school that year; it was the day that Ms. Foster became the first African-American teacher at Norwood School.”

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

ALBEMARLE — Just a few months after a former Norwood Elementary School student approached the Stanly County Board of Education with the idea of recognizing the school’s first black teacher, Barbara Foster, the school has since dedicated her former classroom in her honor.

A plaque containing the inscription “The Barbara Foster Classroom ‘Courage for the Betterment of All’ 1967-1968” has been placed at the door of the same Norwood classroom that Foster used 56 years ago. The school held a celebratory event on June 6 in hon-

or of Foster that featured students from her 1967-68 class as well as current Norwood students.

Along with Foster and her family, Norwood Elementary principal Mandy Efird spoke at the school board’s meeting later that day, where Foster was honored with a formal presentation followed by a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance.

“At the March meeting of the Stanly County Schools Board of Education, Mr. David Deese spoke publicly about his experiences as a first-grade student during the 1967-1968 school year,” Efird told the school board. “Mr. Deese recounted his memories of his teacher, Ms. Barbara Foster.

At that meeting, Deese told the board that there had been protests in the community over Foster’s employment but that she was courageous in her dedication to teaching despite the backlash. Others in the community rallied around Foster and even stood around the classroom in solidarity during her first day at Norwood.

“Despite the stressful situation, Ms. Foster conducted our classroom professionally that day – and for the rest of the year – as if nothing was wrong. She always put the education of her students first,” Deese added.

In addition to the honorary plaque at her former classroom, Foster also received an identical

the public that when the past commissioner board did a revaluation, our tax rate was previously set at $0.67 and the board decided to lower that to $0.61. How I view that is it’s great because I want to pay less tax, but in some sense, our county folks could have met those amounts halfway and fully funded our requests. I want everybody to pay less taxes, but at the same time, we have substantial needs as a school system.”

One action that did come out of the presentation was a motion to have the county directly pay the SRO funding to the sheriff’s department and not have the funds pass through SCS.

“Currently, the money for SROs is given to us and we’re used as the fiscal agent to pay the Sheriff’s Department,” Dennis said. “We make a quarterly check cut to the Sheriff’s Department. The charter schools also then get a chunk because it’s a local current expense, so SCS

See EDUCATION, page 2

“As a five-year trend, SCS is not growing proportionate to the county’s revenue.”

Norwood Elementary honors school’s first black teacher

WEDNESDAY 6.14.23 #292

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As United Methodist church splits, local churches welcome like-minded congregants

North State Journal

ALBEMARLE — Thousands of United Methodist congregations have been voting on whether to stay or quit one of the nation’s largest denominations amid intractable debates over theology and the role of LGBTQ people. There are stark differences over recognizing same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ clergy.

Those who come up on the short end of a disaffiliation vote face the dilemma of whether to stay or go.

The splintering — often grievous and tense — has spurred new initiatives to provide havens for the unmoored. Some United Methodist regional conferences have begun designating “Lighthouse” congregations — ones that actively welcome people who wanted to stay United Methodist but whose former churches voted to leave.

Bethany United Methodist in Albemarle has elected to become a Lighthouse Congregation and has been providing space for a group who wanted to continue worship as United Methodists after their church disaffiliated.

“Our congregation supports the remnant group through our hospitality, prayers and use of our facilities,” said the Rev. David Cochran to the UM News. “Bethany is committed to allowing those in the remnant group to discern at their own pace and discover which steps they will take as the

HONORS from page 1

plaque that she could take home with her.

“Thank you so much for your time and your appreciation for honoring me,” Foster said.

Holy Spirit leads them.”

According to the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, there are five Lighthouse Congregations in Stanly County: Bethany, Richfield United Methodist, Central United Methodist in Albemarle, Randall by the River in Norwood, and Norwood First United Methodist.

“The pain is real, and there is a lot of grief and a lot of heartache over the split in the United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Lynda Ferguson of First United Methodist Asheboro, which also became a Lighthouse congregation. That designation assures newcomers that it’s committed to staying United Methodist, so they won’t have to worry about another disaffiliation vote. More than 400 congregations have disaffiliated in North Carolina. Ferguson said she can personally relate to those from departing congregations. Her childhood church — the one that shaped her faith and where at age 12 she felt the call to ministry — also voted to leave.

“Part of the Lighthouse mission is to let people know the United Methodist Church is still here and still welcoming,” said the Rev. Ed McKinney, pastor of Stokesdale United Methodist Church in Stokesdale, North Carolina, which also became a Lighthouse congregation.

Michael Hahn and his family are among a group of newcom-

he recounted the bond formed between Foster and her former school.

Rev. Lynda Ferguson, First United Methodist Asheboro

ers who have begun participating in Stokesdale after their previous congregations left the denomination.

Hahn, whose family has been Methodist for generations, said he couldn’t imagine leaving the denomination, which he values for blending faith and rationality: “It’s a place where I don’t have to check my logic and reason at the door and blindly accept things.”

Hahn said he, his wife and daughters have found “a very warm and welcoming environment” in the Stokesdale congregation, with people saying, “We’re glad to have you here, we want to walk through this period with you.”

Many of the departing churches are joining the conservative Global Methodist Church, created last year. Others are going independent or joining different denominations.

While the Global Methodist Church doesn’t have a program

we felt a warm embrace from the Norwood-Albemarle community.”

like the Lighthouse initiative, it has begun launching or adopting congregations that can become homes for those who want to leave the United Methodist Church but whose congregations are staying.

The ongoing schism has been long in the making.

The United Methodist Church — with about 6.5 million members in the United States and at least that many abroad — has long debated its bans on samesex marriages and the ordination of openly LGBTQ clergy.

The denomination has repeatedly upheld the bans, largely through the voting strength of the growing, more conservative churches abroad. But conservatives chose to form a new denomination amid growing defiance of the bans in U.S. churches.

More than 3,500 U.S. congregations have received their local conferences’ permission to disaffiliate from the UMC, according to United Methodist News Service. With conference season underway, disaffiliations are closing in on 4,000 and could rise even more by the end of the year, said the Rev. Jay Therrell, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, a conservative group advocating for departing congregations.

That’s a fraction of the United Methodists’ 30,000 U.S. churches, though several of the departing congregations are among the largest in their states.

children grow and prosper.”

CRIME LOG

♦ CROSS, CHYNA B`NAI (B /F/22), TRAFFICKING IN METHAMPHETAMINE, 06/12/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ THOMAS, JAZMYNE LURIA (B /F/29), RESIST PUBLIC OFF/SER BOD INJ, 06/12/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ CATRON, JOHNATHAN ULYSSESS (B /M/32), RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER, 06/11/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ MOULTIRE, JEREMIAH AVONTE (B /M/23), POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY FELON, 06/11/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ SOLIS ALVAREZ, JESUS (U /M/36), ASSAULT ON FEMALE, 06/11/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ HARRISON, AMEER RAFFET (B /M/26), ASSAULT ON FEMALE, 06/10/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ LEONARD, ROY DAVID (W /M/79), ATMPT 2ND DEGREE FORCIBLE RAPE, 06/10/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ BRYANT, JENNIFER LYNN (W /F/31), INT CHILD ABUSE-SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, 06/09/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

Foster’s nephew Darrell Foster-Davidson also thanked the school board and Norwood Elementary for recognizing an important member of his family as

“Listening to Barbara when I was growing up talk about Norwood and some of the people here really gave me an enduring feeling of family, closeness and togetherness,” Foster-Davidson said. “A lot of people that she worked with, we saw in our home. They came to visit us. When my grandfather passed,

He continued: “Once again, we just want to thank you for taking care of her while she was here and making sure that she came home to us safe every weekend. I want you to know that she really appreciates the kindness and the opportunity that you guys showed her during this time when she was teaching to be able to help you and help your

The school board thanked Foster and her family for attending both the event at Norwood Elementary and the school board meeting.

“What a sweet, sweet family you have,” school board chair Glenda Gibson said. “It’s no wonder you do because Miss Foster is special. She is so sweet, and she touched a lot of lives, and we appreciate her.”

AI helped create ‘last Beatles record,’ Paul McCartney says

The Associated Press

LONDON — Artificial intelligence has been used to extract John Lennon’s voice from an old demo to create “the last Beatles record,” Paul McCartney said Tuesday.

McCartney, 80, told the BBC that the technology was used to separate the Beatles’ voices from background sounds during the making of director Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary series, “The Beatles:

EDUCATION from page 1

has to pull money out of other local current expenses to make that back up. If the county just cuts the check straight to the sheriff’s office, we don’t have to make that money up and it will change our per-pupil allotment. They’re not my employees, yet I’m holding their money.”

The board also unanimously approved two resolutions regarding legislation in the North Carolina General Assembly. The first resolution that the board passed was a statement in opposition of HB 823, a bill that would allow all families the option of using the state’s popular Opportunity Scholarships program.

“Choose Your School, Choose Your Future is a universal voucher program which is scheduled to direct billions of dollars of available public school funds to pri-

Get Back.” The new song is set to be released later this year, he said. Jackson was “able to extricate John’s voice from a ropey little bit of cassette and a piano,” McCartney told BBC radio. “He could separate them with AI, he’d tell the machine ‘That’s a voice, this is a guitar, lose the guitar’.”

“So when we came to make what will be the last Beatles record, it was a demo that John had that we worked on,” he added. “We were able to take John’s voice and get it

vate schools, which are not equally available to all students and have no objective oversight process for how they use public dollars,” Dennis said. “The Stanly County Schools Board of Education opposes any voucher bill or budget provision that does not include a household budget limit as part of an eligibility criteria and does not meet the North Carolina State Constitutional obligation to provide a free and uniform system of public education to all students.”

Dennis incorrectly stated that the bill does not include an income threshold. In the bill text, families with lower income receive a greater allowance and any funds allotted cannot exceed the cost of tuition.

“I looked into this voucher nonsense and they are for $6,500 and the average cost of private school in North Carolina is almost $9,500,” said board member Bill

pure through this AI so then we could mix the record as you would do. It gives you some sort of leeway.”

McCartney described AI technology as “kind of scary but exciting,” adding: “We will just have to see where that leads.”

The same technology enabled McCartney to “duet” virtually with Lennon, who was murdered in 1980, on “I’ve Got a Feeling” last year at Glastonbury Festival.

The singer-songwriter is set to

Sorenson. “So basically this is a penalty for not being rich. Unless you can afford the extra $2,000 to $3,000 per kid, you’re not going to be able to do it anyway. There is no need to punish the poor and that is all this is. A war on the poor. I’m appalled that they even think this is a good idea.”

“When vouchers first came about, they were to help our children that were low-income in poverty stricken areas and now it has evolved to this,” said Board Chair Glenda Gibson.

The second resolution the board passed was a statement related to choosing a specific legislative bill regarding pay increases for teachers, bus drivers and other school employees.

“The Stanly County Schools Board of Education supports a competitive market salary to recruit and retain high-quality, full time teachers and other school employees. Inadequate pay has

open an exhibition later this month at the National Portrait Gallery featuring previously unseen photographs he took during the early days of The Beatles as the band rose to worldwide fame.

The exhibition, titled “Eye of the Storm,” showcases more than 250 photos McCartney took on his camera between 1963 and 1964 — including portraits of Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Lennon, as well as Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

long been an outstanding issue that has increased dramatically,” Dennis said. “The Senate budget proposal allocates approximately $407.4 million over the biennium for pay increases to all school district personnel compared to the house proposal of $1.068 billion over the biennium. A difference of more than $660 million.

“The Stanly County Schools Board of Education opposes edition five of House Bill 259 2023 Appropriations Act and favors edition three of House Bill 259 2023 Appropriations Act that includes 10.2% increase in teacher pay and a 9.5% increase in bus driver pay over the biennium.”

“We’re well aware of the fact that these folks need better pay,” said Vice Chair Carla Poplin. “We can’t compete with our neighboring counties without it.”

The Stanly County Schools Board of Education will next meet July 11.

“The pain is real, and there is a lot of grief and a lot of heartache over the split in the United Methodist Church.”

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Sununu’s good move and bad advice

Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat.

GOV. CHRIS SUNUNU (R-N.H.) is not running for president.

In his state’s first-in-the-nation primary, “I can be more effective for the Republican Party in ways few other leaders can,” he wrote in the Washington Post. He plans to endorse a candidate and obviously hopes to defeat former President Donald Trump, who, he argues, is a sure loser in November.

But his advice for candidates may not be helpful beyond New Hampshire. In a cheap shot at Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), currently Trump’s strongest opponent, Sununu says Republicans “must abandon the issues that are solely made for social media headlines, such as banning books or issuing curriculum fiats to local school districts” and “should reembrace local control.”

That makes sense in Sununu’s state, where the largest school district, Manchester, has 12,400 students and 52,000 voters. But DeSantis’ Florida and many other states have countywide school districts.

Florida’s second-largest district, Broward County, has 260,000 students and 959,000 voters. Those voters couldn’t prevent the school board and administrators from refusing to remove the Parkland mass shooter or to get the police to enter the building and stop the killing. DeSantis had to take over and fire those responsible and is now backing school board candidates around the state.

Another difference: Some 54% of Sununu’s New Hampshire’s Republican primary electorate in 2016 were college graduates, wary of proposals that liberal media cast as intolerant. But the state isn’t typical in this regard. According to 2020 and 2022 exit polls, some 62% of Republican voters aren’t college graduates.

And as The New York Times’ ace election analyst Nate Cohn has argued persuasively, exit polls seem to overstate the percentage of collegeeducated voters.

The other reason to embrace issues Sununu dismisses as “solely made for social media headlines” is that, properly articulated, Republican positions are in line with the broad spectrum of public opinion while only handfuls embrace many Biden administration positions. Should pornographic books be available in kindergarten through third grade classrooms or libraries? That’s what DeSantis’ bill, mislabeled as “Don’t Say Gay,” requires. How many voters disagree?

Should teenagers under 18 get government aid for irreversible surgeries such as breast removal without parental consent? That’s what the Biden administration is encouraging as “gender-affirming care.” How many voters back that?

And what about gas stoves? Last February, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) scoffed that “nobody is taking away your gas stove.” Then, in May, New York’s legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul

passed a bill banning gas stoves in new construction. The law is based on an environmentalist study that the Washington Post’s Megan McArdle labeled as “less-than-rock-solid evidence,” including, as National Review’s Noah Rothman writes, testing gas cooking in an “airtight” room sealed by “clear plastic sheets.”

As Rothman notes, liberal Democrats are going after affordable conveniences many rely on, including gas furnaces and hot water heaters, air conditioners, dishwashers and gas-powered lawn mowers. And don’t get them started on washer-dryer units that leave clothes soggy as European units do.

Then there are the Biden administration policies intended to force people into electric cars. Little attention is given to vast amounts of exotic minerals such as lithium produced in China or other faraway countries.

Green New Deal enthusiasts in and out of the Biden administration blithely assume that thousands of electric charging stations will spring up and charge your e-vehicle in minutes and that we’ll be able to produce the near-doubling of electricity production needed for a mostly electric car fleet. It won’t be easy with environmentalists bringing lawsuits to stop transmission lines from bringing electricity from high-wind areas to highpopulation areas.

Harder heads are dubious. In 2022, Warren Buffett, a Biden supporter, expressed doubts the United States was close to moving away from dependency on oil. “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or five years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.” He’s putting his money lately into oil and fossil fuels.

Similarly, Vaclav Smil, the premier historian and analyst of technology, writes in his 2022 book “How the World Really Works,” “Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat, or as a result of extraordinarily rapid transformations relying on near-miraculous technical advances.”

As Smil notes, the “four material pillars” of our civilization -cement, steel, plastics and ammonia (for fertilizers necessary to feed 8 billion people) -- all require huge inputs of fossil fuels, and there are no substitutes for them on the horizon.

College graduate voters, in New Hampshire and elsewhere, may not like hearing that their green dreams are just dreams. But most people can be convinced they are nightmares to be avoided.

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

Nothing to see here but a credible whistleblower accusing the President of bribery

To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN has been accused by a credible informant of allegedly taking $5 million in “a bribery scheme with a foreign national” while he was the sitting vice president. That seems like a pretty big story, but what do I know?

Apparently, there’s a document laying out the accusation in some detail, and not one cooked up by an oppo-research firm for the Republican National Committee and then disseminated to saps in the media to try and delegitimize a presidential election. No, it’s in an unclassified FD-1023 form, used by law enforcement to record credible tips. Granted, it’s not in the possession of BuzzFeed, but rather the vaunted FBI, which refuses to hand it to Congress for some reason. And there is no curiosity on the part of establishment media to find out what it says.

I know, I know, it’s getting tedious asking people to imagine the thermonuclear media blast they’d be swept up in if a Republican president had been accused of bribery by an FBI informant. This is the way of the world. To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

Though, I suppose that’s not exactly right. Biden’s Praetorian Guard have begun to preemptively frame chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, as some devious nut for demanding the FBI hand over documents. This is what they did to Devin Nunes, who turned out to be correct in his assessment of the Russia collusion investigation.

Whatever the case, there isn’t a real journalist in the universe -- not a beat reporter or

or copy editor -- who wouldn’t want to

read an informant’s account of a sitting president taking a bribe. You can debunk it. You can prove it. But you want to see it.

But therein lies the problem. There aren’t many journalists left.

Last week, CNN ran a piece that might well have been sent verbatim from the FBI press shop. CNN’s “sources” claimed “origins in a tranche of documents that Rudy Giuliani provided to the Justice Department in 2020” and the investigation led nowhere. A big nothingburger.

It’s this CNN story, and another version in the Washington Post (almost surely from the same sources), that allowed Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to claim that “Rudy Giuliani surfaced these allegations,” and that a “team” had looked at the document and “in August determined that there was no grounds to escalate from an initial assessment to a preliminary investigation.”

But Attorney General William Barr told The Federalist that the investigation had never been closed; it had merely been sent to an office in Delaware. And the document did not emanate from Giuliani -- the same ploy used to undercut the New York Post’s reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop story -- but from a 2017 whistleblower report that showed up in a 2020 search. No one has come forward to accuse Barr of lying, so I assume the above is true.

Who knows what this is all about? I’ve learned not to make too many assumptions. For all I know, this all leads to a rickety accusation and a dead end.

That, however, doesn’t mean that there isn’t already tons of circumstantial evidence that Joe Biden participated in his family’s shady business.

Which makes the existence of this document highly newsworthy.

We know that the president lied about his knowledge of Hunter’s relationships with Ukrainian energy concerns and Chinese interests. We have emails implicating the president as a participant in Hunter’s schemes -- emails authenticated by forensic specialists. We have witnesses, including a former Naval technology officer, contending that Biden is the “big guy” Hunter is talking about in those emails. Even the Obama administration was alarmed about the Biden family business.

Almost a year ago, former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro was indicted and arrested by the FBI for ignoring a congressional subpoena by the Jan 6 commission. He was handcuffed and denied permission to make a phone call to a lawyer. Today, it’s the FBI that is ignoring subpoenas. And there will be no one to arrest FBI Director Christopher Wray for contempt.

There will also be no more sanctimonious speeches or grandstanding from Democrats regarding the sacred need for transparency and separation of powers. “Democracy” is no longer in danger, apparently. Of course, we expect jawdropping hypocrisy from politicians. We expect a politicized Justice Department to protect Democrats. Nowadays, we also expect the complete abdication of journalistic responsibility from a partisan big media. And that’s a massive problem.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

SIDELINE REPORT

SOCCER

Just 4 World Cup players named to U.S. Gold Cup roster

Chicago

Just four players who appeared for the U.S. at last year’s World Cup are on a largely junior varsity roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, including just one regular starter: goalkeeper Matt Turner. The 23-man roster selected by new interim coach B.J. Callaghan for the championship has three others who saw limited World Cup time: forwards Jesús Ferreira and Jordan Morris, and right back DeAndre Yedlin. Three additional players were on the World Cup roster without getting into a match: goalkeeper Sean Johnson, defender Aaron Long and midfielder Cristian Roldan. The U.S. will play its final first round match in Charlotte against Nicaragua on July 2.

COLLEGE SPORTS

NCAA champion athletes honored at White House

Washington, D.C.

Vice President Kamala

Harris saluted more than a thousand U.S. college athletes from championship teams who gathered Monday at the White House South Lawn. She says that sports have a “very special way of bringing people together.” President Joe Biden had been scheduled to greet the athletes, but he had a root canal and was unable to attend the outdoor event on an overcast morning. The event included 47 teams from 19 different sports, though there was one notable exception. The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team declined to attend the event because the date was “not feasible given the student-athlete calendar and time of year.”

NBA

Heat mascot gets treatment after McGregor KO promotion

Miami

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor knocked out the Miami Heat mascot in a midgame bit that went wrong. Burnie — more specifically, the man who occupies Burnie’s costume — briefly sought medical attention Friday night after taking two punches from McGregor during a thirdquarter stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and the Denver Nuggets.

The Heat said Saturday that the employee wearing the flame costume, who was not identified, received pain medication and was resting at home.

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

Oklahoma ace Bahl announces plans to transfer

Norman, Okla.

Oklahoma softball ace Jordy Bahl has announced she is transferring and heading back to her home state of Nebraska. Bahl didn’t say which school she will play for, but there are three Division I programs in the state: University of Nebraska, Creighton University and Omaha University. She pitched 24⅔ scoreless innings at the Women’s College World Series and was named its Most Outstanding Player. She went 4-0 in Oklahoma City and earned the save in the decisive Game 2 win against Florida State. She finished this season with a 22-1 record and an 0.90 ERA In 2022.

Truex Jr. surges to win at Sonoma

Chase Elliott returned from his one-race suspension to finish fifth

The Associated Press SONOMA, Calif. — Martin Truex Jr. shows up at Sonoma Raceway each year brimming with the confidence only acquired by repeated success on a track.

Last summer, team owner Joe Gibbs admits he didn’t give Truex a car capable of demonstrating his driver’s mastery of this hilly road course.

One year and innumerable Toyota improvements later, Truex roared right back to Victory Lane in wine country.

Truex won at Sonoma for the fourth time in his NASCAR Cup

Series career Sunday, passing Chase Elliott for the lead after a final-stage restart and holding off Kyle Busch.

The 42-year-old Truex confidently drove his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to another victory at the track where he also won in 2013, 2018 and 2019. Only Jeff Gordon has more victories (five) at Sonoma than Truex, who earned the 33rd win of his Cup career and his second in the last six races after winning at Dover.

Truex went winless in 2022, and the subpar Toyota cars and setups took most of the blame. Gibbs particularly remembers last year’s trip to Sonoma as “one of the worst races we’ve had in our race team” in terms of setup and performance.

Truex finished 26th in Northern California last year, but the expe-

rience didn’t budge his confidence.

“I knew I can navigate around this track,” Truex said. “Maybe I’m not the best driver at this track. I don’t know. Maybe somebody else could go a tenth of a second faster in my car than I do. I doubt they could, but it’s possible. But they’re not going to be a second off like we were last year. When you’re that far off, it’s like, ‘Yeah, that was dumb. What were we even thinking (with that setup)?’ ... But I never thought we couldn’t win again.”

Elliott finished fifth in his return from a one-race suspension for deliberately wrecking Denny Hamlin at Charlotte. Elliott, who has missed seven races this season, twice held the lead in the final stage before Truex blew past him on fresher tires.

Truex has seven top-10 finish-

Arcangelo wins final leg of Triple Crown with victory at Belmont Stakes

The Associated Press NEW YORK — Jena Antonucci turned a Triple Crown marred by thoroughbred deaths on the track and threatened by bad air quality from wildfires in Canada into a celebration for racing and women.

Arcangelo took the lead at the top of the stretch and won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making the 47-year-old Antonucci the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. After the horse crossed the finish line, Antonucci doubled over and rested her arm and her head on the back of a chair. She kissed the horse on the nose when it returned to the area in front of the winner’s circle.

“When we were walking out, I said there is not a table made for you,” she said. “You make the table. You put great people around you, you work hard. Work your tail off. It will come if you do it the right way. Do it the right way.”

Antonucci and Arcangelo did everything right as the 3-year-old son of Arrogate finished the 1½-mile race in 2:29.23 and by 1½ lengths in front of favored Fotre, with Tapit Trice third.

“They say there’s no crying in baseball. But they’ve never said it about horse racing,” Antonucci said. “You fight for that spot and you feel you have to prove your worth. Horses don’t care. They don’t care who you are. They know who you are.

To have a horse believe in you and your team the way this horse does

… I wish more people could be like horses.”

Jockey Javier Castellano, who rode Mage to victory in the Kentucky Derby and picked up the ride on Arcangelo when the colt was not entered in the Belmont, said Arcangelo was great. “This is a wonderful horse. I’m

es in his last nine races, reflecting Toyota’s improvement for 2023.

Joey Logano was third behind Busch, with Chris Buescher in fourth. Elliott had his third topfive finish of the year but is still winless.

Truex and Busch, who was 2.979 seconds behind in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, had the 11th 1-2 finish of their long Cup careers. They spent the previous four seasons as teammates at JGR, and Truex also held off Busch to win at Sonoma in 2019.

“Not too bad,” said Busch, who won last week’s Cup race outside St. Louis. “Just wish we had a little bit more. I was just trying to keep him honest there at the end. ... It’s good for us because (Toyota is) so good on road courses. They’ve done the work. We did a good job keeping it competitive.”

After a one-week break, the Cup Series begins its 10-race sprint to the playoffs June 25 at Nashville Superspeedway.

really happy for her, you know, she’s a really good woman,” Castellano said of Antonucci. “She’s a good horseman.”

The heart-warming victory put a positive note on a Triple Crown series marred by deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs in the weeks around the Kentucky Derby and another on Preakness day for a trainer Bob Baffert. It also ended a week in which the Belmont Stakes was put in jeopardy by air quality problems caused by wildfires in Canada.

Those cleared on Friday and the cloud over thoroughbred racing lifted on Saturday, briefly.

In the final race on the card, Excursionniste sustained a catastrophic injury to his left front leg. Despite efforts by veterinarians, the horse was euthanized. It was the third horse to incur a fatal injury at the current meet. There have been 213 races involving 1,662 horses.

Antonucci was only the 11th woman to race a horse in the Belmont and the first since Kathy Ritvo sent out Mucho Macho Man to a seventh-place finish in 2011. Dianne Carpenter’s Kingpost had the previous best finish, second to Risen Star in 1988.

Arcangelo paid $17.80, $7.20 and $4.,90 and earned $900,000 for Blue Rose Farm, which is owned by Jon Ebbert.

Forte returned $4.30 and $3.30 and Tapit Trice was $4.10 to show. Both were trained by Todd Pletcher.

AP PHOTO

Martin Truex Jr. holds the trophy after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

AP PHOTO Arcangelo, with jockey Javier Castellano, crosses the finish line to win the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday in Elmont, New York.

Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin poses with a AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator), a device that helps resuscitate heart attack victims, during the start of his Chasing M’s Foundation CPR Tour on Saturday in Orchard Park, New York.

Senator asks LIV Golf, PGA Tour leaders for records on merger

The rival golf tours shocked the sports world last week with news of their alliance

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The leader of a Senate subcommittee is demanding the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf present records about negotiations that led to their new agreement and plans for what golf will look like under the arrangement.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., sent letters Monday to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and LIV CEO Greg Norman spelling out the “serious questions regarding the reasons for and terms behind the announced agreement.”

Blumenthal, who is chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, said he also wanted to hear the tour’s plans to retain its tax-exempt status.

Last week, LIV and the tour stunned the golf world by agreeing to merge the PGA Tour and European tour with the Saudi golf interests while also dropping all lawsuits between the parties. The governor of Saudi Arabia’s sov-

“Critics have cast such Saudi investments in sports as a means of ‘sportswashing’ … given Saudi Arabia’s deeply disturbing human rights record at home and abroad.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s letter to PGA Tour Commissioner

Jay Monahan and LIV CEO Greg Norman

ereign wealth fund, which bankrolls LIV, will join the PGA Tour board of directors and lead a new business venture as its chairman.

The PGA Tour itself will remain a tax-exempt entity.

It was a move expected to receive scrutiny from federal regulators and lawmakers, and the launch of a Senate investigation is among the first dominoes to fall.

The agreement announced last week was to combine the golf-related businesses of Saudi’s Public Investment Fund — which in-

Uwharrie Wampus Cats claw their way to 6-5 start

The first-year wood-bat team recently won five consecutive games

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

ALBEMARLE — Now a quarter of the way into their inaugural season, the Uwharrie Wampus Cats — a new woodbat collegiate baseball team stationed at Albemarle’s Don Montgomery Park — have proven they can put runs on the board.

they’re throwing the ball better. They’ve really come together as a team, and I think that’s the hallmark of what we’re trying to achieve for the players is that kind of environment.”

Min also spoke on his team’s experience so far at Don Montgomery Park.

cludes LIV Golf — with those of the PGA Tour and European tour. That would be a new for-profit company still to be named.

Among the uncertainties is how LIV Golf goes forward after 2023. PIF’s governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, is to be chairman of the new venture, with Monahan as CEO and two PGA Tour board members joining them on an executive committee.

In his letters to Monahan and Norman, Blumenthal wrote about the skepticism critics hold over the Saudis’ intent “to use investments in sports to further the Saudi government’s strategic objectives.”

“Critics have cast such Saudi investments in sports as a means of ‘sportswashing’ — an attempt to soften the country’s image around the world — given Saudi Arabia’s deeply disturbing human rights record at home and abroad,” the letter said.

Blumenthal asked for a sweeping set of documents — essentially all communications between LIV and the tour beginning in October 2021 through the present.

Al-Rumayyan said last week that Norman was not apprised of the deal until shortly before it was announced.

After a 1-3 start to the season, the Cats (6-5) recently put together a five-game winning streak starting with a 6-5 home win over the Greensboro Yard Goats and a 17-4 road win at the Carolina Ducks. The team then defeated the Tarheel Royals 12-4 at home before facing the Ducks again in a 12-11 victory at home.

“We’re excited to be back and to have a summer full of entertainment in Albemarle with 25 home dates.”

Greg Sullivan, owner of the Uwharrie Wampus Cats

We’re very grateful for the overwhelming show of support from our fans in Stanly County and beyond last week,” team owner Greg Sullivan said in a press release. “We had more than 700 people at the opener and good crowds all last weekend. We’re excited to be back and to have a summer full of entertainment in Albemarle with 25 home dates.”

Over the weekend, Uwharrie’s hot stretch cooled off a bit as the team traveled to Truist Stadium in Winston-Salem on Saturday, splitting a doubleheader versus the Carolina Disco Turkeys with a 5-0 win followed by a 3-2 loss.

The Cats returned to Albemarle on Sunday and lost 4-3 to the Greensboro Yard Goats.

“Our players have already grown in their first week of play,” Uwharrie general manager Jerry Min said at the Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 5. “They’re hitting the ball better and

“We’ve worked hand-in-hand with the town to improve that facility and we’ve made what we feel like are some wonderful additions,” he added. “In addition to the basics of the field, we’ve added additional seating and we’ve added some new unique seating to the area. We have expanded the concession stand and we have a giant picnic area for families. We’ve really been working hard for the public to create an environment and a place that they like to come to where they can watch some really competitive baseball.”

Uwharrie’s 35man roster is led by Houston Wright, a former Catawba Valley Community College assistant coach who is having his first experience as a collegiate head coach. In 2022, he joined the coaching staff for the nationally ranked JUCO powerhouse Catawba Valley Red Hawks, where he has worked extensively with infielders and hitters.

In the Wampus Cats’ start to the season, Catawba Valley Community College infielder Aiden Wilson has emerged as a power-hitting threat at the plate, while Mars Hill’s JD Lewis and CVCC’s Logan Murphy have pitched valuable innings.

The Cats are now set for a four-game homestand between Thursday and Sunday with the Queen City Corndogs, Race City Bootleggers, Disco Turkeys and Winston-Salem Moravians.

T ickets for all home games are $7 online and $8 at the gate.

Mercury forward Brittney Griner, right, goes to the basket against the Fever’s Aliyah Boston during Sunday’s game in Indianapolis.

Mercury make travel ‘adjustments’ following airport incident with Griner

The WNBA player was confronted by YouTube personality Alex Stein

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Phoenix

Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard had one goal before taking the court Sunday. She wants the WNBA to take additional steps to keep her team’s traveling parties safe and secure.

One day after Mercury center Brittney Griner was confronted by a “provocateur” at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the two coaches and a handful of players suggested more charter flights could help prevent any future runins with outsiders.

“We will ensure that our play-

ers and our organization and our staff are safe,” she said. “We will be making (travel) adjustments that maybe should have happened before, but right now we’re going to prioritize the safety of our players and we’ve seen that the organization has supported us.”

The incident certainly didn’t impact Griner’s performance. She scored a season high 29 points and grabbed six rebounds in an 85-82 victory, just the second this season for the Mercury. Griner usually speaks to reporters following the first road trip to each city, but Mercury officials decided to not make her available Sunday.

Clearly, though, the incident had an impact on Phoenix. Longtime star Diana Taurasi’s pregame advice to Griner was simply

“That can’t happen for our players or coaches. The safety of everyone comes first; basketball is secondary to all that.”

Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner’s Mercury teammate

to “breathe” and Taurasi asked the league not to shrug it off.

“It’s unnerving to be in a situation like that and unfortunately, it was literally the first time we were in public together,” said Taurasi, who turned 41 on Sunday.

“That can’t happen for our players or coaches. The safety of everyone

comes first; basketball is secondary to all that. People have families, kids and to be put in that situation really is pretty disrespectful not only to BG but to our team, to the league. So hopefully they can take steps into making sure the security of our players throughout the league is at the forefront.”

Nygaard echoed those comments during a 75-second pregame statement in which she offered support for Griner and concern about everyone who made the trip to Indy. She also said Phoenix already has adjusted its plans for future road trips though she declined to provide details, citing league policy and team safety protocols.

The controversy stems from a 93-second video posted Sunday by Alex Stein, who was shouting

at Griner. He questioned Griner on topics ranging from whether she hated America to whether the trade for a Russian prisoner was a fair deal to obtain her release from Russia. Griner was released in December after being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months on drug charges. She did not respond to Stein and has not spoken publicly about the airport incident since it occurred, “No one should be a victim of targeted harassment,” Nygaard said. “I’m grateful that our team and our staff are physically well and most of all I’m grateful that BG has been back here in the United States for 185 days now. If her being home makes some people mad, I think that obviously says more about them than it does about her.”

Trump pledges to endorse Mark Robinson for NC governor

The Associated Press GREENSBORO — Former President Donald Trump said Saturday night in North Carolina that he would endorse Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson for governor in a move many delegates expect will cement Robinson’s place as the frontrunner in a GOP primary and propel him to the governor’s office.

Trump threw his support behind the similarly sharp-spoken Robinson at the state GOP convention in Greensboro during one of his first public appearances since he was hit this week with a historic indictment — the first federal case against a former president.

Trump said he would save his formal endorsement for another time but told Robinson from the stage, “You can count on it, Mark.” He referred to Robinson as “one of the great stars of the party, one of the great stars in politics.”

North Carolina delegates, who greeted the former president and 2024 GOP frontrunner with roaring applause, dismissed the indictment as a bad-faith attack by President Joe Biden’s administration to undercut his strongest competitor.

Many Republican voters anticipate the indictment, which Trump called “a travesty of justice,” will boost his presidential campaign — and boost Robinson’s along with it.

“In a lot of ways he reminds me of Trump in that he doesn’t pull any punches,” said Mia Brydie, a 52-year-old GOP delegate from Greensboro. “I admire him because he’s a man that speaks for the people.”

Robinson was elected in 2020 as the state’s first black lieutenant governor in his first run for public office. He would make similar history if he wins the governorship.

Brydie, a black woman, said she thinks Robinson is the best person to represent her and other Black and working-class families. Robinson released an autobiography last year that talked about a childhood of poverty and the various financial challenges he has faced as an adult.

Robinson’s campaign did not

immediately respond Saturday to email and phone messages seeking comment.

Despite Republican success in controlling both chambers of the state legislature, the GOP has won the governor’s office just once since 1992 — back in 2012. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has held the office since 2017, is term-limited and cannot run again in 2024. State Attorney General Josh Stein is the only prominent Democrat who has entered the race to succeed Cooper. His campaign spokesperson, Kate Frauenfelder, said she expects Trump’s endorsement of Robinson will “spur even more chaos in the already messy Republican primary.”

State Treasurer Dale Folwell, who is running against Robinson in the GOP primary, told The Associated Press by text message Saturday during Trump’s speech that he never intended to ask for or receive the former president’s endorsement.

Trump “doesn’t know me or my track record for governing or explaining conservatism without offending people,” Folwell said.

Charles Norwood, a delegate from Hampstead, said shortly before Trump’s speech Saturday that he was undecided about which gubernatorial candidate to support.

Robinson is “very dynamic,” Norwood said. But he and his wife, Lynn, said they were both leaning

toward Folwell, who has impressed them during his time as state treasurer.

“Mark has got the enthusiasm, but he may be unfamiliar with the levers of power,” Norwood said. “He may not work the political system as well as he works the emotional system.”

Robinson, Norwood said, is “not as politically sophisticated” as Folwell. But the husband and wife agreed that Trump’s endorsement of Robinson would be enough to sway them “because Trump’s going to be president, and the governor should be on his side,” he said.

Jonathan Bridges, a campaign spokesperson for former U.S. Rep Mark Walker, another GOP can-

didate for governor, said he “fully anticipated” Trump’s expression of support for Robinson but expects he might not want to follow through with a formal endorsement once he learns more about the lieutenant governor.

Jim Forster, an 81-year-old delegate from Guilford County, drew several parallels between Trump and Robinson, including their uncensored approach to campaign speeches. Like Trump, Robinson is “strong and aggressive,” he said. “He would make a lot of mistakes but would do a lot of good things, too,” Forster said. “He’s loud, he’s noisy, he’s pushy and he’s right — that’s what makes him special.”

Biden’s 2024 pitch highlights pragmatism over Trump’s pugilism

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden promised voters in 2020 that he knew how to get things done in Washington and could bring stability to the capital. It seemed like a message out of step with the more combative era brought on by Donald Trump.

But Biden prevailed, and as he seeks a second term, he’s again trying to frame the race as a referendum on competence and governance, pointing to the bipartisan debt limit and budget legislation he signed on Saturday as another exemplar of the success of his approach.

The agreement the Democratic president negotiated with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other Republicans averted the catastrophe of a U.S. government default — and forestalled another threat until after the 2024 election — while largely protecting the domestic agenda that formed the backbone of what he hopes will form his legacy. “The results speak for themselves,” said Jeff Zients, the 80-yearold Biden’s chief of staff. “This level of support shows that we got a bipartisan deal that, most importantly, protects the president’s priorities. And now we have a runway to execute on the president’s prior-

ities.”

Biden’s allies say his strategy reflects his broader view of the presidency: tuning out the daily chatter and focusing on making a prolonged impact.

“This was quintessential Joe Biden,” said longtime Biden confidant and former Delaware Sen. Ted Kaufman. “He really understands the institutions, how they function, how they interact, and what their limitations are. It’s the incredible

advantage he has from having 36 years in the Senate and eight years as vice president.”

That perceived advantage — longevity — is also perhaps Biden’s steepest hill as he seeks four more years.

Biden, aides said, devised a strategy shortly after Republicans took the House in November and stuck by it through the talks, despite second-guessing from members of his own party. He pressed the Repub-

licans to define their budget priorities, then hammered them in public for unpopular proposed cuts once they did, to enter the negotiations with the strongest hand possible.

“He believes in the institutions of American governance. He’s approached this with an eye toward making the presidency and the Congress work and the way they were designed to work,” said Mike Donilon, a senior adviser to the president.

As the talks progressed, Biden stepped out of the limelight to allow Republican leaders to claim a win — necessary to sell it to their caucus — and quietly reassured Democrats that they would grow to like the deal the more they learned about it.

From the view of Biden’s team, it’s also far better than the result than the debt limit showdown of 2011, when Biden was a negotiator for then-President Barack Obama and House Republicans forced them to accept stiffer budget cuts that they believe hampered the country’s recovery from the Great Recession.

