North State Journal Vol. 8, Issue 26

the BRIEF this week

Rockingham commissioners approve casinorelated rezoning

Wentworth

Rockingham County

Commissioners approved a rezoning case on Monday believed to be tied to potential casino expansion in the state.

The commissioners, who are all Republicans, approved a nearly 200acre rezoning request on the western side of the county.

Many local residents, who say the development would ruin the rural character of the area, mobilized opposition and several spoke against the project.

NC Republicans give nal OK to legislation curbing appointment powers held by governor

Raleigh

North Carolina

Republican legislative leaders nalized their e orts to curb the appointment powers of the governor on several boards and commissions, extending a yearslong struggle with Democrat Roy Cooper over who controls key panels within state government.

Compromise legislation worked out by House Speaker Tim Moore, Senate leader Phil Berger and others would take away from the governor the ability to pick many spots on panels that among others set electricity rates and environmental regulations and approve road-building projects.

Cooper and his allies have called versions of the bill earlier this year unconstitutional power grabs.

Republican legislative leaders argue a rebalance of power is necessary to ensure di ering viewpoints beyond those preferred by the governor. Democrats cite state court rulings going back 40 years addressing the separation of powers as evidence that the bill would be unconstitutional.

“Consolidating power in this body is a bad, bad, bad idea,” House Minority Leader Robert Reives of Chatham County said during debate. “I struggle to believe that continuing to consolidate power in this body is best for North Carolina.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

school.”

General Assembly overrides latest round of Cooper’s vetoes

The six veto overrides are a new one-day state override record

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH

— The six most recent vetoes issued by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper were overridden by the legislature on Aug. 16.

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH

— As chil-

dren and teens head back into the classroom in the coming weeks, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is reminding families about vaccination updates. “Vaccines are an essential piece of both child and family health and well-being,” said Dr. Zack Moore, state epidemiologist, in a press release. “We encourage parents and guardians to work with their children’s doctor to make sure their children are current on their childhood vaccines to prevent illness and reduce days missed at

Five health systems responsible for 96.5% of litigation

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A new report details lawsuits over medical debt by state hospitals involving more than 5,517 patients. The report covers lawsuits spanning from January 2017 through June 2022 that won $57.3 million in judgment, an average of $16,623 per judgment.

“Many of these legal actions resulted in default judgments in state district courts and included awards of 8% interest charges on patients’ medical debt,” the

Vaccinations required for children entering kindergarten in public school systems include DTaP, polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hepatitis B and varicella. For 4-year-olds only, additional shots include Hib and pneumococcal conjugate. Multiple doses of the vaccines are required for this entry-level grade.

The same rounds of vaccinations are required for those in seventh grade, some of which require multiple shots while others only a single booster shot. In both seventh and 12th grade, a vaccination against

See VACCINES , page A2

SHP’s website states. “In total, interest charges and other added fees accounted for 35.4% of the $57.3 million in total judgments owed by patients.”

The data behind the report comes from a study conducted by Duke University School of Law researchers and the North Carolina O ce of State Treasurer (OST). The report was published on the N.C. State Health Plan (SHP) website on Aug. 16. Medical debt judgments can span decades in North Carolina as well as lead to automatic liens against the home of the patient, as the report found in several cases.

The study reported that interest charges and other additional fees totaled “an estimat-

The overrides taken included House Bill 574 — Fairness in Women’s Sports, House Bill 808 — Gender Transitions/Minors, House Bill 488 — Code Council Reorg & Var. Code Amend., House Bill 618 — Charter School Review Board, House Bill 219 — Charter School Omnibus, and Senate Bill 49 — Parents’ Bill of Rights.

All 14 of the vetoes issued by the governor so far this session have been overridden.

“The legislature nally comes back to pass legislation that discriminates, makes housing less safe, blocks FEMA disaster recovery funding, hurts the freedom to vote and damages our economy. Yet they still won’t pass a budget when teachers, school bus

ed $20.3 million, or 35.4% of the judgments awarded” and that 463 families owed “more than $10,000 in interest alone.”