Biden still has come under fire from some in his own party for agreeing to tougher work requirements for some federal food assistance recipients and speeding up environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.

But the White House sees an upside: The permitting changes will speed up implementation of Biden’s infrastructure and climate laws, and the Biden aides highlight that Congressional Budget Office projections show that carve-outs from work requirements for veterans, people who are homeless and those leaving foster care will actually expand the number of people eligible for federal food assistance.

“While the rest of us are sweating the micro-news cycles and who’s up and who’s down on Twitter, the president is playing the long game,” said Obama spokesman and Democratic strategist Eric Schultz.

Schultz acknowledged that Biden may not have had any other options — a proposal to use the 14th Amendment to pay obligations without Congress’ say-so was untested and had its own pitfalls.

“When you have a threat like that, you have to negotiate,” he acknowledged.

But for Biden’s team, the results are what matter.

“He had his eyes on the prize, which was, ‘How is this deal going to get done? And how does my doing that advance this deal?’” Donilon said. “We need to have our politics come together in moments where it has to do it. And so I think that actually will be a reassuring moment for the country.”

AP PHOTO President Joe Biden speaks at Fort Liberty, Friday, June 9, 2023.

AP PHOTO

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson arrives for a rally before announcing his candidacy for governor on April 22, 2023, at Ace Speedway in Elon.

STATE & NATION

New voting districts could change again in some states before the 2024 elections

The Associated Press

THE 2022 ELECTIONS marked the first using new voting districts drawn from updated census data. Those districts typically last for a decade, but they could be shortlived in some states.

Court challenges could force lawmakers or special commissions to draw yet another set of maps before the 2024 elections for representatives in Congress and state capitols.

That means voters who were just shifted into new U.S. House or state legislative districts could be grouped with different communities when they go to vote the next time.

Here’s a look at some places where voting districts could change, and the reasons why.

RACE IN REDISTRICTING

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that Alabama’s congressional districts likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of black voters.

The ruling means the state’s Republican-led Legislature and GOP governor likely will have to draw new U.S. House districts in which black voters comprise a majority — or close to it — in two of Alabama’s seven districts, instead of only one. The ruling also could lead to new U.S. House districts in Louisiana, and potentially Georgia.

While considering the Alabama case, the Supreme Court had put a hold on a similar lower court ruling that Louisiana’s districts must

be redrawn to create a second majority-black district. That’s likely to be lifted. A federal judge in Georgia last year also said some of its congressional and state legislative districts likely violated the Voting Rights Act, but no final decision has been issued.

The Alabama decision is “breathing new life” into similar cases around the country, said attorney Mark Gaber, senior redistricting director at the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center.

Voting Rights Acts challenges are in the early stages in Texas. Lawsuits also allege that state legislative districts dilute the voting strength of Hispanic residents in Washington and Native Americans in North Dakota.

Though based on different legal theories, other lawsuits allege districts were drawn to the detriment

Pat Robertson united evangelical Christians and pushed them into conservative politics

The Associated Press NORFOLK, Va. — Pat Robertson united tens of millions of evangelical Christians through the power of television and pushed them in a far more conservative direction with the personal touch of a folksy minister. Robertson died Thursday at the age of 93.

Robertson’s reach exploded with the rise of cable in the late 1970s. He galvanized many viewers into a political force when he unsuccessfully ran for president in 1988.

The next year, he created the deeply influential Christian Coalition. He sought to “influence and impact the trajectory of the Republican Party and turn it into a prolife, pro-family party,” said Ralph Reed, who ran the coalition in the 1990s and now chairs the Faith & Freedom Coalition.

The Christian Coalition helped fuel the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, which saw the GOP take control of the U.S. House and Senate following the 1992 election of Presi-

dent Bill Clinton.

The son of a U.S. senator and a Yale Law School graduate, when he ran for president, Robertson pioneered the now-common strategy of courting Iowa’s network of evangelical Christian churches. He finished in second place in the Iowa caucuses, ahead of Vice President George H.W. Bush.

Robertson later endorsed Bush, who won the presidency. Pursuit of Iowa’s evangelicals is now a ritual for Republican hopefuls, including those seeking the White House in 2024.

Reed pointed to former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott as examples of high-ranking Republicans who are evangelical Christians.

“It’s easy to forget when you’re living it every day, but there wouldn’t have been a single, explicit evangelical at any of those levels 40 years ago in the Republican Party,” Reed said.

Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network started airing in

of minority votes in Arkansas and Florida. The Supreme Court also has agreed to review a lower court ruling that a South Carolina congressional district discriminates against black voters.

A NEW LOOK FOR A NEW ELECTION

New Assembly districts also are on tap in New York. The state’s highest court last year struck down maps approved by the Democratic-led legislature for the U.S. House, state Senate and state Assembly. It ordered a lower court to impose new U.S. House and state Senate districts for the 2022 elections. But judges determined it was too late to come up with new Assembly districts before the last election.

The courts instead said that the state’s Independent Redistricting

1961 after he bought a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth, Virginia. His long-running show “The 700 Club” began production in 1966.

Robertson coupled evangelism with popular reruns of family-friendly television, which was effective in drawing in viewers so he could promote “The 700 Club,” a news and talk show that also featured regular people talking about finding Jesus Christ.

He didn’t rely solely on fundraising like other televangelists. Robertson broadcast popular secular shows and ran commercials, said David John Marley, author of the 2007 book “Pat Robertson: An American Life.”

Robertson had a soft-spoken style, talking to the camera as if he was a pastor speaking one-on-one and not a preacher behind a pulpit.

When viewers began watching cable television in the late 1970s, “there were only 10 channels and one of them was Pat,” Reed said.

His appeal was similar to that of evangelist Billy Graham, who died in 2018 after a career with a towering impact on American religion and politics, said Wacker, of Duke Divinity School.

“He really showed a lot of pastors and other Christians across this country how impactful media can be — to reach beyond the four walls of their churches,” said Troy A. Miller, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters.

When he ran for president in 1988, Robertson’s masterstroke was insisting that 3 million followers

The Supreme Court is seen on April 21, 2023, in Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court (seen on April 21, 2023, in Washington D.C.) will play a role in deterring voting district maps across the country.

Commission should draw new districts. The commission in April endorsed a revised Assembly map, which received quick approval from the legislature and governor to take effect for the 2024 elections.

A pending lawsuit asks that the independent commission also be allowed to draw new U.S. House maps before the 2024 elections.

In North Carolina, a Democratic majority of the state Supreme Court ruled last year that congressional districts drawn by the Republican-led General Assembly were an illegal partisan gerrymander and instead allowed a map drawn by judges to be used for the 2022 elections. While that case was on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, voters elected a Republican majority to the state Supreme Court. Those judges in April reversed the previous ruling and declared there

was no constitutional prohibition on partisan gerrymandering.

Whatever the U.S. Supreme Court does with the original appeal, state lawmakers are planning to redraw congressional districts before the next election — giving Republicans a chance at winning more seats than the current 7-7 split.

In Ohio, the state Supreme Court rejected multiple maps drawn by Republican officials for U.S. House, state Senate and state House districts. But courts allowed the 2022 elections to go forward anyway using those maps, directing new districts to be drawn before the next elections.

MORE PARTISAN CHALLENGES

Cases are pending before the top courts in New Mexico and Utah claiming that their congressional districts are illegal partisan gerrymanders — in New Mexico’s case benefitting Democrats, and in Utah’s aiding Republicans.

In Kentucky, a trial court last November rejected a partisan gerrymandering claim brought by Democrats against congressional and state House maps adopted by the Republican-led Legislature. That case has been appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Though there is no current redistricting challenge in Wisconsin, there could be by the end of the summer. That could open the potential for new districts before the 2024 elections.

Voters in April elected a new Democrat-backed judge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, ensuring that liberals will take over majority control when Judge Janet Protasiewicz officially joins the court in August.

Protasiewicz said during the campaign that she thought the current maps were “rigged” and she wanted to revisit them.

sign petitions before he would decide to run, Robertson biographer Jeffrey K. Hadden told The AP. The tactic gave Robertson an army.

“He asked people to pledge that they’d work for him, pray for him and give him money,” Hadden told the AP in 1988.

When he was working on the book as a graduate student in George Washington University in the late 1990s, Marley got unfettered access to Robertson’s presidential campaign archives and saw a campaign plagued by internal strife.

“But, he put a lot of effort into his presidential campaign,” Marley said, adding that Robertson

worked for at least two years to lay the groundwork for his presidential run.

Robertson relished his role as a “kingmaker” and liaison of sorts between top Republican leaders such as Ronald Reagan and evangelical Christians.

“That ended with George W. Bush, who was able to have that conversation on his own,” Marley said.

During his 1998 interview with Robertson, Marley said he saw the preacher as someone who was as comfortable with his failings as he was with his accomplishments.

“I saw someone who absolutely at peace with himself,” Marley said.

AP PHOTO

Rev. Pat Robertson poses a question to a Republican presidential candidate during a forum at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 23, 2015.

AP PHOTO

Randolph record

Hazy skies over Asheboro

Smoke stemming from Canadian wildfires can be seen blanketing parts of Asheboro last week. All or parts of North Carolina fell under a Cold Red or Code Orange for air quality for multiple days last week. Randolph County was under Code Red, which is considered unhealthy, last Wednesday.

COUNTY NEWS

City of Asheboro

to host ‘Rhythm & Zoo’ blues festival

The City of Asheboro is set to present Asheboro’s first rhythm and blues festival –Rhythm and Zoo Fest – this week. This three-night festival, which will run from Thursday through Saturday, will feature live music from Smitty and the JumpStarters, Ghost Town Blues Band, and GRAMMYnominated guitarist Eric Gales. Each show will take place at 8 p.m. at the Sunset Theatre, which is located at 234 Sunset Avenue in downtown Asheboro. Tickets for Thursday and Friday are $25 for orchestra seating or $15 for the balcony. Saturday night tickets are $35 for orchestra or $25 for balcony. For those interested in attending all three nights of the festival, 3-Night Passes are available for $75 for orchestra seating and $45 for balcony. Tickets are available online at RhythmandZooFest. com or in person at the Asheboro Cultural & Recreation Services office, located across the street from the theatre at 241 Sunset Avenue. For additional information, please call the Cultural & Recreation Services office at (336) 626-1240.

Fatal collision on US 64 claims life of one

A two-car accident occurred this past Thursday evening on US Hwy 64, which claimed the life of one person, and left another with life-threatening injuries. Randolph County EMS and Ash-Rand Rescue, along with additional emergency crews, were dispatched to the scene at around 5 p.m. that evening. According to a press release from the N.C. Highway Patrol, the driver of a Toyota Camry was stopped at a red light at the intersection of US Hwy 64 and Andrew Hunter Rd. when another driver in a 2002 Toyota Avalon failed to reduce speed and struck the back of the stopped vehicle. Troopers identified the driver of the Toyota Avalon as 74-year-old Claudia McGee Deal of Conover, N.C. Deal died on-scene, and the other driver, who has not been identified, was airlifted to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill with lifethreatening injuries.

As United Methodist church splits, local churches welcome like-minded congregants

Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Thousands of United Methodist congregations have been voting on whether to stay or quit one of the nation’s largest denominations amid intractable debates over theology and the role of LGBTQ people. There are stark differences over recognizing same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ clergy.

Those who come up on the short end of a disaffiliation vote face the dilemma of whether to stay or go.

The splintering — often grievous and tense — has spurred new initiatives to provide havens for the unmoored. Some United Methodist regional conferences have begun designating “Lighthouse” congregations — ones that actively welcome people who wanted to stay United Methodist but whose former churches voted

to leave.

First United Methodist Church in Asheboro has elected to become a Lighthouse Congregation and announced on March 8, 2023, that the church’s council unanimously voted to do so.

According to the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, there are four Lighthouse Congregations in Randolph County: Asheboro First United Methodist, New Salem in Randleman, Jordan Memorial in Ramseur, and Liberty First United Methodist.

“The pain is real, and there is a lot of grief and a lot of heartache over the split in the United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Lynda Ferguson of First United Methodist Asheboro, which also became a Lighthouse congregation. That designation assures newcomers that it’s committed to staying

United Methodist, so they won’t have to worry about another disaffiliation vote. More than 400 congregations have disaffiliated in North Carolina.

Ferguson said she can personally relate to those from departing congregations. Her childhood church — the one that shaped her faith and where at age 12 she felt the call to ministry — also voted to leave.

Bethany United Methodist in Albemarle, has also elected to become a Lighthouse Congregation and has been providing space for a group who wanted to continue worship as United Methodists after their church disaffiliated.

“Our congregation supports the remnant group through our hospitality, prayers and use of our facilities,” said the Rev. David Cochran to the UM News. “Bethany is committed to allowing those in

the remnant group to discern at their own pace and discover which steps they will take as the Holy Spirit leads them.”

“Part of the Lighthouse mission is to let people know the United Methodist Church is still here and still welcoming,” said the Rev. Ed McKinney, pastor of Stokesdale United Methodist Church in Stokesdale, North Carolina, which also became a Lighthouse congregation.

Michael Hahn and his family are among a group of newcomers who have begun participating in Stokesdale after their previous congregations left the denomination.

Hahn, whose family has been Methodist for generations, said he couldn’t imagine leaving the denomination, which he values for

See METHODIST SPLIT, page 2

RCS to change focus surrounding Virtual Academy

Eastern Randolph High School Wrestling Room officially named after former coach

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Schools Board of Education met Monday, June 5, with presentations on the Virtual Academy and various grants as the main items on the agenda.

Following up on a recommendation to consider closing the Virtual Academy made at last month’s board meeting by Superintendent Stephen Gainey, the superintendent instead recommended that RCS change its focus in relation to the school after an uptick in enrollments.

“Looking at some of the things we talked about last month and where the school is, there’s been a pretty strong jump in the last couple of weeks,” Gainey said. “So, I would recommend a couple of things. One is that we shift our focus as leadership of the school system from the longevity of the school, to promoting the school and see what happens as we go into 23-24 with some more pro -

motion of the school.

“Another recommendation is that we look for additional in-person activities to try and increase the culture and development of the school. It’s a different school, a virtual school, and it’s not like in-person school, but I think you can see that there’s plenty of enthusiasm with staff.”

According to Gainey, between the May and June meetings, the Virtual Academy saw its enrollment increase to 86 students.

“As of May 30, there were also 10 additional potential candidates whose paperwork had not been completed,” Gainey said. “So, we’ve got 10 more that are at least out there that gives us possibly 96. It’s not a sure thing, but that’s a pretty strong improvement from May 10, where we had 59.”

“Not everybody is set up to go into a public setting,” said Board Chair Gary Cook. “I think if we looked at any other approach, we would be letting down, what is right now, 86 students, and I don’t want to be a part of anything like that.”

The board was then presented with seven different grants that Randolph County Schools had applied for and received. They were the following:

“Not everybody is set up to go into a public setting.”

Board Chair Gary Cook

** RCS received two North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council Go Outside Grants, one to Coleridge Elementary in the amount of $1,755 and the other to Franklinville Elementary in the amount of $1,650, both of which provide funding for students to attend Camp Caraway for outdoor science activities.

** The Farm Bureau Going Local Teacher Grant to John Lawrence Elementary for $500 was presented to RCS with the goal of providing funding for a raised garden bed for students to learn about plants and soil.

** An NCAE Mini Grant to Coleridge Elementary in the amount of $500 to provide funding for A-Z graphic dividers that will assist students in locating books in the media center

** Two Donors Choose Grants, both to Randleman Middle School in the amounts of $605.75 to provide books and items to create

learning stations and $569.22 to provide two classroom sets of headphones

** A Randolph County Association of Educators Grant to Southeastern Randolph Middle School in the amount of $250 to provide funding to purchase writing journals and pens.

The board also approved the

See EDUCATION, page 2

SCOTT PELKEY | RANDOLPH RECORD

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Betty Ann Spencer Owen, age 58 of Gulf Shores, AL, formerly of Asheboro, died Saturday, May 27, 2023, at her home surrounded by many friends singing her favorite hymns.

♦ Roy Lee Langley, age 74 of Asheboro, died Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Randolph Hospice.

Randolph EMC to host 85th annual meeting

Randolph Record ASHEBORO — Randolph Electric Membership Corporation will celebrate its 85th a nnual meeting of the membership this Friday, June 16, 2023, at Southwestern Randolph High School in Asheboro. The doors will open at 5:00 p.m. for members to register and enjoy free homemade ice cream, as well as various informational displays and safety demonstrations. The Hazy Ridge band will provide live entertainment from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Birthday Party Rock Star and representatives from Mad Science will entertain children during the business meeting.

the co-op will hold drawings for registered members to win various door prizes, including cash and bill credits, gift cards, bicycles of all sizes, small appliances and local pottery.

“This year, we celebrate our eighty-fifth anniversary,” said Dale Lambert, CEO. “Since 1938, when community leaders met to discuss the need for power in rural areas and all through the years, Randolph EMC has sought to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy for our rural member-owners. Those members serve a vital role in the life of the cooperative.”

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

June 15

The business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the theme “Past and Future, Always Present.” Members will elect directors for districts two, four and seven and will hear reports from Board President Jerry Bowman, Secretary-Treasurer Billy Maness, and Chief Executive Officer Dale Lambert. Following the business meeting,

EDUCATION from page 1

renaming of the Eastern Randolph High School Wrestling Room to the Greg Hardin Wrestling Room after the former coach.

“The Randolph County School System has been approached about naming the

CRIME LOG

♦ Garner, Misty K (F, 42), Arrested on charge of Possess Meth, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, on 6/7, at 5519 Bachelor Creek Rd.

♦ McNamee, Kenneth D (M, 41), Arrested on charge of Possess Meth, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, on 6/7, at 1223 E Dixie Dr.

♦ Taylor, McNeill (F, 31), Arrested on charge of Breaking and or Entering, Larceny after Break/ Enter, Possession of Stolen Goods, Possess Meth, on 6/7, at 1347 N Fayetteville St.

♦ Keisha, Shaw (F, 44), Arrested on charge of Gambling, Operate/ Possess Slot Machines, Manufacture/Sell Slot Machines, Operate Video Gaming Machine, on 6/7,

METHODIST SPLIT from page 1

15

blending faith and rationality:

“It’s a place where I don’t have to check my logic and reason at the door and blindly accept things.”

FRIDAY JUNE 16

SATURDAY JUNE 17

Hahn said he, his wife and daughters have found “a very warm and welcoming environment” in the Stokesdale congregation, with people saying, “We’re glad to have you here, we want to walk through this period with you.”

Many of the departing churches are joining the conservative Global Methodist Church, created last year. Others are going independent or joining different denominations.

While the Global Methodist Church doesn’t have a program

SUNDAY JUNE 18

MONDAY JUNE 19

Eastern Randolph High School Wrestling Room after Greg Hardin,” said Executive Director of Operations Dale Brinkley.

“During his tenure, Greg Hardin served as a track coach, teacher, state champion football coach, and state champion wrestling coach. Under his leadership, his wrestling teams and individu-

The annual meeting process provides an opportunity for members to exercise one of their most important rights as a member-owner — to vote for the board of directors. On Friday, members should bring their registration cards. You can learn more about the annual meeting at https://randolphemc.com/2023-annual-meeting.

al wrestlers acquired numerous state titles, conference titles, and multiple recognitions, which are noted on the attached memorandum. The request is to name the wrestling room: Greg Hardin Wrestling Room.”

The Randolph County Schools Board of Education will next meet June 29.

at 2940 Staleys Farm Rd.

♦ Church, Mike Jr. (M, 42), Arrested on charge of Assault Inflict Serious Injury, on 6/6, at 6001 River Heights Dr.

♦ Garner, Aaron (M, 22), Arrested on charge of three counts Stat Sex Off with Childe <= 13, on 6/6, at 1481 N Fayetteville St.

♦ Greene, Patrick (M, 27), Arrested on charge of Assault on a Female, on 6/6, at 1174 Providence Church Rd.

Following the business meeting, the co-op will hold drawings for registered members to win various prizes. WEEKLY FORECAST SPONSORED BY 336-629-7588

♦ Holt, Darryl (M, 58), Arrested on charge of Conspire to Commit Felony Larceny, Breaking and or Entering, Possession of Stolen Goods, Safe Cracking, on 6/6, at US Hwy 64 E @ NC Hwy 49 N.

♦ Russell, Michael (M, 26),

like the Lighthouse initiative, it has begun launching or adopting congregations that can become homes for those who want to leave the United Methodist Church but whose congregations are staying.

The ongoing schism has been long in the making.

The United Methodist Church — with about 6.5 million members in the United States and at least that many abroad — has long debated its bans on same-sex marriages and the ordination of openly LGBTQ clergy.

The denomination has repeatedly upheld the bans, largely through the voting strength of the growing, more conservative churches abroad. But conservatives chose to form a

Arrested on charge of Assault on a Female, on 6/6, at 3167 Cassady Rd.

♦ Bishop, Selena Emily Eliz (F, 18), Arrested on charge of Cruelty to Animals, on 6/2, at 6819 Kerr Dr.

♦ Davis, Deanna Dawn (F, 40), Arrested on charge of Simple Assault, on 6/2, at 2297 Woods Stream Ln.

♦ Davis, Roger Lee Jr. (M, 37), Arrested on charge of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possess Marijuana up to 1/2oz, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia, Resisting Public Officer, PWIMSD Schedule II CS, Injury to Personal Property, Hit/Run, on 6/2, at 562 Potters Way Rd.

new denomination amid growing defiance of the bans in U.S. churches.

More than 3,500 U.S. congregations have received their local conferences’ permission to disaffiliate from the UMC, according to United Methodist News Service. With conference season underway, disaffiliations are closing in on 4,000 and could rise even more by the end of the year, said the Rev. Jay Therrell, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, a conservative group advocating for departing congregations.

That’s a fraction of the United Methodists’ 30,000 U.S. churches, though several of the departing congregations are among the largest in their states.

Rhythm & Zoo Fest – Smitty & the JumpStarters

8pm

Come out to the Sunset Theatre this week for Rhythm & Zoo Fest! Thursday night will include live music by Smitty & the Jumpstarters, a local ban from Greensboro! Tickets are $25 for orchestra seating of $15 for the balcony and can be purchased at RhythmandZooFest. com.

June 16

Rhythm & Zoo Fest – Ghost Towns Blues Band

8pm

Come out to the Sunset Theatre this week for Rhythm & Zoo Fest! Friday night will include live music by Memphis blues and rock musicians, the Ghost Town Blues Band! Tickets are $25 for orchestra seating of $15 for the balcony and can be purchased at RhythmandZooFest. com.

June 17

Asheboro Farmers Market

7am – 1pm

Come out to the Asheboro Downtown Farmers Market, located at 134 S. Church Street. This event is free and open to the public!

Rhythm & Zoo Fest – Eric Gales

8pm

Come out to the Sunset Theatre this week for Rhythm & Zoo Fest! Saturday night will include live music by GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Eric Gales! Tickets are $35 for orchestra seating of $25 for the balcony and can be purchased at RhythmandZooFest. com.

June 18

Sunset Concert –The Holiday Band

7pm – 8:30pm

TUESDAY JUNE 20

Come down to Bicentennial Park, located at 135 Sunset Ave in Asheboro, for live music from The Holiday Band! This event is free to the public and will include on-site food trucks! Bring a lawn chair!

“Join the conversation”

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Sununu’s good move and bad advice

Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat.

GOV. CHRIS SUNUNU (R-N.H.) is not running for president.

In his state’s first-in-the-nation primary, “I can be more effective for the Republican Party in ways few other leaders can,” he wrote in the Washington Post. He plans to endorse a candidate and obviously hopes to defeat former President Donald Trump, who, he argues, is a sure loser in November.

But his advice for candidates may not be helpful beyond New Hampshire. In a cheap shot at Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), currently Trump’s strongest opponent, Sununu says Republicans “must abandon the issues that are solely made for social media headlines, such as banning books or issuing curriculum fiats to local school districts” and “should reembrace local control.”

That makes sense in Sununu’s state, where the largest school district, Manchester, has 12,400 students and 52,000 voters. But DeSantis’ Florida and many other states have countywide school districts.

Florida’s second-largest district, Broward County, has 260,000 students and 959,000 voters. Those voters couldn’t prevent the school board and administrators from refusing to remove the Parkland mass shooter or to get the police to enter the building and stop the killing. DeSantis had to take over and fire those responsible and is now backing school board candidates around the state.

Another difference: Some 54% of Sununu’s New Hampshire’s Republican primary electorate in 2016 were college graduates, wary of proposals that liberal media cast as intolerant. But the state isn’t typical in this regard. According to 2020 and 2022 exit polls, some 62% of Republican voters aren’t college graduates.

And as The New York Times’ ace election analyst Nate Cohn has argued persuasively, exit polls seem to overstate the percentage of collegeeducated voters.

The other reason to embrace issues Sununu dismisses as “solely made for social media headlines” is that, properly articulated, Republican positions are in line with the broad spectrum of public opinion while only handfuls embrace many Biden administration positions.

Should pornographic books be available in kindergarten through third grade classrooms or libraries? That’s what DeSantis’ bill, mislabeled as “Don’t Say Gay,” requires. How many voters disagree?

Should teenagers under 18 get government aid for irreversible surgeries such as breast removal without parental consent? That’s what the Biden administration is encouraging as “gender-affirming care.” How many voters back that?

And what about gas stoves? Last February, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) scoffed that “nobody is taking away your gas stove.” Then, in May, New York’s legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul

passed a bill banning gas stoves in new construction. The law is based on an environmentalist study that the Washington Post’s Megan McArdle labeled as “less-than-rock-solid evidence,” including, as National Review’s Noah Rothman writes, testing gas cooking in an “airtight” room sealed by “clear plastic sheets.”

As Rothman notes, liberal Democrats are going after affordable conveniences many rely on, including gas furnaces and hot water heaters, air conditioners, dishwashers and gas-powered lawn mowers. And don’t get them started on washer-dryer units that leave clothes soggy as European units do.

Then there are the Biden administration policies intended to force people into electric cars. Little attention is given to vast amounts of exotic minerals such as lithium produced in China or other faraway countries.

Green New Deal enthusiasts in and out of the Biden administration blithely assume that thousands of electric charging stations will spring up and charge your e-vehicle in minutes and that we’ll be able to produce the near-doubling of electricity production needed for a mostly electric car fleet. It won’t be easy with environmentalists bringing lawsuits to stop transmission lines from bringing electricity from high-wind areas to highpopulation areas.

Harder heads are dubious. In 2022, Warren Buffett, a Biden supporter, expressed doubts the United States was close to moving away from dependency on oil. “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or five years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.” He’s putting his money lately into oil and fossil fuels.

Similarly, Vaclav Smil, the premier historian and analyst of technology, writes in his 2022 book “How the World Really Works,” “Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat, or as a result of extraordinarily rapid transformations relying on near-miraculous technical advances.”

As Smil notes, the “four material pillars” of our civilization -cement, steel, plastics and ammonia (for fertilizers necessary to feed 8 billion people) -- all require huge inputs of fossil fuels, and there are no substitutes for them on the horizon.

College graduate voters, in New Hampshire and elsewhere, may not like hearing that their green dreams are just dreams. But most people can be convinced they are nightmares to be avoided.

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

Nothing to see here but a credible whistleblower accusing the President of bribery

To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN has been accused by a credible informant of allegedly taking $5 million in “a bribery scheme with a foreign national” while he was the sitting vice president. That seems like a pretty big story, but what do I know?

Apparently, there’s a document laying out the accusation in some detail, and not one cooked up by an oppo-research firm for the Republican National Committee and then disseminated to saps in the media to try and delegitimize a presidential election. No, it’s in an unclassified FD-1023 form, used by law enforcement to record credible tips. Granted, it’s not in the possession of BuzzFeed, but rather the vaunted FBI, which refuses to hand it to Congress for some reason. And there is no curiosity on the part of establishment media to find out what it says.

I know, I know, it’s getting tedious asking people to imagine the thermonuclear media blast they’d be swept up in if a Republican president had been accused of bribery by an FBI informant. This is the way of the world. To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

Though, I suppose that’s not exactly right. Biden’s Praetorian Guard have begun to preemptively frame chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, as some devious nut for demanding the FBI hand over documents. This is what they did to Devin Nunes, who turned out to be correct in his assessment of the Russia collusion investigation.

Whatever the case, there isn’t a real journalist in the universe -- not a beat reporter or opinion writer or copy editor -- who wouldn’t want to

read an informant’s account of a sitting president taking a bribe. You can debunk it. You can prove it. But you want to see it.

But therein lies the problem. There aren’t many journalists left.

Last week, CNN ran a piece that might well have been sent verbatim from the FBI press shop. CNN’s “sources” claimed “origins in a tranche of documents that Rudy Giuliani provided to the Justice Department in 2020” and the investigation led nowhere. A big nothingburger.

It’s this CNN story, and another version in the Washington Post (almost surely from the same sources), that allowed Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to claim that “Rudy Giuliani surfaced these allegations,” and that a “team” had looked at the document and “in August determined that there was no grounds to escalate from an initial assessment to a preliminary investigation.”

But Attorney General William Barr told The Federalist that the investigation had never been closed; it had merely been sent to an office in Delaware. And the document did not emanate from Giuliani -- the same ploy used to undercut the New York Post’s reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop story -- but from a 2017 whistleblower report that showed up in a 2020 search. No one has come forward to accuse Barr of lying, so I assume the above is true.

Who knows what this is all about? I’ve learned not to make too many assumptions. For all I know, this all leads to a rickety accusation and a dead end.

That, however, doesn’t mean that there isn’t already tons of circumstantial evidence that Joe Biden participated in his family’s shady business.

Which makes the existence of this document highly newsworthy.

We know that the president lied about his knowledge of Hunter’s relationships with Ukrainian energy concerns and Chinese interests. We have emails implicating the president as a participant in Hunter’s schemes -- emails authenticated by forensic specialists. We have witnesses, including a former Naval technology officer, contending that Biden is the “big guy” Hunter is talking about in those emails. Even the Obama administration was alarmed about the Biden family business.

Almost a year ago, former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro was indicted and arrested by the FBI for ignoring a congressional subpoena by the Jan 6 commission. He was handcuffed and denied permission to make a phone call to a lawyer. Today, it’s the FBI that is ignoring subpoenas. And there will be no one to arrest FBI Director Christopher Wray for contempt.

There will also be no more sanctimonious speeches or grandstanding from Democrats regarding the sacred need for transparency and separation of powers. “Democracy” is no longer in danger, apparently. Of course, we expect jawdropping hypocrisy from politicians. We expect a politicized Justice Department to protect Democrats. Nowadays, we also expect the complete abdication of journalistic responsibility from a partisan big media. And that’s a massive problem.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

SIDELINE REPORT

SOCCER

Just 4 World Cup players named to U.S. Gold Cup roster

Chicago

Just four players who appeared for the U.S. at last year’s World Cup are on a largely junior varsity roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, including just one regular starter: goalkeeper Matt Turner. The 23-man roster selected by new interim coach B.J. Callaghan for the championship has three others who saw limited World Cup time: forwards Jesús Ferreira and Jordan Morris, and right back DeAndre Yedlin. Three additional players were on the World Cup roster without getting into a match: goalkeeper Sean Johnson, defender Aaron Long and midfielder Cristian Roldan. The U.S. will play its final first round match in Charlotte against Nicaragua on July 2.

COLLEGE SPORTS

NCAA champion athletes honored at White House

Washington, D.C.

Vice President Kamala Harris saluted more than a thousand U.S. college athletes from championship teams who gathered Monday at the White House South Lawn. She says that sports have a “very special way of bringing people together.” President Joe Biden had been scheduled to greet the athletes, but he had a root canal and was unable to attend the outdoor event on an overcast morning. The event included 47 teams from 19 different sports, though there was one notable exception. The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team declined to attend the event because the date was “not feasible given the student-athlete calendar and time of year.”

NBA

Heat mascot gets treatment after McGregor KO promotion

Miami

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor knocked out the Miami Heat mascot in a midgame bit that went wrong.

Burnie — more specifically, the man who occupies Burnie’s costume — briefly sought medical attention Friday night after taking two punches from McGregor during a thirdquarter stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and the Denver Nuggets. The Heat said Saturday that the employee wearing the flame costume, who was not identified, received pain medication and was resting at home.

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

Oklahoma ace Bahl announces plans to transfer

Norman, Okla.

Oklahoma softball ace Jordy Bahl has announced she is transferring and heading back to her home state of Nebraska. Bahl didn’t say which school she will play for, but there are three Division I programs in the state: University of Nebraska, Creighton University and Omaha University. She pitched 24⅔ scoreless innings at the Women’s College World Series and was named its Most Outstanding Player. She went 4-0 in Oklahoma City and earned the save in the decisive Game 2 win against Florida State. She finished this season with a 22-1 record and an 0.90 ERA In 2022.

Truex Jr. surges to win at Sonoma

Chase Elliott returned from his one-race suspension to finish fifth

The Associated Press SONOMA, Calif. — Martin Truex Jr. shows up at Sonoma Raceway each year brimming with the confidence only acquired by repeated success on a track.

Last summer, team owner Joe Gibbs admits he didn’t give Truex a car capable of demonstrating his driver’s mastery of this hilly road course.

One year and innumerable Toyota improvements later, Truex roared right back to Victory Lane in wine country.

Truex won at Sonoma for the fourth time in his NASCAR Cup

Series career Sunday, passing Chase Elliott for the lead after a final-stage restart and holding off Kyle Busch.

The 42-year-old Truex confidently drove his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to another victory at the track where he also won in 2013, 2018 and 2019. Only Jeff Gordon has more victories (five) at Sonoma than Truex, who earned the 33rd win of his Cup career and his second in the last six races after winning at Dover. Truex went winless in 2022, and the subpar Toyota cars and setups took most of the blame. Gibbs particularly remembers last year’s trip to Sonoma as “one of the worst races we’ve had in our race team” in terms of setup and performance.

Truex finished 26th in Northern California last year, but the expe-

rience didn’t budge his confidence.

“I knew I can navigate around this track,” Truex said. “Maybe I’m not the best driver at this track. I don’t know. Maybe somebody else could go a tenth of a second faster in my car than I do. I doubt they could, but it’s possible. But they’re not going to be a second off like we were last year. When you’re that far off, it’s like, ‘Yeah, that was dumb. What were we even thinking (with that setup)?’ ... But I never thought we couldn’t win again.”

Elliott finished fifth in his return from a one-race suspension for deliberately wrecking Denny Hamlin at Charlotte. Elliott, who has missed seven races this season, twice held the lead in the final stage before Truex blew past him on fresher tires.

Truex has seven top-10 finish-

Arcangelo wins final leg of Triple Crown with victory at Belmont Stakes

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Jena Antonucci turned a Triple Crown marred by thoroughbred deaths on the track and threatened by bad air quality from wildfires in Canada into a celebration for racing and women.

Arcangelo took the lead at the top of the stretch and won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making the 47-year-old Antonucci the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. After the horse crossed the finish line, Antonucci doubled over and rested her arm and her head on the back of a chair. She kissed the horse on the nose when it returned to the area in front of the winner’s circle.

“When we were walking out, I said there is not a table made for you,” she said. “You make the table. You put great people around you, you work hard. Work your tail off. It will come if you do it the right way. Do it the right way.”

Antonucci and Arcangelo did everything right as the 3-year-old son of Arrogate finished the 1½-mile race in 2:29.23 and by 1½ lengths in front of favored Fotre, with Tapit Trice third.

“They say there’s no crying in baseball. But they’ve never said it about horse racing,” Antonucci said. “You fight for that spot and you feel you have to prove your worth. Horses don’t care. They don’t care who you are. They know who you are.

To have a horse believe in you and your team the way this horse does

… I wish more people could be like horses.”

Jockey Javier Castellano, who rode Mage to victory in the Kentucky Derby and picked up the ride on Arcangelo when the colt was not entered in the Belmont, said Arcangelo was great.

“This is a wonderful horse. I’m

es in his last nine races, reflecting Toyota’s improvement for 2023.

Joey Logano was third behind Busch, with Chris Buescher in fourth. Elliott had his third topfive finish of the year but is still winless.

Truex and Busch, who was 2.979 seconds behind in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, had the 11th 1-2 finish of their long Cup careers. They spent the previous four seasons as teammates at JGR, and Truex also held off Busch to win at Sonoma in 2019.

“Not too bad,” said Busch, who won last week’s Cup race outside St. Louis. “Just wish we had a little bit more. I was just trying to keep him honest there at the end. ... It’s good for us because (Toyota is) so good on road courses. They’ve done the work. We did a good job keeping it competitive.”

After a one-week break, the Cup Series begins its 10-race sprint to the playoffs June 25 at Nashville Superspeedway.

really happy for her, you know, she’s a really good woman,” Castellano said of Antonucci. “She’s a good horseman.”

The heart-warming victory put a positive note on a Triple Crown series marred by deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs in the weeks around the Kentucky Derby and another on Preakness day for a trainer Bob Baffert. It also ended a week in which the Belmont Stakes was put in jeopardy by air quality problems caused by wildfires in Canada.

Those cleared on Friday and the cloud over thoroughbred racing lifted on Saturday, briefly.

In the final race on the card, Excursionniste sustained a catastrophic injury to his left front leg. Despite efforts by veterinarians, the horse was euthanized. It was the third horse to incur a fatal injury at the current meet. There have been 213 races involving 1,662 horses.

Antonucci was only the 11th woman to race a horse in the Belmont and the first since Kathy Ritvo sent out Mucho Macho Man to a seventh-place finish in 2011. Dianne Carpenter’s Kingpost had the previous best finish, second to Risen Star in 1988.

Arcangelo paid $17.80, $7.20 and $4.,90 and earned $900,000 for Blue Rose Farm, which is owned by Jon Ebbert.

Forte returned $4.30 and $3.30 and Tapit Trice was $4.10 to show. Both were trained by Todd Pletcher.

AP PHOTO

Martin Truex Jr. holds the trophy after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

AP PHOTO

Arcangelo, with jockey Javier Castellano, crosses the finish line to win the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday in Elmont, New York.

Mikalah Walls

Wheatmore senior Mikalah Walls was honored prior to the Class 2-A state championship game for girls’ soccer earlier this month in Greensboro.

Post 45 hits groove behind returnees

Randolph Record

RANDOLPH COUNTY POST

45 has been off a strong start to the American Legion baseball season.

The team has a good core of returning players who’ve produced across the first couple of weeks of the season.

Post 45 had a 7-1 record – capped with a 5-4 victory at Davidson County last week – before a fiveday break in the schedule. The team is slated to be back in action this week.

The lone loss came by a 3-2 score at Rowan County. Twelve days later, Post 45 avenged the loss with a 10-5 home victory.

Tyler Parks drove in four runs in that triumph, while Ethan Frye and Braylen Hayes homered. Sam-

uel Asbill was the winning pitcher.

Parks, Hayes, Tanner Marsh, Adam Cole, Josh Meadows, Drew Harmon, Connor Adams, Alex Martinez and Robert Garner are returnees from the 2022 team who’ve been key contributors this season.

Hayes homered twice as part of an 8-RBI night, and Marsh scored four runs in a home romp past Davidson County. Meadows homered in a game at Mocksville-Davie County.

Cole won’t be with the team much longer as he reports for classes this month at East Carolina, where he’ll join the football program. Post 45 manager Ronnie Pugh said he welcomed Cole’s participation this spring even though he knew it would be on a short-

term basis.

Since helping Uwharrie Charter Academy to a Class 1-A state championship, outfielder Carter Brown has been producing upon joining Post 45. He drove in three runs in the Rowan County and Davidson County games. Pitcher Drake Purvis, who was coming off surgery and didn’t pitch until late in the high school season for Randleman, has been a boost to the pitching staff along with high school teammate Austin Lemons.

Other Post 45 newcomers include former Randleman standout Hunter Atkins, plus Ethan Frye and Pierce Leonard from Eastern Randolph’s team.

Because of the delayed completion of renovations at McCrary Park in Asheboro, Post 45 has played home games at Randleman High School. The team has practiced at McCrary Park and should be playing games there by the end of next week. Last Wednesday’s home game against Mooresville was canceled because of weather-related concerns.

Wheatmore, girls’ soccer

Walls, a forward and midfielder, was one of the seniors on the Warriors’ state runner-up team.

Walls was the fourth-leading scorer on an offensive powerhouse. She cranked out 11 goals and provided five assists. She also occasionally took corner kicks for the Warriors.

Walls was honored by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association with a Sportsmanship Award prior to the Class 2-A title game this month at UNC Greensboro Soccer Stadium.

Walls was part of teams that produced a two-year record of 49-1, a state championship and a staterecord 49-game winning streak. She also has been a member of the girls’ basketball team at Wheatmore.

Post 81 sponsors younger team, skips Legion season

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

RAMSEUR — There’s no American Legion baseball season for Eastern Randolph Post 81 this year, but planning for the future is being emphasized.

ZooKeepers take winding path to slow start

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

GREENSBORO – College baseball players arrived to play a summer season in Asheboro.

So far, they’ve played only elsewhere.

That’s just part of the rough opening stretch of the season for the Asheboro ZooKeepers.

“It’s a little strange,” said third baseman Tanner Thomas, who plays collegiately for Longwood. “We’re very thankful that we have a place like this to play.”

He was referring to UNC Greensboro Baseball Stadium.

With a renovation project behind schedule at McCrary Park, the ZooKeepers have mostly played road games in the Coastal Plain League. They could be using the UNCG facility for select home games through June 21.

So the ZooKeepers played their “home” opener Friday night at UNCG. The 3-0 loss to the Forest City Owls dropped Asheboro’s record to 0-5. In a rematch the next night at Forest City, the Owls won 6-5.

“We’re keeping a positive attitude,” ZooKeepers catcher Dallas Callahan, who played the 2021 summer season in Asheboro and is a UNCG product. “We’re piecing it

together.”

That’s the message from firstyear coach Korey Dunbar.

“We’ve got a young group of guys,” he said. “We’re going to continue to get better as we go once we start to figure things out.”

Since the start of the season, some players have trickled in. For instance, Jake Holland, a catcher from New Mexico (and transfer who also played for Georgia Tech), was on hand for his first game Friday night.

Dunbar didn’t have pitching coach Josh Pike available until late last week because of his commitments as a graduate assistant at North Carolina State.

Asheboro received a solid outing from starting pitcher Jacob Dienes, an N.C. State lefty. And by the ninth inning, the ZooKeepers had two runners on base when the game ended on Luke Holland’s lineout to second base.

“We’re not playing our best baseball, and we’re in ball games,” Dunbar said. “We’ve got to do some work. I’m positive with these guys.”

Another scoring chance fizzled in the fourth after Dylan Driver’s lead-off double. Thomas said he’s excited about playing the summer in the CPL after appearing in 44 games as a freshman for Longwood.

“We’re working every day, and we’re constantly getting better,” Thomas said. “Little things here and there that aren’t falling our way. Everybody is trying to get kick-started.”

For Callahan, who played this year as a UNCG senior, he figured his playing days on campus had been completed.

“You play your last game here (for UNCG) and think you’re done here,” Callahan said. “And you’re back.”

About 100 spectators attended the ZooKeepers’ first game in Greensboro.

ZooKeepers general manager Melissa Godwin, who’s in her first season, is the wife of UNCG coach Billy Godwin. She said she views the relocation of games as a shortterm glitch.

“It’s a blessing to be able to use UNCG,” she said. “It definitely has been an operational challenge.”

Dunbar praised Melissa Godwin’s efforts to pull things together over the past few weeks. The ZooKeepers have been able to use McCrary Park for practices while renovations continue on off-field fan areas.

“She’s making it a good experience, and that’s what we want for the guys,” Dunbar said. “It’s going to pay off.”

Low player availability surfaced last year. Without a clear remedy for that, organizers opted to focus on younger players who might help revive the program.

“We didn’t want to field a team with 11 guys and then not be able to play some nights,” said Nate Cockman, who was in his first season as head coach of the team last year. “We didn’t want to get a bad rap with that.”

players).

In April, a meeting to assess player interest revealed up to nine players who could be committed to playing the full season, with a few others falling into a part-time category.

Generally, Post 81 draws high school players attending Eastern Randolph, Providence Grove and Faith Christian with some assistance from Southern Alamance and Chatham County players. No Alamance County players signed up to play this year.

The Legion post is sponsoring a team in a combined Pony/Colt league.

So after a 2022 season that included on-field success but other struggles, Post 81 has taken a pause on the American Legion level. “We decided we just weren’t going to be able to field a team,” Cockman said. “We didn’t want to be back in that situation again. It’s a tough one to swallow right now, but this is best for the long term.”

Instead, the Legion post is sponsoring a team in a combined Pony/Colt league. These are players ages 13-16. The Post 81 entry has 16 players in a league based out of Chatham County. Games in the five-team league are held Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Chatham Central.

Last year, Post 81 held an 18-9 record in games played, though two of those were overturned based on a player eligibility issue to give it a 16-11 mark (prior to the forfeited Area 3 semifinal series because of a lack of

Complicating matters was that Chatham County Post 93 returned to American Legion baseball to field a team and is based at Jordan-Matthews High School.

The Pony/Colt team, which won four of its first five games, is made up of players who could rise into future Post 81 players. Cockman said participating in the league in Chatham County seemed like a better option than trying to field a Junior American Legion team.

“I didn’t want it to put them in that situation where they wouldn’t have success,” he said. “I want to give our guys a fair opportunity. This is a good way to introduce them.”

Unless there’s widespread interest next year in the upper grades, Post 81 might choose the Junior American Legion route for 2024, Cockman said, calling it “almost a rebuild.” Cockman is a coach at Southeastern Randolph Middle School in Ramseur.

“We’re trying to start young and work our way back through,” he said. “This is the best situation for now. We have full intention of bringing back Post 81.”

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pierce Leonard takes a swing for Randolph County Post 45.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZOOKEEPERS

Members of the Asheboro ZooKeepers hang out along the dugout at UNCG.

Whitson leaves as Cougars’ softball coach

Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Southwestern Randolph softball coach Chad Whitson has resigned after five seasons, the school announced Monday.

The Cougars held a 65-22 record under Whitson’s direction.

Toby Strider, who had been an assistant coach, has been promoted to head coach. Strider also previously coached at the middle school.

The Cougars positioned a 22-2 record this year, going undefeated in Piedmont Athletic Conference play and ranking among the top teams in the state in Class 2-A.

Standout pitcher Macie Crutchfield completed her sophomore season.

Infielder Carleigh Whitson, the coach’s daughter, was a senior on this season’s team.

Whitson received conference Coach of the Year honors in 2021 and 2023. The Cougars were league champions or co-champions three times with Whitson as coach.

Chad Whitson coached Southwestern Randolph’s softball team to strong seasons.

Southwestern Randolph was this year’s Piedmont Athletic Conference champion and among the top-ranked teams in the state.

Southeastern Randolph wins middle school title

Southeastern Randolph Middle School won the Randolph County Middle School baseball tournament last month. That made the Wildcats tournament and regular-season champions. Pictured at the top is the Southeastern Randolph Middle School baseball team after winning the county’s tournament title.Pictured on the bottom is Maddox Dunn of Southeastern Randolph Middle School heads to second base on a hit during the Randolph County Middle School baseball championship game last month.

Trump pledges to endorse Mark Robinson for NC governor

The Associated Press GREENSBORO — Former President Donald Trump said Saturday night in North Carolina that he would endorse Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson for governor in a move many delegates expect will cement Robinson’s place as the frontrunner in a GOP primary and propel him to the governor’s office.

Trump threw his support behind the similarly sharp-spoken Robinson at the state GOP convention in Greensboro during one of his first public appearances since he was hit this week with a historic indictment — the first federal case against a former president.

Trump said he would save his formal endorsement for another time but told Robinson from the stage, “You can count on it, Mark.” He referred to Robinson as “one of the great stars of the party, one of the great stars in politics.”

North Carolina delegates, who greeted the former president and 2024 GOP frontrunner with roaring applause, dismissed the indictment as a bad-faith attack by President Joe Biden’s administration to undercut his strongest competitor.

Many Republican voters anticipate the indictment, which Trump called “a travesty of justice,” will

boost his presidential campaign — and boost Robinson’s along with it.

“In a lot of ways he reminds me of Trump in that he doesn’t pull any punches,” said Mia Brydie, a 52-year-old GOP delegate from Greensboro. “I admire him because he’s a man that speaks for the people.”

Robinson was elected in 2020 as the state’s first black lieutenant governor in his first run for public office. He would make similar history if he wins the governorship.

Brydie, a black woman, said she

thinks Robinson is the best person to represent her and other Black and working-class families. Robinson released an autobiography last year that talked about a childhood of poverty and the various financial challenges he has faced as an adult.

Robinson’s campaign did not immediately respond Saturday to email and phone messages seeking comment.

Despite Republican success in controlling both chambers of the state legislature, the GOP has won

the governor’s office just once since 1992 — back in 2012. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has held the office since 2017, is term-limited and cannot run again in 2024.

State Attorney General Josh Stein is the only prominent Democrat who has entered the race to succeed Cooper. His campaign spokesperson, Kate Frauenfelder, said she expects Trump’s endorsement of Robinson will “spur even more chaos in the already messy Republican primary.”

State Treasurer Dale Folwell, who is running against Robinson in the GOP primary, told The Associated Press by text message Saturday during Trump’s speech that he never intended to ask for or receive the former president’s endorsement.

Trump “doesn’t know me or my track record for governing or explaining conservatism without offending people,” Folwell said.

Charles Norwood, a delegate from Hampstead, said shortly before Trump’s speech Saturday that he was undecided about which gubernatorial candidate to support.

Robinson is “very dynamic,” Norwood said. But he and his wife, Lynn, said they were both leaning toward Folwell, who has impressed them during his time as state treasurer.

“Mark has got the enthusiasm, but he may be unfamiliar with the levers of power,” Norwood said. “He may not work the political system as well as he works the emotional system.”

Robinson, Norwood said, is “not as politically sophisticated” as Folwell. But the husband and wife agreed that Trump’s endorsement of Robinson would be enough to sway them “because Trump’s going to be president, and the governor should be on his side,” he said.

Jonathan Bridges, a campaign spokesperson for former U.S. Rep Mark Walker, another GOP candidate for governor, said he “fully anticipated” Trump’s expression of support for Robinson but expects he might not want to follow through with a formal endorsement once he learns more about the lieutenant governor.

Jim Forster, an 81-year-old delegate from Guilford County, drew several parallels between Trump and Robinson, including their uncensored approach to campaign speeches. Like Trump, Robinson is “strong and aggressive,” he said. “He would make a lot of mistakes but would do a lot of good things, too,” Forster said. “He’s loud, he’s noisy, he’s pushy and he’s right — that’s what makes him special.”

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

RANDOLPH RECORD FILE PHOTO

AP PHOTO

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson arrives for a rally before announcing his candidacy for governor on April 22, 2023, at Ace Speedway in Elon.

Ray Von McLeod

June 21, 1940 — June 11, 2023

Ray Von McLeod, 82, passed away at his home on June 11, 2023. He was born on June 21, 1940 in the Lovejoy Community of Montgomery County. He was the youngest of his 4 brothers and 5 sisters. In 1963, Ray Von married Brenda Wood and together they had 3 children, Renee, Todd, and Chris. He was a member of Asheboro First Assembly where he also served as a Deacon. Ray Von loved God and sharing God's love with everyone he met. Ray Von was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Brenda Wood McLeod.

For many years Ray Von worked as a milkman for Guilford Dairy and then was employed with Energizer Battery. In 1971, Ray Von founded McLeod Insurance Agency and enjoyed helping his clients over the past 52 years. He worked alongside his son Todd, granddaughter Madison and staff. Ray Von had a real love for cars. He owned several that he would take to car shows where he usually left with a trophy. Ray Von never met a stranger and loved sharing stories of past times and memories with them. Ray Von is survived by his daughter, Renee Brower and husband Rickey of Randleman; sons, Todd McLeod and wife Charlene of Trinity and Chris McLeod and wife Wendy of Denton; grandchildren, Macie and husband Jordan, Madison and husband Bradley, Tyler McLeod, and Dawson McLeod; great grandchild, Lennan-Gray; brothers, Hubert McLeod and Odell McLeod; sister, Loretta Garner; and fiancée, Evelyn Smith.

Tammy Annette Brower

December 3, 1968 — June 10, 2023

Ms. Tammy Annette Brower of Sophia passed away Saturday night, June 10th 2023 at the Moses Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro. Ms. Brower worked in the construction industry for many years doing various types of jobs. Ms. Brower is survived by 2 daughters, Brianna Sutphin of Sophia and Lisa Adkins. 3 sisters, Jeanie Huffman of Climax, Jeri Lynn Pegram of Climax and Sandy Marie Brooks Quinn (Roman) of Lexington. Three grandchildren and her beloved dog-Roxie.

Walter Leroy Lovell

November 1, 1933 — June 9, 2023

Mr. Walter Leroy Lovell, age 89 of Randleman passed away Friday night after an short illness. Mr. Lovell was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the 101 st. Airborne Division. Mr. Lovell worked various jobs in the textile industry having worked for Burlington Industries and Galey + Lord.

Mr. Lovell was proceeded in death by his wife, Jettie Allred Lovell. He is survived by 1 son, Mark Lovell (Carla) of Randleman, 1 daughter Janet Dunn (Ricky) of Randleman, 1 brother James Daniel Lovel (Doris) of Randleman and 1 sister Betty Routh of Randleman. 6 grandchildren, Stephanie Lovell of Asheboro, Catherine Johnson (Houston) of Fayetteville, Jenny Lovell of Randleman, Jessica Picard of Greensboro, Erica LaRue (Jeff) of Randleman and Nicholas Picard (Lindsey) of Asheboro. 3 great grandchildren, Madi Jo, Harper and Dawson.

Louis Harrison Stalvey, Jr.

October 30, 1942 — June 6, 2023

Louis Harrison Stalvey, Jr., age 80, of Archdale passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at High Point Hospital.

Mr. Stalvey was born in Asheboro on October 30, 1942 to Louis Harrison Stalvey, Sr. and Ruth Angel Stalvey. He was formerly employed in restaurant management. In addition to his parents, Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Clark Stalvey, and his siblings, Carol Osbourne, Betty Stout, Linda Stalvey, and Thomas Stalvey. He is survived by his children, Daniel, Shaun, and John; and siblings, Frances Fuller, Joy Barefoot, and Michael Stalvey.

James "Jake" Harold Hart

December 22, 1945 — June 5, 2023

James “Jake” Harold Hart, 77, of Staley, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023. Jake was born in Chatham County on December 22, 1945, to Willie M. and Eula Mae Fields Hart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Willie “Jimmy”, Rudy and Earl Hart, and sisters Betty Jean Hicks and Mary Hattie Hart.

Mr. Hart retired as the golf course superintendent at the Siler City Country Club after many years. Jake loved to spend his days either on the golf course or at his favorite fishing hole. But most importantly he enjoyed spending as much time as possible playing ball with his grandson. The family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to, Jake’s special caretaker, Ava Brower.

Jake is survived by his son, James “Jimmy” Hart, Jr. and wife Wendy, of Staley; grandson, Jacob Hart; special friend, Lonna Hart of Staley; sister, Brenda Hart Giammarco and husband, Tony of Staley; and brother, Charlie Hart and wife, Pam of Siler City.

Charles Wyatt Link Sr.

December 24, 1932 — June 10, 2023

Charles W. Link Sr, 90, of Asheboro passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Randolph Hospice House, Asheboro, North Carolina.

Charles was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, on December 24, 1932, to Walter Lee and Oralene Jarrett Link.

Charles was a graduate of Boyden High School which later became Salisbury High School and was class president, then followed with two years of college education. He married the love of his life Carolyn Elliott in 1951 and have remained together for 72 years.

Roy Lee Langley

February 17, 1949 ~ May 30, 2023

Roy Lee Langley, 74, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Randolph Hospice. Born February 17, 1949 in Chatham County, he was the son of the late Joseph Clyde Langley and Dorothy Poe Langley.

Roy owned his own mechanic shop, Langley Automotive and Towing, for more than 40 years. He enjoyed playing cards and was a card gambler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Dale Langley and his sister, Ruby Rhew.

Roy is survived by his wife of 22 years, Nancy Swaim Langley; children, Jeffrey Lee Langley and Pamela Langley Cummings; granddaughter, Kristina Cummings Edwards; and siblings, Betty Bowman, Mary Rogers, Robert Langley, Buck Poe, Carolyn Faircloth and Linda Deroiser.

Mr. Link worked for B.B. Walker Shoe Company for about 40 years in sales and sales management. The latter part of his career he was Vice President of sales for Kayser Roth. Upon retirement he could be found volunteering at Randolph Hospital, where he was a past volunteer of the year recipient and 23 years of volunteer service. Charles was most noted for his devotion to his loving wife and family.

Charles was a distinguished role model to his family, more specifically his boys remember their dad’s teachings of Christian values and how to be successful in being a good husband and father. Charles was a good Christian man who never met a stranger and was always willing to help others and would put others first.

Charles believed that his family was a priority. He enjoyed being outdoors, and working in his yard, feeding, and watching the birds. He loved the beach and Duke Basketball. His prized accomplishment was being a caregiver to his wife Carolyn and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Oralene Link, his daughter Deborah Dawn Link, Two brothers and One sister. He is survived by his wife Carolyn of the home, sons: Charles “Chuck” Link Jr. (Wanda) of Fort Mills, SC, David Link (Jane) of Indian Trail, NC, and Jeff Link (Sonja) of Greenville, NC, 9 Grandchildren and 14 Great- Grandchildren.

Faye Furr

October 1, 1937 - June 5, 2023

Faye Furr, 85, of Asheboro, NC, passed to her heavenly home at Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing on June 5, 2023.

Faye was born October 1, 1937, to William Guy and Annie Hill who preceded her in death. She was married to James Lloyd Furr who passed away 31 years ago. She was also preceded in death by her infant daughter, and brothers David and Jack Hill.

Faye graduated from Asheboro High, Class of 1955 and Asheboro Business College. She retired December 30, 1999, as an agent with Nationwide Insurance. Faye served as a patient volunteer with Hospice, Randolph County Director of Special Olympics and a volunteer with Our Daily Bread.

Faye loved horses, dogs, bowling, her family and was captivating to everyone who ever knew her.

Faye is survived by her son, Scott Furr of Myrtle Beach, SC; daughter, Patty Evia Novella and her family of Merida, Mexico; sister, Judy H. Trogdon of Asheboro, NC; and brother, Randy Hill and wife Tammy of Randleman, NC.

Ridgon Duane Hayes

January 22, 1967 ~ June 2, 2023

Ridgon Duane Hayes, age 56 of Randleman, passed away Friday, June 2 at his home.

A native of Randolph County, Duane was born January 22, 1967 to Charles Oscar Hayes, Jr. and Sueann Duggins. In his youth, he attended school at Randleman High School and was later employed in telecommunications as a lineman for over 35 years. In his leisure, he enjoyed bicycling, learning about science and spending time with his daughters and granddaughter. He also enjoyed listening to rock and heavy metal music, cooking and visiting the beach.

Duane is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hayes, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Duggins. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, daughters, Jessica Marie Martin (Cole) and Melanie LeAnn Hayes (fiancé, Derrick Woods), granddaughter, Amelia Hayes, father Charles Hayes, Jr. (Susan), mother Sueann D. Brady (Jeff), brother Charles Hayes III, step-sister Dawn Nelson (Dan). Duane is also survived by his nieces, Laura Beth Nelson, Alyssa Nelson, Lilly Nelson, Lacey Nelson and his ex-wife & mother of his children, Lisa Clagett.

The family plans to have a private service at a later date. They ask that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Addiction Recovery Care Association Inc (ARCA), 5755 Shattalon Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27105.

Midstate Cremation & Funeral Service in Asheboro is honored to serve the family of Ridgon Duane Hayes.

Wayne Miller

May 9, 1969 — June 8, 2023

Daniel Wayne Miller, age 54, of Asheboro passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at the Randolph Hospice House. Wayne was born in Randolph County on May 9, 1969 to Bill and Ann Bunting Miller. He was a 1987 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School and received his associate degree from Southwestern Community College. Wayne was the owner/ operator of Miller Masonry for 21 years and was a teacher at Providence Grove High School for 16 years. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his nephew, John Miller. Wayne's grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved camping, playing his banjo with his son and nephew, and enjoyed mowing his lawn. Wayne had a passion for his students and was a true advocate for them.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Suzette Richburg Miller; children, Caleb Miller (Felicia) of Asheboro, Troy Miller of Denton, and Christina Lake (Bobby) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Isabella "Ziggy", Daniel, Remington "Remi", John Wayne "Gooby", and Luke "Goob"; brother, Harvey Miller (Jennifer) of Asheboro; nephews, Adam Richburg, Kevin Miller, and Dalton Miller; and niece, Kayme Richburg Vann.

STATE & NATION

New voting districts could change again in some states before the 2024 elections

The Associated Press

THE 2022 ELECTIONS marked the first using new voting districts drawn from updated census data. Those districts typically last for a decade, but they could be shortlived in some states.

Court challenges could force lawmakers or special commissions to draw yet another set of maps before the 2024 elections for representatives in Congress and state capitols.

That means voters who were just shifted into new U.S. House or state legislative districts could be grouped with different communities when they go to vote the next time.

Here’s a look at some places where voting districts could change, and the reasons why.

RACE IN REDISTRICTING

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that Alabama’s congressional districts likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of black voters.

The ruling means the state’s Republican-led Legislature and GOP governor likely will have to draw new U.S. House districts in which black voters comprise a majority — or close to it — in two of Alabama’s seven districts, instead of only one.

The ruling also could lead to new U.S. House districts in Louisiana, and potentially Georgia.

While considering the Alabama case, the Supreme Court had put a hold on a similar lower court ruling that Louisiana’s districts must

be redrawn to create a second majority-black district. That’s likely to be lifted. A federal judge in Georgia last year also said some of its congressional and state legislative districts likely violated the Voting Rights Act, but no final decision has been issued.

The Alabama decision is “breathing new life” into similar cases around the country, said attorney Mark Gaber, senior redistricting director at the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center.

Voting Rights Acts challenges are in the early stages in Texas.

Lawsuits also allege that state legislative districts dilute the voting strength of Hispanic residents in Washington and Native Americans in North Dakota.

Though based on different legal theories, other lawsuits allege districts were drawn to the detriment

Pat Robertson united evangelical Christians and pushed them into conservative politics

The Associated Press NORFOLK, Va. — Pat Robertson united tens of millions of evangelical Christians through the power of television and pushed them in a far more conservative direction with the personal touch of a folksy minister. Robertson died Thursday at the age of 93.

Robertson’s reach exploded with the rise of cable in the late 1970s. He galvanized many viewers into a political force when he unsuccessfully ran for president in 1988.

The next year, he created the deeply influential Christian Coalition. He sought to “influence and impact the trajectory of the Republican Party and turn it into a prolife, pro-family party,” said Ralph Reed, who ran the coalition in the 1990s and now chairs the Faith & Freedom Coalition.

The Christian Coalition helped fuel the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, which saw the GOP take control of the U.S. House and Senate following the 1992 election of Presi-

dent Bill Clinton.

The son of a U.S. senator and a Yale Law School graduate, when he ran for president, Robertson pioneered the now-common strategy of courting Iowa’s network of evangelical Christian churches. He finished in second place in the Iowa caucuses, ahead of Vice President George H.W. Bush.

Robertson later endorsed Bush, who won the presidency. Pursuit of Iowa’s evangelicals is now a ritual for Republican hopefuls, including those seeking the White House in 2024.

Reed pointed to former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott as examples of high-ranking Republicans who are evangelical Christians.

“It’s easy to forget when you’re living it every day, but there wouldn’t have been a single, explicit evangelical at any of those levels 40 years ago in the Republican Party,” Reed said.

Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network started airing in

of minority votes in Arkansas and Florida. The Supreme Court also has agreed to review a lower court ruling that a South Carolina congressional district discriminates against black voters.

A NEW LOOK FOR A NEW ELECTION

New Assembly districts also are on tap in New York. The state’s highest court last year struck down maps approved by the Democratic-led legislature for the U.S. House, state Senate and state Assembly. It ordered a lower court to impose new U.S. House and state Senate districts for the 2022 elections. But judges determined it was too late to come up with new Assembly districts before the last election.

The courts instead said that the state’s Independent Redistricting

1961 after he bought a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth, Virginia. His long-running show “The 700 Club” began production in 1966.

Robertson coupled evangelism with popular reruns of family-friendly television, which was effective in drawing in viewers so he could promote “The 700 Club,” a news and talk show that also featured regular people talking about finding Jesus Christ.

He didn’t rely solely on fundraising like other televangelists. Robertson broadcast popular secular shows and ran commercials, said David John Marley, author of the 2007 book “Pat Robertson: An American Life.”

Robertson had a soft-spoken style, talking to the camera as if he was a pastor speaking one-on-one and not a preacher behind a pulpit.

When viewers began watching cable television in the late 1970s, “there were only 10 channels and one of them was Pat,” Reed said.

His appeal was similar to that of evangelist Billy Graham, who died in 2018 after a career with a towering impact on American religion and politics, said Wacker, of Duke Divinity School.

“He really showed a lot of pastors and other Christians across this country how impactful media can be — to reach beyond the four walls of their churches,” said Troy A. Miller, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters.

When he ran for president in 1988, Robertson’s masterstroke was insisting that 3 million followers

Commission should draw new districts. The commission in April endorsed a revised Assembly map, which received quick approval from the legislature and governor to take effect for the 2024 elections.

A pending lawsuit asks that the independent commission also be allowed to draw new U.S. House maps before the 2024 elections.

In North Carolina, a Democratic majority of the state Supreme Court ruled last year that congressional districts drawn by the Republican-led General Assembly were an illegal partisan gerrymander and instead allowed a map drawn by judges to be used for the 2022 elections. While that case was on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, voters elected a Republican majority to the state Supreme Court. Those judges in April reversed the previous ruling and declared there

was no constitutional prohibition on partisan gerrymandering.

Whatever the U.S. Supreme Court does with the original appeal, state lawmakers are planning to redraw congressional districts before the next election — giving Republicans a chance at winning more seats than the current 7-7 split.

In Ohio, the state Supreme Court rejected multiple maps drawn by Republican officials for U.S. House, state Senate and state House districts. But courts allowed the 2022 elections to go forward anyway using those maps, directing new districts to be drawn before the next elections.

MORE PARTISAN CHALLENGES

Cases are pending before the top courts in New Mexico and Utah claiming that their congressional districts are illegal partisan gerrymanders — in New Mexico’s case benefitting Democrats, and in Utah’s aiding Republicans.

In Kentucky, a trial court last November rejected a partisan gerrymandering claim brought by Democrats against congressional and state House maps adopted by the Republican-led Legislature. That case has been appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Though there is no current redistricting challenge in Wisconsin, there could be by the end of the summer. That could open the potential for new districts before the 2024 elections.

Voters in April elected a new Democrat-backed judge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, ensuring that liberals will take over majority control when Judge Janet Protasiewicz officially joins the court in August.

Protasiewicz said during the campaign that she thought the current maps were “rigged” and she wanted to revisit them.

sign petitions before he would decide to run, Robertson biographer Jeffrey K. Hadden told The AP. The tactic gave Robertson an army.

“He asked people to pledge that they’d work for him, pray for him and give him money,” Hadden told the AP in 1988.

When he was working on the book as a graduate student in George Washington University in the late 1990s, Marley got unfettered access to Robertson’s presidential campaign archives and saw a campaign plagued by internal strife.

“But, he put a lot of effort into his presidential campaign,” Marley said, adding that Robertson

worked for at least two years to lay the groundwork for his presidential run.

Robertson relished his role as a “kingmaker” and liaison of sorts between top Republican leaders such as Ronald Reagan and evangelical Christians.

“That ended with George W. Bush, who was able to have that conversation on his own,” Marley said.

During his 1998 interview with Robertson, Marley said he saw the preacher as someone who was as comfortable with his failings as he was with his accomplishments.

“I saw someone who absolutely at peace with himself,” Marley said.

AP PHOTO

Rev. Pat Robertson poses a question to a Republican presidential candidate during a forum at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 23, 2015.

AP PHOTO

HOKE COUNTY

Another Hoke Fest success

Top, Hoke Fest goers enjoy riding the Hang Glider during the annual Hoke Fest at East Hoke

slams Kaydin Pierre to retain the RWC Jr. Heavyweight Championship

Bottom right, Rod McClain of Fayetteville

COUNTY NEWS

Turnberry Festival has been canceled

Last week, the Hoke County Edition of the North State Journal published a preview of an upcoming Turnberry neighborhood event scheduled for Saturday, June 24. As of press time, the Turnberry Festival has been canceled and will not take place as scheduled.

State launches approval process for student and government employee IDs for voting

The State Board of Elections is encouraging eligible educational institutions and government agencies to apply to have their student and employee photo IDs approved for voting purposes in the upcoming election. Beginning with the 2023 municipal elections, registered voters in North Carolina will be asked to present photo identification to vote. Student identification cards issued by public or private universities and colleges, as well as employee identification cards issued by state and local government entities and charter schools, are valid forms of photo ID for voting when approved by the State Board. Many other types of photo ID, including driver’s licenses, will also be accepted for voting. However, this approval process will ensure students without another acceptable form of ID will be prepared to vote. To request approval for use in the 2023 municipal elections, an institution must provide a signed Student or Employee Identification Approval Form and a digital image of the ID card to the State Board on or before June 28, 2023. Educational institutions and government agencies with questions about the process should email VoterID@ncsbe. gov or call (919) 814-0700.

Cooper launches gun safety program similar to provision in vetoed bill

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH —Democratic Gov.

Roy Cooper announced the NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) program on June 6 to “urge North Carolinians to take action to safely store their firearms and save lives.”

The N.C. S.A.F.E. website has a map of safe storage locations as well as firearm storage options and a checklist for the steps to effectively secure firearms. Additionally, a YouTube channel has been set up with video tips on storing firearms.

“For those of us who own guns, it’s our responsibility to keep them safe and out of the wrong hands,” the governor said in a press release. “Safe storage is an essential part of responsible gun ownership, and this initiative will encourage North Carolinians to safely secure their firearms in their homes and vehicles.”

With the rollout of the program, Cooper also proclaimed June 4-10 as the “NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action” to raise awareness about safe gun storage.

C ooper’s N.C. S.A.F.E. program

North State Journal

RAEFORD – Seven months after the shooting of an unidentified 51-year-old man on Peaceford Avenue in Raeford, two Hoke County men and one juvenile boy have been charged with attempted murder and felony conspiracy.

Deputies with the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office received word of the shooting at roughly 11 p.m. on

will cost $2.5 million, and the state is applying for federal funding to extend the program. The money will pay for television ads and the purchase of 25,000 gun locks and 200 gun safes to hand out at events during the weeklong statewide tour promoting the program.

The program appears to mirror certain aspects of Senate Bill 41, a bill vetoed by Cooper during the current legislative session that was overridden. The bill, now law, repealed the state’s duplicative pistol permit purchase law but also included a public awareness campaign for safe gun storage.

Under the gun safety section of the new law, which is effective July 1, the N.C. Department of Public Safety (DPS) would develop an educational website that would include information on firearm storage, relevant state laws, how to get free gun locks and a toolkit for local governments to set up their own safe storage initiatives.

“I think the governor is doing everything he can to stay politically relevant. Last month it was his fake state of emergency,” Sen. Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck) told North State Journal in an email

“I think the governor is doing everything he can to stay politically relevant.”

Sen. Bobby Hanig

statement. “Now, he’s taking a provision from a bill he vetoed and using it for his own gain. I’m not sure I’d call that governing. At this point, it’s not worth paying much attention to.”

Additional gun safety legislation being worked on in the General Assembly includes House Bill 56, which addresses the safe storage of guns and includes a tax credit. The bill is being led by Reps. Erin Paré (R-Wake), Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne), Jay Adams (R-Catawba) and Allison Dahle (D-Wake).

Reporting to the Joint Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on the progress of the gun safety provision of the law by DPS, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Wildlife Resources Commission is required by Sept. 1, 2024.

Cooper’s press release quotes N.C. Department of Public Safety Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, saying that children gaining access to guns is increasing and “more than 20% of youth car break-ins involve guns. That’s double what we’ve seen in recent years.”

The governor’s N.C. S.A.F.E. press release lists increases in crime statistics for gun theft in urban areas, inadvertently admitting those crimes have spiked during his second term.

Cooper’s statement also pointed to his March 2023 creation of a statewide Office of Violence Prevention that contains gun safety issues and his 2019 gun safety directive to the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) to “close crime reporting gaps between state and federal agencies.”

The press release accompanying the 2019 directive says that Cooper directed the SBI to do a “comprehensive inventory of the quality of information North Carolina shares with the federal background check system known as National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).”

The press release then states the study found “284,289 individual instances of criminal convictions that had previously been unreported in the NICS database” that were then corrected and added to NICS.

No further updates appear to have been published related to Cooper’s 2019 directive.

November 6, 2022. Upon arriving, they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was immediately taken to Cape Fear Valley Hospital by first responders.

Last Thursday, deputies arrested Prophett McKeithan and charged him with attempted murder and felony conspiracy. According to the sheriff’s office, a lengthy investigation took place leading up to McKeithan’s arrest.

The second adult male charged with the November shooting, Elijah Ravenell, was already in custody on unrelated charges. The juvenile suspect, who will remain unnamed, had also previously been arrested before the attempted murder and conspiracy charges were applied. The sheriff’s office thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance with this case.

PHOTOS BY PJ WARD-BROWN | NORHT

2 Hoke County men, 1 juvenile charged with attempted murder and felony conspiracy

Middle School in Raeford last week. Bottom left, Xander Keys body

during Ring Wars. Bottom center, Gideon Delgado and his wife Cora enjoy the view from Vertigo.

rides the mechanical bull.

♦ Council, Antonio Demmtres (B/M/48), Trespass - Second Degree, 06/05/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ McFadden, Laverne (B/M/57), Assault on a Female, 06/04/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ Leggett, Gregory Demont (B/M/35), Communicate Threats, 06/04/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ Woods, Lawrence (I/M/43), Assault on a Female, 06/04/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ Johnson, Samuel Elijah (B/M/60), Assault on a Female, 06/03/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ Gonzalez, Benjamin Ramon (W/M/43), Cyberstalking, 06/03/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ Newton, Corey Demond (B/M/45), Possess Marijuana < 1/2oz, 06/02/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ Beatty, Alvin Laverne (B/M/53), Larceny Misdemeanor, 06/02/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ Roman, Thomas James (W/M/43), Possess Methamphetamine, 06/02/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

♦ Locklear, Prentiss Lance (I/M/39), Larceny Felony, 05/31/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office,

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Sununu’s good move and bad advice

Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat.

GOV. CHRIS SUNUNU (R-N.H.) is not running for president.

In his state’s first-in-the-nation primary, “I can be more effective for the Republican Party in ways few other leaders can,” he wrote in the Washington Post. He plans to endorse a candidate and obviously hopes to defeat former President Donald Trump, who, he argues, is a sure loser in November.

But his advice for candidates may not be helpful beyond New Hampshire. In a cheap shot at Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), currently Trump’s strongest opponent, Sununu says Republicans “must abandon the issues that are solely made for social media headlines, such as banning books or issuing curriculum fiats to local school districts” and “should reembrace local control.”

That makes sense in Sununu’s state, where the largest school district, Manchester, has 12,400 students and 52,000 voters. But DeSantis’ Florida and many other states have countywide school districts.

Florida’s second-largest district, Broward County, has 260,000 students and 959,000 voters. Those voters couldn’t prevent the school board and administrators from refusing to remove the Parkland mass shooter or to get the police to enter the building and stop the killing. DeSantis had to take over and fire those responsible and is now backing school board candidates around the state.

Another difference: Some 54% of Sununu’s New Hampshire’s Republican primary electorate in 2016 were college graduates, wary of proposals that liberal media cast as intolerant. But the state isn’t typical in this regard. According to 2020 and 2022 exit polls, some 62% of Republican voters aren’t college graduates.

And as The New York Times’ ace election analyst Nate Cohn has argued persuasively, exit polls seem to overstate the percentage of collegeeducated voters.

The other reason to embrace issues Sununu dismisses as “solely made for social media headlines” is that, properly articulated, Republican positions are in line with the broad spectrum of public opinion while only handfuls embrace many Biden administration positions. Should pornographic books be available in kindergarten through third grade classrooms or libraries? That’s what DeSantis’ bill, mislabeled as “Don’t Say Gay,” requires. How many voters disagree?

Should teenagers under 18 get government aid for irreversible surgeries such as breast removal without parental consent? That’s what the Biden administration is encouraging as “gender-affirming care.” How many voters back that?

And what about gas stoves? Last February, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) scoffed that “nobody is taking away your gas stove.” Then, in May, New York’s legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul

passed a bill banning gas stoves in new construction. The law is based on an environmentalist study that the Washington Post’s Megan McArdle labeled as “less-than-rock-solid evidence,” including, as National Review’s Noah Rothman writes, testing gas cooking in an “airtight” room sealed by “clear plastic sheets.”

As Rothman notes, liberal Democrats are going after affordable conveniences many rely on, including gas furnaces and hot water heaters, air conditioners, dishwashers and gas-powered lawn mowers. And don’t get them started on washer-dryer units that leave clothes soggy as European units do.

Then there are the Biden administration policies intended to force people into electric cars. Little attention is given to vast amounts of exotic minerals such as lithium produced in China or other faraway countries.

Green New Deal enthusiasts in and out of the Biden administration blithely assume that thousands of electric charging stations will spring up and charge your e-vehicle in minutes and that we’ll be able to produce the near-doubling of electricity production needed for a mostly electric car fleet. It won’t be easy with environmentalists bringing lawsuits to stop transmission lines from bringing electricity from high-wind areas to highpopulation areas.

Harder heads are dubious. In 2022, Warren Buffett, a Biden supporter, expressed doubts the United States was close to moving away from dependency on oil. “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or five years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.” He’s putting his money lately into oil and fossil fuels.

Similarly, Vaclav Smil, the premier historian and analyst of technology, writes in his 2022 book “How the World Really Works,” “Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat, or as a result of extraordinarily rapid transformations relying on near-miraculous technical advances.”

As Smil notes, the “four material pillars” of our civilization -cement, steel, plastics and ammonia (for fertilizers necessary to feed 8 billion people) -- all require huge inputs of fossil fuels, and there are no substitutes for them on the horizon.

College graduate voters, in New Hampshire and elsewhere, may not like hearing that their green dreams are just dreams. But most people can be convinced they are nightmares to be avoided.

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

Nothing to see here but a credible whistleblower accusing the President of bribery

To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN has been accused by a credible informant of allegedly taking $5 million in “a bribery scheme with a foreign national” while he was the sitting vice president. That seems like a pretty big story, but what do I know?

Apparently, there’s a document laying out the accusation in some detail, and not one cooked up by an oppo-research firm for the Republican National Committee and then disseminated to saps in the media to try and delegitimize a presidential election. No, it’s in an unclassified FD-1023 form, used by law enforcement to record credible tips. Granted, it’s not in the possession of BuzzFeed, but rather the vaunted FBI, which refuses to hand it to Congress for some reason. And there is no curiosity on the part of establishment media to find out what it says.

I know, I know, it’s getting tedious asking people to imagine the thermonuclear media blast they’d be swept up in if a Republican president had been accused of bribery by an FBI informant. This is the way of the world. To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

Though, I suppose that’s not exactly right. Biden’s Praetorian Guard have begun to preemptively frame chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, as some devious nut for demanding the FBI hand over documents. This is what they did to Devin Nunes, who turned out to be correct in his assessment of the Russia collusion investigation.

Whatever the case, there isn’t a real journalist in the universe -- not a beat

or

editor -- who wouldn’t want to

read an informant’s account of a sitting president taking a bribe. You can debunk it. You can prove it. But you want to see it.