The study found that hospitals won default judgments in the majority of the cases led and patients reported not having the information they needed to understand the hospital bills in order to ght the lawsuit. Evidence was also found showing patients “had little say in these judicial proceedings” and that almost 60% were “default judgments.”

Nonpro t hospitals were responsible for “90.6% of the 5,922 lawsuits against patients,” according to the report.

Five health systems were found to be responsible for ling 5,922 of the lawsuits, or 96.5%.

drivers and Medicaid Expansion for thousands of working people getting kicked o their health plans every week are desperately needed,” Cooper said in a statement. “These are the wrong priorities, especially when they should be working nights and weekends if necessary to get a budget passed by the end of the month.”

As of Aug. 16, Cooper has issued 89 vetoes as governor and the legislature has overridden 37 of them. For context, a total of 124 vetoes have been issued in North Carolina since veto powers were given to the governor. Only ve governors who preceded Cooper had veto powers and they issued a combined total of just 35 vetoes.

“The House has successfully overridden six more of Gov. Cooper’s vetoes, resulting in huge wins for North Carolina women, parents, and families,” said House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain). “While Governor Cooper has tried to stand between parents and their kids, today the NC House will continue to a rm parent’s rights, protect female athletes, and advocate for the

See OVERRIDE , page A2

The ve systems include Atrium Health, Caromont Health, Sampson Regional Medical Center, Community Health Systems and Mission Health.

The OST interviewed several individuals facing medical debt lawsuits covered in the report.

Examples include an 80-yearold couple who were unaware of a $90,000 lien against their house until contacted by OST researchers, and a 70-year-old couple who has a $192,000 lien against their house put in place by Atrium Health even after the system allegedly told the couple they would receive help with

See HOSPITALS , page A2

Payton McNabb speaks at a press conference along with NC Values Coalition Executive Director and former UNC women’s basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell in Raleigh.

NCDHHS reminds families about updating vaccinations

Report: NC hospitals sued more than 7,500 patients for over $57.3M in judgments

NSJ STAFF

POSTMASTER:

Ecclesiastes 3:20

As chessmen are all thrown into the box together—so in the grave there is no distinction. Skulls wear no wreaths, and corpses carry no marks of honor.

The bishop and the knight tumble into the box with the pawns—and the king and the queen fare no better. Death is a terrible leveler. It is a pity that some men carry their heads so high above their fellows all the day—for they will have to sleep at night in the same bed of clay with those whom they despise.

Poor weeds, rich grain, gay owers together stand. Alas! death mows down all with an impartial hand!

“You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning—though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.” Psalm 90:5-6. Here is the history of the grass—sown, grown, blown, mown, gone! The history of man is not much more!

with their gender identity.”

There they come, streams of them, hurrying impatiently, rushing down to death and Hell— yes, eagerly panting, hurrying, dashing against one another to descend to that awful gulf from which there is no return!

Time, how short! Death, how brief! Eternity, how long!

nent of several of the bills, in particular. House Bills 808 and 574.

health and safety of our children.”

LGBT advocacy groups like EqualityNC and the ACLU of North Carolina were unhappy with the override results for speci c bills they consider “anti-trans.”

“These bills will have devastating e ects on trans youth who are already facing multiple barriers. This is a coordinated attack on fundamental freedoms that a ect us all: inclusion, bodily autonomy, and our right to privacy,” ACLU of NC Director of Policy and Advocacy Liz Barber said in a press release. “Transgender young people deserve to make choices about their own bodies, discuss their identities at school without fear of outing, and participate in sports teams that align

Barber also said it was “shameful that the General Assembly has continued to push this discriminatory agenda.”

EqualityNC dubbed the bills barring men in women’s sports, the prohibition on sex reassignment surgeries for minors and the Parents’ Bill of Rights as a “slate of hate.”