But therein lies the problem. There aren’t many journalists left.

Last week, CNN ran a piece that might well have been sent verbatim from the FBI press shop. CNN’s “sources” claimed “origins in a tranche of documents that Rudy Giuliani provided to the Justice Department in 2020” and the investigation led nowhere. A big nothingburger.

It’s this CNN story, and another version in the Washington Post (almost surely from the same sources), that allowed Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to claim that “Rudy Giuliani surfaced these allegations,” and that a “team” had looked at the document and “in August determined that there was no grounds to escalate from an initial assessment to a preliminary investigation.”

But Attorney General William Barr told The Federalist that the investigation had never been closed; it had merely been sent to an office in Delaware. And the document did not emanate from Giuliani -- the same ploy used to undercut the New York Post’s reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop story -- but from a 2017 whistleblower report that showed up in a 2020 search. No one has come forward to accuse Barr of lying, so I assume the above is true.

Who knows what this is all about? I’ve learned not to make too many assumptions. For all I know, this all leads to a rickety accusation and a dead end.

That, however, doesn’t mean that there isn’t already tons of circumstantial evidence that Joe Biden participated in his family’s shady business.

Which makes the existence of this document highly newsworthy.

We know that the president lied about his knowledge of Hunter’s relationships with Ukrainian energy concerns and Chinese interests. We have emails implicating the president as a participant in Hunter’s schemes -- emails authenticated by forensic specialists. We have witnesses, including a former Naval technology officer, contending that Biden is the “big guy” Hunter is talking about in those emails. Even the Obama administration was alarmed about the Biden family business.

Almost a year ago, former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro was indicted and arrested by the FBI for ignoring a congressional subpoena by the Jan 6 commission. He was handcuffed and denied permission to make a phone call to a lawyer. Today, it’s the FBI that is ignoring subpoenas. And there will be no one to arrest FBI Director Christopher Wray for contempt.

There will also be no more sanctimonious speeches or grandstanding from Democrats regarding the sacred need for transparency and separation of powers. “Democracy” is no longer in danger, apparently. Of course, we expect jawdropping hypocrisy from politicians. We expect a politicized Justice Department to protect Democrats. Nowadays, we also expect the complete abdication of journalistic responsibility from a partisan big media. And that’s a massive problem.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

SIDELINE REPORT

SOCCER

Just 4 World Cup players named to U.S. Gold Cup roster

Chicago

Just four players who appeared for the U.S. at last year’s World Cup are on a largely junior varsity roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, including just one regular starter: goalkeeper Matt Turner. The 23-man roster selected by new interim coach B.J. Callaghan for the championship has three others who saw limited World Cup time: forwards Jesús Ferreira and Jordan Morris, and right back DeAndre Yedlin. Three additional players were on the World Cup roster without getting into a match: goalkeeper Sean Johnson, defender Aaron Long and midfielder Cristian Roldan. The U.S. will play its final first round match in Charlotte against Nicaragua on July 2.

COLLEGE SPORTS

NCAA champion athletes honored at White House

Washington, D.C.

Vice President Kamala Harris saluted more than a thousand U.S. college athletes from championship teams who gathered Monday at the White House South Lawn. She says that sports have a “very special way of bringing people together.” President Joe Biden had been scheduled to greet the athletes, but he had a root canal and was unable to attend the outdoor event on an overcast morning. The event included 47 teams from 19 different sports, though there was one notable exception. The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team declined to attend the event because the date was “not feasible given the student-athlete calendar and time of year.”

NBA

Heat mascot gets treatment after McGregor KO promotion

Miami

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor knocked out the Miami Heat mascot in a midgame bit that went wrong.

Burnie — more specifically, the man who occupies Burnie’s costume — briefly sought medical attention Friday night after taking two punches from McGregor during a thirdquarter stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and the Denver Nuggets. The Heat said Saturday that the employee wearing the flame costume, who was not identified, received pain medication and was resting at home.

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

Oklahoma ace Bahl announces plans to transfer

Norman, Okla.

Oklahoma softball ace Jordy Bahl has announced she is transferring and heading back to her home state of Nebraska. Bahl didn’t say which school she will play for, but there are three Division I programs in the state: University of Nebraska, Creighton University and Omaha University. She pitched 24⅔ scoreless innings at the Women’s College World Series and was named its Most Outstanding Player. She went 4-0 in Oklahoma City and earned the save in the decisive Game 2 win against Florida State. She finished this season with a 22-1 record and an 0.90 ERA In 2022.

Truex Jr. surges to win at Sonoma

Chase Elliott returned from his one-race suspension to finish fifth

The Associated Press SONOMA, Calif. — Martin Truex Jr. shows up at Sonoma Raceway each year brimming with the confidence only acquired by repeated success on a track.

Last summer, team owner Joe Gibbs admits he didn’t give Truex a car capable of demonstrating his driver’s mastery of this hilly road course.

One year and innumerable Toyota improvements later, Truex roared right back to Victory Lane in wine country.

Truex won at Sonoma for the fourth time in his NASCAR Cup

Series career Sunday, passing Chase Elliott for the lead after a final-stage restart and holding off Kyle Busch.

The 42-year-old Truex confidently drove his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to another victory at the track where he also won in 2013, 2018 and 2019. Only Jeff Gordon has more victories (five) at Sonoma than Truex, who earned the 33rd win of his Cup career and his second in the last six races after winning at Dover. Truex went winless in 2022, and the subpar Toyota cars and setups took most of the blame. Gibbs particularly remembers last year’s trip to Sonoma as “one of the worst races we’ve had in our race team” in terms of setup and performance.

Truex finished 26th in Northern California last year, but the expe-

rience didn’t budge his confidence.

“I knew I can navigate around this track,” Truex said. “Maybe I’m not the best driver at this track. I don’t know. Maybe somebody else could go a tenth of a second faster in my car than I do. I doubt they could, but it’s possible. But they’re not going to be a second off like we were last year. When you’re that far off, it’s like, ‘Yeah, that was dumb. What were we even thinking (with that setup)?’ ... But I never thought we couldn’t win again.”

Elliott finished fifth in his return from a one-race suspension for deliberately wrecking Denny Hamlin at Charlotte. Elliott, who has missed seven races this season, twice held the lead in the final stage before Truex blew past him on fresher tires.

Truex has seven top-10 finish-

Arcangelo wins final leg of Triple Crown with victory at Belmont Stakes

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Jena Antonucci turned a Triple Crown marred by thoroughbred deaths on the track and threatened by bad air quality from wildfires in Canada into a celebration for racing and women.

Arcangelo took the lead at the top of the stretch and won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making the 47-year-old Antonucci the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. After the horse crossed the finish line, Antonucci doubled over and rested her arm and her head on the back of a chair. She kissed the horse on the nose when it returned to the area in front of the winner’s circle.

“When we were walking out, I said there is not a table made for you,” she said. “You make the table. You put great people around you, you work hard. Work your tail off. It will come if you do it the right way. Do it the right way.”

Antonucci and Arcangelo did everything right as the 3-year-old son of Arrogate finished the 1½-mile race in 2:29.23 and by 1½ lengths in front of favored Fotre, with Tapit Trice third.

“They say there’s no crying in baseball. But they’ve never said it about horse racing,” Antonucci said. “You fight for that spot and you feel you have to prove your worth. Horses don’t care. They don’t care who you are. They know who you are.

To have a horse believe in you and your team the way this horse does

… I wish more people could be like horses.”

Jockey Javier Castellano, who rode Mage to victory in the Kentucky Derby and picked up the ride on Arcangelo when the colt was not entered in the Belmont, said Arcangelo was great.

“This is a wonderful horse. I’m

es in his last nine races, reflecting Toyota’s improvement for 2023.

Joey Logano was third behind Busch, with Chris Buescher in fourth. Elliott had his third topfive finish of the year but is still winless.

Truex and Busch, who was 2.979 seconds behind in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, had the 11th 1-2 finish of their long Cup careers. They spent the previous four seasons as teammates at JGR, and Truex also held off Busch to win at Sonoma in 2019.

“Not too bad,” said Busch, who won last week’s Cup race outside St. Louis. “Just wish we had a little bit more. I was just trying to keep him honest there at the end. ... It’s good for us because (Toyota is) so good on road courses. They’ve done the work. We did a good job keeping it competitive.”

After a one-week break, the Cup Series begins its 10-race sprint to the playoffs June 25 at Nashville Superspeedway.

really happy for her, you know, she’s a really good woman,” Castellano said of Antonucci. “She’s a good horseman.”

The heart-warming victory put a positive note on a Triple Crown series marred by deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs in the weeks around the Kentucky Derby and another on Preakness day for a trainer Bob Baffert. It also ended a week in which the Belmont Stakes was put in jeopardy by air quality problems caused by wildfires in Canada.

Those cleared on Friday and the cloud over thoroughbred racing lifted on Saturday, briefly.

In the final race on the card, Excursionniste sustained a catastrophic injury to his left front leg. Despite efforts by veterinarians, the horse was euthanized. It was the third horse to incur a fatal injury at the current meet. There have been 213 races involving 1,662 horses.

Antonucci was only the 11th woman to race a horse in the Belmont and the first since Kathy Ritvo sent out Mucho Macho Man to a seventh-place finish in 2011. Dianne Carpenter’s Kingpost had the previous best finish, second to Risen Star in 1988.

Arcangelo paid $17.80, $7.20 and $4.,90 and earned $900,000 for Blue Rose Farm, which is owned by Jon Ebbert.

Forte returned $4.30 and $3.30 and Tapit Trice was $4.10 to show. Both were trained by Todd Pletcher.

Martin Truex Jr. holds the trophy after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

AP PHOTO

Arcangelo, with jockey Javier Castellano, crosses the finish line to win the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday in Elmont, New York.

Senator asks LIV Golf, PGA Tour leaders for records on merger

The rival golf tours shocked the sports world last week with news of their alliance

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The leader of a Senate subcommittee is demanding the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf present records about negotiations that led to their new agreement and plans for what golf will look like under the arrangement.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., sent letters Monday to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and LIV CEO Greg Norman spelling out the “serious questions regarding the reasons for and terms behind the announced agreement.”

Blumenthal, who is chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, said he also wanted to hear the tour’s plans to retain its tax-exempt status.

Last week, LIV and the tour

stunned the golf world by agreeing to merge the PGA Tour and European tour with the Saudi golf interests while also dropping all lawsuits between the parties. The governor of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which bankrolls LIV, will join the PGA Tour board of directors and lead a new business venture as its chairman.

The PGA Tour itself will remain a tax-exempt entity.

It was a move expected to receive scrutiny from federal regulators and lawmakers, and the launch of a Senate investigation is among the first dominoes to fall.

The agreement announced last week was to combine the golf-related businesses of Saudi’s Public Investment Fund — which includes LIV Golf — with those of the PGA Tour and European tour. That would be a new for-profit company still to be named.

Among the uncertainties is how LIV Golf goes forward after 2023. PIF’s governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, is to be chairman of the

“Critics have cast such Saudi investments in sports as a means of ‘sportswashing’ … given Saudi Arabia’s deeply disturbing human rights record at home and abroad.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s letter to PGA Tour Commissioner

Jay Monahan and LIV CEO

Greg Norman

new venture, with Monahan as CEO and two PGA Tour board members joining them on an executive committee.

In his letters to Monahan and Norman, Blumenthal wrote about the skepticism critics hold over the Saudis’ intent “to use investments in sports to further the Saudi gov-

AP PHOTO

Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin poses with a AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator), a device that helps resuscitate heart attack victims, during the start of his Chasing M’s Foundation CPR Tour on Saturday in Orchard Park, New York.

ernment’s strategic objectives.”

“Critics have cast such Saudi investments in sports as a means of ‘sportswashing’ — an attempt to soften the country’s image around the world — given Saudi Arabia’s deeply disturbing human rights record at home and abroad,” the letter said.

Blumenthal asked for a sweeping set of documents — essentially all communications between LIV and the tour beginning in October 2021 through the present.

Al-Rumayyan said last week that Norman was not apprised of the deal until shortly before it was announced.

Mercury forward Brittney Griner, right, goes to the basket against the Fever’s Aliyah Boston during Sunday’s game in Indianapolis.

Mercury make travel ‘adjustments’ following airport incident with Griner

The WNBA player was confronted by YouTube personality Alex Stein

The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS — Phoenix

Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard had one goal before taking the court Sunday. She wants the WNBA to take additional steps to keep her team’s traveling parties safe and secure. One day after Mercury center Brittney Griner was confronted by a “provocateur” at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the two coaches and a handful of players suggested more charter flights could help prevent any future runins with outsiders.

“We will ensure that our play-

ers and our organization and our staff are safe,” she said. “We will be making (travel) adjustments that maybe should have happened before, but right now we’re going to prioritize the safety of our players and we’ve seen that the organization has supported us.”

The incident certainly didn’t impact Griner’s performance. She scored a season high 29 points and grabbed six rebounds in an 85-82 victory, just the second this season for the Mercury.

Griner usually speaks to reporters following the first road trip to each city, but Mercury officials decided to not make her available Sunday.

Clearly, though, the incident had an impact on Phoenix. Longtime star Diana Taurasi’s pregame advice to Griner was simply

“That can’t happen for our players or coaches. The safety of everyone comes first; basketball is secondary to all that.”

Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner’s Mercury teammate

to “breathe” and Taurasi asked the league not to shrug it off.

“It’s unnerving to be in a situation like that and unfortunately, it was literally the first time we were in public together,” said Taurasi, who turned 41 on Sunday. “That can’t happen for our players or coaches. The safety of everyone

comes first; basketball is secondary to all that. People have families, kids and to be put in that situation really is pretty disrespectful not only to BG but to our team, to the league. So hopefully they can take steps into making sure the security of our players throughout the league is at the forefront.”

Nygaard echoed those comments during a 75-second pregame statement in which she offered support for Griner and concern about everyone who made the trip to Indy. She also said Phoenix already has adjusted its plans for future road trips though she declined to provide details, citing league policy and team safety protocols.

The controversy stems from a 93-second video posted Sunday by Alex Stein, who was shouting

at Griner. He questioned Griner on topics ranging from whether she hated America to whether the trade for a Russian prisoner was a fair deal to obtain her release from Russia. Griner was released in December after being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months on drug charges.

She did not respond to Stein and has not spoken publicly about the airport incident since it occurred, “No one should be a victim of targeted harassment,” Nygaard said. “I’m grateful that our team and our staff are physically well and most of all I’m grateful that BG has been back here in the United States for 185 days now. If her being home makes some people mad, I think that obviously says more about them than it does about her.”

Biden’s 2024 pitch highlights pragmatism over Trump’s pugilism

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden promised voters in 2020 that he knew how to get things done in Washington and could bring stability to the capital. It seemed like a message out of step with the more combative era brought on by Donald Trump.

But Biden prevailed, and as he seeks a second term, he’s again trying to frame the race as a referendum on competence and governance, pointing to the bipartisan debt limit and budget legislation he signed on Saturday as another exemplar of the success of his approach.

The agreement the Democratic president negotiated with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other Republicans averted the catastrophe of a U.S. government default — and forestalled another threat until after the 2024 election — while largely protecting the domestic agenda that formed the backbone of what he hopes will form his legacy.

“The results speak for themselves,” said Jeff Zients, the 80-yearold Biden’s chief of staff. “This level of support shows that we got a bipartisan deal that, most importantly, protects the president’s priorities. And now we have a runway to execute on the president’s priorities.”

Biden’s allies say his strategy reflects his broader view of the presidency: tuning out the daily chatter and focusing on making a prolonged impact.

“This was quintessential Joe Biden,” said longtime Biden confidant and former Delaware Sen. Ted Kaufman. “He really understands

the institutions, how they function, how they interact, and what their limitations are. It’s the incredible advantage he has from having 36 years in the Senate and eight years as vice president.”

That perceived advantage — longevity — is also perhaps Biden’s steepest hill as he seeks four more years.

Biden, aides said, devised a strategy shortly after Republicans took the House in November and stuck by it through the talks, despite second-guessing from members of his

own party. He pressed the Republicans to define their budget priorities, then hammered them in public for unpopular proposed cuts once they did, to enter the negotiations with the strongest hand possible.

“He believes in the institutions of American governance. He’s approached this with an eye toward making the presidency and the Congress work and the way they were designed to work,” said Mike Donilon, a senior adviser to the president. As the talks progressed, Biden

stepped out of the limelight to allow Republican leaders to claim a win — necessary to sell it to their caucus — and quietly reassured Democrats that they would grow to like the deal the more they learned about it.

From the view of Biden’s team, it’s also far better than the result than the debt limit showdown of 2011, when Biden was a negotiator for then-President Barack Obama and House Republicans forced them to accept stiffer budget cuts that they believe hampered the country’s recovery from the Great

Recession.

Biden still has come under fire from some in his own party for agreeing to tougher work requirements for some federal food assistance recipients and speeding up environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.

But the White House sees an upside: The permitting changes will speed up implementation of Biden’s infrastructure and climate laws, and the Biden aides highlight that Congressional Budget Office projections show that carve-outs from work requirements for veterans, people who are homeless and those leaving foster care will actually expand the number of people eligible for federal food assistance.

“While the rest of us are sweating the micro-news cycles and who’s up and who’s down on Twitter, the president is playing the long game,” said Obama spokesman and Democratic strategist Eric Schultz.

Schultz acknowledged that Biden may not have had any other options — a proposal to use the 14th Amendment to pay obligations without Congress’ say-so was untested and had its own pitfalls.

“When you have a threat like that, you have to negotiate,” he acknowledged.

But for Biden’s team, the results are what matter.

“He had his eyes on the prize, which was, ‘How is this deal going to get done? And how does my doing that advance this deal?’” Donilon said. “We need to have our politics come together in moments where it has to do it. And so I think that actually will be a reassuring moment for the country.”

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks at Fort Liberty, Friday, June 9, 2023.

Richard Kendrick Moore

September 19, 1988 ~ May 29, 2023

Richard Moore transitioned from this life to life eternal, on Monday, May 29, 2023 at Firsthealth Moore Regional in Pinehurst, NC. During the solemn events to honor Richard Moore, we pray that those who are in attendance will be able to bring some sense of peace and encouragement to the family to help them through the difficult days that lie ahead.

James Michael Ray

April 20, 1961 ~ June 9, 2023

(RET) SGM J. Michael Ray retired from this life at the age of 62 after a long battle with ALS. Mike was born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 20th, 1961, to the late James Pryce Ray and Ava Nell Ray. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jewel Nevaeh Ray.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Lynne Ray, of 34 years; two children, Jennifer Lynne Ray (Keshon) and James Joshua Ray of Louisville, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Madison Brooke Ray (Nicholas), Aniyah Kay Gill and James Michael Ray; one great-grandchild, Lakelyn Rae Mahoney.

Ivory Little

September 3, 1935 ~ June 3, 2023

Tre'Sean Snow

December 20, 2006 ~ June 6, 2023

Paulette Faison

May 20, 1966 ~ June 7, 2023

Mrs. Paulette Faison age, 57 transitioned from earth to glory on June 7, 2023. She leaves to cherish her loving memories her husband, Milton Jerome Faison; children: Jessica Darcel Faison, Jalecia Michelle Faison, Janessa Caitlyn Faison; mother, Myrtle Lee Andrews; siblings: Rowenia Delisa Sinclair, Michelle Elvira Moore, Timothy Shane Leggett, Freddie Alfred Leggett Jr., Kenneth Rapheal Martel Andrews, Eric Demont Bratcher along with a host of other family and friends. Paulette will be greatly missed.

Mike retired from the U.S Army after 21 plus years of service. He served in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/ Storm. His first duty station was at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He then spent time abroad at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. He was then stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington before he spent the last fifteen years of his military service in 1st SFOD-D at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His military decorations include two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Awards, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Master Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Mr. Ivory Little, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was born on September 3, 1935 to the late Herman and Arnor Bea Hart Little. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, his parents, one son, Christopher Little, one daughter, Kimberly Little, and his brother, Emry Little. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: four sons; Reginald Little of Atlanta, Georgia, Ivy Little (Dorothy), George Little, Stephen Little all of Hoffman, North Carolina, three daughters; Iris Arnese Little of Hoffman, North Carolina and Ivan Janeen Taylor (Robert) of Madison, Alabama and Jevone Baldwin of Southern Pines, NC, five grandchildren; LaShunta Little-Williams (Anthony), of Charlotte, North Carolina, Latasha Little (Curtis) of Missouri City, Texas, Mia Bennett of Southern Pines, North Carolina, Kieyona Little of Aberdeen, North Carolina and Jarek Taylor of Madison, Alabama, four great-grandchildren; Khairee Little, Aria Williams, Ella Ryan Taylor and Sage Smith, one aunt; Ramona Hart of Madison, North Carolina, one brother-in-law; Retired Bishop Marshall Gilmore of Concord, North Carolina, two sisters-in-law; Yvonne Gilmore of Concord, North Carolina and Alice Livingston, of Hoffman, North Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Tre'Sean Snow age, 16 went home to be with his heavenly father on June 6, 2023. He leaves to cherish his loving memories his father, James Grace; siblings: Ziyanna Snow, Antionette Grace, Ja-mes Grace, Neorah Snow, Daja Williams, Zekalayah Dixon, Sentonia Morrison, Deija Williams, Mautrice Williams; aunt, Linda Grace; uncles: Kenneth Grace, Corneilus Baylor, Daronlo Lide; along with a host of other famiy and friends. Tre'Sean will be greatly missed.

David Peterkin

October 9, 1978 ~ June 5, 2023

Mr. David Peterkin age, 44 went home to be with his heavenly father on June 5, 2023. He was preceded in death by his sister Chastity Peterkin. David leaves to cherish his loving memories his daughter, Davion Peterkin; parents: Earnest and Shirley Perry; sisters: Kim Peterkin, Deldreana Peterkin; brother, Ernest Peterkin along with a host of other family and friends. He will be immensely missed.

STATE & NATION

New voting districts could change again in some states before the 2024 elections

The Associated Press

THE 2022 ELECTIONS marked the first using new voting districts drawn from updated census data. Those districts typically last for a decade, but they could be shortlived in some states.

Court challenges could force lawmakers or special commissions to draw yet another set of maps before the 2024 elections for representatives in Congress and state capitols.

That means voters who were just shifted into new U.S. House or state legislative districts could be grouped with different communities when they go to vote the next time.

Here’s a look at some places where voting districts could change, and the reasons why.

RACE IN REDISTRICTING

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that Alabama’s congressional districts likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of black voters.

The ruling means the state’s Republican-led Legislature and GOP governor likely will have to draw new U.S. House districts in which black voters comprise a majority — or close to it — in two of Alabama’s seven districts, instead of only one. The ruling also could lead to new U.S. House districts in Louisiana, and potentially Georgia.

While considering the Alabama case, the Supreme Court had put a hold on a similar lower court ruling that Louisiana’s districts must

be redrawn to create a second majority-black district. That’s likely to be lifted. A federal judge in Georgia last year also said some of its congressional and state legislative districts likely violated the Voting Rights Act, but no final decision has been issued.

The Alabama decision is “breathing new life” into similar cases around the country, said attorney Mark Gaber, senior redistricting director at the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center.

Voting Rights Acts challenges are in the early stages in Texas. Lawsuits also allege that state legislative districts dilute the voting strength of Hispanic residents in Washington and Native Americans in North Dakota.

Though based on different legal theories, other lawsuits allege districts were drawn to the detriment

Pat Robertson united evangelical Christians and pushed them into conservative politics

The Associated Press NORFOLK, Va. — Pat Robertson united tens of millions of evangelical Christians through the power of television and pushed them in a far more conservative direction with the personal touch of a folksy minister. Robertson died Thursday at the age of 93.

Robertson’s reach exploded with the rise of cable in the late 1970s. He galvanized many viewers into a political force when he unsuccessfully ran for president in 1988.

The next year, he created the deeply influential Christian Coalition. He sought to “influence and impact the trajectory of the Republican Party and turn it into a prolife, pro-family party,” said Ralph Reed, who ran the coalition in the 1990s and now chairs the Faith & Freedom Coalition.

The Christian Coalition helped fuel the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, which saw the GOP take control of the U.S. House and Senate following the 1992 election of Presi-

dent Bill Clinton.

The son of a U.S. senator and a Yale Law School graduate, when he ran for president, Robertson pioneered the now-common strategy of courting Iowa’s network of evangelical Christian churches. He finished in second place in the Iowa caucuses, ahead of Vice President George H.W. Bush.

Robertson later endorsed Bush, who won the presidency. Pursuit of Iowa’s evangelicals is now a ritual for Republican hopefuls, including those seeking the White House in 2024.

Reed pointed to former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott as examples of high-ranking Republicans who are evangelical Christians.

“It’s easy to forget when you’re living it every day, but there wouldn’t have been a single, explicit evangelical at any of those levels 40 years ago in the Republican Party,” Reed said.

Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network started airing in

of minority votes in Arkansas and Florida. The Supreme Court also has agreed to review a lower court ruling that a South Carolina congressional district discriminates against black voters.

A NEW LOOK FOR A NEW ELECTION

New Assembly districts also are on tap in New York. The state’s highest court last year struck down maps approved by the Democratic-led legislature for the U.S. House, state Senate and state Assembly. It ordered a lower court to impose new U.S. House and state Senate districts for the 2022 elections. But judges determined it was too late to come up with new Assembly districts before the last election.

The courts instead said that the state’s Independent Redistricting

1961 after he bought a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth, Virginia. His long-running show “The 700 Club” began production in 1966.

Robertson coupled evangelism with popular reruns of family-friendly television, which was effective in drawing in viewers so he could promote “The 700 Club,” a news and talk show that also featured regular people talking about finding Jesus Christ.

He didn’t rely solely on fundraising like other televangelists. Robertson broadcast popular secular shows and ran commercials, said David John Marley, author of the 2007 book “Pat Robertson: An American Life.”

Robertson had a soft-spoken style, talking to the camera as if he was a pastor speaking one-on-one and not a preacher behind a pulpit.

When viewers began watching cable television in the late 1970s, “there were only 10 channels and one of them was Pat,” Reed said.

His appeal was similar to that of evangelist Billy Graham, who died in 2018 after a career with a towering impact on American religion and politics, said Wacker, of Duke Divinity School.

“He really showed a lot of pastors and other Christians across this country how impactful media can be — to reach beyond the four walls of their churches,” said Troy A. Miller, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters.

When he ran for president in 1988, Robertson’s masterstroke was insisting that 3 million followers

Commission should draw new districts. The commission in April endorsed a revised Assembly map, which received quick approval from the legislature and governor to take effect for the 2024 elections.

A pending lawsuit asks that the independent commission also be allowed to draw new U.S. House maps before the 2024 elections.

In North Carolina, a Democratic majority of the state Supreme Court ruled last year that congressional districts drawn by the Republican-led General Assembly were an illegal partisan gerrymander and instead allowed a map drawn by judges to be used for the 2022 elections. While that case was on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, voters elected a Republican majority to the state Supreme Court. Those judges in April reversed the previous ruling and declared there

was no constitutional prohibition on partisan gerrymandering.

Whatever the U.S. Supreme Court does with the original appeal, state lawmakers are planning to redraw congressional districts before the next election — giving Republicans a chance at winning more seats than the current 7-7 split.

In Ohio, the state Supreme Court rejected multiple maps drawn by Republican officials for U.S. House, state Senate and state House districts. But courts allowed the 2022 elections to go forward anyway using those maps, directing new districts to be drawn before the next elections.

MORE PARTISAN CHALLENGES

Cases are pending before the top courts in New Mexico and Utah claiming that their congressional districts are illegal partisan gerrymanders — in New Mexico’s case benefitting Democrats, and in Utah’s aiding Republicans.

In Kentucky, a trial court last November rejected a partisan gerrymandering claim brought by Democrats against congressional and state House maps adopted by the Republican-led Legislature. That case has been appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Though there is no current redistricting challenge in Wisconsin, there could be by the end of the summer. That could open the potential for new districts before the 2024 elections.

Voters in April elected a new Democrat-backed judge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, ensuring that liberals will take over majority control when Judge Janet Protasiewicz officially joins the court in August.

Protasiewicz said during the campaign that she thought the current maps were “rigged” and she wanted to revisit them.

sign petitions before he would decide to run, Robertson biographer Jeffrey K. Hadden told The AP. The tactic gave Robertson an army.

“He asked people to pledge that they’d work for him, pray for him and give him money,” Hadden told the AP in 1988.

When he was working on the book as a graduate student in George Washington University in the late 1990s, Marley got unfettered access to Robertson’s presidential campaign archives and saw a campaign plagued by internal strife.

“But, he put a lot of effort into his presidential campaign,” Marley said, adding that Robertson

worked for at least two years to lay the groundwork for his presidential run.

Robertson relished his role as a “kingmaker” and liaison of sorts between top Republican leaders such as Ronald Reagan and evangelical Christians.

“That ended with George W. Bush, who was able to have that conversation on his own,” Marley said.

During his 1998 interview with Robertson, Marley said he saw the preacher as someone who was as comfortable with his failings as he was with his accomplishments.

“I saw someone who absolutely at peace with himself,” Marley said.

AP PHOTO

Rev. Pat Robertson poses a question to a Republican presidential candidate during a forum at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 23, 2015.

AP

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Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Sununu’s good move and bad advice

Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat.

GOV. CHRIS SUNUNU (R-N.H.) is not running for president.

In his state’s first-in-the-nation primary, “I can be more effective for the Republican Party in ways few other leaders can,” he wrote in the Washington Post. He plans to endorse a candidate and obviously hopes to defeat former President Donald Trump, who, he argues, is a sure loser in November.

But his advice for candidates may not be helpful beyond New Hampshire. In a cheap shot at Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), currently Trump’s strongest opponent, Sununu says Republicans “must abandon the issues that are solely made for social media headlines, such as banning books or issuing curriculum fiats to local school districts” and “should reembrace local control.”

That makes sense in Sununu’s state, where the largest school district, Manchester, has 12,400 students and 52,000 voters. But DeSantis’ Florida and many other states have countywide school districts.

Florida’s second-largest district, Broward County, has 260,000 students and 959,000 voters. Those voters couldn’t prevent the school board and administrators from refusing to remove the Parkland mass shooter or to get the police to enter the building and stop the killing. DeSantis had to take over and fire those responsible and is now backing school board candidates around the state.

Another difference: Some 54% of Sununu’s New Hampshire’s Republican primary electorate in 2016 were college graduates, wary of proposals that liberal media cast as intolerant. But the state isn’t typical in this regard. According to 2020 and 2022 exit polls, some 62% of Republican voters aren’t college graduates.

And as The New York Times’ ace election analyst Nate Cohn has argued persuasively, exit polls seem to overstate the percentage of collegeeducated voters.

The other reason to embrace issues Sununu dismisses as “solely made for social media headlines” is that, properly articulated, Republican positions are in line with the broad spectrum of public opinion while only handfuls embrace many Biden administration positions. Should pornographic books be available in kindergarten through third grade classrooms or libraries? That’s what DeSantis’ bill, mislabeled as “Don’t Say Gay,” requires. How many voters disagree?

Should teenagers under 18 get government aid for irreversible surgeries such as breast removal without parental consent? That’s what the Biden administration is encouraging as “gender-affirming care.” How many voters back that?

And what about gas stoves? Last February, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) scoffed that “nobody is taking away your gas stove.” Then, in May, New York’s legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul

passed a bill banning gas stoves in new construction. The law is based on an environmentalist study that the Washington Post’s Megan McArdle labeled as “less-than-rock-solid evidence,” including, as National Review’s Noah Rothman writes, testing gas cooking in an “airtight” room sealed by “clear plastic sheets.”

As Rothman notes, liberal Democrats are going after affordable conveniences many rely on, including gas furnaces and hot water heaters, air conditioners, dishwashers and gas-powered lawn mowers. And don’t get them started on washer-dryer units that leave clothes soggy as European units do.

Then there are the Biden administration policies intended to force people into electric cars. Little attention is given to vast amounts of exotic minerals such as lithium produced in China or other faraway countries.

Green New Deal enthusiasts in and out of the Biden administration blithely assume that thousands of electric charging stations will spring up and charge your e-vehicle in minutes and that we’ll be able to produce the near-doubling of electricity production needed for a mostly electric car fleet. It won’t be easy with environmentalists bringing lawsuits to stop transmission lines from bringing electricity from high-wind areas to highpopulation areas.

Harder heads are dubious. In 2022, Warren Buffett, a Biden supporter, expressed doubts the United States was close to moving away from dependency on oil. “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or five years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.” He’s putting his money lately into oil and fossil fuels.

Similarly, Vaclav Smil, the premier historian and analyst of technology, writes in his 2022 book “How the World Really Works,” “Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat, or as a result of extraordinarily rapid transformations relying on near-miraculous technical advances.”

As Smil notes, the “four material pillars” of our civilization -cement, steel, plastics and ammonia (for fertilizers necessary to feed 8 billion people) -- all require huge inputs of fossil fuels, and there are no substitutes for them on the horizon.

College graduate voters, in New Hampshire and elsewhere, may not like hearing that their green dreams are just dreams. But most people can be convinced they are nightmares to be avoided.

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

Nothing to see here but a credible whistleblower accusing the President of bribery

To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN has been accused by a credible informant of allegedly taking $5 million in “a bribery scheme with a foreign national” while he was the sitting vice president. That seems like a pretty big story, but what do I know?

Apparently, there’s a document laying out the accusation in some detail, and not one cooked up by an oppo-research firm for the Republican National Committee and then disseminated to saps in the media to try and delegitimize a presidential election. No, it’s in an unclassified FD-1023 form, used by law enforcement to record credible tips. Granted, it’s not in the possession of BuzzFeed, but rather the vaunted FBI, which refuses to hand it to Congress for some reason. And there is no curiosity on the part of establishment media to find out what it says.

I know, I know, it’s getting tedious asking people to imagine the thermonuclear media blast they’d be swept up in if a Republican president had been accused of bribery by an FBI informant. This is the way of the world. To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

Though, I suppose that’s not exactly right. Biden’s Praetorian Guard have begun to preemptively frame chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, as some devious nut for demanding the FBI hand over documents. This is what they did to Devin Nunes, who turned out to be correct in his assessment of the Russia collusion investigation.

Whatever the case, there isn’t a real journalist in the universe -- not a beat

or

editor -- who wouldn’t want to

read an informant’s account of a sitting president taking a bribe. You can debunk it. You can prove it. But you want to see it.

But therein lies the problem. There aren’t many journalists left.

Last week, CNN ran a piece that might well have been sent verbatim from the FBI press shop. CNN’s “sources” claimed “origins in a tranche of documents that Rudy Giuliani provided to the Justice Department in 2020” and the investigation led nowhere. A big nothingburger.

It’s this CNN story, and another version in the Washington Post (almost surely from the same sources), that allowed Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to claim that “Rudy Giuliani surfaced these allegations,” and that a “team” had looked at the document and “in August determined that there was no grounds to escalate from an initial assessment to a preliminary investigation.”

But Attorney General William Barr told The Federalist that the investigation had never been closed; it had merely been sent to an office in Delaware. And the document did not emanate from Giuliani -- the same ploy used to undercut the New York Post’s reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop story -- but from a 2017 whistleblower report that showed up in a 2020 search. No one has come forward to accuse Barr of lying, so I assume the above is true.

Who knows what this is all about? I’ve learned not to make too many assumptions. For all I know, this all leads to a rickety accusation and a dead end.

That, however, doesn’t mean that there isn’t already tons of circumstantial evidence that Joe Biden participated in his family’s shady business.

Which makes the existence of this document highly newsworthy.

We know that the president lied about his knowledge of Hunter’s relationships with Ukrainian energy concerns and Chinese interests. We have emails implicating the president as a participant in Hunter’s schemes -- emails authenticated by forensic specialists. We have witnesses, including a former Naval technology officer, contending that Biden is the “big guy” Hunter is talking about in those emails. Even the Obama administration was alarmed about the Biden family business.

Almost a year ago, former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro was indicted and arrested by the FBI for ignoring a congressional subpoena by the Jan 6 commission. He was handcuffed and denied permission to make a phone call to a lawyer. Today, it’s the FBI that is ignoring subpoenas. And there will be no one to arrest FBI Director Christopher Wray for contempt.

There will also be no more sanctimonious speeches or grandstanding from Democrats regarding the sacred need for transparency and separation of powers. “Democracy” is no longer in danger, apparently. Of course, we expect jawdropping hypocrisy from politicians. We expect a politicized Justice Department to protect Democrats. Nowadays, we also expect the complete abdication of journalistic responsibility from a partisan big media. And that’s a massive problem.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

SIDELINE REPORT

SOCCER

Just 4 World Cup players named to U.S. Gold Cup roster

Chicago

Just four players who appeared for the U.S. at last year’s World Cup are on a largely junior varsity roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, including just one regular starter: goalkeeper Matt Turner. The 23-man roster selected by new interim coach B.J. Callaghan for the championship has three others who saw limited World Cup time: forwards Jesús Ferreira and Jordan Morris, and right back DeAndre Yedlin. Three additional players were on the World Cup roster without getting into a match: goalkeeper Sean Johnson, defender Aaron Long and midfielder Cristian Roldan. The U.S. will play its final first round match in Charlotte against Nicaragua on July 2.

COLLEGE SPORTS

NCAA champion athletes honored at White House

Washington, D.C.

Vice President Kamala Harris saluted more than a thousand U.S. college athletes from championship teams who gathered Monday at the White House South Lawn. She says that sports have a “very special way of bringing people together.” President Joe Biden had been scheduled to greet the athletes, but he had a root canal and was unable to attend the outdoor event on an overcast morning. The event included 47 teams from 19 different sports, though there was one notable exception. The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team declined to attend the event because the date was “not feasible given the student-athlete calendar and time of year.”

NBA

Heat mascot gets treatment after McGregor KO promotion

Miami

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor knocked out the Miami Heat mascot in a midgame bit that went wrong.

Burnie — more specifically, the man who occupies Burnie’s costume — briefly sought medical attention Friday night after taking two punches from McGregor during a thirdquarter stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and the Denver Nuggets. The Heat said Saturday that the employee wearing the flame costume, who was not identified, received pain medication and was resting at home.

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

Oklahoma ace Bahl announces plans to transfer

Norman, Okla.

Oklahoma softball ace Jordy Bahl has announced she is transferring and heading back to her home state of Nebraska. Bahl didn’t say which school she will play for, but there are three Division I programs in the state: University of Nebraska, Creighton University and Omaha University. She pitched 24⅔ scoreless innings at the Women’s College World Series and was named its Most Outstanding Player. She went 4-0 in Oklahoma City and earned the save in the decisive Game 2 win against Florida State. She finished this season with a 22-1 record and an 0.90 ERA In 2022.

Truex Jr. surges to win at Sonoma

Chase Elliott returned from his one-race suspension to finish fifth

The Associated Press SONOMA, Calif. — Martin Truex Jr. shows up at Sonoma Raceway each year brimming with the confidence only acquired by repeated success on a track.

Last summer, team owner Joe Gibbs admits he didn’t give Truex a car capable of demonstrating his driver’s mastery of this hilly road course.

One year and innumerable Toyota improvements later, Truex roared right back to Victory Lane in wine country.

Truex won at Sonoma for the fourth time in his NASCAR Cup

Series career Sunday, passing Chase Elliott for the lead after a final-stage restart and holding off Kyle Busch.

The 42-year-old Truex confidently drove his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to another victory at the track where he also won in 2013, 2018 and 2019. Only Jeff Gordon has more victories (five) at Sonoma than Truex, who earned the 33rd win of his Cup career and his second in the last six races after winning at Dover. Truex went winless in 2022, and the subpar Toyota cars and setups took most of the blame. Gibbs particularly remembers last year’s trip to Sonoma as “one of the worst races we’ve had in our race team” in terms of setup and performance.

Truex finished 26th in Northern California last year, but the expe-

rience didn’t budge his confidence.

“I knew I can navigate around this track,” Truex said. “Maybe I’m not the best driver at this track. I don’t know. Maybe somebody else could go a tenth of a second faster in my car than I do. I doubt they could, but it’s possible. But they’re not going to be a second off like we were last year. When you’re that far off, it’s like, ‘Yeah, that was dumb. What were we even thinking (with that setup)?’ ... But I never thought we couldn’t win again.”

Elliott finished fifth in his return from a one-race suspension for deliberately wrecking Denny Hamlin at Charlotte. Elliott, who has missed seven races this season, twice held the lead in the final stage before Truex blew past him on fresher tires.

Truex has seven top-10 finish-

Arcangelo wins final leg of Triple Crown with victory at Belmont Stakes

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Jena Antonucci turned a Triple Crown marred by thoroughbred deaths on the track and threatened by bad air quality from wildfires in Canada into a celebration for racing and women.

Arcangelo took the lead at the top of the stretch and won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making the 47-year-old Antonucci the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. After the horse crossed the finish line, Antonucci doubled over and rested her arm and her head on the back of a chair. She kissed the horse on the nose when it returned to the area in front of the winner’s circle.

“When we were walking out, I said there is not a table made for you,” she said. “You make the table. You put great people around you, you work hard. Work your tail off. It will come if you do it the right way. Do it the right way.”

Antonucci and Arcangelo did everything right as the 3-year-old son of Arrogate finished the 1½-mile race in 2:29.23 and by 1½ lengths in front of favored Fotre, with Tapit Trice third.

“They say there’s no crying in baseball. But they’ve never said it about horse racing,” Antonucci said. “You fight for that spot and you feel you have to prove your worth. Horses don’t care. They don’t care who you are. They know who you are.

To have a horse believe in you and your team the way this horse does

… I wish more people could be like horses.”

Jockey Javier Castellano, who rode Mage to victory in the Kentucky Derby and picked up the ride on Arcangelo when the colt was not entered in the Belmont, said Arcangelo was great.

“This is a wonderful horse. I’m

es in his last nine races, reflecting Toyota’s improvement for 2023.

Joey Logano was third behind Busch, with Chris Buescher in fourth. Elliott had his third topfive finish of the year but is still winless.

Truex and Busch, who was 2.979 seconds behind in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, had the 11th 1-2 finish of their long Cup careers. They spent the previous four seasons as teammates at JGR, and Truex also held off Busch to win at Sonoma in 2019.

“Not too bad,” said Busch, who won last week’s Cup race outside St. Louis. “Just wish we had a little bit more. I was just trying to keep him honest there at the end. ... It’s good for us because (Toyota is) so good on road courses. They’ve done the work. We did a good job keeping it competitive.”

After a one-week break, the Cup Series begins its 10-race sprint to the playoffs June 25 at Nashville Superspeedway.

really happy for her, you know, she’s a really good woman,” Castellano said of Antonucci. “She’s a good horseman.”

The heart-warming victory put a positive note on a Triple Crown series marred by deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs in the weeks around the Kentucky Derby and another on Preakness day for a trainer Bob Baffert. It also ended a week in which the Belmont Stakes was put in jeopardy by air quality problems caused by wildfires in Canada.

Those cleared on Friday and the cloud over thoroughbred racing lifted on Saturday, briefly.

In the final race on the card, Excursionniste sustained a catastrophic injury to his left front leg. Despite efforts by veterinarians, the horse was euthanized. It was the third horse to incur a fatal injury at the current meet. There have been 213 races involving 1,662 horses.

Antonucci was only the 11th woman to race a horse in the Belmont and the first since Kathy Ritvo sent out Mucho Macho Man to a seventh-place finish in 2011. Dianne Carpenter’s Kingpost had the previous best finish, second to Risen Star in 1988.

Arcangelo paid $17.80, $7.20 and $4.,90 and earned $900,000 for Blue Rose Farm, which is owned by Jon Ebbert.

Forte returned $4.30 and $3.30 and Tapit Trice was $4.10 to show. Both were trained by Todd Pletcher.

Martin Truex Jr. holds the trophy after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

AP PHOTO

Arcangelo, with jockey Javier Castellano, crosses the finish line to win the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday in Elmont, New York.

Senator asks LIV Golf, PGA Tour leaders for records on merger

The rival golf tours shocked the sports world last week with news of their alliance

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The leader of a Senate subcommittee is demanding the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf present records about negotiations that led to their new agreement and plans for what golf will look like under the arrangement.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., sent letters Monday to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and LIV CEO Greg Norman spelling out the “serious questions regarding the reasons for and terms behind the announced agreement.”

Blumenthal, who is chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, said he also wanted to hear the tour’s plans to retain its tax-exempt status.

Last week, LIV and the tour

stunned the golf world by agreeing to merge the PGA Tour and European tour with the Saudi golf interests while also dropping all lawsuits between the parties. The governor of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which bankrolls LIV, will join the PGA Tour board of directors and lead a new business venture as its chairman.

The PGA Tour itself will remain a tax-exempt entity.

It was a move expected to receive scrutiny from federal regulators and lawmakers, and the launch of a Senate investigation is among the first dominoes to fall.

The agreement announced last week was to combine the golf-related businesses of Saudi’s Public Investment Fund — which includes LIV Golf — with those of the PGA Tour and European tour. That would be a new for-profit company still to be named.

Among the uncertainties is how LIV Golf goes forward after 2023. PIF’s governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, is to be chairman of the

“Critics have cast such Saudi investments in sports as a means of ‘sportswashing’ … given Saudi Arabia’s deeply disturbing human rights record at home and abroad.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s letter to PGA Tour Commissioner

Jay Monahan and LIV CEO

Greg Norman

new venture, with Monahan as CEO and two PGA Tour board members joining them on an executive committee.

In his letters to Monahan and Norman, Blumenthal wrote about the skepticism critics hold over the Saudis’ intent “to use investments in sports to further the Saudi gov-

AP PHOTO

Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin poses with a AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator), a device that helps resuscitate heart attack victims, during the start of his Chasing M’s Foundation CPR Tour on Saturday in Orchard Park, New York.

ernment’s strategic objectives.”

“Critics have cast such Saudi investments in sports as a means of ‘sportswashing’ — an attempt to soften the country’s image around the world — given Saudi Arabia’s deeply disturbing human rights record at home and abroad,” the letter said.

Blumenthal asked for a sweeping set of documents — essentially all communications between LIV and the tour beginning in October 2021 through the present.

Al-Rumayyan said last week that Norman was not apprised of the deal until shortly before it was announced.

Mercury forward Brittney Griner, right, goes to the basket against the Fever’s Aliyah Boston during Sunday’s game in Indianapolis.

Mercury make travel ‘adjustments’ following airport incident with Griner

The WNBA player was confronted by YouTube personality Alex Stein

The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS — Phoenix

Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard had one goal before taking the court Sunday. She wants the WNBA to take additional steps to keep her team’s traveling parties safe and secure. One day after Mercury center Brittney Griner was confronted by a “provocateur” at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the two coaches and a handful of players suggested more charter flights could help prevent any future runins with outsiders.

“We will ensure that our play-

ers and our organization and our staff are safe,” she said. “We will be making (travel) adjustments that maybe should have happened before, but right now we’re going to prioritize the safety of our players and we’ve seen that the organization has supported us.”

The incident certainly didn’t impact Griner’s performance. She scored a season high 29 points and grabbed six rebounds in an 85-82 victory, just the second this season for the Mercury.

Griner usually speaks to reporters following the first road trip to each city, but Mercury officials decided to not make her available Sunday.

Clearly, though, the incident had an impact on Phoenix. Longtime star Diana Taurasi’s pregame advice to Griner was simply

“That can’t happen for our players or coaches. The safety of everyone comes first; basketball is secondary to all that.”

Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner’s Mercury teammate

to “breathe” and Taurasi asked the league not to shrug it off.

“It’s unnerving to be in a situation like that and unfortunately, it was literally the first time we were in public together,” said Taurasi, who turned 41 on Sunday. “That can’t happen for our players or coaches. The safety of everyone

comes first; basketball is secondary to all that. People have families, kids and to be put in that situation really is pretty disrespectful not only to BG but to our team, to the league. So hopefully they can take steps into making sure the security of our players throughout the league is at the forefront.”

Nygaard echoed those comments during a 75-second pregame statement in which she offered support for Griner and concern about everyone who made the trip to Indy. She also said Phoenix already has adjusted its plans for future road trips though she declined to provide details, citing league policy and team safety protocols.

The controversy stems from a 93-second video posted Sunday by Alex Stein, who was shouting

at Griner. He questioned Griner on topics ranging from whether she hated America to whether the trade for a Russian prisoner was a fair deal to obtain her release from Russia. Griner was released in December after being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months on drug charges.

She did not respond to Stein and has not spoken publicly about the airport incident since it occurred, “No one should be a victim of targeted harassment,” Nygaard said. “I’m grateful that our team and our staff are physically well and most of all I’m grateful that BG has been back here in the United States for 185 days now. If her being home makes some people mad, I think that obviously says more about them than it does about her.”

Biden’s 2024 pitch highlights pragmatism over Trump’s pugilism

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden promised voters in 2020 that he knew how to get things done in Washington and could bring stability to the capital. It seemed like a message out of step with the more combative era brought on by Donald Trump.

But Biden prevailed, and as he seeks a second term, he’s again trying to frame the race as a referendum on competence and governance, pointing to the bipartisan debt limit and budget legislation he signed on Saturday as another exemplar of the success of his approach.

The agreement the Democratic president negotiated with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other Republicans averted the catastrophe of a U.S. government default — and forestalled another threat until after the 2024 election — while largely protecting the domestic agenda that formed the backbone of what he hopes will form his legacy.

“The results speak for themselves,” said Jeff Zients, the 80-yearold Biden’s chief of staff. “This level of support shows that we got a bipartisan deal that, most importantly, protects the president’s priorities. And now we have a runway to execute on the president’s priorities.”

Biden’s allies say his strategy reflects his broader view of the presidency: tuning out the daily chatter and focusing on making a prolonged impact.

“This was quintessential Joe Biden,” said longtime Biden confidant and former Delaware Sen. Ted Kaufman. “He really understands

the institutions, how they function, how they interact, and what their limitations are. It’s the incredible advantage he has from having 36 years in the Senate and eight years as vice president.”

That perceived advantage — longevity — is also perhaps Biden’s steepest hill as he seeks four more years.

Biden, aides said, devised a strategy shortly after Republicans took the House in November and stuck by it through the talks, despite second-guessing from members of his

own party. He pressed the Republicans to define their budget priorities, then hammered them in public for unpopular proposed cuts once they did, to enter the negotiations with the strongest hand possible.

“He believes in the institutions of American governance. He’s approached this with an eye toward making the presidency and the Congress work and the way they were designed to work,” said Mike Donilon, a senior adviser to the president. As the talks progressed, Biden

stepped out of the limelight to allow Republican leaders to claim a win — necessary to sell it to their caucus — and quietly reassured Democrats that they would grow to like the deal the more they learned about it.

From the view of Biden’s team, it’s also far better than the result than the debt limit showdown of 2011, when Biden was a negotiator for then-President Barack Obama and House Republicans forced them to accept stiffer budget cuts that they believe hampered the country’s recovery from the Great

Recession.

Biden still has come under fire from some in his own party for agreeing to tougher work requirements for some federal food assistance recipients and speeding up environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.

But the White House sees an upside: The permitting changes will speed up implementation of Biden’s infrastructure and climate laws, and the Biden aides highlight that Congressional Budget Office projections show that carve-outs from work requirements for veterans, people who are homeless and those leaving foster care will actually expand the number of people eligible for federal food assistance.

“While the rest of us are sweating the micro-news cycles and who’s up and who’s down on Twitter, the president is playing the long game,” said Obama spokesman and Democratic strategist Eric Schultz.

Schultz acknowledged that Biden may not have had any other options — a proposal to use the 14th Amendment to pay obligations without Congress’ say-so was untested and had its own pitfalls.

“When you have a threat like that, you have to negotiate,” he acknowledged.

But for Biden’s team, the results are what matter.

“He had his eyes on the prize, which was, ‘How is this deal going to get done? And how does my doing that advance this deal?’” Donilon said. “We need to have our politics come together in moments where it has to do it. And so I think that actually will be a reassuring moment for the country.”

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks at Fort Liberty, Friday, June 9, 2023.

Richard Kendrick Moore

September 19, 1988 ~ May 29, 2023

Richard Moore transitioned from this life to life eternal, on Monday, May 29, 2023 at Firsthealth Moore Regional in Pinehurst, NC. During the solemn events to honor Richard Moore, we pray that those who are in attendance will be able to bring some sense of peace and encouragement to the family to help them through the difficult days that lie ahead.

James Michael Ray

April 20, 1961 ~ June 9, 2023

(RET) SGM J. Michael Ray retired from this life at the age of 62 after a long battle with ALS. Mike was born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 20th, 1961, to the late James Pryce Ray and Ava Nell Ray. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jewel Nevaeh Ray.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Lynne Ray, of 34 years; two children, Jennifer Lynne Ray (Keshon) and James Joshua Ray of Louisville, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Madison Brooke Ray (Nicholas), Aniyah Kay Gill and James Michael Ray; one great-grandchild, Lakelyn Rae Mahoney.

Ivory Little

September 3, 1935 ~ June 3, 2023

Tre'Sean Snow

December 20, 2006 ~ June 6, 2023

Paulette Faison

May 20, 1966 ~ June 7, 2023

Mrs. Paulette Faison age, 57 transitioned from earth to glory on June 7, 2023. She leaves to cherish her loving memories her husband, Milton Jerome Faison; children: Jessica Darcel Faison, Jalecia Michelle Faison, Janessa Caitlyn Faison; mother, Myrtle Lee Andrews; siblings: Rowenia Delisa Sinclair, Michelle Elvira Moore, Timothy Shane Leggett, Freddie Alfred Leggett Jr., Kenneth Rapheal Martel Andrews, Eric Demont Bratcher along with a host of other family and friends. Paulette will be greatly missed.

Mike retired from the U.S Army after 21 plus years of service. He served in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/ Storm. His first duty station was at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He then spent time abroad at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. He was then stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington before he spent the last fifteen years of his military service in 1st SFOD-D at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His military decorations include two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Awards, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Master Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Mr. Ivory Little, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was born on September 3, 1935 to the late Herman and Arnor Bea Hart Little. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, his parents, one son, Christopher Little, one daughter, Kimberly Little, and his brother, Emry Little. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: four sons; Reginald Little of Atlanta, Georgia, Ivy Little (Dorothy), George Little, Stephen Little all of Hoffman, North Carolina, three daughters; Iris Arnese Little of Hoffman, North Carolina and Ivan Janeen Taylor (Robert) of Madison, Alabama and Jevone Baldwin of Southern Pines, NC, five grandchildren; LaShunta Little-Williams (Anthony), of Charlotte, North Carolina, Latasha Little (Curtis) of Missouri City, Texas, Mia Bennett of Southern Pines, North Carolina, Kieyona Little of Aberdeen, North Carolina and Jarek Taylor of Madison, Alabama, four great-grandchildren; Khairee Little, Aria Williams, Ella Ryan Taylor and Sage Smith, one aunt; Ramona Hart of Madison, North Carolina, one brother-in-law; Retired Bishop Marshall Gilmore of Concord, North Carolina, two sisters-in-law; Yvonne Gilmore of Concord, North Carolina and Alice Livingston, of Hoffman, North Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Tre'Sean Snow age, 16 went home to be with his heavenly father on June 6, 2023. He leaves to cherish his loving memories his father, James Grace; siblings: Ziyanna Snow, Antionette Grace, Ja-mes Grace, Neorah Snow, Daja Williams, Zekalayah Dixon, Sentonia Morrison, Deija Williams, Mautrice Williams; aunt, Linda Grace; uncles: Kenneth Grace, Corneilus Baylor, Daronlo Lide; along with a host of other famiy and friends. Tre'Sean will be greatly missed.

David Peterkin

October 9, 1978 ~ June 5, 2023

Mr. David Peterkin age, 44 went home to be with his heavenly father on June 5, 2023. He was preceded in death by his sister Chastity Peterkin. David leaves to cherish his loving memories his daughter, Davion Peterkin; parents: Earnest and Shirley Perry; sisters: Kim Peterkin, Deldreana Peterkin; brother, Ernest Peterkin along with a host of other family and friends. He will be immensely missed.

STATE & NATION

New voting districts could change again in some states before the 2024 elections

The Associated Press

THE 2022 ELECTIONS marked the first using new voting districts drawn from updated census data. Those districts typically last for a decade, but they could be shortlived in some states.

Court challenges could force lawmakers or special commissions to draw yet another set of maps before the 2024 elections for representatives in Congress and state capitols.

That means voters who were just shifted into new U.S. House or state legislative districts could be grouped with different communities when they go to vote the next time.

Here’s a look at some places where voting districts could change, and the reasons why.

RACE IN REDISTRICTING

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that Alabama’s congressional districts likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of black voters.

The ruling means the state’s Republican-led Legislature and GOP governor likely will have to draw new U.S. House districts in which black voters comprise a majority — or close to it — in two of Alabama’s seven districts, instead of only one. The ruling also could lead to new U.S. House districts in Louisiana, and potentially Georgia.

While considering the Alabama case, the Supreme Court had put a hold on a similar lower court ruling that Louisiana’s districts must

be redrawn to create a second majority-black district. That’s likely to be lifted. A federal judge in Georgia last year also said some of its congressional and state legislative districts likely violated the Voting Rights Act, but no final decision has been issued.

The Alabama decision is “breathing new life” into similar cases around the country, said attorney Mark Gaber, senior redistricting director at the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center.

Voting Rights Acts challenges are in the early stages in Texas. Lawsuits also allege that state legislative districts dilute the voting strength of Hispanic residents in Washington and Native Americans in North Dakota.

Though based on different legal theories, other lawsuits allege districts were drawn to the detriment

Pat Robertson united evangelical Christians and pushed them into conservative politics

The Associated Press NORFOLK, Va. — Pat Robertson united tens of millions of evangelical Christians through the power of television and pushed them in a far more conservative direction with the personal touch of a folksy minister. Robertson died Thursday at the age of 93.

Robertson’s reach exploded with the rise of cable in the late 1970s. He galvanized many viewers into a political force when he unsuccessfully ran for president in 1988.

The next year, he created the deeply influential Christian Coalition. He sought to “influence and impact the trajectory of the Republican Party and turn it into a prolife, pro-family party,” said Ralph Reed, who ran the coalition in the 1990s and now chairs the Faith & Freedom Coalition.

The Christian Coalition helped fuel the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, which saw the GOP take control of the U.S. House and Senate following the 1992 election of Presi-

dent Bill Clinton.

The son of a U.S. senator and a Yale Law School graduate, when he ran for president, Robertson pioneered the now-common strategy of courting Iowa’s network of evangelical Christian churches. He finished in second place in the Iowa caucuses, ahead of Vice President George H.W. Bush.

Robertson later endorsed Bush, who won the presidency. Pursuit of Iowa’s evangelicals is now a ritual for Republican hopefuls, including those seeking the White House in 2024.

Reed pointed to former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott as examples of high-ranking Republicans who are evangelical Christians.

“It’s easy to forget when you’re living it every day, but there wouldn’t have been a single, explicit evangelical at any of those levels 40 years ago in the Republican Party,” Reed said.

Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network started airing in

of minority votes in Arkansas and Florida. The Supreme Court also has agreed to review a lower court ruling that a South Carolina congressional district discriminates against black voters.

A NEW LOOK FOR A NEW ELECTION

New Assembly districts also are on tap in New York. The state’s highest court last year struck down maps approved by the Democratic-led legislature for the U.S. House, state Senate and state Assembly. It ordered a lower court to impose new U.S. House and state Senate districts for the 2022 elections. But judges determined it was too late to come up with new Assembly districts before the last election.

The courts instead said that the state’s Independent Redistricting

1961 after he bought a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth, Virginia. His long-running show “The 700 Club” began production in 1966.

Robertson coupled evangelism with popular reruns of family-friendly television, which was effective in drawing in viewers so he could promote “The 700 Club,” a news and talk show that also featured regular people talking about finding Jesus Christ.

He didn’t rely solely on fundraising like other televangelists. Robertson broadcast popular secular shows and ran commercials, said David John Marley, author of the 2007 book “Pat Robertson: An American Life.”

Robertson had a soft-spoken style, talking to the camera as if he was a pastor speaking one-on-one and not a preacher behind a pulpit.

When viewers began watching cable television in the late 1970s, “there were only 10 channels and one of them was Pat,” Reed said.

His appeal was similar to that of evangelist Billy Graham, who died in 2018 after a career with a towering impact on American religion and politics, said Wacker, of Duke Divinity School.

“He really showed a lot of pastors and other Christians across this country how impactful media can be — to reach beyond the four walls of their churches,” said Troy A. Miller, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters.

When he ran for president in 1988, Robertson’s masterstroke was insisting that 3 million followers

Commission should draw new districts. The commission in April endorsed a revised Assembly map, which received quick approval from the legislature and governor to take effect for the 2024 elections.

A pending lawsuit asks that the independent commission also be allowed to draw new U.S. House maps before the 2024 elections.

In North Carolina, a Democratic majority of the state Supreme Court ruled last year that congressional districts drawn by the Republican-led General Assembly were an illegal partisan gerrymander and instead allowed a map drawn by judges to be used for the 2022 elections. While that case was on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, voters elected a Republican majority to the state Supreme Court. Those judges in April reversed the previous ruling and declared there

was no constitutional prohibition on partisan gerrymandering.

Whatever the U.S. Supreme Court does with the original appeal, state lawmakers are planning to redraw congressional districts before the next election — giving Republicans a chance at winning more seats than the current 7-7 split.

In Ohio, the state Supreme Court rejected multiple maps drawn by Republican officials for U.S. House, state Senate and state House districts. But courts allowed the 2022 elections to go forward anyway using those maps, directing new districts to be drawn before the next elections.

MORE PARTISAN CHALLENGES

Cases are pending before the top courts in New Mexico and Utah claiming that their congressional districts are illegal partisan gerrymanders — in New Mexico’s case benefitting Democrats, and in Utah’s aiding Republicans.

In Kentucky, a trial court last November rejected a partisan gerrymandering claim brought by Democrats against congressional and state House maps adopted by the Republican-led Legislature. That case has been appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Though there is no current redistricting challenge in Wisconsin, there could be by the end of the summer. That could open the potential for new districts before the 2024 elections.

Voters in April elected a new Democrat-backed judge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, ensuring that liberals will take over majority control when Judge Janet Protasiewicz officially joins the court in August.

Protasiewicz said during the campaign that she thought the current maps were “rigged” and she wanted to revisit them.

sign petitions before he would decide to run, Robertson biographer Jeffrey K. Hadden told The AP. The tactic gave Robertson an army.

“He asked people to pledge that they’d work for him, pray for him and give him money,” Hadden told the AP in 1988.

When he was working on the book as a graduate student in George Washington University in the late 1990s, Marley got unfettered access to Robertson’s presidential campaign archives and saw a campaign plagued by internal strife.

“But, he put a lot of effort into his presidential campaign,” Marley said, adding that Robertson

worked for at least two years to lay the groundwork for his presidential run.

Robertson relished his role as a “kingmaker” and liaison of sorts between top Republican leaders such as Ronald Reagan and evangelical Christians.

“That ended with George W. Bush, who was able to have that conversation on his own,” Marley said.

During his 1998 interview with Robertson, Marley said he saw the preacher as someone who was as comfortable with his failings as he was with his accomplishments.

“I saw someone who absolutely at peace with himself,” Marley said.

AP PHOTO

Rev. Pat Robertson poses a question to a Republican presidential candidate during a forum at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 23, 2015.

AP

Omaha bound

Wake Forest celebrates after winning an NCAA college baseball tournament super regional game against Alabama, Sunday, June 11, 2023, in Winston-Salem.

COUNTY NEWS

ESPN director dies prior to NCAA baseball game at Wake Forest

Forsyth County Wake Forest’s first game against Alabama in the Winston-Salem Super Regional on Saturday was delayed by two hours due to a medical emergency that occurred more than an hour and a half before the game was scheduled to start. The public, which had gathered in the parking lot, was not allowed to enter the stadium as authorities responded to the emergency.

A statement from ESPN, which was scheduled to broadcast the game, confirmed that longtime director Kyle Brown died after suffering the emergency.

The statement read, “On Saturday morning, beloved ESPN director Kyle Brown suffered a medical emergency and tragically passed away at the NCAA Baseball Super Regional in Winston-Salem, N.C. A 16year ESPN employee, Kyle was a deeply admired member of our production team—and highly accomplished, having captured two Sports Emmy Awards while working a multitude of sports from baseball and basketball to Monday Night Football and college football.

“A former Ohio State pitcher, Kyle cherished the opportunity to have a career in sports. His ESPN family wishes to extend our deepest condolences and full support to Kyle’s loved ones, including his wife, Megan, their four children, Makayla (14), Carson (11), Camden (9) and Madyn (5) and their beloved dog Rookie.”

The game was scheduled to start at 12:06 PM but started after 2:15. Wake Forest won the game and won again on Sunday to advance to the College World Series this weekend.

TWITTER

Ex-legislator gets probation for homeless shelter spending

The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — A former North Carolina state legislator and Winston-Salem City Council member was sentenced to five years of probation along with monetary penalties after pleading guilty to fraud for spending money from the homeless center organization he had led for personal use.

U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs on Thursday accepted the guilty plea by Derwin Montgomery, 34, contained in an agreement he signed last fall to one count of program fraud. Fourteen other counts from an indictment filed against him last year were dismissed.

Biggs ordered Montgomery to pay $38,618 in restitution to the

Bethesda Center for the Homeless and $22,270 for his probationary supervision. He was also placed on home detention for 120 days.

Montgomery served as the center’s executive director for six years before he resigned in early 2021. The center had received at least $10,000 in federal assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2020, a court document shows.

“This is a serious case because it involves the abuse of the public trust,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Joanna McFadden told Biggs in court. “Taxpayers in this country should know that their money is being used appropriately by nonprofits who receive federal money.”

Montgomery, a Democrat, was elected to the Winston-Salem City

“This is a serious case because it involves the abuse of the public trust.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joanna

Council in 2009 while a student at Winston-Salem State University. He moved to the state House in 2018 to fill a vacancy and won a two-year term later that year. He was a unsuccessful primary candidate for the 6th Congressional District seat in 2020.

Montgomery told Biggs in court that he was sorry for what happened.

Commissioners postpone decision on additional non-emergency ambulance franchise request

Board approves forgiveness of loan for affordable housing construction

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

WINSTON-SALEM – The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners met Thursday, June 1 with multiple contract and funding matters on the agenda.

The board first held a public hearing for a request for the granting of a non-emergency ambulance franchise within Forsyth County to MedEx Medical Transport. MedEx is a privately owned, non-emergency medical transport service, but to be granted a franchise in Forsyth County, they are required to provide some of their ambulance services to the county.

“The non-emergency franchise units get some calls through from us and some through the hospitals, but the bigger part of their business is through the private entities that

hire them to do transports across the county,” said County Manager Dudley Watts. “What this franchise does is that you’re allowing somebody to operate and as part of that, we’re requiring them to be part of our emergency response system to boost our capacity, but most of the business that they are after is going to be arranged and marketed and they will sell their services to other people doing this work.”

“The current model is that each franchise provides one ambulance 24/7,” said Assistant EMS Chief Brian Gallamore. “They provide a second ambulance 12 hours a day, six days a week. Also in times of catastrophe, you’ll see our partners stop some of their convalescent transports to provide additional ambulances to be available.”

However, the board voted 4-3 – Commissioners Dan Besse, Tonya McDaniel and Malishai Woodbury were the dissenting votes –to postpone a decision on granting the franchise for six months due to

concerns of the impact on the two already established non-emergency ambulance franchises in the county to give more time for the labor market to shake out and see if they can shore up more ambulance workers thereby reducing the need for a third franchise.

“The population is growing in Forsyth County,” said Commissioner Dan Besse in support of MedEx. “It has gone up substantially in the last few years. The number of medical facilities has gone up,

“This is hard,” Montgomery said. “I regret my actions that brought me here. I ask for your grace in this matter.” Biggs said she was moved by letters from local residents urging her to give Montgomery probation.

A court document that served as the factual basis for the plea agreement said Montgomery converted center funds for his own personal use starting in or around 2018 and through 2020. They included about $5,100 related to Montgomery’s travel and over $6,500 for the lease of an SUV.

In 2020, Montgomery charged the center about $23,000 related to marketing and media services purportedly performed by his own company in contravention of conflict of interest policy, and despite the center already receiving such services as a charitable donation, the document said.

The indictment had alleged Montgomery charged the shelter for airfare to Cancun, Mexico, for a vacation with a romantic partner, stays at luxury hotels, and expenses at a strip club in Las Vegas.

“It seems clear that the demand is not being met on the current basis and that we need more capacity in our system”

Dan Besse

McFadden

We stand corrected:

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

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Nothing to see here but a credible whistleblower accusing the President of bribery

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN has been accused by a credible informant of allegedly taking $5 million in “a bribery scheme with a foreign national” while he was the sitting vice president. That seems like a pretty big story, but what do I know?

Apparently, there’s a document laying out the accusation in some detail, and not one cooked up by an oppo-research firm for the Republican National Committee and then disseminated to saps in the media to try and delegitimize a presidential election. No, it’s in an unclassified FD-1023 form, used by law enforcement to record credible tips. Granted, it’s not in the possession of BuzzFeed, but rather the vaunted FBI, which refuses to hand it to Congress for some reason. And there is no curiosity on the part of establishment media to find out what it says.

I know, I know, it’s getting tedious asking people to imagine the thermonuclear media blast they’d be swept up in if a Republican president had been accused of bribery by an FBI informant. This is the way of the world. To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

Though, I suppose that’s not exactly right. Biden’s Praetorian Guard have begun to preemptively frame chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, as some devious nut for demanding the FBI hand over documents. This is what they did to Devin Nunes, who turned out to be correct in his assessment of the Russia collusion investigation.

Whatever the case, there isn’t a real journalist in the universe -- not a beat reporter or opinion writer or copy editor -- who wouldn’t want to read an informant’s account of a sitting president taking a bribe. You can debunk it. You can prove it. But you want to see it.

But therein lies the problem. There aren’t many journalists left.

Last week, CNN ran a piece that might well have been sent verbatim from the FBI press shop. CNN’s “sources” claimed “origins in a tranche of documents that Rudy Giuliani provided to the Justice Department in 2020” and the investigation led nowhere. A big nothingburger.

It’s this CNN story, and another version in the Washington Post (almost surely from the same sources), that allowed Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to claim that “Rudy Giuliani surfaced these allegations,” and that a “team” had looked at the document and “in August determined

5540 SPAINHOUR MILL RD on 6/9/2023

that there was no grounds to escalate from an initial assessment to a preliminary investigation.”

But Attorney General William Barr told The Federalist that the investigation had never been closed; it had merely been sent to an office in Delaware. And the document did not emanate from Giuliani -- the same ploy used to undercut the New York Post’s reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop story -- but from a 2017 whistleblower report that showed up in a 2020 search. No one has come forward to accuse Barr of lying, so I assume the above is true.

Who knows what this is all about? I’ve learned not to make too many assumptions. For all I know, this all leads to a rickety accusation and a dead end.

That, however, doesn’t mean that there isn’t already tons of circumstantial evidence that Joe Biden participated in his family’s shady business. Which makes the existence of this document highly newsworthy.

We know that the president lied about his knowledge of Hunter’s relationships with Ukrainian energy concerns and Chinese interests. We have emails implicating the president as a participant in Hunter’s schemes -- emails authenticated by forensic specialists. We have witnesses, including a former Naval technology officer, contending that Biden is the “big guy” Hunter is talking about in those emails. Even the Obama administration was alarmed about the Biden family business.

Almost a year ago, former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro was indicted and arrested by the FBI for ignoring a congressional subpoena by the Jan 6 commission. He was handcuffed and denied permission to make a phone call to a lawyer. Today, it’s the FBI that is ignoring subpoenas. And there will be no one to arrest FBI Director Christopher Wray for contempt.

There will also be no more sanctimonious speeches or grandstanding from Democrats regarding the sacred need for transparency and separation of powers. “Democracy” is no longer in danger, apparently. Of course, we expect jaw-dropping hypocrisy from politicians. We expect a politicized Justice Department to protect Democrats. Nowadays, we also expect the complete abdication of journalistic responsibility from a partisan big media. And that’s a massive problem.

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

♦ Dr. Kenneth P. Carlson, 95, of Winston-Salem, died June 7, 2023.

♦ Betty Mary Chenault McKinley Cline, 103, of Winston-Salem, died June 8, 2023.

♦ Gracie Ann Pegram Combs, 86, died June 8, 2023.

♦ Rita Ann Curley, 73, of Forsyth County, died

June 8, 2023.

♦ Nancy Davis, 83, of Rockingham County, died

June 10, 2023.

♦ Loretta Pruitt Elliott, 74, of Forsyth County, died

June 8, 2023.

♦ Travis Achaia Hartle, 45, of Clemmons, died June 7, 2023.

♦ Wilma Jean Badgett Kidd, 96, of Jackson Hill, died June 10, 2023.

♦ Curtis Raymond Mays, 77, of Kernersville, died

June 8, 2023.

♦ Anne Spaugh MIllaway, 74, died June 9, 2023.

♦ Betty Lou Kelly Russell, 86, of Clemmons, died June 7, 2023.

♦ Jose Tapia, 37, of Forsyth County, died June 9, 2023.

♦ Shirley Lou Taylor, 88, of Winston-Salem, died June 10, 2023.

♦ Edna Pearl Spaugh Wooten, 96, of WinstonSalem, died June 8, 2023.

on chrg of Interference W/electronic Monitoring Dev (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/7/2023 17:08.

♦ Bullard, Dillonger Thomas (M/23) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on

6/8/2023 13:50.

♦ COLON, JONATHAN was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN TRIBE at 1287 MILLERWOOD DR on 6/9/2023

♦ COX, KENNETH EVAN was arrested on a charge of CONCEALMENT OF DEATH at

COMMISSIONERS from page 1

the patient volume has gone up, the number of nursing homes and residents that need medical transport has gone up. It seems clear from what our staff is telling us and what the hospital systems are telling us, that the demand is not being met on the current basis, that there are times when there are no vehicles available, that this is not an unusual occurrence and that we need more capacity in our system.”

The board was then presented with a request for the full forgiveness of a loan to PCCI Land, Inc., that was intended for the purchase of the Budget Inn located at 600 Peters Creek Parkway and the demolition and clearance of the existing buildings and the construction of low- and moderate-income housing on the site.

“Four years ago, this board

♦ CRAWFORD, DESHAWN TERRELL was arrested on a charge of OFA-FTA-DWI at 902 S STRATFORD RD on 6/8/2023

♦ FANSLER, ANDREW SCOTT was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 1000 EBERT ST/S HAWTHORNE RD on 6/10/2023

♦ FAVOURS, ALEXIS MICHELLEHELEN was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ ST EMP at 5301 SILAS CREEK PW on 6/11/2023 04:47

♦ FAVOURS, ALEXIS MICHELLEHELEN was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ ST EMP at 5301 SILAS CREEK PW on 6/11/2023 04:48

♦ FAVOURS, ALEXIS MICHELLEHELEN was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ ST EMP at 5301 SILAS CREEK PW on 6/11/2023 05:06

♦ Garcia, David Dominguez (M/20) Arrest on chrg of 1) Poss Marijuana Fel (F), 2) P/w/i/s/d Marijuana (F), 3) P/w/i/s/d Sched Vi (F), 4) Drugs-maintain (F), and

loaned PCCI $600,000 to demolish the former Budget Inn and to build affordable housing on that site,” said County Attorney Godron Watkins. “They did raise the former building and will shortly have the funds to begin the affordable housing construction. They have requested that this board forgive the loan. The requirement for the forgivable loan is that PCCI construct the affordable housing apartments and have them begin occupation by residents no later than July 1, 2025.”

The board approved the request 4-3, with Chairman Don Martin, Vice Chair Gloria Whisenhunt and Commissioner Richard Linville opposing the motion.

“The county does many things,” Whisenhunt said. “We build schools, we provide public health, the department of social services, EMS, and many other things. But we are not required to provide

5) Drug Paraphernalia (M), at Mlk Jr. Dr/ First St, Winston Salem,

housing. Cities are required to, but not counties. I do not believe that we have the authority to spend tax dollars and give out loans without any interest.”

The board then approved two budgetary matters, the first being a resolution designating the Piedmont Triad Regional Council as the lead agency on aging for Forsyth County for State Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 in which they will plan and coordinate the county funding plan and the second being the execution of a $137,500 audit contract with Cherry Bekaert LLP to complete the annual, independent audit for Forsyth County for Fiscal Year 2022-23.

The board also approved the execution of a grant agreement between Forsyth County and the North Carolina Department of Transportation - Division of Aviation in order to fund the Aviation Career Education Academy.

Four contract matters were also approved, with those being an amendment to the contract with Avcon Inc., for an additional $65,870 to provide environmental services required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation - Division of Aviation for taxilane lima and ramp at Smith Reynolds Airport, a $132,226.23 contract with Sanofi Pasteur Inc, for the purchase of vaccines, a $145,340 contract with Frank L. Blum Construction Company to act as the design-builder and to provide design and preconstruction services for the Highland Avenue Park Project and a one year agreement with EMS Management & Consultation Inc., to provide medical billing and collections services for Forsyth County Emergency Medical Services.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet June 15.

To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

SIDELINE REPORT

SOCCER

Just 4 World Cup players named to U.S. Gold Cup roster

Chicago

Just four players who appeared for the U.S. at last year’s World Cup are on a largely junior varsity roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, including just one regular starter: goalkeeper Matt Turner. The 23-man roster selected by new interim coach B.J. Callaghan for the championship has three others who saw limited World Cup time: forwards Jesús Ferreira and Jordan Morris, and right back DeAndre Yedlin. Three additional players were on the World Cup roster without getting into a match: goalkeeper Sean Johnson, defender Aaron Long and midfielder Cristian Roldan. The U.S. will play its final first round match in Charlotte against Nicaragua on July 2.

COLLEGE SPORTS

NCAA champion athletes honored at White House

Washington, D.C.

Vice President Kamala Harris saluted more than a thousand U.S. college athletes from championship teams who gathered Monday at the White House South Lawn. She says that sports have a “very special way of bringing people together.” President Joe Biden had been scheduled to greet the athletes, but he had a root canal and was unable to attend the outdoor event on an overcast morning. The event included 47 teams from 19 different sports, though there was one notable exception. The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team declined to attend the event because the date was “not feasible given the student-athlete calendar and time of year.”

NBA Heat mascot gets treatment after McGregor KO promotion

Miami

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor knocked out the Miami Heat mascot in a midgame bit that went wrong. Burnie — more specifically, the man who occupies Burnie’s costume — briefly sought medical attention Friday night after taking two punches from McGregor during a thirdquarter stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and the Denver Nuggets. The Heat said Saturday that the employee wearing the flame costume, who was not identified, received pain medication and was resting at home.

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

Oklahoma ace Bahl announces plans to transfer Norman, Okla.

Oklahoma softball ace Jordy Bahl has announced she is transferring and heading back to her home state of Nebraska. Bahl didn’t say which school she will play for, but there are three Division I programs in the state: University of Nebraska, Creighton University and Omaha University. She pitched 24⅔ scoreless innings at the Women’s College World Series and was named its Most Outstanding Player. She went 4-0 in Oklahoma City and earned the save in the decisive Game 2 win against Florida State. She finished this season with a 22-1 record and an 0.90 ERA In 2022.

Truex Jr. surges to win at Sonoma

Chase

The Associated Press SONOMA, Calif. — Martin Truex Jr. shows up at Sonoma Raceway each year brimming with the confidence only acquired by repeated success on a track.

Last summer, team owner Joe Gibbs admits he didn’t give Truex a car capable of demonstrating his driver’s mastery of this hilly road course.

One year and innumerable Toyota improvements later, Truex roared right back to Victory Lane in wine country.