“Our heart breaks for the many people, particularly trans youth and their families, whose lives will be harmed by this cruel legislation,” EqualityNC said in a statement. We know that the people of North Carolina want their legislators to focus on bread-and-butter issues — not on passing hateful copy-paste legislation from national hate groups.”

The statement also said Equality NC has been partnering

with the Campaign for Southern Equality to bring the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP) to North Carolina, which says it provides “grants, patient navigation support, and accurate information to impacted families.”

The conservative NC Values Coalition has been a vocal propo-

“HB 808 is a compassionate bill which will protect gender confused youth from medical and trans activists, who urge children with mental health issues to permanently change their bodies by cutting o healthy body parts and consume cancer drugs not FDA-approved for gender transitioning,” NC Values Coalition Executive Director Tami Fitzgerald said in a statement following the override votes.

“Bodies play sports, not identities, and this bill ensures North Carolina girls and women won’t be benched in their own sports and can train con dently knowing they have a safe and level playing eld,” Fitzgerald said of House Bill 574 becoming law. “The people of North Carolina can rest assured their daughters

will not have to worry about injuries or unfair competition in sports, or about their daughters being exposed by men in their locker rooms.”

The bill garnered signicant attention as it made its way through committees, including the testimony of Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer out of the University of Kentucky. Gaines has made national headlines by calling attention to the unfair advantage in her sport by Lia Thomas, who identi es as female.

Additionally, North Carolina volleyball player Payton McNabb told lawmakers how she su ered severe and long-lasting injuries as a result of playing against a transgender opponent. The opponent spiked a ball into McNabb’s head at a rate of 70 mph, rendering her unconscious.

meningitis is required.

The full list of grade-level vaccinations can be viewed by visiting the NCDHHS immunization website.

Last fall, North Carolina saw a surge of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, as well as rhinoviruses, enteroviruses and in uenza in infants and young children. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added a new RSV vaccine for infants up to 8 months old; one dose of the drug nirsevimab.

According to NCDHHS, uninsured children up to 18 years old can be vaccinated “at low or no cost” through the Vaccines for Children program.

Last year, the CDC added the COVID-19 vaccination to the schedule of recommended early childhood immunizations.

Former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky admitted in a Congressional hearing that the only reason the COVID shot was added to the schedule was so uninsured kids could gain access to it.

“It was the only way it could be covered in our Vaccines for Children program,” Walensky told U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) during a hearing held on Feb 8, 2022. “It was the only way our uninsured children would be able to have access to the vaccines. That was the reason to put it on the schedule.”

Former NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen has since taken over for Walensky after being tapped by President Joe Biden. Cohen was well known in North

Carolina for promoting masking and vaccinations, a practice she has continued as CDC director. In a July Spectrum News interview, Cohen told the host she anticipates COVID-19 shots “will become similar to u shots,” given on an annual basis. That statement has prompted a letter from the Congressional Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic to Cohen inquiring about her remarks. Currently, no public school students in North Carolina are

required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in order to attend school.

Last year, the N.C. Commission for Public Health (NCCPH) hit the brakes on requiring children ages 17 and up to have a COVID-19 shot, unanimously voting down a petition requesting the shot be added.

Housed under NCDHHS, the NCCPH and is the main body responsible for adding vaccinations to the schedule for public school children in the state.

The NCCPH also received a letter from top NCDHHS ocials that called the addition of the COVID-19 shot “premature.” The letter was signed by NCDHHS State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, Mark Benton, the assistant NCDHHS secretary, and Dr. Kelly Kimple, chief of the NCDHHS women’s and children’s health section.

In January 2022, North State Journal broke the story on the petition that had been led several months earlier by four Ap-

palachian State University employees. The petition asked the commission to require a COVID-19 vaccination for “individuals 17 years of age or entering the 12th grade, whichever comes rst, on or after July 1, 2022.”