Truex won at Sonoma for the fourth time in his NASCAR Cup

Series career Sunday, passing Chase Elliott for the lead after a final-stage restart and holding off Kyle Busch.

The 42-year-old Truex confidently drove his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to another victory at the track where he also won in 2013, 2018 and 2019. Only Jeff Gordon has more victories (five) at Sonoma than Truex, who earned the 33rd win of his Cup career and his second in the last six races after winning at Dover.

Truex went winless in 2022, and the subpar Toyota cars and setups took most of the blame. Gibbs particularly remembers last year’s trip to Sonoma as “one of the worst races we’ve had in our race team” in terms of setup and performance.

Truex finished 26th in Northern California last year, but the expe-

rience didn’t budge his confidence.

“I knew I can navigate around this track,” Truex said. “Maybe I’m not the best driver at this track. I don’t know. Maybe somebody else could go a tenth of a second faster in my car than I do. I doubt they could, but it’s possible. But they’re not going to be a second off like we were last year. When you’re that far off, it’s like, ‘Yeah, that was dumb. What were we even thinking (with that setup)?’ ... But I never thought we couldn’t win again.”

Elliott finished fifth in his return from a one-race suspension for deliberately wrecking Denny Hamlin at Charlotte. Elliott, who has missed seven races this season, twice held the lead in the final stage before Truex blew past him on fresher tires.

Truex has seven top-10 finish-

Arcangelo wins final leg of Triple Crown with victory at Belmont Stakes

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Jena Antonucci turned a Triple Crown marred by thoroughbred deaths on the track and threatened by bad air quality from wildfires in Canada into a celebration for racing and women.

Arcangelo took the lead at the top of the stretch and won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making the 47-year-old Antonucci the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race.

After the horse crossed the finish line, Antonucci doubled over and rested her arm and her head on the back of a chair. She kissed the horse on the nose when it returned to the area in front of the winner’s circle.

“When we were walking out, I said there is not a table made for you,” she said. “You make the table. You put great people around you, you work hard. Work your tail off. It will come if you do it the right way. Do it the right way.”

Antonucci and Arcangelo did everything right as the 3-year-old son of Arrogate finished the 1½-mile race in 2:29.23 and by 1½ lengths in front of favored Fotre, with Tapit Trice third.

“They say there’s no crying in baseball. But they’ve never said it about horse racing,” Antonucci said. “You fight for that spot and you feel you have to prove your worth. Horses don’t care. They don’t care who you are. They know who you are. To have a horse believe in you and your team the way this horse does

… I wish more people could be like horses.”

Jockey Javier Castellano, who rode Mage to victory in the Kentucky Derby and picked up the ride on Arcangelo when the colt was not entered in the Belmont, said Arcangelo was great. “This is a wonderful horse. I’m

es in his last nine races, reflecting Toyota’s improvement for 2023.

Joey Logano was third behind Busch, with Chris Buescher in fourth. Elliott had his third topfive finish of the year but is still winless.

Truex and Busch, who was 2.979 seconds behind in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, had the 11th 1-2 finish of their long Cup careers. They spent the previous four seasons as teammates at JGR, and Truex also held off Busch to win at Sonoma in 2019.

“Not too bad,” said Busch, who won last week’s Cup race outside St. Louis. “Just wish we had a little bit more. I was just trying to keep him honest there at the end. ... It’s good for us because (Toyota is) so good on road courses. They’ve done the work. We did a good job keeping it competitive.”

After a one-week break, the Cup Series begins its 10-race sprint to the playoffs June 25 at Nashville Superspeedway.

really happy for her, you know, she’s a really good woman,” Castellano said of Antonucci. “She’s a good horseman.”

The heart-warming victory put a positive note on a Triple Crown series marred by deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs in the weeks around the Kentucky Derby and another on Preakness day for a trainer Bob Baffert. It also ended a week in which the Belmont Stakes was put in jeopardy by air quality problems caused by wildfires in Canada.

Those cleared on Friday and the cloud over thoroughbred racing lifted on Saturday, briefly.

In the final race on the card, Excursionniste sustained a catastrophic injury to his left front leg. Despite efforts by veterinarians, the horse was euthanized. It was the third horse to incur a fatal injury at the current meet. There have been 213 races involving 1,662 horses.

Antonucci was only the 11th woman to race a horse in the Belmont and the first since Kathy Ritvo sent out Mucho Macho Man to a seventh-place finish in 2011. Dianne Carpenter’s Kingpost had the previous best finish, second to Risen Star in 1988.

Arcangelo paid $17.80, $7.20 and $4.,90 and earned $900,000 for Blue Rose Farm, which is owned by Jon Ebbert.

Forte returned $4.30 and $3.30 and Tapit Trice was $4.10 to show. Both were trained by Todd Pletcher.

Elliott returned from his one-race suspension to finish fifth

AP PHOTO

Martin Truex Jr. holds the trophy after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

AP PHOTO Arcangelo, with jockey Javier Castellano, crosses the finish line to win the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday in Elmont, New York.

STATE & NATION

New voting districts could change again in some states before the 2024 elections

The Associated Press

THE 2022 ELECTIONS marked the first using new voting districts drawn from updated census data. Those districts typically last for a decade, but they could be shortlived in some states.

Court challenges could force lawmakers or special commissions to draw yet another set of maps before the 2024 elections for representatives in Congress and state capitols.

That means voters who were just shifted into new U.S. House or state legislative districts could be grouped with different communities when they go to vote the next time.

Here’s a look at some places where voting districts could change, and the reasons why.

RACE IN REDISTRICTING

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that Alabama’s congressional districts likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the political power of black voters.

The ruling means the state’s Republican-led Legislature and GOP governor likely will have to draw new U.S. House districts in which black voters comprise a majority — or close to it — in two of Alabama’s seven districts, instead of only one. The ruling also could lead to new U.S. House districts in Louisiana, and potentially Georgia.

While considering the Alabama case, the Supreme Court had put a hold on a similar lower court ruling that Louisiana’s districts must

be redrawn to create a second majority-black district. That’s likely to be lifted. A federal judge in Georgia last year also said some of its congressional and state legislative districts likely violated the Voting Rights Act, but no final decision has been issued.

The Alabama decision is “breathing new life” into similar cases around the country, said attorney Mark Gaber, senior redistricting director at the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center.

Voting Rights Acts challenges are in the early stages in Texas. Lawsuits also allege that state legislative districts dilute the voting strength of Hispanic residents in Washington and Native Americans in North Dakota.

Though based on different legal theories, other lawsuits allege districts were drawn to the detriment

Pat Robertson united evangelical Christians and pushed them into conservative politics

The Associated Press NORFOLK, Va. — Pat Robertson united tens of millions of evangelical Christians through the power of television and pushed them in a far more conservative direction with the personal touch of a folksy minister. Robertson died Thursday at the age of 93.

Robertson’s reach exploded with the rise of cable in the late 1970s. He galvanized many viewers into a political force when he unsuccessfully ran for president in 1988.

The next year, he created the deeply influential Christian Coalition. He sought to “influence and impact the trajectory of the Republican Party and turn it into a prolife, pro-family party,” said Ralph Reed, who ran the coalition in the 1990s and now chairs the Faith & Freedom Coalition.

The Christian Coalition helped fuel the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, which saw the GOP take control of the U.S. House and Senate following the 1992 election of Presi-

dent Bill Clinton.

The son of a U.S. senator and a Yale Law School graduate, when he ran for president, Robertson pioneered the now-common strategy of courting Iowa’s network of evangelical Christian churches. He finished in second place in the Iowa caucuses, ahead of Vice President George H.W. Bush.

Robertson later endorsed Bush, who won the presidency. Pursuit of Iowa’s evangelicals is now a ritual for Republican hopefuls, including those seeking the White House in 2024.

Reed pointed to former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott as examples of high-ranking Republicans who are evangelical Christians.

“It’s easy to forget when you’re living it every day, but there wouldn’t have been a single, explicit evangelical at any of those levels 40 years ago in the Republican Party,” Reed said.

Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network started airing in

of minority votes in Arkansas and Florida. The Supreme Court also has agreed to review a lower court ruling that a South Carolina congressional district discriminates against black voters.

A NEW LOOK FOR A NEW ELECTION

New Assembly districts also are on tap in New York. The state’s highest court last year struck down maps approved by the Democratic-led legislature for the U.S. House, state Senate and state Assembly. It ordered a lower court to impose new U.S. House and state Senate districts for the 2022 elections. But judges determined it was too late to come up with new Assembly districts before the last election.

The courts instead said that the state’s Independent Redistricting

1961 after he bought a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth, Virginia. His long-running show “The 700 Club” began production in 1966.

Robertson coupled evangelism with popular reruns of family-friendly television, which was effective in drawing in viewers so he could promote “The 700 Club,” a news and talk show that also featured regular people talking about finding Jesus Christ.

He didn’t rely solely on fundraising like other televangelists. Robertson broadcast popular secular shows and ran commercials, said David John Marley, author of the 2007 book “Pat Robertson: An American Life.”

Robertson had a soft-spoken style, talking to the camera as if he was a pastor speaking one-on-one and not a preacher behind a pulpit.

When viewers began watching cable television in the late 1970s, “there were only 10 channels and one of them was Pat,” Reed said.

His appeal was similar to that of evangelist Billy Graham, who died in 2018 after a career with a towering impact on American religion and politics, said Wacker, of Duke Divinity School.

“He really showed a lot of pastors and other Christians across this country how impactful media can be — to reach beyond the four walls of their churches,” said Troy A. Miller, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters.

When he ran for president in 1988, Robertson’s masterstroke was insisting that 3 million followers

The Supreme Court is seen on April 21, 2023, in Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court (seen on April 21, 2023, in Washington D.C.) will play a role in deterring voting district maps across the country.

Commission should draw new districts. The commission in April endorsed a revised Assembly map, which received quick approval from the legislature and governor to take effect for the 2024 elections.

A pending lawsuit asks that the independent commission also be allowed to draw new U.S. House maps before the 2024 elections.

In North Carolina, a Democratic majority of the state Supreme Court ruled last year that congressional districts drawn by the Republican-led General Assembly were an illegal partisan gerrymander and instead allowed a map drawn by judges to be used for the 2022 elections. While that case was on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, voters elected a Republican majority to the state Supreme Court. Those judges in April reversed the previous ruling and declared there

was no constitutional prohibition on partisan gerrymandering.

Whatever the U.S. Supreme Court does with the original appeal, state lawmakers are planning to redraw congressional districts before the next election — giving Republicans a chance at winning more seats than the current 7-7 split.

In Ohio, the state Supreme Court rejected multiple maps drawn by Republican officials for U.S. House, state Senate and state House districts. But courts allowed the 2022 elections to go forward anyway using those maps, directing new districts to be drawn before the next elections.

MORE PARTISAN CHALLENGES

Cases are pending before the top courts in New Mexico and Utah claiming that their congressional districts are illegal partisan gerrymanders — in New Mexico’s case benefitting Democrats, and in Utah’s aiding Republicans.

In Kentucky, a trial court last November rejected a partisan gerrymandering claim brought by Democrats against congressional and state House maps adopted by the Republican-led Legislature. That case has been appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Though there is no current redistricting challenge in Wisconsin, there could be by the end of the summer. That could open the potential for new districts before the 2024 elections.

Voters in April elected a new Democrat-backed judge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, ensuring that liberals will take over majority control when Judge Janet Protasiewicz officially joins the court in August.

Protasiewicz said during the campaign that she thought the current maps were “rigged” and she wanted to revisit them.

sign petitions before he would decide to run, Robertson biographer Jeffrey K. Hadden told The AP. The tactic gave Robertson an army.

“He asked people to pledge that they’d work for him, pray for him and give him money,” Hadden told the AP in 1988.

When he was working on the book as a graduate student in George Washington University in the late 1990s, Marley got unfettered access to Robertson’s presidential campaign archives and saw a campaign plagued by internal strife.

“But, he put a lot of effort into his presidential campaign,” Marley said, adding that Robertson

worked for at least two years to lay the groundwork for his presidential run.

Robertson relished his role as a “kingmaker” and liaison of sorts between top Republican leaders such as Ronald Reagan and evangelical Christians.

“That ended with George W. Bush, who was able to have that conversation on his own,” Marley said.

During his 1998 interview with Robertson, Marley said he saw the preacher as someone who was as comfortable with his failings as he was with his accomplishments.

“I saw someone who absolutely at peace with himself,” Marley said.

AP PHOTO

Rev. Pat Robertson poses a question to a Republican presidential candidate during a forum at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 23, 2015.

AP PHOTO

MOORE COUNTY

A gate blocks the road leading to the West End Substation,

has caused a power outage to many around Southern Pines.

COUNTY NEWS

Sen. Budd introduces General Aviation Airport Access Act

On Monday, Senator Tedd Budd (R-NC) introduced S. 1874, also known as the General Aviation Airport Access Act. This bill requires federally funded airports to designate part of their parking area for transient general aviation aircraft, which would increase airport access for smaller planes. “As a general aviation pilot, I’ve seen and heard from aviators who have experienced sky-high charges for airport services that they don’t need,” said Budd. “Affordable services should be available to all pilots, including small planes.

I’m proud to introduce a bill to increase access for more pilots to utilize more airports.” According to a press release from the senator’s office, over 400 aviation organizations have called on Congress to address the problems associated with transient ramps at public-use airports. This bill does not affect the charges for services outside of the airport’s transient parking area. Airport operators and FBOs who provide a broader range of services to pilots may continue to charge for those services. “AOPA thanks Senator Tedd Budd for his leadership on this issue,” stated Mark Baker, President & CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. “These airports are public-use facilities, and access to them should not be limited by requiring a pilot to pay a business for services they never asked for, used, or wanted. This legislation is long overdue, it’s more than fair, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Hudson to hold field hearing in Pinehurst about substation attacks

Council approves renewal of legal contract for FY24

North State Journal

PINEHURST — U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy Rogers (R-WA), and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) announced last Friday that they would be holding a field hearing on Friday, June 16, in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The field hearing will be open to the public and the press and is set to take place at 10 a.m. at 395 Magnolia Rd. in Pinehurst. The title of the hearing is “Enhanc -

ing America’s Grid Security and Resilience.”

In December 2022, two electric substations in Moore County were intentionally attacked, resulting in widespread power outages that affected over 45,000 customers and lasted several days. An investigation into the attack is still ongoing, which involves the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and several county sheriff’s offices. Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection to the attacks but are currently offering a $25,000 reward for information pertaining to the incident.

“Protecting the electric grid in our region and across the country is crucial to our national security and the wellbeing of all

Americans,” said Hudson. “As Moore County’s Congressman, I am committed to finding solutions to strengthen our power grid in order to protect my constituents and prevent energy infrastructure attacks from happening again. I look forward to bringing my House colleagues to

MCS approves bids focused on higher quality food

Bus upgrades to include student ridership tracking

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Schools Board of Education met Monday, June 12, with several items on the agenda, including bids for food and updates to bus technology.

The board approved the 202324 Child Nutrition bid awards for groceries, supplies, beverages, produce, milk and ice cream.

The companies that will be providing these supplies are Sysco Raleigh, Pepsi, Honeycutt Produce, Hershey Creamery, Maola Dairies, and Saffelle.

“This is a total projected cost of $2,506,331.45. However, keep in mind that the actual cost will be based on the amount of product used, and any increase is projected to fit within the Child Nutrition Department operating budget,” said Assistant Superintendent for Operations Jennifer Purvis.

According to the board, this represented an increase in total cost, but it was because they really wanted to focus on higher-quality food for students.

“Increasing the quality of food is well worth the investment that we make into it,” said Vice Chair David Hensley. “We owe it to the parents who entrust their children to us each and every day to give them as good a quality as we can within the limits of our abilities.”

The board also approved an agreement with Cal/Amp Synovia to both equip the entire district fleet with GPS and to equip all yellow buses and bus garage vehicles with an updated GPS platform to include student ridership and navigation.

“This is about equipping our entire fleet,” Purvis said. “Currently, only our yellow buses and our state-issued vehicles within the transportation department are equipped with GPS. What this will do is equip our entire district fleet to provide a higher level of safety and efficiency in regards to our daily use.”

“Currently, our buses are equipped with keypads which are just a simple GPS and clock in and clock out for our drivers,” Purvis said. “We will be replacing all of those keypads with tablets, and those tablets will allow core GPS tracking and student ridership, so students will be able to scan with a barcode on and off the bus. This

will enable us to see when that student gets on a different bus in real time and a report of what students are on that bus. So, this would track student ridership on and off the bus, and also allow our drivers to clock in and out and would also provide our drivers with navigation.”

The board also approved a revision of the Moore County Board of Education Meeting Calendar to keep up the rotating location schedule to different parts of the county, the 2023-24 risk management coverage plan which amounts to $556,061 for all district risk management policies, an amendment to the 4th quarter FY 202223 budget resolution to account for a $4,988,586.02 increase in allotments, three out-of-state field trips, an increase to after school and daycare fees, 2023-24 CTE Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Funding Plan, 2023-24 Exceptional Children’s Contracts, amendments to the contracts for Exceptional Children’s Nursing Services and Interpreter Services for 202223, and the purchase of iReady Magnetic Reading for Grades 3-5.

There was a bit of contention early in the meeting, as Board Chair Robert Levy and Vice Chair David Hensley engaged in a spirited dis-

North Carolina next week.”

Following the attack, Hudson toured the impacted substation and met with Duke Energy and the Department of Energy to further discuss the importance of securing the region’s energy grid.

For those individuals who are unable to attend the hearing in person, a livestream of the event can be online at http://energycommerce.house.gov/.

If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson with the House of Energy and Commerce Committee staff at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov. For press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov.

cussion after Levy removed some of the items Hensley had requested to be brought before the full board.

“My job as chair is very unique,” Levy said. “Based upon Policies 1322.2, 1200, as well as other policies, I have the right to refer certain matters to the committee prior to board consideration. I have decided to take certain matters off the

“Protecting the electric grid in our region and across the country is crucial to our national security and the wellbeing of all Americans.”

Rep. Richard Hudson

STEVEN ALLEN, 68, W, M, 6/11/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Violate Domestic Violence Protection Order

♦ ROBERTSON, HALEY DESIREE, 37, W, F, 6/10/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Larceny (x2), Possess Stolen Goods/Prop (x2), Larceny of Motor Vehicle, Obtain Property False Pretense, Probation VIolation

♦ JONES, TIMOTHY RAY, 43, I, M, 6/10/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Possess Stolen Motor Vehicle, Resisting Public Officer, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Larceny of Motor Vehicle (x2), Shoplifting Concealment Goods, Misdemeanor Larceny

calendar and send them to the committee. They have not been discussed in our work sessions, and I do not have any advanced information about them.”

The items in question were a report, information and discussion item labeled “Correcting Misinformation about the Role of School Counselors,” and three board actions labeled “Comprehensive Trauma Medical Plan for Moore County Schools,” “Reform of Moore County Schools Police,” and “Removal of Mandatory Fees.”

“These items were added to the agenda at my request and some of them just five weeks ago,” Hensley said in response. “Because the public really needs to know where we stand on some of these things.”

Levy later closed the meeting stating, “You’re going to see, from time to time, a school board that sometimes may get mad at each other, and sometimes our school board may be so called ‘divided’ but that is what democracy is all about. Our school board represents a very, very diverse group of people all putting together a school system for great children.”

The Moore County Schools Board of Education will next meet July 10.

♦ GARNER, ASHLEY KAY, 30, W, F, 6/10/2023, Robbins PD, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Possess Schedule I CS, Possess Drug Paraphernalia

♦ POTTER, SARINA RENEE, 40, W, F, 6/9/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Second Degree Trespass, Fail to Apply for New Title, Drive While License Revoked, Possess Heroin, Possess Methamphetamine, Possess Drug Paraphernalia

♦ HEATON, DAVID MICHAEL, 45, W, M, 6/9/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Possess Methampetamine, Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Moore County:

June 15

Trivia Thursday at the Brewery

6pm

Come out for Trivia at the Southern Pines Brewery! Enjoy fun and prizes each Thursday. Southern Pines Brewing Company is located at 565 Air Tool Dr., Southern Pines, NC.

Thursday Night Music Bingo

7pm

Come out to James Creek Cider House for Music Bingo with Lauren! James Creek is located at 172 US Hwy 1 Bus. in Cameron. A food truck will be on site at 8!

June 16

Carthage

Farmers Market

2pm – 6pm

Come out and support your local farmers at the brand-new farmers market in Carthage! The market features fresh produce, meats, eggs, and handmade goods! The market will be set up on S. Ray Street in the parking lot across from the post office.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Sununu’s good move and bad advice

Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat.

GOV. CHRIS SUNUNU (R-N.H.) is not running for president.

In his state’s first-in-the-nation primary, “I can be more effective for the Republican Party in ways few other leaders can,” he wrote in the Washington Post. He plans to endorse a candidate and obviously hopes to defeat former President Donald Trump, who, he argues, is a sure loser in November.

But his advice for candidates may not be helpful beyond New Hampshire. In a cheap shot at Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), currently Trump’s strongest opponent, Sununu says Republicans “must abandon the issues that are solely made for social media headlines, such as banning books or issuing curriculum fiats to local school districts” and “should reembrace local control.”

That makes sense in Sununu’s state, where the largest school district, Manchester, has 12,400 students and 52,000 voters. But DeSantis’ Florida and many other states have countywide school districts.

Florida’s second-largest district, Broward County, has 260,000 students and 959,000 voters. Those voters couldn’t prevent the school board and administrators from refusing to remove the Parkland mass shooter or to get the police to enter the building and stop the killing. DeSantis had to take over and fire those responsible and is now backing school board candidates around the state.

Another difference: Some 54% of Sununu’s New Hampshire’s Republican primary electorate in 2016 were college graduates, wary of proposals that liberal media cast as intolerant. But the state isn’t typical in this regard. According to 2020 and 2022 exit polls, some 62% of Republican voters aren’t college graduates.

And as The New York Times’ ace election analyst Nate Cohn has argued persuasively, exit polls seem to overstate the percentage of collegeeducated voters.

The other reason to embrace issues Sununu dismisses as “solely made for social media headlines” is that, properly articulated, Republican positions are in line with the broad spectrum of public opinion while only handfuls embrace many Biden administration positions. Should pornographic books be available in kindergarten through third grade classrooms or libraries? That’s what DeSantis’ bill, mislabeled as “Don’t Say Gay,” requires. How many voters disagree?

Should teenagers under 18 get government aid for irreversible surgeries such as breast removal without parental consent? That’s what the Biden administration is encouraging as “gender-affirming care.” How many voters back that?

And what about gas stoves? Last February, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) scoffed that “nobody is taking away your gas stove.” Then, in May, New York’s legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul

passed a bill banning gas stoves in new construction. The law is based on an environmentalist study that the Washington Post’s Megan McArdle labeled as “less-than-rock-solid evidence,” including, as National Review’s Noah Rothman writes, testing gas cooking in an “airtight” room sealed by “clear plastic sheets.”

As Rothman notes, liberal Democrats are going after affordable conveniences many rely on, including gas furnaces and hot water heaters, air conditioners, dishwashers and gas-powered lawn mowers. And don’t get them started on washer-dryer units that leave clothes soggy as European units do.

Then there are the Biden administration policies intended to force people into electric cars. Little attention is given to vast amounts of exotic minerals such as lithium produced in China or other faraway countries.

Green New Deal enthusiasts in and out of the Biden administration blithely assume that thousands of electric charging stations will spring up and charge your e-vehicle in minutes and that we’ll be able to produce the near-doubling of electricity production needed for a mostly electric car fleet. It won’t be easy with environmentalists bringing lawsuits to stop transmission lines from bringing electricity from high-wind areas to highpopulation areas.

Harder heads are dubious. In 2022, Warren Buffett, a Biden supporter, expressed doubts the United States was close to moving away from dependency on oil. “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or five years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.” He’s putting his money lately into oil and fossil fuels.

Similarly, Vaclav Smil, the premier historian and analyst of technology, writes in his 2022 book “How the World Really Works,” “Complete decarbonization of the global economy by 2050 is now conceivable only at the cost of unthinkable global economic retreat, or as a result of extraordinarily rapid transformations relying on near-miraculous technical advances.”

As Smil notes, the “four material pillars” of our civilization -cement, steel, plastics and ammonia (for fertilizers necessary to feed 8 billion people) -- all require huge inputs of fossil fuels, and there are no substitutes for them on the horizon.

College graduate voters, in New Hampshire and elsewhere, may not like hearing that their green dreams are just dreams. But most people can be convinced they are nightmares to be avoided.

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

Nothing to see here but a credible whistleblower accusing the President of bribery

To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN has been accused by a credible informant of allegedly taking $5 million in “a bribery scheme with a foreign national” while he was the sitting vice president. That seems like a pretty big story, but what do I know?

Apparently, there’s a document laying out the accusation in some detail, and not one cooked up by an oppo-research firm for the Republican National Committee and then disseminated to saps in the media to try and delegitimize a presidential election. No, it’s in an unclassified FD-1023 form, used by law enforcement to record credible tips. Granted, it’s not in the possession of BuzzFeed, but rather the vaunted FBI, which refuses to hand it to Congress for some reason. And there is no curiosity on the part of establishment media to find out what it says.

I know, I know, it’s getting tedious asking people to imagine the thermonuclear media blast they’d be swept up in if a Republican president had been accused of bribery by an FBI informant. This is the way of the world. To this point, the debate over the proper pronunciation of Ron DeSantis’ last name has gotten more coverage than the president possibly pocketing millions of dollars through shell corporations.

Though, I suppose that’s not exactly right. Biden’s Praetorian Guard have begun to preemptively frame chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer, as some devious nut for demanding the FBI hand over documents. This is what they did to Devin Nunes, who turned out to be correct in his assessment of the Russia collusion investigation.

Whatever the case, there isn’t a real journalist in the universe -- not a beat

or

editor -- who wouldn’t want to

read an informant’s account of a sitting president taking a bribe. You can debunk it. You can prove it. But you want to see it.

But therein lies the problem. There aren’t many journalists left.

Last week, CNN ran a piece that might well have been sent verbatim from the FBI press shop. CNN’s “sources” claimed “origins in a tranche of documents that Rudy Giuliani provided to the Justice Department in 2020” and the investigation led nowhere. A big nothingburger.

It’s this CNN story, and another version in the Washington Post (almost surely from the same sources), that allowed Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to claim that “Rudy Giuliani surfaced these allegations,” and that a “team” had looked at the document and “in August determined that there was no grounds to escalate from an initial assessment to a preliminary investigation.”

But Attorney General William Barr told The Federalist that the investigation had never been closed; it had merely been sent to an office in Delaware. And the document did not emanate from Giuliani -- the same ploy used to undercut the New York Post’s reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop story -- but from a 2017 whistleblower report that showed up in a 2020 search. No one has come forward to accuse Barr of lying, so I assume the above is true.

Who knows what this is all about? I’ve learned not to make too many assumptions. For all I know, this all leads to a rickety accusation and a dead end.

That, however, doesn’t mean that there isn’t already tons of circumstantial evidence that Joe Biden participated in his family’s shady business.

Which makes the existence of this document highly newsworthy.

We know that the president lied about his knowledge of Hunter’s relationships with Ukrainian energy concerns and Chinese interests. We have emails implicating the president as a participant in Hunter’s schemes -- emails authenticated by forensic specialists. We have witnesses, including a former Naval technology officer, contending that Biden is the “big guy” Hunter is talking about in those emails. Even the Obama administration was alarmed about the Biden family business.

Almost a year ago, former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro was indicted and arrested by the FBI for ignoring a congressional subpoena by the Jan 6 commission. He was handcuffed and denied permission to make a phone call to a lawyer. Today, it’s the FBI that is ignoring subpoenas. And there will be no one to arrest FBI Director Christopher Wray for contempt.

There will also be no more sanctimonious speeches or grandstanding from Democrats regarding the sacred need for transparency and separation of powers. “Democracy” is no longer in danger, apparently. Of course, we expect jawdropping hypocrisy from politicians. We expect a politicized Justice Department to protect Democrats. Nowadays, we also expect the complete abdication of journalistic responsibility from a partisan big media. And that’s a massive problem.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Helen Ozment

June 9, 2023

Helen Ozment, 84 of Pinehurst, passed away on June 9, 2023 at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Helen loved her family above all else. Her second love in life was for sports, especially golf. She was active in numerous golf clubs over the years and was very competitive. She played with the Silver Foils, volunteered with Girls Golf, and won many tournaments. Besides sports, she had a passion for watercolor painting and exhibited at the Campbell House. Helen enjoyed traveling, nurturing her beautiful flowers and plants, and participating in the local garden club. She had one sister, Barbara, and is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Burton Richard Ozment; a son; a daughter, Sandi; and a brother, Perry.

Terry Lee Michael

June 28, 1948 - June 7, 2023

Terry Lee Michael, 74, of West End, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at his residence.

Terry was born on June 28, 1948 in Moore County, NC to the late Charles Marvin Michael and the late Margaret Chriscoe Michael. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 43 years, Georgia Simpson Michael; son Shawn Michael; daughter Amber Marie Michael; and son Charles William “Dub” Michael (Heather); grandchildren Noah Ashton Thornton, Ayden Christopher Thornton, Hannah Elizabeth Holder, Charles William “C.W.” Michael, II and Chase Joseph Michael. Terry is also survived by his sisters, Vickie Michael McInnis (Richard) and Patsy Michael McDonald (the late Jimmy McDonald); his brother Charles Marvin “Mike” Michael, Jr. (Mary) and a host of other extended family and friends.

Terry was a loving father and a super proud grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Mary Ann Matthewson

December 17, 1939 - June 6, 2023

Mary Ann Matthewson, 83, following a short illness, peacefully passed away at the home of her dreams surrounded by loving family.

Mary Ann was born December 17, 1939, in Vass, NC, to the late Latisha Elizabeth Stanley and Charlie Gray Griffin. She attended Kellogg Community College and was the owner/operator of Lydia’s, an upscale resale shop, in Pinehurst, NC. Mary Ann was the first female president of the Battle Creek (Michigan) Optimist Club. She had been a life-time member of Rocky Fork Christian Church in Sanford and, in later years, a regular attendee of the St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church in Seven Lakes. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Edwin Howell Matthewson; daughter Judy Spivey (Jeff) of Pinehurst; greatgranddaughter Lydia VanDerveer; and sisters Joyce Thomas and Ellen Williams.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ann is predeceased by granddaughter Christina Spivey VanDerveer, sisters Vester Southern and Katie Badgett, and brothers James and Worth Griffin.

Merrill Rayvon Sides

March 20, 1936 - June 6, 2023

Merrill “Rayvon” Sides, 87, of Aberdeen, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023.

A life - long Aberdeen resident, Rayvon was born March 20th, 1936 to the late Colon Spain and Opal Lucas Sides. He was survived by his loving wife Catherine Stewart Sides, his son, Tony Sides (Roxanne) of Aberdeen, daughter, Pam Harrill of Indian Trail,NC, and brother Larry C. Sides of Aberdeen. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Catherine Mandzy (Christian) of Hattiesburg, MS, Amanda Finnen(Casey White) of Columbia, SC, James Patrick Finnen (Casey) of Easley, SC and Danny Harrill of Stallings, NC. Rayvon was the great grandfather of: Kaden McVerry, Hailey McVerry, Parker Mandzy and Harper Finnen. He is also survived by 5 step - grandchildren, and 7 stepgreat grandchildren.

Mark Alan Adel

September 11, 1956 - June 5, 2023

Mark Alan Adel, 66 of Pinehurst, passed away on June 5, 2023 at his home.

Born on September 11, 1956 in Niagara Falls, New York to the late Jerome and Hazel Adel. Mark opened a tax business in 2010 and was known locally as the “Tax Guru” for over 10 years. Mark also sat on several business and charity boards including the Moore County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Pinehurst Merchants Association Board and was active in Kiwanis.

Mark was an avid golfer and loved spending time with his family, friends and beloved rescue pets as well as traveling to visit Camelia’s family in Europe.

He is survived by his wife, Camelia Stoica; three children, Jessica Williams (John), Michael Adel (Stacie) and Gregory Adel (Stephanie); one sister, Phyllis Pontius; also survived by three grandchildren, Renee, Rachel and Brianna.

Ronald Owen

McKenzie

March 27, 1940 - June 5, 2023

Ronald Owen McKenzie, 83 of West End, passed away on June 5, 2023 at his home.

He was Born on March 27, 1940 in Moore County to the late Patrick and Magdalene McKenzie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, James McKenzie; and four brothers, Tony, Wesley, Pete and Darius. He is survived by four children, Carleen Alvarez of West End, Jeffrey McKenzie of West End, Robert McKenzie of Vass and Lacey McLaughlin of Eastwood; five siblings, Dan and Sally McKenzie of Apex, Erwin and Rose McKenzie of Michigan, Marcie and Mitchell Fowler of Pinebluff, Brenda Fields and Bobby of Statesville and Larry McKenzie of Eastwood; also survived by nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Roger Lee Brown

July 11, 1983 ~ June 5, 2023

Roger Lee Brown of Carthage passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the age of 39.

Roger was born on July 11, 1983, and was raised in Moore County. He enjoyed spending time with his family and fishing. He deeply loved his family more than anything. Roger was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Joe Brown He leaves behind his four children, Tatiana, Joey, Roman, and Roger Lee, Jr.; his mother, Mary Belton; his sisters, Carol Richardson, Tammy Hudson, and Cathy Clark.

Nancy Lee Falkenstern

October 15, 1953 - June 3, 2023

Nancy Lee Falkenstern, 69, passed peacefully on Saturday, June 3rd.

Born in Englewood, NJ, she was the daughter of Dolores (Belcher) Carlos and the late John “Jack” Carlos.

On August 30, 1975, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne W. Falkenstern. The two soon started a family as Nancy continued her education, earning her certification from Hackensack Medical School. She would go on to work as a Lab Technician Bergen Community College.

Nancy is the wife of Wayne Walter Falkenstern. In addition to her mother, Dolores Carlos, she is survived by her daughters Jennifer Falkenstern and Alyson Falkenstern and son Bryan Falkenstern. She was the grandmother of Taylor Rayne Coleman, and Curtis “Trey” Coleman, III. Nancy was the sister of Laurie Carlos, Janet Carlos, William “Billy” Carlos and the late Jeanne Carlos. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and In - Laws.

C hatham News & R e C oR d

By Ben Rappaport Chatham News & Record

KALLIE PHILLIPS walks into the Chatham Central Football Stadium with a slight smirk on her face. It’s a grin that says “I made it, and I’m proud of myself.”

As Phillips struts onto the field and toward the stage — her

bright red cap and gown glistening as the sun sets over the stadium — the familiar tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” blares over the speakers. It may be the final time she walks on the Chatham Central High School campus with all her classmates by her side, but she says it’s a milestone just to make it to this point.

“I’m feeling a mix of happy

Class of 2023 walks across the stage, leaps into the future Chatham’s Community Assessment analyzes health disparities for LGBTQ+ residents

By Taylor Heeden Chatham News & Record

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE is something everyone has to worry about, but for some groups, specialized care is necessary to have the best quality of life.

The Chatham County Community Assessment was designed to help point out the needs of all of the communities in Chatham, including what it calls “historically marginalized groups.” For the first time in the health department’s history, a special section of the community assessment was created in 2021 to address the needs of Chatham County’s LGBTQ+ community.

“We felt it was important to include LGBTQ+ issues as its own section this time around due in part to the amount of data we had on hand and the unique struggles this population experiences,” Chatham County Public Health Communications Specialist Zachary Horner said. “We (Cha-

tham County Dept. of Public Health) offer a range of public health clinical services, including STD testing and treatment, that can be tailored to the needs of clients, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. We also refer clients to additional supports and resources.”

According to the community assessment, 3.3% of Chatham County adults said they identify as LGBTQ+, which is estimated to be about 2,570 people. The assessment defines LGBTQ+ to “reference individuals who have a sexual orientation other than heterosexual or straight or whose gender identity differs from that assigned at birth.”

A poll conducted by Gallup showed 7.2% of adults identify as LGBTQ+, while 86% said they were heterosexual and 7% didn’t answer the question.

“As is typically the case, the greatest share of LBGT adults — more than half, or 4.2% of all U.S. adults — identify as bisexual,” the report reads. “About one in five LGBT adults identify as gay, about one in seven say they are lesbian, and slightly fewer than one in 10 identify as transgender.”

LGBTQ+ people face a

and relieved and excited,” Phillips said as she adjusted her cap. “You have to do it for yourself, not for anybody else. My name is on the diploma, not anyone else.”

The diploma she received, along with the 104 other graduates from the Chatham Central High School’s class of 2023, is what Chatham County Schools

Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson calls a launching pad for the future. Throughout the year, he’s consistently pitched that graduating from Chatham County School district is just the start to a successful adult life.

Phillips, who graduated cum laude, seems to have taken that message to heart. Next year she’ll attend the University of Mount Olive where she intends to study agricultural business and animal science. Other graduates are off to Central Carolina Community College, entering straight into the workforce or taking a year to travel and work through a gap year.

Getting to that launching pad has been anything but easy for the class of 2023. Most notably, they endured the challenges of virtual learning due to Covid-19, and the unsteady return to the classroom. The setbacks of that global pandemic have some graduates feeling unsure if they’re completely ready to take on the challenges of the adult world.

“I don’t know how to feel,” said Brycen Edwards, a CCHS graduate. “This is where real life starts, it starts to get real.”

He said his whole high school

See GRADUATION, page A12

Proposed bill would alter state, county election board appointments

State Board of Elections would go from five to eight members; General Assembly would make the appointments

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), along with Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee Chairmen Sens. Warren Daniel (R-Burke) and Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus), introduced legislation aimed at reforming the structure of the State Board of Elections during a press conference on Monday.

“We are living in a time of intense political polarization,” Berger said. “Having a Board of

Elections that is controlled by one party only sows distrust in our elections, and we must find a new approach to quell concerns that cast doubt on the fairness of our elections.”

During the press conference, Berger cited a poll that showed only half of North Carolinians think elections will be free and fair.

“Just as one party shouldn’t have total control over appointments, one person shouldn’t be in charge of making those appointments,” Daniel said in a statement. “This proposal widens the pool of eligible board members and allows for all 170 members of the General Assembly to have a say in the appointment process. We want the best, most qualified appointees from

across the state to serve on the board, and this proposal will accomplish that.”

Newton added, “We want a Board of Elections that can come to bipartisan compromise, instead of pushing partisan policy goals. Elections are critical to our democracy and any changes should be made by consensus.”

Senate Bill 749, titled No Partisan Advantage in Elections, would change the makeup of the State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to eight members up from five effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The appointment breakdown would be two members appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, two members appointed by the speaker of the

PHOTOS BY MATT RAMEY | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Chatham County Schools celebrated graduation this past weekend. See more photos online at chathamnewsrecord.com.

NSJ FILE PHOTO

The General Assembly in Raleigh is featured in this photo.

Chatham News & Record www.chathamnewsrecord.com

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CORRECTION

In the story, “From dream to nightmare: Siler City home in disrepair despite inspections approvals,” which ran in the June 8-14 edition, there was a typographical error that misnamed the Muehlbach’s daughter, Hanna. The original story also indicated the family spent $500,000; they have spent $80,000. This information has been updated in the online version of the story. The Chatham News & Record apologizes for these errors.

A gate blocks the road leading to the West End Substation, at 6910 NC Hwy 211 in West End.

Hudson to hold field hearing in Pinehurst about substation attacks

North State Journal

PINEHURST — U.S.

Rep. Richard Hudson (NC09) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy Rogers (R-WA), and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) announced last Friday that they would be holding a field hearing on Friday, June 16, in Pinehurst. The field hearing will be open to the public and the press and is set to take place at 10 a.m. at 395 Magnolia Rd. in Pinehurst. The title of the hearing is “Enhancing America’s Grid Security and Resilience.”