In August 2021, after some discussion, the NCCPH members tabled the idea of requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for K-12 students across the state. The commission met again virtually two months later on Oct. 15. During that meeting, North State Journal captured audio of some of the commission members joking about what they referred to as anti-vax and mask “rhetoric.”

Following North State Journal’s reporting on the NCCPH, two bills were led this session that would block forced vaccination of public school children in North Carolina.

House Bill 98, the Medical Freedom Act, would bar any state agency from issuing COVID-19 requirements or requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination records of any person, and it would prohibit public schools from issuing a vaccine mandate on students, faculty or sta . The bill passed the House and sits with the Senate’s Rules and Operations Committee.

House Bill 222, titled CV19 Vaccine Mandates for NC Students, would have speci cally prohibited the NCCPH from requiring students to get a COVID shot “for any reason.” The bill wasn’t brought to the oor for a vote and is therefore not currently an active bill for consideration.

Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) is one of the most widely read preachers in history and is known by many as the Prince of Preachers. Spurgeon was pastor of the New Park Street Chapel (later the Metropolitan Tabernacle) in London. His works are now in the public domain.

“All go to the same place. All come from dust, and to dust all return!”

“The Chess Players” aka “Checkmate” by Friedrich August Moritz Retzsch (1831) is a painting in a private collection.

AP PHOTO

Marin Ackerman, 10, center, receives a P zer COVID-19 vaccine from registered nurse Sydney Mogul, right.

OVERRIDE from page 1

“The NC House will continue to a rm parent’s rights, protect female athletes, and advocate for the health and safety of our children.”

Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain)

Edgecombe County o cials push back on state auditor’s report

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Edgecombe County o cials have pushed back on a recent audit published by the o ce of State Auditor Beth Wood.

The published audit was conducted in response to 13 allegations received by the state auditor’s o ce.

The audit had multiple ndings including:

Late submission of federal withholdings to the IRS racked up $167,602 in penalties and fees.

County manager overrode policy when purchasing catering services totaling $5,669.

Monthly bank reconciliation for disbursing and trust accounts was incomplete.

Paid $100,088 for insurance for former employees.

Overpayment to 12 employees totaling $21,983 (Jan. 2020 through Dec. 2021).

No approval from the county board or commissioners for adding 26 budget amendments totaling $9.6 million during the 2021 scal year.

In its seven-page response, Edgecombe County Commis-

“The IRS has not assessed any penalties against Edgecombe County since the fourth quarter of 2020.”

Edgecombe County o cials

sioners acknowledged most of the ndings but added context to some and “emphatically” denied the nding on budget amendments. The audit report called most

Bill updating elections laws, absentee ballot procedure sent to governor

Veto by Cooper and override likely

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — On Aug. 15, the House Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform Committee met to discuss a preferred committee substitute (PCS) to Senate Bill 747, a bill making various changes to the state’s election laws.

Within a few days of the committee meeting, the bill was passed by both chambers of the General Assembly and was sent to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper on Aug. 18.

When the rst version of the bill was announced in June, Cooper personally responded on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, by writing, “And here they go with advice from election deniers and fraud perpetrators. Don’t be fooled. This isn’t about protecting elections. It’s about rigging them to help Republicans. – RC.”

Given Cooper’s past statements, he will more than likely veto the current measure, triggering another veto override by the General Assembly.

The 42-page PCS includes numerous changes to conform with state and federal laws and covers a wide range of topics including mail-in absentee ballots, closing loopholes in same-day voter registration, removing foreign citizens from voter rolls, and challenges to ballots and registrations, as well as polling place issues, such as polling place judges and rules related to poll observers.

Key provisions and changes include treating early voting more like in-person voting on Election Day. One-stop absentee voting would be renamed and simply called early voting.

Under the bill, the return time to county boards of election for mail-

in absentee ballots would be 7:30 p.m. on election night regardless of postmark. Military and overseas voters would be the exception to that requirement. Currently, those ballots can be returned by 5 p.m. on the third day following an election if the ballot is postmarked on or before the day of the election.

Challenges to mail-in absentee ballots received by the new deadline can occur no later than 5 p.m. on the fth business day after the election. Any registered voter of the same county as the absentee voter can challenge that absentee voter’s ballot.

The bill requires the N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to include a bar code or a unique identier on each container-return envelope for mail-in absentee ballots for tracking purposes.

A process for addressing deciencies in absentee ballots is included in the proposed legislation wherein a county board must notify a voter if their container-return envelope contains a curable deciency with examples of a voter failing to sign the voter certi cation, signing in the wrong spot or if they didn’t include a copy of their photo ID.

In order to correct a de ciency and have the vote counted, the voter would need to send their documentation in no later than the end of business on the business day before canvass is conducted. With regard to photo ID, a voter can cure their ballot by sending a le or image via email to their county board of elections.

Current election law says the chief judge and the judges have to stay at the voting place from the time from the start through the conclusion of their duties. The bill would remove that requirement so long as the positions are lled throughout the day by an appropriate o cial.

If passed, the bill creates a pilot program in certain counties to use signature veri cation software for verifying signatures on absentee ballots.

The NCSBE will also be required to retain and preserve voted ballots, election results tapes and executed ballot applications for 22 months after an election or as otherwise speci ed in federal law, whichever is greater.

The provision prohibiting the NCSBE from accepting direct or indirect private monetary donations or in-kind contributions for the purpose of conducting elections or employing individuals on a temporary basis in the former version of the bill remains intact in the PCS.

The majority of the provisions and changes in the PCS would be in e ect for the upcoming presidential election year, taking e ect on Jan. 1, 2024.

One section adds two new criminal penalties that would take e ect on Dec. 1, 2023.

If the bill becomes law, it would be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to impersonate a precinct o cial while carrying out duties in registering voters or conducting an election and for anyone other than an NCSBE or a county board employee to place any kind of identier on any absentee ballot request form in order to track it.

Another section would add a “knowing requirement” to the Class I felony for a person voting in an election without their right of citizenship having been restored.

Additionally, any violations in the administration of election laws, fraud and irregularities in elections are to be reported by the NCSBE to the State Bureau of Investigation for further investigation and prosecution. County boards of election would be required to cooperate with any investigation.

of the responses by Edgecombe o cials “misleading.”

In the case of the fees and penalties, o cials cited having to use fax machines to transmit the data, which sometimes resulted in incomplete submissions, and also cited the reversal of some of the penalty fees.

“The IRS has not assessed any penalties against Edgecombe County since the fourth quarter of 2020, and the county is currently in compliance with all IRS requirements,” the o cials for the county wrote.

The commissioners disagreed with the audit’s ndings that

HOSPITALS from page 1

their medical bills.

“In response to hospital lawsuits, defendants increased their mortgages, canceled their retirement, and reported losing their primary source of equity and upward mobility when the hospital won liens against their houses,” the report says.

Atrium Health was cited by the researchers as having led over 40% of the lawsuits.

In a statement to Axios, Atrium denied that suing patients was part of its “current practice” and that it “does not le any lawsuits against patients, nor do we execute on any liens or foreclose on any property on which a lien was previously led.” An average of 275 patients each day never receive bills for their care, totaling some $437 million per year, a spokesperson for Atrium told the outlet.

In response to the report, the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) issued a statement that included its list of reasons why some people “face health care expenses beyond their ability to pay.”

“North Carolina hospitals and health systems are united in placing patients and families at the center of everything we do. As a eld, we strive to deliver care for all people with dignity and compassion,” the NCHA said in a statement.

“This commitment is demonstrated every day as we deliver our best for everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of what an individual looks like, where they are from, their politics, or their ability to pay.”

The statement also claimed, “Hospitals spend roughly $92,085.00 every minute in North Carolina on community bene ts or $48.4 billion annually.”