In December 2022, two

electric substations in Moore County were intentionally attacked, resulting in widespread power outages that affected over 45,000 customers and lasted several days. An investigation into the attack is still ongoing, which involves the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and several county sheriff’s offices. Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection to the attacks but are currently offering a $25,000 reward for information pertaining to the incident. “Protecting the electric grid in our region and across the country is crucial to our national security and the wellbeing of all Americans,” said Hudson. “As Moore Coun-

Guide COMMUNITY

ty’s Congressman, I am committed to finding solutions to strengthen our power grid in order to protect my constituents and prevent energy infrastructure attacks from happening again. I look forward to bringing my House colleagues to North Carolina next week.”

Following the attack, Hudson toured the impacted substation and met with Duke Energy and the Department of Energy to further discuss the importance of securing the region’s energy grid. For those individuals who are unable to attend the hearing in person, a livestream of the event can be online at http://energycommerce. house.gov/.

The Siler City Lion’s Club meetings for June at Dry Dock Seafood Restaurant, will be June 27 at 6 p.m. Join the Club, and see that you can make a difference in the world and your local community. We meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Together we serve! Chatham Community Library is offering free online genealogy classes in June. Class descriptions and a registration link can be found at www.chathamcountync.gov/ ComputerClasses. Call 919545-8086 or email reference@ chathamlibraries.org for more information. - Going Digital with Genealogy, Part 1: June 21, Wednesday, 3:00 pm. Learn what it means to go digital with your genealogy research. Jim Davis, CCL’s genealogy volunteer, will cover filing and naming systems, metadata, media files, and more.Going Digital with Genealogy, Part 2: June 28, Wednesday, 3:00 pm. Learn about tools for going digital with your genealogy research, including hardware and software, backup options, and collaboration tools.

The Goldston Public Library announces the Goldston Book Club, every 2nd Monday of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m. Individuals who are interested in joining a book club can stop by the Goldston Public Library.

The Chatham County Council on Aging will host a “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” support group the first Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Western Chatham Senior Center, Siler City. This group is geared toward older adults who are primary caregivers and providers for their grandchildren. For more information, contact William Riggsbee at 919-742-3975 ext. 223 or email william.riggsbee@ chathamcountync.gov.

The Chatham County Council on Aging hosts a Caregiver Support Group each Monday.s The group meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 3 p.m. at the Eastern Chatham Senior Center, in Pittsboro, and the second Monday at 3 p.m. at the Western Chatham Senior Center, in Siler City. The fourth Monday of each month is a virtual meeting via the Zoom platform starting at 6 p.m. This group is geared toward family members who are currently providing short - or longterm care to loved ones. For more information or to obtain virtual meeting login information, contact William Riggsbee, family caregiver specialist, at 919-742-3975 ext. 223 or email william.riggsbee@ chathamcountync.gov.

COMMUNITY MEALS

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Pittsboro distributes two meals each week for the benefit of the community. From noon to 1 p.m. each Thursday, the Pittsboro Community Lunch (in its 15th year!) provides healthy, ready-to-eat meals to all who come. Just arrive hungry! Then from 4:30 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday, the Chatham Chuckwagon provides cooked/frozen entrees that are ideal for quick dinners. These meals are provided at no cost (although donations are welcomed!). Our volunteers invite you to join our efforts to preserve a caring and sharing community spirit. The church is located at 204 W. Salisbury St., Pittsboro. For more information, call 919-5425679.

Second Bloom’s hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday until Saturday. Credit cards are accepted. We are located in the Food Lion shopping center, Pittsboro. All proceeds provide support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and promote community education in collaboration with Chatham County.

FOSTER AND/OR ADOPTIVE

INFORMATION

Give children a safe place to grow. Interested in becoming a Foster and/or adoptive parent? Call 919-642-6956 to learn more.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS North Carolina District 33, call the Help Line at 866-640-0180 for the meeting schedule for this area.

MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION

The Motorcycle Association for Chatham, Western Wake, Lee, Orange and Alamance counties meets in Pittsboro and is open to all riders. For information, call 919-392-3939 or visit www. chathamCBA.com.

“Join the conversation”

Cooper launches gun safety program similar to provision in vetoed bill

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH —Democratic

Gov. Roy Cooper announced the NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) program on June 6 to “urge North Carolinians to take action to safely store their firearms and save lives.”

The N.C. S.A.F.E. website has a map of safe storage locations as well as firearm storage options and a checklist for the steps to effectively secure firearms. Additionally, a YouTube channel has been set up with video tips on storing firearms.

“For those of us who own guns, it’s our responsibility to keep them safe and out of the wrong hands,” the governor said in a press release. “Safe storage is an essential part of responsible gun ownership, and this initiative will encourage North Carolinians to safely secure their firearms in their homes and vehicles.”

With the rollout of the program, Cooper also proclaimed June 4-10 as the “NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action” to raise awareness about safe gun storage.

Cooper’s N.C. S.A.F.E. program will cost $2.5 million, and the state is applying for federal funding to extend the program. The money will pay for television ads and the purchase of 25,000 gun locks and 200

gun safes to hand out at events during the weeklong statewide tour promoting the program.

The program appears to mirror certain aspects of Senate Bill 41, a bill vetoed by Cooper during the current legislative session that was overridden. The bill, now law, repealed the state’s duplicative pistol permit purchase law but also included a public awareness campaign for safe gun storage.

Under the gun safety section of the new law, which is effective July 1, the N.C. Department of Public Safety (DPS) would develop an educational website that would include information on firearm stor-

age, relevant state laws, how to get free gun locks and a toolkit for local governments to set up their own safe storage initiatives.

“I think the governor is doing everything he can to stay politically relevant. Last month it was his fake state of emergency,” Sen. Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck) told North State Journal in an email statement. “Now, he’s taking a provision from a bill he vetoed and using it for his own gain. I’m not sure I’d call that governing. At this point it’s not worth paying much attention to.”

Additional gun safety legislation being worked on in the

General Assembly includes House Bill 56, which addresses the safe storage of guns and includes a tax credit. The bill is being led by Reps. Erin Paré (R-Wake), Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne), Jay Adams (R-Catawba) and Allison Dahle (D-Wake).

Reporting to the Joint Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on the progress of the gun safety provision of the law by DPS, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Wildlife Resources Commission is required by Sept. 1, 2024.

Cooper’s press release quotes N.C. Department of Public

Immigrant Community Advisory Committee discusses Language Access Plan implementation

By Valeria Cloës Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — The Immigrant Community Advisory Committee met at 6 p.m. on June 7 at City Hall with a language access coordinator to learn more about the Language Access Plan in order help improve communication between the immigrant communities and the town in Siler City.

Susan Clifford is the Language Access Coordinator at the Institute for the Study of the Americas (ISA) at UNC-Chapel Hill for their Building Integrated Communities initiative. She presented on language access, how ISA implements it, related laws, as well as best practices to implement it.

Language Access is the prac-

tice of providing community members with “Limited English Proficiency (LEP)” documents and services in other languages apart from English. While the U.S. government uses LEP, ISA prefers to use “people who prefer a language other than English (LOTE),” to refer to that same community.

There are federal requirements to have language access if receiving federal funds, she said.

“In order to be compliant, you’re supposed to basically have meaningful access, and that can be outlined within a language access plan,” Clifford said.

For example, Clifford listed the Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related Executive Orders and Attorney General Memos, Affordable Care

Act Section 1557, Stafford Act, which require to provide language access if one receives federal funding.

In addition, Clifford gave starting off points for groups like the Immigrant Advisory Committee to implement language access or to promote it to town officials.

The first of which was to “look at historical work,” Clifford’s presentation read, examine what has been implemented before and what funding departments receive.

The second point was to choose representatives from different departments across the town, like Utilities, Parks & Recreation, Human Resources and others, to form a language access team, she said.

Finally, she said to designate

a language access coordinator and other staff members to lead and implement the Language Access Plan.

Other tools Clifford said were useful was www.lep.gov, a website with planning tools and templates to create a Language Access Plan.

Clifford said Chapel Hill and Durham have good examples of implementing Language Access Plans, seen on each of their websites.

However, even with a plan in place, she said, annual check-ins are highly recommended.

“It’s recommended, too,” she said. “From the federal tool that’s on www.lep.gov and others that you have an annual check in on your data: how are things going, your internal data, your external data, checking

Safety Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, saying that children gaining access to guns is increasing and “more than 20% of youth car break-ins involve guns. That’s double what we’ve seen in recent years.”

The governor’s N.C. S.A.F.E. press release lists increases in crime statistics for gun theft in urban areas, inadvertently admitting those crimes have spiked during his second term.

Cooper’s statement also pointed to his March 2023 creation of a statewide Office of Violence Prevention that contains gun safety issues and his 2019 gun safety directive to the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) to “close crime reporting gaps between state and federal agencies.”

The press release accompanying the 2019 directive says that Cooper directed the SBI to do a “comprehensive inventory of the quality of information North Carolina shares with the federal background check system known as National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).”

The press release then states the study found “284,289 individual instances of criminal convictions that had previously been unreported in the NICS database” that were then corrected and added to NICS. No further updates appear to have been published related to Cooper’s 2019 directive.

with your staff, checking with community, like “How is this going? What tweaks do we need to make?’”

Clifford’s presentation outlined actions the town of Siler City has done to improve language access, such as “established a bilingual pay policy, increased bilingual staff [in certain departments], formed the Immigrant Community Advisory Committee, added a Google Translate button to the Town’s website/homepage [and] provided Spanish interpretation at BOC meetings [as requested].”

Amidst learning more about language access and asking follow-up questions, the Immigrant Advisory Committee did not come to any resolutions or actions and “will continue to have conversation to bring language access to Siler City,” Victoria Navarro, member of Immigrant Advisory Committee, said.

The Immigrant Advisory Committee’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, at City Hall in Siler City.

COURTESY OF N.C. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Gov. Roy Cooper talks with an attendee at his NC S.A.F.E. kickoff event.

VISUAL VOICES

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

The greatest high school commencement address

There is one unexpected moment so arresting that all the adults uncross their legs, adjust their glasses and cock their heads, thinking, did that really just happen?!

… WOULD BE SHORT, obviously. No one is there to hear this speech. Not even the speaker’s own spouse. Everyone faces a yawning line of graduates from Alvarez to Zaytoun.

So, no introduction. Save everyone the perfunctory gratitude for the honor and privilege of speaking, blah, blah, blah. Launch into the story. Every crowd is a collection of people in different head spaces, but Henri Nouwen was right: “As long as we have stories to tell each other, there is hope.”

This story that begins the greatest high school commencement address appears to be simple. It is personal but not self-indulgent. It is light and sparkly, like a confetti shower. It is the kind of story that my late friend Brian Doyle labeled “a cheerful, nutty, everyday story.” This story might feature a passing reference to a young child. It ends in the way the old prayer book calls “a good and joyful thing.”

But here is what makes The Story: There is one unexpected moment so arresting that all the adults uncross their legs, adjust their glasses and cock their heads, thinking, did that really just happen?! Sensing a change in the air, the younger siblings pop up their heads from playing on the floor like gophers from their holes! And the attention of the graduates is grabbed like one of those giant hooks used to pull someone off the stage.

But no one will want to pull the speaker off the stage. Remember, the commencement address is short. The sentences that follow The Story are neatly organized and arranged like the rows of folding chairs in the

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

My darn brain…

“Love Thy Neighbor — No Exceptions.”

This being human thing …

It’s hard, hard, hard.

My deeply-held values meet my brain’s eons-old inherited neuroscience-based reality.

Sigh.

I (proudly) have a bumper sticker affixed to my car, “Love Thy Neighbor — No Exceptions.” Uh-huh. Try this little experiment. Follow the bumper sticker’s suggestion of loving each friend and neighbor who comes to mind.

I flame out, with embarrassment, (good peaceloving Quaker that I am) usually in the first one to two minutes.

Why you ask? Let’s just lay it on the line. My brain’s inherited neuroscience-based reality intrudes. Of course, since we’re all humans, it’s your inherited reality too.

Inherited? Huh? What’s the nature of a reality that undermines “loving thy neighbor?” My personal reality is that of one who judges — others — a lot. (Cringe. It’s difficult to out myself. I really, really want to be perfect. Next life …)

Back to this innate judging “reality” thing which stampedes right over my hoped-for values of loving my neighbors (and also the capacity to demonstrate my sterling character to others.)

First, there’s this teeny-tiny problem with my brain. I’m innately primed to judge others so I can move safely through the world. Safely? Our collective human story goes back millions of years when survival was based on split-second judgments about predators — which ones I could eat and which ones could eat me.

“Oh, no, get me out of here! Jeez, look at those sharp

audience. The speech sticks its dismount. People are moved to applause, in part because it was brief. As they clap, their focus is already shifting to the whole reason they are there — to watch their loved ones walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.

Time moves on; so do people. Teachers and classmates are forgotten. The name of the commencement speaker will be forgotten by some on the drive home that evening.

Yet, as long as we have stories to tell each other, there is hope. That Moment in The Story — the one that magically gripped everyone’s attention — will be remembered. It will return to one graduate just before she walks down the aisle; to another as he kneels before a fresh grave. Still others will recall That Moment as they rock their newborns late into the night. Or, when stuck in a traffic jam, something plays on the Sirius XM or is glimpsed in the face of a stranger in the neighboring car, and everything returns — what it was like to be 18 years old, sitting there sweating under a silly square hat, about to take a leap into the unknown.

Maya Angelou might as well have been thinking of the greatest high school commencement address when she declared, “People will forget what you said, … but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As long as we have stories to tell each other, there is hope.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church. His newly-published book is a collection of his columns for the Chatham News + Record titled “Hope Matters: Churchless Sermons.”

teeth!”

Our brains continue to be primed regarding protecting us from predators. And making snap judgments about others (predator/non-predator) is still a hard-wired part of our modern brains.

Getting down to brass tacks, we’re primed to look for the negative (sabertooth tigers or whatever the modern version might be) because quick judgments of BAD are what kept us alive millions of years ago and remain part of our brain’s mainframe today. Paying attention to “loving my neighbor,” but not the charging Tyrannosaurus rex, probably didn’t bolster my chances of survival eons ago. You got it?

So what’s a “Love Thy Neighbor — No Exceptions” bumper sticker kind-of-gal to do with, yes, an eonsold, reactive brain mechanism, continuing to be on the lookout for threatening modern-day T. rex’s? OK, let’s just say it, still predator-challenged, after all these years!

You ready? Be nice to myself. Yep, you read that correctly, be nice to myself. Evolution is S-L-O-W. I have a better understanding of my predator-challenged brain, but can still be driven by reactivity.

However, I am human and growing my conscious awareness as best I can, minute to minute. So let’s give me a break! I work hard at this and deserve it! (You do, too.)

And, in the meanwhile, the bumper sticker “Love Thy Neighbor — No Exceptions” may be above my current reactivity pay grade. I’d like something more in line with my present-day process of SLOWLY evolving.

Hmmm … What about “Humankind — Be Both?”

That bar isn’t set so high …

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Dear Chatham, I trust you

I HAVE A CONFESSION: I LOVE YOU.

Perhaps it sounds melodramatic, but it’s true. Over this past year and three months, I have fallen head over heels for Chatham County. You’ve shown me more about myself than I ever thought possible, picked me up when I was down and most importantly, filled me with stories to last a lifetime.

That love is also what makes saying goodbye so bittersweet.

I have poured my soul into the Chatham News + Record, and you have given me so much in return. But the thing about putting so much of yourself into work is that something else has to give.

There have been countless nights where I lost sleep over you, chose you over my friends and sacrificed my well-being all because I believed in the value of giving you strong local reporting. You deserved news you could rely on, and journalism that showed you the beauty of your community.

I still believe you deserve that. But I also have to trust you’ll be OK without me. And I know, you will be.

As a graduate fresh out of the UNC journalism school, I worried you may take my lack of experience as a reason to ignore me, or not take me seriously. Instead, you welcomed my curiosity with open arms.

You invited me into your churches, community organizations and classrooms. You shared stories of family history, passion projects and even obscure farming practices. And through each of your stories, I became more entranced with your intricacies.

I felt a passion for public education when I learned the ins and outs of Chatham County Schools and its interactions with the state legislature.

I felt the uncertainty of potential birth givers when the only maternal care clinic in the area was under threat of closing down.

I felt the frustration of the Merry Oaks community when plans showed roadway improvements taking their beloved church — the last pillar in a once thriving rural community.

I have felt the full spectrum of emotions right alongside you as you have endured the highs and lows of this

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

past year. And through it all, I hope I provided you an empathetic ear and an outlet to share your feelings with the community.

Despite the 251 articles I wrote during my time here, however, there are still dozens of stories I’ve left unwritten, big questions I’ve left unasked and hundreds of voices I never heard from. I feel a sense of guilt about it all — that I could and should have done more for you.

Perhaps at the core of this is the sense that what I do is never good enough, no matter how much of myself I give, but that feels like an issue better suited for my therapist than the local paper.

In those moments of self-doubt, however, I also find myself leaning more into the trust I have in Chatham. You’ll keep uplifting the voices that matter, asking the questions that demand answers and telling the stories of this beautiful place.

It pains me to admit, but the truth remains: you will be OK without me.

There will always be a special place in my heart for the beautiful people of Chatham County. It’s hard to imagine that love wouldn’t have existed had it not been for the chance now-former News & Record publisher and editor Bill Horner III took on me, and his belief in me to tell stories that mattered. It was his guidance and wisdom that showed me I deserve a place in journalism, and I’m forever indebted to him for the community he created in the newsroom and the community.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank the tremendously talented newsroom of past and present — Jeremy, Maydha, Taylor, Valeria, Victor and Victoria — who have always offered me kindness, grace and friendship while creating a change-making paper week in and week out.

Of course, I also thank you, the people of Chatham County, for your hospitality and immense pride in your home. Even when you disagreed with my coverage, I know it always came from a place of love, and desire to see the best for your neighbors.

I’ll miss you all tremendously, but as the old saying goes, if you love something, you have to let it go.

What’s behind ‘holidays’ anyway?

On the desk in my study is a large calendar. Occasionally, I can find it if I move all the papers, notes, stacks of books to be read sometime, bits of memorabilia created by a grandchild or other assorted things.

On it are spaces for each day with enough room to write important notes or reminders, like “pay this bill by this date” or “don’t forget to eat supper” on this one or “go to the doctor” this day. Also, on some of those spaces are bits of information deemed significant, things like “summer begins” on June 21 or “Full moon” on Nov. 12.

But most of the other significant and meaningful events are holidays, many of them faith-based, things like Christmas Day or Easter, which some folks refer to as “Resurrection Sunday.” And there are other religious celebrations, the Jewish celebration Yom Kippur, for instance, as well as some from the Middle East I can’t pronounce.

There are other holidays — Thanksgiving, Independence Day, Halloween and All Saints’ Day, among others. In addition, there are nationalistic holidays — for the U.S., July 4, Independence Day and Patriots Day on Sept 11. Holidays of other nations are also marked — days like July 1, Canada Day, and Sept. 16, Mexico’s Independence Day.

But what really caught my eye as I pondered the notations was what’s behind those celebrations. Why are they there?

Take, for instance, May 1: “May Day.”

In Russia, there’s a bit of nationalistic pride, at least historically. The day once featured lengthy parades displaying vast amounts of Soviet military hardware. Most Soviet cities had obligatory workers’ marches that day until 1990. Two years later, the Russian Parliament renamed the holiday Spring and Labor Day.

In my growing up days in the suburbs of Pittsboro, 1960, population 1,080, May Day was the day we grabbed long ribbons tied to the top of a metal flagpole and danced around the Maypole on the front lawn of the high school, happy to see the arrival of spring, which meant it wasn’t long until school was out. Not sure I could dance anywhere today — or that you would want to see it, spring or no spring.

President’s Day, of course, once was Washington’s Birthday, celebrated Feb. 22, his birthday as well as that of my older brother who always said the national holiday was in his honor. It used to be that the holiday and day off was on whatever day of the week the 22nd happened to fall until somebody in Washington realized that if it was moved to the Monday closest to the 22nd then there could be a three-day weekend.

The logic, if there is such a thing, was that way all Presidents could be honored, including not only Washington but Millard Fillmore, as well.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Canada Day remembers July 1, 1867, when the Constitution Act was adopted and Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick became one nation while Mexico Independence Day honors that country’s independence in 1821 from Spain.

There’s another national day in Canada called Civic Holiday, Aug. 5. While it’s not a statutory federal holiday, many folks take the day off for what is often called “August long weekend,” a lesson learned by the Canadian ambassador to Washington.

Throughout the years, some holidays have been absorbed and the reasons for them modified. Again, in Canada, for instance, St. Jean Baptiste Day, celebrated mostly in Quebec, began as a religious celebration.

It’s now primarily a patriotic event after St. Jean was chosen as the patron and protector of the area. While there is a celebration of Mass, there’s also a lot of other events, including parades, bonfires, dances, fairs, food and some things not necessarily religious in nature.

Other holidays have interesting backgrounds. Take, for instance, Boss’s Day — Oct. 16. Supposedly that’s a day when employees can thank their employers for being fair and kind. The only problem with that is that if your boss is neither, you may be between that proverbial rock and a hard place.

There are many who maintain it’s just a Hallmark Holiday, aimed at selling more greeting cards and gadgets. Corresponding to that is the once-named “Secretaries Day,” now going by the lengthier title of “Administrative Assistant Day.” Same idea, to many.

Lest you become saturated with more data than you’d like about holidays, I want to arrive at one last point. While all of the above may be a part of the larger view of life, what I really wonder about are some lesser-known celebrations, the kind that didn’t make the calendar.

Did you know, for instance, that June 8 is “Queen’s Official Birthday” in Tuvalu, a small Polynesian island that is part of the Commonwealth of Nations? Not sure if they have a cake when there is a queen but, hey, it’s a holiday.

And then two of my newly-found favorites — June 10 — “Worldwide Knit in Public Day” and, best of all, “National Ice Tea Day.”

We almost missed it. But to make up for that, I’ll have another round of Lipton’s best.

Happy Holidays to you.

Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and retired long-time managing editor of the Chatham News/ Chatham Record, having written a weekly column for more than 30 years. During most of his time with the newspapers, he was also a bi-vocational pastor and today serves Bear Creek Baptist Church for the second time as pastor.

To the editor:

Where does “Opinion” end and “uncalled for garbage” start? I am not a journalist but I would guess this week’s column would fit in with the latter.

While not a conservative, I found the Locke Foundation guy’s (John Hood’s) opinions quite informative, even when I disagreed with him. I am not a religious person but I love reading the Rev. TaylorTroutman pieces. I like to read different opinions that are well-researched and well-written.

Now: the last couple of editions hosted stream-of-consciousness from an apologist for the NRA, and an N.C. Senator sycophantic to “the former game host show turned president”. This one — like the fabled straw that broke the camel’s back — urged me to write in protest.

I rely on the newspaper for local news and — yes — some editorial content. So why do I object to this week’s?

I won’t insult you in listing all the demonstrated untruths and QAnonstyle deep-state conspiracy thinking, in alphabetic order or otherwise. I’ll just give you two examples that — to me — represent the whole piece in its biased, un-tethered to the facts and rich in selfserving.

The “opinion” guy calls Fox News an honest coverage fighting the corruption that exists in the big media (in cahoots with the FBI and current government of course, I guess he couldn’t remember how to spell “Soros” otherwise it would be included). Would that be the same Fox News that ran into trouble with its honest coverage of Dominion?

A second example is having a corrupt government endangering 200 years of freedom that can only be saved by him and his buddies. I guess they were somewhere in space fighting Jewish lasers while Jan. 6 happened?

You might agree or disagree — It is your right. That is until somebody says doublespeak and dissension will be dealt with. I hope that day is still far away, but the way it’s going, I am worried.

Paul Bernasconi, Siler City

BE IN TOUCH

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline. com or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words.

Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.

THANKS TO THE HOMOPHOBIC and transphobic cartoon that was published on the opinion pages of the June 8, 2023, issue of the Chatham News & Record, we now have a very clear idea about what the new owners of our community’s paper of record think about members of our LGBTQIA+ community. Rather than use their first issue as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to Chatham and to

the diversity of people who have lived here long before they arrived, they decided it was best to perpetuate stereotypes and “use their barrels of ink,” as my father used to say, to foment hate in our community and further marginalize those who already face discrimination on a daily basis. Our county is better than this and as a community, we demand better. Above all else, our children — many

of whom are members of our LGBTQIA+ community and many of whom already face enough hate and bullying from those who refuse to support them and their right to live authentically — deserve better.

Fortunately, that six-column photo of my wife Chef and Pittsboro restaurant owner Sera Cuni (pssst … she’s GAY!) on the front page of your paper appears to have drawn more attention and support than your childish cartoon. We are grateful to live in a community where differences are embraced rather than weaponized. Susan E. White, Pittsboro

‘We demand better’: Response to June 8 issue

pride 2023

Chatham County celebrates LGBTQ+ community | Pittsboro

LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated every June, and it recognizes the decades of history in the fight for equality for LGBTQ+ people. The month is often celebrated with festivals, which take place all over the state and the country. And for the first time in Chatham County history, one of those Pride events took place in Pittsboro.

PBO Pride welcomed nearly 1,000 people to The Plant on Sunday afternoon. The event featured various queer vendors, performers, a Pride parade, Free Mom Hugs (I received one from Pittsboro Commissioner John Bonitz) and a dance party. Piedmont Health Services also had a booth with various handouts, ranging from free candy to pamphlets for how to get started on HIV prevention medication. Piedmont Health Services also provides gender-affirming hormone treatment, which is often life-saving for transgender patients, and they provided information on what options LGBTQ+ patients had for care. Organizations such as Equality NC and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center from the Sanford Yoga and Community Center also provided resources to Pride attendees.

LGBTQ HEALTH from page 1 unique set of health disparities their heterosexual counterparts don’t, particularly in regard to LGBTQ+ youth. According to a report from the U.S. National Institutes of Health titled “Health Care Disparities Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: A Literature Review,” LGBTQ+ identifying youth are “at a higher risk for substance use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cancers, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, bullying, isolation, rejection, anxiety, depression, and suicide as compared to the general population.”

The Chatham County Community Assessment reached a similar conclusion: LGBTQ+

students have

a higher risk of suicide, depression, substance use disorder and poor academic performance than their peers.

“Sexual minority youth (SMY), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention … SMY have experienced violence, experienced poor mental and suicide ideation, and used high-risk substances than their non-SMY peers,” the community assessment states.

Around 12% of Chatham County students said they identified as either lesbian, gay or bisexual, and an additional 7% said they were unsure of their sexual orientation identity. To put that in perspective, 1,060 out of 8,832 identify as LGBTQ+ and another 618 are

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unsure of their sexual orientation.

The community assessment states one of the largest risks for LGBTQ+ youth in Chatham County is mental health. High school students identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual are almost four times more likely to attempt suicide, and they’re twice as likely to exhibit symptoms of depression such as feelings of worthlessness and guilt, suicide ideation, angry outbursts and more.

The community assessment also found LGBTQ+ identifying students in Chatham County were also:

Nearly three times as likely to be raped

“More than three times as likely to have experienced sexu-

al violence, physical dating violence and sexual dating violence at least once in the last year”

“Nearly twice as likely to say they strongly disagree, disagree, or are not sure that they feel good about themselves”

“Additionally, nearly half (47.6%) of gay, lesbian, or bisexual-identifying students in Chatham County said they had been the victim of teasing or name calling because someone thought they were gay, lesbian, or bisexual in the 12 months prior to the survey,” the community assessment states. “More than 1 in 4 Chatham County middle school students (26.2%) said they had ever been the victim of such teasing or name calling.”

The Chatham County Com-

munity Health Assessment also states North Carolina doesn’t have legislation requiring equal protection in employment, housing, or public accommodations, which it states could contribute to the negative mental health risks for LGBTQ+ residents. However, Chatham County Commissioners passed a “nondiscrimination ordinance,” which prohibits discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals in public places such as restaurants, shops and more. Chatham County became the 12th local government body in the state to pass such a policy.

Editor’s note: Zachary Horner is the son of former Chatham News & Record publisher Bill Horner III.

PHOTOS BY MATT RAMEY | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Colorful outfits were prominent at Sunday’s PBO Pride at The Plant in Pittsboro. PBO Pride saw almost 1,000 attendees on Sunday. The event marked the first time a LGBTQ+ Pride month celebration took place in Chatham County.

Gaines Oil Company celebrates 75 years of excellence in N. Carolina

North State Journal

GOLDSTON — Gaines Oil Company, one of the leading fuel and lubrication distribution companies in North Carolina, is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1948 in Goldston, North Carolina, by Arthur Forbes Gaines, a well-known sawmill operator, the company has been an independent distribution company offering customers several options for competitive prices while maintaining the best quality and service available anywhere in the industry for three-quarters of a century.

Through the years, Gaines Oil has become known for its dedication to excellence in every aspect of its operations. From distribution, emergency, and storm response, a nationwide fueling network, tank monitoring, and 24/7/365 customer service, Gaines Oil has consistently delivered exceptional results. Today, the company still operates out of Goldston and is passionate about serving its community.

“Our success would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our employees and loyal customers over the past 75 years,” said Todd Gaines, CEO of Gaines Oil Company. “We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to our success, and we look forward to continuing to service our customers and our community for many years to come.”

To mark its 75th anniversary, GOC hosted a celebration for the employees and special guests. During the event, Todd Gaines was presented with a Capital Citation from North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and a congratulatory statement from U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, both recognizing the impact Gaines Oil Company has had on the Goldston community and North Carolina for three generations.

Jack Pendergraph, business retention & expansion specialist at Chatham Economic Development Corporation also spoke to acknowledge Gaines’ sustained presence in Cha-

Parks and Recreation will host a Pollinator Week event

tham County and their planned growth.

As Gaines Oil Company looks to the future, the addition of 2,000 square feet of space to their existing location has begun and the company plans to add additional 14 employees over the next three years to their current count of 40. Their sales have more than doubled in the last five years earning them the #3 ranking as a Fast 50 Company by the Triangle Business Journal in 2022. Gaines looks forward to steady growth and continued expansion. The entire GOC team remains committed to upholding the highest standard of excellence, safety, and sustainability throughout the organization with a rich history and strong foundation in community support and involvement. Gaines Oil Company is well-positioned to continue leading the energy industry for many more years to come. For more information about Gaines Oil Company, please visit www.gainesoil.com.

From Chatham County Parks and Recreation

Chatham County Parks and Recreation invites the community to celebrate the natural resources in Chatham County at the Pollinator Week Celebration. This first-time event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Northeast District Park located at 5804 Big Woods Road, Chapel Hill. The Pollinator Week Celebration will feature family-friendly activities for nature lovers of all ages. Activities will include potting flowers that attendees get to take home, fishing on the pond sponsored by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, seed bombs with Pittsboro Parks and Recreation, and other fun and educational stations.

Community members can expect to see organizations such as Grand Trees of Chatham County, Friends of the Lower Haw, Chatham County Watershed

Protection, Chatham Beekeepers Association, The Haw River Assembly, and more! Chatham County Parks and Recreation will also be sharing information on local trails in celebration of the North Carolina Year of the Trail.

“National Pollinator Week takes place this year from June 19-25,” said Chatham County Parks and Recreation Director Tracy Burnett. “We thought this was a great opportunity to bring together organizations and individuals that share a mission of environmental stewardship, connect our community to nature, and celebrate natural resources in Chatham County.”

For more information, individuals may visit the Pollinator Week Celebration event on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCParksandRecNC/ events, or contact Mallory Peterson at 919-642-7086 or mallory.peterson@chathamcountync.gov.

Bill barring compelled speech in state hiring heads to governor’s desk

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A bill barring compelled speech in state hiring and workplaces received final approval from the General Assembly on June 6 and will head to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk.

Senate Bill 364, titled Nondiscrimination and Dignity in State Work, passed both chambers with veto-proof margins.

The Senate voted to concur with the House by a vote of 3015. Despite the vote being mainly down party lines, three Democrats voted to concur: Sens. Sydney Batch (D-Wake), Marry Wills Bode (D-Wake) and Kandie Smith (D-Pitt).

On May 31, the House passed the measure by a vote of 72-46 with no Democrats supporting the bill.

If enacted, the bill will add two new sections to the North Carolina Human Resources Act.

One section would prohibit any state agency, department or institution from compelling or soliciting an applicant for employment to “endorse or opine about beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles regarding matters of contemporary political debate or social action as a condition of employment.”

Similarly, requiring or compelling an applicant to show proof of support or opposition to any given topic would also be prohibited.

The prohibitions on compelled speech would not bar

anyone from sharing their beliefs voluntarily or block discussions of an applicant’s educational background, qualifications or similar questions related to legal hiring practices.

Senate Bill 364 also contains a prohibition on the promotion of certain elements, some of which are components of the controversial Critical Race Theory.

Under the bill, “promote” is defined as compelling state employees to affirm or profess belief in the following concepts:

One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex.

An individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive.

An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex.

An individual’s moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex.

An individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex.

Any individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress.

A meritocracy is inherently racist or sexist.

The United States was created by members of a particular race or sex for the purpose of

oppressing members of another race or sex.

The United States government should be violently overthrown.

Particular character traits, values, moral or ethical codes, privileges, or beliefs should be ascribed to a race or sex or to an individual because of the individual’s race or sex.

The rule of law does not exist, but instead is a series of power relationships and struggles among racial or other groups.

All Americans are not created equal and are not endowed by their Creator with certain

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 11am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm, Closed Sun.

unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Governments should deny to any person within the government’s jurisdiction the equal protection of the law.

The section barring these elements is also found in House Bill 187, titled Equality in Education. That bill made it through the crossover deadline despite all House Democrats voting down the measure.

Following the Senate’s June 6 vote, Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) told reporters that Republicans believe “it’s im-

portant to have the right, or at least have in statute, the protection of people’s rights to their own opinions ... especially in instances where those opinions have nothing to do with the job” a person is being asked to do.

According to The Associated Press, Sen. Lisa Grafstein said she thinks Cooper should veto the bill. Grafstein applauded “implicit bias training” offered to state employees while dismissing the bill as “kind of a culture war reaction not based in any actual concerns that have been expressed by state employees.”

The North Carolina Executive Mansion is shown in this file photo.

Julie Susan White

November 16, 1956 ~ April 15, 2022

Julie Susan White’s friends and work family at Food Lion invite all to a graveside memorial service for Susan at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Oakwood Cemetery on Hwy. 64, Siler City across from the Highway Patrol Station, with Pastor Patrick Fuller officiating.

Ernest Lee Pendergraph

September 15, 1951 ~ June 10, 2023

Ernest Lee Pendergraph, 71, of Moncure, died Saturday, June 10, 2023, at home.

Lee was born in Chatham County on September 15, 1951, to the late Ernest Pendergraph and Velna Moore Pendergraph. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Erlene Veasey.

Surviving relatives include one son, David Pendergraph of Siler City; one daughter, Kara Thomas of Pittsboro; one sister, Debra Fuller and husband Alvin of Pittsboro; and six grandchildren.

There are no services planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Lee’s memory to Hanks Chapel Church, P.O. Box 366, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312. Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Pendergraph family.

Stephen (Steve) Andrew Nagy

May 1, 1948 ~ June 10, 2023

The family of Stephen (Steve) Andrew Nagy is heartbroken to share that husband, father, and Pop Pop died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at his home in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Steve was born on May 1, 1948, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Theresa Julia Majoros and Arthur Nagy.

He is survived by his loving wife Frances Elizabeth Nagy (Wallace) of 49 years; two daughters, Erica Nagy and husband Bo Pihl of Avon, Colorado, Ashley Nagy and husband Ron Reed of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; two brothers, Arthur Nagy Jr. and wife Dorothy of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carl Nagy and wife Judy, also of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren, Ellie and Larson; and three grandpets, Dinah, Luna and Sylvie. He will be profoundly missed.

Steve lived a life that we should all aspire to live — He was gracious to those he met, stuck true to his values with unwavering persistence, and he was interested in meeting others with genuine curiosity and an open willingness to share stories with strangers. Whether he was at the local Primanti’s (let’s go Stillers!), a Moose Club, or on some random excursion that he decided to take on a whim, he would strike up conversation with anyone. And he always had a unique piece of trivia to share at any moment, thanks to a full life that was enriched by those connections made, all the people in his life and his shared experiences. Our hearts are shattered, and we are in disbelief. But we’ve sought comfort in knowing that his gentle soul will live on forever and our hearts are individually attached to his heart by an invisible string. And above all, his most noticeable and best

wife and life partner for over 52 years and was committed to her happiness. He was immensely proud of his daughters; He bragged about them every chance he could. He moved mountains to ensure his family felt loved and supported. And watching his heart melt into a million pieces around his grandkiddos will forever be etched in all our memories. His heart was jovial, young and blissfully carefree when he was with or thinking of Ellie and Larson.

Dad left an impression on anyone he met. He instilled lessons that we will never forget. And an engineer by trade, Dad inevitably showed up to those pearly gates in the sky, noticed an area for improvement, and made some suggestions to the powers-that-be to ensure optimal efficiency. Perhaps he’s already touring the United States on that motorcycle he wanted to buy. Or maybe he finally bought that RV and has already mapped out where he’s going to visit. But wherever he is, and whatever he is doing, we know that he will be watching over us and with us forever.

To Steve (also known as My Hubby), to Dad (also formerly known as Daddy), and to our cuddly Pop Pop, we love you so, so, so much.

A celebration of life is being planned to be held in Pittsburgh in the coming weeks. More details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve’s memory to the American Heart Association P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, T.X. 75284-0692.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Nagy family.

JULIE SUSAN WHITE

November 16, 1956 ~ April 15, 2022

Julie Susan White’s Friends and Work Family at Food Lion invites all to a graveside memorial service for Susan at 11 a.m., Saturday June 24, 2023 at Oakwood Cemetery on Hwy 64, Siler City across from the Highway Patrol Station, with Pastor Patrick Fuller officiating.

GLADYS KIMREY PHILLIPS

December 27, 1931 ~ June 5, 2023

Gladys Kimrey Phillips, 91, of Siler City died Monday, June 5, 2023, at her home.

The family is planning a private memorial later in the year.

Gladys was the daughter of Hoyle Kimrey and Mary Helen Carpenter. She retired from Collins & Ackman Weaving. She attended the Cowboy Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Mike Kimrey and Dillon Kimrey; sons, Mike Dixon and Bill Dixon; grandchild, Jeremy Fields; and greatgrandchildren, Parker Dixon and Avery Brinn.

She is survived by her daughter Cecelia Fields of Siler City; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com.

ADA BROWN MCDUFFIE

July 20, 1942 ~ June 10, 2023

Ada Frances Brown McDuffie, 80, of Sanford, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Parkview Retirement Center in Sanford.

She was the daughter of the late Ozzie Alex Brown and Myrtle Frances Baker Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bobby McDuffie; and brothers, Milton Brown, George Brown and Tommy Brown. Ada was a member of Zion Christian Church.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 4 p.m. at Zion Christian Church with Rev. Steve Johnson officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Surviving are sisters, Ola Brown Taylor and Rosie Brown Smith, both of Moncure.

Online condolences can be made at www. smithfuneralhomebroadway.com.

MARY LILLIAN SCOTT MOORE

October 22 1942 - June 10, 2023

Mary Lillian Scott Moore, 80, of Bear Creek, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023, at The Siler City Center.

The funeral was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Edwards Hill Friends Church with Rev. Josh Conrad presiding. The family received friends from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Burial followed in Hope Cemetery.

Lillian was born in Chatham County on October 22, 1942, to Lester Scott Sr. and Maudie Andrews Scott. She was a member of Edwards Hill Friends Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Moore Jr.; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

Lillian is survived by her sons, Alfred Lewis Moore of Siler City and Randy Lee Moore of Sanford; sister Mattie Lee Jackson of Bear Creek; brother Lester Washington Scott Jr. of Siler City; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and seven greatgreat-grandchildren.

Condolences may be offered online at www. joycebradychapel.com.

DR. WARWICK ANTONY CHARLTON

January 20, 1958 ~ June 8, 2023

Dr. Warwick Antony Charlton, 65, of Chapel Hill, died Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan UNC Hospice House.