The NCHA also seemingly took a shot at the lack of a state budget as it relates to Medic-

the county manager had overridden certain policies or procedures involving the $5,669 in catering services and that the county rotates through various catering vendors throughout the year.

Regarding the audit’s claim that the county had “26 budget amendments totaling $9.6 million” for scal year 2021 without approvals, the commissioners responded by saying, “This is simply not true.”

“Again, to be clear, the Board did approve 24 of the 26 budget amendments noted in the report, and the Board was aware of the two grant-funded projects related to the remaining two budget amendments,” the Edgecombe response reads. “Therefore, the Board emphatically denies the report’s conclusion in this nding that $9.6 million was entered in the County’s nancial system without approval by the Board and Commissioners.”

“In response to hospital lawsuits, defendants increased their mortgages, canceled their retirement, and reported losing their primary source of equity and upward mobility when the hospital won liens against their houses.”

Report summary

aid expansion, stating, “Numerous studies have shown that residents of states that did not expand Medicaid are more likely to have signi cant medical debt.”

The report has bolstered N.C. State Treasurer Dale Folwell’s call for the North Carolina House to pass Senate Bill 321, the Medical Debt De-Weaponization Act. In May, the Senate received praise from Folwell after passing the measure.

Under Senate Bill 321, large health care facilities and systems would be required to give patients a nancial assistance policy with the aim of stopping aggressive collection measures.

The bill also would cap the interest on medical debt collections as well as require that price information be placed on health care system websites. In terms of pricing, the bill also bars nonhospital health care facilities from charging facility fees and blocks hospitals from charging facility fees for identi ed procedures. Patients would also have legal recourse with the ability to private right of action against health care facilities and medical debt collectors who violate the provisions of the bill.

trol Board announced people could drink it as long as it didn’t smell. Two and a half weeks later, that agency announced there was benzene in the water.

Two months after that, a third agency, a county health department, told the public the water was unsafe and not to attempt to treat it on their own.

The Associated Press

THE LANGUAGE IS STARK:

People in torched areas of Maui should not try to lter their own drinking water because there is no “way to make it safe,” Maui County posted on its Instagram account this week.

The message reached Anne Rillero and her husband Arnie in Kula, who were eating yet another meal of frozen pizza. The couple feels incredibly lucky they and their home survived the res that raced across Maui in recent days, wiping most of Lahaina o the map. The number of conrmed fatalities was raised on Friday to 114 people.

When a neighborhood organization alerted them not to drink their water and to air out the house even if they run the tap, the couple decided to eat o paper plates to avoid exposure. No washing dishes.

“It’s alarming that it may be in the water system for awhile,” said Rillero, a retired conservation communication specialist who has lived on the island for 22 years.

Brita lters, devices connected to refrigerators or sinks and even robust, whole-home systems are unlikely to address the “extreme contamination” that can happen after a re.

“They will remove some of it, but levels that will be acutely and immediately toxic will get through,” said Andrew Whelton, a Purdue University researcher and expert in water contamination after wild res in urban areas.

The Maui res damaged hundreds of drinking water pipes, resulting in a loss of pressure that can allow toxic chemicals along with metals and bacteria into water lines. For now, the county has told

people to use bottled water for all their needs or to ll jugs at tankers called water bu alos, which have been brought in near the burns.

The state health department’s environmental health division told Maui County, which operates water delivery systems for most residents, to test for 23 chemicals. Those are just the ones for which the federal government has set limits for drinking water.

These warnings re ect new science and are intended to avoid the whiplash of con icting information received by people impacted by the 2018 Camp Fire in California, who received messages from four di erent agencies.

Until a few years ago, wild re was only known to contaminate drinking water at the source, such as when ash runs into a river or reservoir. California’s Tubbs Fire in 2017 and the Camp Fire

“are the rst known wild res where widespread drinking water chemical contamination was discovered in the water distribution network,” according to a recent study published by several researchers including Whelton with the American Water Works Association.