Dr. Charlton was born in South Africa on January 20, 1958, to Oliver Patrick Charlton and Judith Irvin Charlton. In addition to his parents, he is also survived by his wife Morag Charlton; two daughters, Bronwyn Charlton of Chapel Hill, Anna Charlton of Pittsboro; one brother Peter Charlton of Atlanta, Georgia; one sister Philippa Charlton of Raleigh; and four grandchildren. There are no services planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. Charlton’s memory to Triangle Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 1848, Durham, N.C. 27707.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com.

HERBERT WALLACE MANN

September, 1942 - June 7, 2023

Herbert Wallace Mann, 80, of Pittsboro died Wednesday, June 7, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

After graduating from Pittsboro High School in 1962 he went to work at the University of North Carolina in the Office Machine Shop, which later evolved into the Computer Repair Center. He worked there until his retirement in 1998 with 30 years of service. After that, he farmed with his two sons until his death. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, JoAnn Poole Mann and two sons Tim Mann and Jeff Mann. Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Mann family.

House of Representatives, two members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, and two members appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

The members would be chosen by lawmakers from nominees provided by the two dominant political parties, however, the General Assembly would not have to necessarily choose from those lists and may pick from any registered voter in the state.

The General Assembly would fill vacancies based on a list of three nominees from the political party of the vacancy. But, again, the NCGA would not have to pick one of those three names.

County boards of election would go from five members to four.

One county member would be appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, one member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, and one member appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

Political parties would have the right to nominate three people but, like with the NCSBE, the legislature does not have to pick from them.

Additionally, county chairs would have one-year terms, and if a chair is not elected within 15 days from the date new members are appointed, the office can be filled by legislative appointment.

Another provision states the NCSBE chair would have to be elected in 30 days or else the NCGA does it for them. The same would apply to the executive director of the NCSBE.

In his remarks at the press conference, Berger referred to the “collusive settlement” entered into by the state’s attorney general in 2020.

“We don’t have to look too far back in our state’s history to see examples of the current State Board of Elections acting in a

manner that injected suspicion into the election process during the 2020 elections,” Berger said.

“You all will recall the state board, with the assistance of Democratic Attorney General (Josh) Stein, entered into a collusive settlement with one of the Democratic Party’s preferred attorneys to change state law regarding absentee ballots after the elections process had begun and people were actually voting.

“Their actions back in 2020 showed a willfulness to blatantly ignore state law in favor of pursuing ways to achieve a partisan policy.” Berger added those actions were “enabled by a board that circumvented the legislative process and caused North Carolinians to lose trust in the election process.”

“Now, we will take the necessary steps to begin rebuilding that trust,” Berger said.

Stein, NCSBE Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell, and Democratic go-to attorney Marc Elias, who represented a group of plaintiffs, arguably circumvented the legislature by entering into the 2020 settlement agreement that weakened absentee ballot

InCelebration of

laws related to accepting incomplete ballots or those missing witness signatures.

Collusive settlements are addressed under Section 1.4 which deals with litigation, and the section removes the governor as the approver for employing private counsel.

That section states: “The Attorney General shall provide the State Board of Elections with legal assistance in [the] execution of its authority under this section or, in the Attorney General’s discretion, recommend that private counsel be employed. If the Attorney General recommends employment of private counsel, the State Board may employ counsel with the approval of the General Assembly.” Emergency powers of the NCSBE executive director are also altered, giving those powers to the NCSBE instead in the event of a natural disaster, extremely inclement weather or an armed conflict where forces are mobilized including the National Guard.

The emergency powers section read, “Under no circumstances shall the Executive Director

or the State Board of Elections have the authority” to deliver absentee ballots to an eligible voter who did not submit a valid written request form for absentee ballots as provided statute, nor shall that position have the ability to “order an election to be conducted using all mail-in absentee ballots.”

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted a statement, calling the bill a “power grab.”

“The legislative Republican record is clear: Rig elections with gerrymandered districts, make it harder for people they disagree with to vote, and make it easier to throw those votes out,” Cooper tweeted. “Now they want to seize control of the State Board of Elections despite the Supreme Court repeatedly ruling that to be an unconstitutional power grab.

“The last thing our democracy needs is for our elections to be run by people who want to rig them for partisan gain,” Cooper’s statement said in conclusion.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton’s statement also cited “power grabs.”

“This is just the latest in a se-

Chatham County Sheriff’s Office

ON JUNE 5, Bradley Joseph Maggio, 35, of 4006 Seven Paths Road, Spring Hope, was arrested by Deputy John Lacy for assault by strangulation, assault on a female, and injury to personal property. He was held on a 48-hour domestic violence hold and scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 12.

On June 5, Gerald Jefferson Burns, 45, of 255 Tyro Road, Lexington, was arrested by Deputy Joseph Scott for reckless driving to endanger, speeding, expired registration card, no insurance, cancelled/suspended/revoked registration, and expired/ no inspection. He was issued a $200 secured bond and scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 14.

of Hillside Service Awards

Durham, N.C.

e late Roy E. Alston was honored by e National Alumni Association of Hillside High School “Hall of Fame Banquet”, on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Durham, N.C. at North Carolina University Student Center.

Roy E. Alston was an ambitious businessman. He, his wife Jean and daughter Gaye were the owners of Triangle Trophy of 50 years and Triangle Tours, 25 years.

Roy worked several jobs at UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill, N.C. and his last job was a Research Associate. He performed the 1st heart transplant on a mouse. is was reported in the American Medical Journal.

Roy wa a valued community member serving many organizations. He was an active member of the Horton High School Reunion of the Classes, Negro Baseball League, James E. Shepard Sertoma Club, the United Sates Army Reserves and he sponsored the Triangle Trophy Men & Women’s so ball teams.

He was an activbe member of Kyles Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, N.C. He was the brother to his siblings Sonja M. Wilson, Ed.D, Jerry and Lillian M. Alston, P.E. of Pittsboro, N.C.

On June 5, Rancelt Refugio Angeles Viveros, 31, of 73 Irene Lane, Staley, was arrested by Deputy Jonathan Frazier for assault inflicting serious bodily injury and assault on a female. He was held on a 48-hour domestic violence hold and scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 14.

On June 5, Oscar Isaias Rivera, 38, of 6016 Foxhall Village Road, Raleigh, was arrested by Deputy Lacy for misdemeanor stalking. He was issued a $1,000 secured bond and scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court in Raleigh on June 13.

On June 5, Eric Kelton Jacobs, 32, of 70 Kivett Court, Siler City, was arrested by Deputy Lacy for misdemeanor stalking. He was issued a $2,000 secured bond and scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Wake on June 26.

On June 6, Tershawn Yarnell Brown, 30, no address, was arrested by Deputy Richard Gunter for simple assault, assault with a deadly weapon, and larceny from the person. She was issued a written promise to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 12.

On June 6, David Ishmael Eli Davis, 43, of 2156 Smithtown Road, Siler City, was arrested by Deputy Scott for probation violation. He was issued a $15,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Brunswick County District Court in Bolivia on June 13.

On June 6, Rancelt Refugio Angeles Viveros, 31, of 73 Irene Lane, Staley, was arrested Deputy Gunter for failure to appear and failure to comply with judgment. He was issued a $2,500 secured bond and is scheduled

ries of power grabs by far-right Republicans in the General Assembly,” Clayton said. “When the voters elected Governor Cooper twice, they did so with the expectation and desire that he would be making appointments to the Board of Elections—but we know the NCGOP’s playbook is to just change the rules instead of trying to win fair and square on the strength of their ideas.”

During the press conference, Berger responded to a reporter who asked if the bill was a “power grab” by saying, “I don’t see how anyone could use that terminology in a situation where we would be providing for half of the members of the board to be in each party.

“What you described would be if the General Assembly or if Republicans were to replace the current situation and have Republicans having a majority on the board. That is not what we’re doing here.” Berger told reporters that he expects both Senate Bill 749 and another elections integrity bill, Senate Bill 747, to have hearings in the Senate this week.

to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 28.

On June 6, Danielle Pickard Cockrum, 47, of 2099 Plainfield Church Road, Siler City, was arrested by Deputy Frazier for obtaining property by false pretenses. She was issued a written promise to appear in Lee County District Court in Sanford on June 8.

On June 6, William Thomas Allen, 51, of 117 Cherry Berry Lane, Sanford, was arrested by Deputy Gunter for failure to appear. He was issued a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 28. Allen was also arrested for misdemeanor larceny. He was issued a $1,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court in Raleigh on July 12.

On June 7, Victor Rafael Henriquez, 26, of 25 Lystra Hills Lane, Chapel Hill, was arrested Deputy Matthew Mitchell for breaking and entering, felony larceny, and possession of stolen property/goods. He was issued a $25,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 12.

On June 7, Charles Damian Creel, 33, of 4740 Christian Chapel Church Road, New Hill, was arrested by Deputy Scott for reckless driving to endanger, drive left of center, impede traffic by slow speed, and operate all-terrain vehicle on any public street. He was issued a written promise to appear in Orange County District Court in Hillsborough on June 26.

Suspect charged in breaking and entering, theft of cash and jewelry

On May 25, 2023, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a residential breaking and entering. Two victims reported more than $6,500 in cash and jewelry was stolen from the residence.

Investigators identified Victor Rafael Henriquez, 26, of 25 Lystra Hills Lane, #A, Chapel Hill, as a potential suspect. Henriquez was interviewed by investigators, and he confessed to the incident. He was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, and misdemeanor possession of stolen goods/property.

Henriquez was arrested and jailed in the Chatham County Detention Center under a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on July 12, 2023.

ARREST BLOTTER

Pittsboro commissioners discuss interlocal agreement

By Taylor Heeden Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Pittsboro board of commissioners held its first meeting of the month Monday evening, where board members discussed an interlocal agreement and merger of water and wastewater infrastructure with the city of Sanford.

Town Engineer Kent Jackson presented an update to the board on Monday, where he explained where the town was in the merging process.

Commissioners voted in May 2022 to approve a resolution declaring the town’s intent to regionalize its public water and wastewater systems and combine them with Sanford’s infrastructure. In Aug. 2022, the board authorized engineering firm Freese & Nichols to conduct a study to analyze what the benefits and hindrances a merger with Sanford would bring.

The study was conducted in multiple phases — phase one examined the financial impacts of the merger, and phase two focused on funding and capital funding. According to Jackson’s report, Freese & Nichols’s study “indicated significant opportunities and advantages for the potential merger.”

Charles Archer from Freese & Nichols provided a presentation on the work the firm did on the study and analysis on the merger. He talked about phase two of the study, which included a governance group made up of officials and staff from both Pitts-

boro and Sanford.

“We spent a lot of time talking, and we spent a lot of time outside of the meetings thinking about this,” Archer said. “It’s been a big commitment of time and of folks sharing their knowledge and insight.”

The governance group held four official meetings, according to Archer. Each meeting had a specific topic the group would focus on, including:

What a merger with Sanford would look like

Capital project financing

The merger agreement outline and schedule

The official merger agreement draft and schedule

The draft interlocal agreement was made available to the public in the agenda items packet for Monday evening’s meeting. Archer broke down the highlights of the merger agreement, which “irrevocably grants Sanford the right to design, construct, operate, maintain and perform all related activities required to operate, maintain, expand, upgrade and improve Pittsboro’s Utility Systems, which includes the right to decommission, sell or otherwise dispose of property in accordance with Sanford’s water, water reclamation and sewer system standards and policies for operation and performance, level of service, reliability and redundancy.”

“Pittsboro will transfer its assets if you merge,” Archer said.

“All of the responsibility becomes Sanford’s to provide the water and sewer for the town of Pitts-

NCDEQ permit paves way for Wolfspeed in Siler City

By Ben Rappaport Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — Wolfspeed is now on the fast track to construction of its Siler City facility after securing a key air quality permit from the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality on Thursday.

The plant in Siler City is slated to be the largest economic investment opportunity in state history. It promises 1,800 new jobs and $5 billion over the next two decades for its 445-acre silicon carbide chip manufacturing factory.

According to the state Division of Air Quality, nitrogen oxide emissions from the Wolfspeed plant could reach 113 tons per year. DAQ considers the facility to be a “major source” of emissions.

“The site is fully prepped, and now we can move forward with actual construction of the building,” said a Wolfspeed spokesperson in a statement.

The company said the county government has been sup-

portive of the construction. The clearance of environmental hurdles now means the silicon carbide manufacturer is able to receive a building permit from the county.

Previous reports from the state show the plant is expected to emit six different pollutants, totaling 203 tons per year. The permit allows Wolfspeed to construct and operate its new semiconductor manufacturing plant in Chatham County.

The permit requires the facility to use a gas scrubber system to control emissions of volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants and toxic air pollutants. A gas abatement system and particulate matter collection devices will control emissions of additional pollutants, according to a release from NCDEQ.

The environmental justice report filed by the state — which is required before permit approval — found six census tracts within a one-mile radius of the facility have a higher percentage of Black and His-

boro and its payers and users.”

Sanford will also be the entity responsible for establishing system development fees and water and wastewater utility rates, according to the merger agreement. Both towns would also agree to move forward with “reasonable future growth” for the infrastructure, as well as would provide the same level of service to Pittsboro customers that Sanford customers receive. Jackson stepped up and went

on to explain eight benefits of merging water systems with Sanford. A merger could: Stabilize and reduce a need for rate increases on current or future utility users.

Allow capital projects to continue as planned. Provide sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure solutions for the present and the future.

Create an eventual rate parity with Sanford. Reduce or eliminate the neg-

ative impact on rate payers. Grow the economy of scale and diversify the town’s revenue. Create a beneficial relationship between Sanford and Pittsboro for collaboration on future projects.

Leverage future grant funding opportunities.

The board set a public hearing for June 26 to have residents and other members of the public comment on the merger agreement.

panic residents than the Chatham County and/or state average. In two census tracts, more than half of residents are people of color.

Copies of the final permit, permit review and environmental justice report are available online.

Last week, Wolfspeed reported it may not be able to re-

ceive federal incentive funding through the CHIPs Act under the current wording of the program.

Wolfspeed says its incoming facility, located at the Chatham Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) site, would be a 10-fold increase in the company’s output. The facility received more $160 million in statewide in-

centives and an additional $615 million in local incentives from Chatham County and Siler City to seal the deal on its new N.C. facility, which was announced last September.

With the key NCDEQ permit now in hand, the company is on time to complete the first phase of construction by the end of next year.

Lighthouse congregations develop as United Methodist church splits

North State Journal

ASHEBORO — Thousands of United Methodist Church (UMC) congregations voted on whether to stay or quit one of the nation’s largest denominations amid debates over the role of LGBTQ+ people in the church.

Church members who end up on the short end of a disaffiliation vote face a difficult choice: to stay or go.

The ongoing schism has been long in the making.

The UMC — with about 6.5 million members in the United States and at least that many abroad — has long debated its bans on same-sex marriages and the ordination of openly LGBTQ+ clergy.

The denomination repeatedly upheld the bans through the voting strength of the growing, more conservative churches abroad. But conservatives chose to form a new denomination amid growing defiance of the bans in U.S. churches.

More than 3,500 U.S. congregations received their local conferences’ permission to disaffiliate from the UMC, according to United Methodist News Service. With conference season underway, disaffiliations ticked upwards of 4,000 congregations and could rise more by the end of the year, President of the Wes-

leyan Covenant Association — a conservative group advocating for departing congregations — Rev. Jay Therrell said. While those churches make up a fraction of the United Methodists’ 30,000 U.S. congregations, several of the departing congregations are among the largest in their states.

Many of the departing churches opted to join the conservative Global Methodist Church, created last year. Others are going independent

or joining different denominations. The Global Methodist Church has launched or adopted congregations for those who left the UMC but whose “home churches” elected to remain affiliated.

The splintering spurred new initiatives to provide havens for those lost in the chaos. Some United Methodist regional conferences began designating Lighthouse Congregations — religious bodies for people from disaffiliated

UMC congregations who wish to stay with the UMC.

The Lighthouse designation assures newcomers a church’s congregation is committed to affiliating with the UMC, so there won’t be another disaffiliation vote. More than 400 congregations total have disaffiliated in North Carolina.

Bethany United Methodist in Albemarle, elected to become a Lighthouse Congregation and provides space for a group who wishes to continue worship as United Methodists after their original church split from UMC.

“Our congregation supports the remnant group through our hospitality, prayers and use of our facilities,” said the Rev. David Cochran to the UM News. “Bethany is committed to allowing those in the remnant group to discern at their own pace and discover which steps they will take as the Holy Spirit leads them.”

According to the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, there are three Lighthouse Congregations in Chatham County: First UMC in Siler City, Pittsboro UMC and The Local Church in Pittsboro.

Rev. Lynda Ferguson, pastor of First United Methodist Asheboro said she can personally relate to those from departing congregations. Her childhood church — one which

shaped her faith and helped her realize she felt the call to ministry at 12-years-old — also voted to leave.

“The pain is real, and there is a lot of grief and a lot of heartache over the split in the United Methodist Church,” Ferguson said.

Pastor of Stokesdale United Methodist Church Rev. Ed McKinney spoke about the importance of being designated as a Lighthouse Congregation.

“Part of the Lighthouse mission is to let people know the United Methodist Church is still here and still welcoming,” McKinney said.

Michael Hahn and his family are among a group of newcomers who’ve begun participating in Stokesdale after their last congregations split from UMC.

Hahn, whose family has been Methodist for generations, said he couldn’t imagine leaving the denomination, which he values for blending faith and rationality.

“It’s a place where I don’t have to check my logic and reason at the door and blindly accept things,” he said.

Hahn said he, his wife and daughters have found “a very warm and welcoming environment” in the Stokesdale congregation, with people saying, “We’re glad to have you here, we want to walk through this period with you.”

Congratulations to Charity and Hope Foxx formerly of Liberty, North Carolina. ey received their white coats recently at ceremonies at UNC-CH. Charity completed her rst year of medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Hope completed the Med-Lxcell program there. ey are the twin daughters of Priscilla Bowden Foxx of Liberty and Charles Foxx. ey are the granddaughters of the late Ralph and Ida Bowden. Mat God continue to bless these special young ladies on their journey.

experience went by “too fast,” because of the pandemic. Next year, headed to CCCC but is unsure of what he’ll study.

While the class of 2023 wasn’t without its tests, graduations across the county last weekend proved these seniors are more than ready for anything the next phase has to throw at them. It’s a class bonded through its collective challenges.

These graduates won state championships, made robots, rewrote the history books and defied the odds to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.

Chatham School of Science & Engineering made powerful strides with its tiny but mighty class of 15 graduates. Those graduates all completed their early-college experience with associate degrees from Central Carolina Community College. One-third of those graduates also finished magna cum laude, meaning they graduated with above a 4.0 GPA. This year’s CSSE class engaged in a meaningful history project to bring an interactive walking tour to downtown Pittsboro and help community members learn more about the landmarks of the town. They coded apps, built cars and made robots — all

the while using the unique early college STEM education model to bring innovation inside and outside the classroom.

Chatham Central High School’s 105 graduates all benefitted from the school’s unique focus on Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).

AVID helps students academically by teaching organizational skills and implementing college readiness programs. The school is a National Demonstration Site — one of about 200 in the nation. Receiving the national certification required a visit to the school from national AVID officials along with hundreds of documents showing the school’s ability to help students through its AVID program. The honor is especially impressive for CCHS because it was the first rural school in the country to be nationally certified.

Jordan-Matthews High School’s 212 graduates saw a thriving school year marked by academic success stories and artistic expression. Students Jolitzy Fernandez Arzate and Brady Andrew both earned prestigious full-ride scholarships to UNC-Chapel Hill. From the classroom to the stage, JMArts once again brought stellar productions to the humble Siler City auditorium including “Shrek The Mu-

sical” and “Clue.” The arts program also awarded scholarships to nine students for intensive fine arts study in chorus, theatre and band. This year also saw JMArts earn the honor as the only school in North Carolina to earn the rights to perform “Frozen: The Broadway Musical,” which will hit the stage next December.

The largest class of graduates came from Northwood. Its 377-student class had no shortage of high achievers and marvelous stories. This group of seniors earned more than $4.3 million in awarded scholarships and even developed a scholarship of its own through the student-led Atkins Scholarship program. The class of 2023 also saw miraculous state championship runs from a Cinderella boys lacrosse team and a dominant boys basketball team. Not to be outdone, girls sports also thrived, especially on the mat highlighted by state champion girls wrestler Dream Walker — the first-ever Chatham County athlete to win a women’s wrestling state championship.

From Bear Creek to Bonlee, Siler City to Silk Hope and everywhere in between, all 709 Chatham County Schools graduates are more than prepared to launch into the future, wearing those well-earned proud grins.

United Methodist Church in Asheboro.

GRADUATION from page 1

Northwood football star Ritchey mulling 20-plus Division-I offers, B5

A long time coming, Chatham Post 292 aims to bring county together

By Jeremy Vernon Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — About a year and a half ago, an American Legion baseball team in Chatham County was nothing more than a dream. But with the help of several local coaches, including John Will Headen, that dream

has finally become a reality this summer.

Chatham Post 292 is made up of players from across Chatham County’s six high schools, as well as players from Lee County, Grace Christian, Southeast Guilford and North Moore.

Through the team’s first eight games, they are 2-6. But this

UNC big man Bacot participates in CORA event

By Jeremy Vernon Chatham News & Record

LAST WEEK in Chapel Hill, North Carolina graduate senior Armando Bacot, a member of the Tar Heels’ men’s basketball team, partnered with the Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA), Food Lion, Frosted Flakes and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern N.C. to put on an event to raise awareness about food security.

Bacot spent most of the day signing autographs with fans before he was brought up along with Tony the Tiger, the Frosted Flakes mascot, to present a $10,000 check to Brogden Middle in Durham to help build their athletic programs.

Bacot told reporters after the event that it felt great to give back to the community and the area he has called

home since coming to Chapel Hill as a freshman way back in 2018.

“I think what I mean to the state of North Carolina, the University of North Carolina, the Town of Chapel Hill and the Triangle was bigger than me,” Bacot said when asked why he’s planning on coming back to UNC next season. “I feel like coming back was definitely huge. It’s one of those situations where the people needed me, and I needed them, too.”

Bacot has partnered with many non-profits like CORA since he was first allowed to sign Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals back in 2021.

He used his first sponsorship from Jimmy’s Famous Seafood to raise over $60,000 for local charities in the Baltimore area, according to Inside

inaugural season isn’t just about wins and losses. Headen says it’s about giving local kids the opportunity to play high-level baseball and represent the area.

“I just thought we were doing our kids an injustice by not providing something for them,” Headen said. “I’ve been blown away with the positive com-

munity support we’ve received. There’s been a big outpouring of support from our local businesses and some individuals.”

The biggest hurdle Headen and the rest of the team’s organizers had to jump initially was funding. Headen said he thought they might be able to get away with only raising

Chatham student-athletes make cut for all-state

By Jeremy Vernon Chatham News & Record

A PAIR OF CHATHAM CENTRAL athletes were recently honored by the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association as all-state selections for the 2023 spring season.

Sophomore Matt Murchison and junior Anthony Lopossay were named all-state, the only two Chatham County players to make the NCBA’s teams. The pair were crucial in leading the bears to a 15-8 record and a trip to the second round of the 1A playoff this spring.

Murchison was Central’s top hitter for most of the season. He finished the year with a .397 batting average along

with a team-high 31 hits and 34 RBI. His seven triples were the most in Chatham County, and the second most of any player in the 1A east this season.

Lopossay, on the other hand, shined as Central’s ace on the mound, compiling a 7-4 record with a 1.81 ERA and 79 strikeouts across 54 innings pitched. He was also solid at the plate, batting .333 with 19 hits and 16 RBI.

Both Lopossay and Murchison will be back for the Bears in 2024, and both are currently competing on Chatham County’s American Legion summer team.

3 Woods Charter players earn honors

$6,000 to $7,000 dollars, but that wasn’t close to the number they actually needed.

Headen — who coaches the team along with Will Felder and Carson Rickman — told the News & Record the team quickly worked with local schools and coaches to set up their home site at Jordan-Matthews. Since then, donations from local individuals and companies like Rogers Auctioneers Inc. and Marsh Auto Parts in Siler City. The National Guard also donated $2,500 to have their names featured on the back of the See BASEBALL, page B2

After carrying their team to a second straight 1A state finals appearance, three members of the Woods Charter girls soccer team received all-state honors for their contributions this season.

The three Wolves selected for the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association 1A all-state team — senior Lucy Miller and juniors Leyla Noronha and Sienna Gray. Gray was the team-leader in points scored this spring, compiling 101 via 38 goals and 25 assists. This was the junior’s first season with Woods Charter after transferring over from Northwood during last offseason. Over the past two seasons, she has totaled 50 total goals.

Noronha totaled 50 goals as a sophomore in 2022, but she had a much more balanced statistical profile this season

See ALL-STATE, page B4

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Chatham Post 292’s Ian McMillan fields a ball from shortstop during a game earlier this season. McMillan is a rising senior at Jordan-Matthews.

AP PHOTO

North Carolina forward Armando Bacot (5) shoots against Boston College guard Makai Ashton-Langford (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in Greensboro, on March 8, 2023.

Chatham Central rising senior Anthony Lopossay was named

on the mound this season.

ALL-STATE SELECTIONS

team’s jerseys. In total, Chatham Post 292 has raised about $13,000 for the team, which goes toward uniforms, travel, equipment, concessions, a gate keeper and other things. Headen said the plan has always been to provide an avenue for local athletes to play baseball for free.

“It takes a lot of money to put all this on,” Headen said. “We don’t want our young men to have to pay to play. We think that creates poor baseball. These guys haven’t paid a dime to play. They just come out and represent our county.”

baseball he’s watched in some time. One of the highlights of the early season came when the team traveled to play Catawba earlier in the year.

“We went to Catawba the other day and those guys looked at us like we were just a bunch of hicks coming in to play ball,” Headen said. “We started taking batting practice and the ball starts leaving their park, and all of a sudden their guys started standing up and watched us take B.P.”

Headen said the team is still looking for some help the rest of the season. They can always use more donations, and they’re also looking for buses to help

BASEBALL from page 1

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Chatham Post 292 player and Seaforth rising senior Anders Johansson hits a single in a game earlier this summer.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Chatham Post 292’s Ian McMillan fields a ball from shortstop during a game earlier this season.

CHATHAM COUNTY SPORTS

Here are some more of our best photographs showcasing Chatham County sports during the 2022-23 school year. Throughout the summer, we’ll share more shots our photographers captured from three seasons of full of high-level competition from local athletes.

SIMON BARBRE | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

JAMES KIEFER | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD SIMON BARBRE | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Northwood senior Taylor Laberge scored 74 goals and dished out

ALL STATE from page 1 while sliding back to center attacking mid. Noronha tallied 28 goals and 25 assists, and was often responsible for creating Woods’ best chances in the attacking third.

A senior captain in 2023, Miller finished the year with 13 goals and 14 assists. She ends her career with the Wolves having scored 38 goals

and dishing out 32 assists over the past two seasons.

Miller was one of five seniors for Woods Charter this spring and served as a team captain.

Seven Northwood lax players make all-state teams.

One of the biggest stories of the 2023 spring season was the success of both Northwood lacrosse programs, and both had members picked as all-

42 assists this spring for the Chargers’ boys lacrosse team.

state selections. The Northwood boys, which made it all the way to the 1A/2A/3A state finals before losing to Lake Norman Charter, had six players earn honors across the four teams. Making the first team were seniors Taylor Laberge, Will Smith and William Johnson. Senior defender Taylor Zelhof made the second team, while senior attacker Jason Walden

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and junior midfielder Carson Fortunes made the third team.

Laberge (74 goals, 42 assists), Smith (69 goals, 40 assists) and Walden (60 goals, 27 assists) carried the Chargers’ offense this spring, while Johnson and Zelhof anchored the defense. Fortunes (44 goals, 24 assists) will be Northwood’s returning leader in goals and assists next season.

The Northwood girls la-

crosse team saw junior defender Ella Boecke make the girls first-team. Leading from the back this spring, Boecke had 13 goals, three assists, 74 ground balls and 46 draw controls.

The Chargers girls team made it to the state semifinals this spring before falling to Croatan, 15-8. They finished the year with a new program record of 13 wins.

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PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Ritchey earns 4th star, deciding between 20-plus offers

The rising junior plays both tight end and defensive end for Northwood

By Jeremy Vernon Chatham News & Record

Northwood rising junior Gus Ritchey has continued to add to his recruiting resume since football season ended.

Now, the defensive end/tight end is considered a four-star prospect by 247Sports’ composite rankings. He is currently ranked as the No. 276 player overall and the No. 20 athlete in the Class of 2025. Players designated as “athletes” typically play more than one position and on both sides of the ball.

Playing as a sophomore this past fall, Ritchey (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) totaled 61 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles at defensive end while catching 32 passes for 490 yards and five touchdowns at tight end. The Chargers finished the year with a 4-6 record, but with Ritchey leading the way and a new coach in charge in Mitch Johnson, Northwood looks ready to make a leap starting in 2023.

Ritchey — who was named an All-American by MaxPreps as a sophomore — has 23 total offers from Division-I schools. He has drawn the interest of several in-state programs like UNC, N.C. State Duke, East Carolina, as well as national powerhouses like Georgia, Michigan, Washington, Oregon and Notre Dame.

The rising junior has taken several visits over the offseason, but it appears one of Ritchey’s top choices at this point is Notre Dame. Ritchey grew up in Indiana, where the school is located, and told the News + Record back in March that he was really looking forward to his

BACOT from page 1

Carolina.

Last summer, Bacot became the spokesman for the Me Fine Foundation, a non-profit located in Durham that provides emergency support to families with children in medical crisis.

In four seasons at UNC, Bacot has averaged 15.9 points and 10.4 rebounds over 132 ca-

then-upcoming trip to South Bend.

The Fighting Irish have a reputation of developing players into pro prospects, especially at the tight end position. Since 2010, players like Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert and — most recently — Michael Mayer were all chosen within the first two rounds of the NFL Draft.

Ritchey competed in the Notre Dame Irish Invasion skills camp on June 6 and impressed many onlookers, according to 247Sports. His recruitment is being led by defensive line

reer games. During the 202223 season, Bacot became the leading rebounds in Tar Heel history, surpassing Tyler Hansbrough. He also became the first player in history to record a double-double six times in a single NCAA Tournament when he did so in 2022.

Bacot helped the Tar Heels reach the national championship game in 2022, but UNC

coach Al Washington, a former Boston College defensive linemen who has had coaching stops at Ohio State and Michigan over the past several years.

Expect Ritchey to receive more recruiting love this upcoming season as he comes back to Northwood for his junior year. With no real hurry to commit, the Chargers’ top prospect can take his time over the next several months before eventually coming to a decision on where he wants to commit.

Back in March, Ritchey spoke with the N+R about the

completely missed out this past year’s tournament, something he surely wants to rectify this upcoming year.

CORA, which began its services back in 1989, has distributed more than 1 million meals to families across Chatham County, according to its website. The organization aims to “build a community without hunger by collecting and pur-

different things he’s looking for in a school as he makes his choice.

“Everything is completely different depending where you are, so what I’m trying to look for is building a relationship with the coaching staff and the players and seeing the little things like the weight room or the stadium,” Ritchey said.

“Does this fit me? Can I see myself playing at this school? That’s basically what I look out for. But the main thing is making relationships with the coaching staff and the players.”

chasing healthy food for distribution though our food pantry, related programs and network of local partners.”

In their 2022 annual report, CORA reported that 268 volunteers gave over 9,242 hours of service, while $3.1 million and 755,721 pounds of food were donated in total. In that same report, CORA laid out a few priorities for the future,

Northwood kicks off its 2023 season at home Aug. 18 against Riverside-Durham, which had a 6-5 record in 2022. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since a 27-7 Chargers’ win back on Sept. 14, 2012.

Northwood will compete as part of the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A Conference for the first time in 2023. The Chargers are part of a league that includes Seaforth, Jordan-Matthews, Chatham Central, Graham, Cummings, Bartlett Yancey, North Moore and Southeast Alamance.

namely expanding geographically, offering more programs and services and diversifying the organization’s leadership.

According to a report by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina in 2021-22, 7820 Chatham County residents, around 11%, were food insecure, meaning they lacked stable financial resources for food to live a healthy lifestyle.

SIMON BARBRE | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD Northwood rising junior Gus Ritchey (far left) racked up 61 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles on defense and caught 32 passes for 490 yards and five touchdowns on offense this past fall.

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BMW X1

A surprisingly slick sports activity vehicle

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

BOSTON — As a car journalist, I’ll often be asked if any new cars sold today are so bad that they should be avoided completely. And, for the most part, there aren’t.

But while no cars are truly bad, some vehicles are far better than others. Unsurprisingly, they’re often in hyper-competitive classes where being good isn’t enough — you need to be great. That’s the case with this week’s test car, the new 2023 BMW X1.

The subcompact luxury crossover segment is full of great vehicles like the Lexus UX, Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Range Rover Evoque.

When I slipped behind the wheel of the new BMW X1, though, I was shocked at what I saw. The minimalist interior design that I loved in the BMW iX has made its way downmarket. A pair of large screens, seemingly sharing a single piece of curved glass, appear to float atop the dash. The left is your instrument cluster, while the right is a vibrant touchscreen where just about everything in the car is controlled.

A floating center console sits in the middle, with vehicle controls including the start/stop button, shifter toggle (I almost called it a knob out of habit, but it’s literally a rocker switch), a scrolling volume wheel for the audio, and a couple of miscellaneous other buttons for the drive mode and parking brake and the like.

This is very much a case of everything you need and nothing you don’t. There are no physical climate controls

aside from the front and rear defrost, which are regulatorily required. Instead, there are permanent controls at the bottom of the screen which are easy to navigate visually. Want it warmer? Press the red side. For colder, tap the blue. The automatic climate is excellent enough that you’ll rarely find yourself needing to touch these.

The BMW infotainment screen is sharp, and is best used for one of the strongest implementations of wireless Apple CarPlay I’ve seen. Wireless Android Auto works too, but BMW takes advantage of some newer CarPlay features and can display Apple Maps not only on the infotainment screen like you may have experienced in other cars, but it sends a gorgeous map over to the instrument cluster as well.

In most cars, if you want in-cluster navigation maps,

you need to use the built-in systems, which aren’t always the best (the excellent Google Maps-powered implementations in newer Volvo and GM vehicles are a notable exception). But in the BMW, you get a little square of Apple Maps tucked right in the middle of the BMW-native digital cluster. It frees up your infotainment screen to display what you’re playing on Apple Music, for example, if you’d prefer to see that.

Regardless, it’s a terrific way to make use of your screen real estate, and given how great all the cars in this class are, it could be enough on its own to push you toward the X1 if you’re an avid iPhone user. Speaking of phones, there’s a wireless phone charger at the base of the center stack with an ingenious little bar that’s reminiscent of those that hold you

in place on a roller coaster.

Want to store your phone away, charging and safe from getting flung about in a crash? Drop it on the phone charger and pop the restraining bar into place. Need to get it? Just grab your phone, and it releases instantly. I love it. That said, if you have some large cups in the cupholders, they will block easy access to your phone, which seems like an oversight if you’re a Big Gulp fan.

Under that floating center console is an open storage spot big enough for a medium-sized purse or, as I used it, for your AirPods, wallet, keys, mints, sunglasses, and whatever other detritus you might otherwise throw in your cupholders because you’d like it close at hand.

Stepping outside, the exterior of the new BMW X1 is inoffensive and actually quite handsome, resisting the outra-

geously massive kidney grille that bedevils some recent BMW designs. There are only so many ways you can draw a crossover, but BMW’s exterior design team has done a good job making this one stand out with some sharp edges, nips, and tucks to keep things pleasing, especially in the gorgeous San Remo Green Metallic I had.

My tester, an all-wheeldrive X1 xDrive28i, was wellequipped and priced appropriately for the class at $46,795, though it, inexplicably, did not have adaptive cruise control fitted. Instead, it’s an optional extra which is mind-boggling and shows some amount of cravenness on the part of BMW USA’s product planners, considering you can get the same features for free in a base-model Toyota Corolla.

My only other major complaint is how long it takes for the auto start/stop feature to restart the car — plus the fact that there’s no dedicated button to disable the feature. Instead, you tap the drive mode button and pop the car into Sport, which makes it more fun to drive anyway.

Still, when properly equipped, the BMW X1 is my current favorite of all the subcompact luxury crossovers and would make for a fantastic city runabout or even a first car for a safety-and-fashion-conscious teen of a certain economic persuasion.

You’d also likely love the Lexus UX or the Volvo XC40 and pay around the same amount. But some cars are more equal than others, and the BMW X1 stands out with its terrific design and litany of advanced features.

PHOTOS COURTESY BMW

The Brooks Family Chicken Dinner Fundraiser hopes to raise money to help Bear Creek family pay for baby’s hospital bills

By Valeria Cloës Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — For one Chatham County family, the month of April was a blur.

Matt and Scarlett Brooks had their son, Logan, on April 8, 2023. He was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome — a congenital heart defect — meaning the left side of his heart never fully developed.

Since his birth, Logan has undergone four open-heart surgeries and will need two more before the age of three.

Logan was discharged from Duke Hospital two months after his birth and is now back home in Siler City.

On Friday, June 16, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Tyson’s Creek Baptist Church, the community plans to welcome Logan and

the rest of the family home with a Chicken Dinner Fundraiser aimed to help the Brooks family pay for Logan’s upcoming surgeries and other related bills.

Community comes together

Through the tumultuous couple of months, the surrounding community banded together to help the Brooks, said Matt’s father, Scot. Of the community members, Deanna Jones was one of the main coordinators of the fundraiser, Scot said.

Members of Tyson’s Creek Baptist Church and the Bonlee, Bennett and Goldston Fire Departments reached out to Scot in early May to see if Matt and Scarlett would give the community permission to do this event, he said.

With the Brooks’ blessing after Scot spoke with the family, members of the community started planning out the event.

Marty Shaw and Friends will be cooking fried chicken tenders, coleslaw, green beans, bread and desert, according

to the fundraiser’s poster, and Mark Brigham, owner of Countryside Auctioneers, and Ryan Willett will be auctioning off a variety of community-donated items during the event at 6 p.m.

Some items available for auction are art, a homemade cutting board, gift certificates for hair salons and restaurants, as well as vacations, one of which is for a three-day, two-night trip in Southport.

Community involvement

The event will be hosted at Tyson’s Creek Baptist Church and Jones expects to serve around 1,000 people with the help of approximately 150 volunteers, Jones said.

“A lot of us that helped with the benefit have been in their shoes,” she said. “A lot of us have had children who have been sick or injured. Several of us have had fundraiser or financial donations done when our children were sick. So we’re just paying it forward.”

In addition, the three fire departments have been instrumental in this assisting with

several benefits in previous years. Jones said that while she acted as the main coordinator, it took everyone’s involvement to make this event possible.

“It was just a matter of getting everybody on the same page at the same time …,” she said. “People volunteer what they can do, so it makes it like you don’t really have to recruit for help because people just have a heart to help one another.”

A grateful family

Scarlett said this time has been crazy.

“We’re really fortunate to have the support system that we did between my parents and his [Matt’s],” she said. “But I mean, it’s been hard.”

Matt and Scarlett have had to travel between their home in Bear Creek and Durham to care for Logan and their 2-½-yearold son Landon, but now, she said, “things are finally starting to slow down a little bit.”

Because of these times, the Brooks has not been involved

in the planning process of the fundraiser, Matt said.

The Brooks family is grateful for all the love, prayers and help the community has shown them.

“We’re extremely appreciative,” he said. “We did not expect anyone to go this far above and beyond for us … I never thought that I would be in the place to be on the receiving end of something like this. But it’s definitely an amazing thing to watch.”

Anyone interested in ordering food for delivery can do so until 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, at the following link: bit. ly/43z8jHC.

Plates of food will also be able to be bought at the event on Friday, June 16.

Items for the auction can be dropped off at Tyson’s Creek Baptist Church on June 14 and 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. and on June 16, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. up until the auction starts.

Jones will be updating the Facebook page with items up for auction: https://www.facebook.com/ events/783239380060851.

just paying it forward’: Chatham County community comes together to help support local family