After the Camp Fire destroyed Paradise, California, ofcials didn’t initially understand that smoke and chemicals had leached into the water through broken and melted water pipes. So they did what was standard after other res: they told people to boil water before use.

Concerned about benzene contamination, the Paradise Irrigation District water utility then changed the order and told people to avoid the water, district Assistant District Manager Mickey Rich said.

Four days later, the California State Water Resources Con-

For people on Maui who get their water from private wells, now would be a good time to get it tested, said Steve Wilson, a groundwater hydrologist at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. If re burns near a well, it can damage the cap, which keeps out debris. Plastic in the lining can even melt, releasing hazardous fumes into the well.

“In the case of a re, it may look ne, but it’s hard to know,” Wilson said. “It might have affected something on the inside.”

Experts caution complete restoration of safe water will take a long time.

“I would implore anybody not to make a decision about lifting the water safety order until you have repeated validation that there is no contamination that poses a health risk,” Whelton said.

Maui water is unsafe even with lters, one of the lessons learned from res in California

Murphy to Manteo

The billion-dollar impact of NC Community Colleges

A comprehensive study of North Carolina’s 58 Community Colleges shows how each delivers value from multiple perspectives.

The colleges bene t state businesses by increasing consumer spending in the state and supplying a steady ow of quali ed, trained workers to the workforce.

North Carolina Community Colleges enrich the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their individual potential, the study said. The colleges bene t state and local taxpayers through increased tax receipts and a reduced demand for governmentsupported social services.

WEST

Pisgah High returns to football stadium after two years

Haywood County

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper helped the town of Canton celebrate the return of high school football to Pisgah High Memorial Stadium by performing the coin toss at last Friday night’s game.

North Carolina conducts alcohol enforcement, 250 charged Wilkes County Agents with North Carolina’s Alcohol Law Enforcement Unit charged more than 250 people Friday night in a series of coordinated actions. O cials said the charges included alcohol, drug, rearm, driving and gambling o enses. In addition, police seized six rearms, including an AR-15 ri e illegally possessed by a convicted felon. Also seized were 77 fake IDs and an illegal distillery, o cials said. Cities involved in the operation included Wilmington, Greenville, Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Charlotte, Boone, Conover, Wilkesboro, Lenoir, Fayetteville, Lumberton, Pembroke, Laurinburg, Lenoir, Biscoe, Yanceyville, Sylva, Cullowhee, and Dillsboro. AP

4 dead, including 2 children, in house re

Man arrested for stealing construction equipment Lincoln County Richard Clay Martin, 47, was arrested and charged with a felony count of attempt to obtain property by false pretenses and two felony possession of stolen goods charges after he tried to steal more than $90,000 worth of construction equipment. Martin allegedly stole two Bobcat skid steers and a travel trailer. The skids was taken from Blythe Construction and the trailer from Optimum RV. Martin turned himself in to police.

PIEDMONT EAST

‘In God We Trust’ proposal fails Guilford County

Davie County Authorities say four people, including two children, died in a re that erupted in a home. Davie County Sheri J.D. Hartman told reporters that investigators believe that a father, mother and their two young children died in Monday afternoon’s house re in Cooleemee. Hartman said autopsies could help investigators determine the cause of their deaths. The cause of the re remained under investigation.

Girl killed in wrong-way crash

Mom, boyfriend charged in children’s deaths

medical emergency in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 74-year-old from Alabama su ered severe chest pains while hiking near Fontana Lake. Rescuers brought the victim to a location that could be reached by helicopter. He was then own to a hospital in Asheville. WSPA

The deadly 2021 oods from Tropical Storm Fred severely damaged the stadium, forcing the Pisgah Bears to play at other locations for two years. The game was also ushered in by the steampowered whistle from Canton’s paper mill. The mill closed earlier this year after more than 100 years of production, inducing a huge economic loss for the town.

O cials: Mark Meadows was registered to vote in 3 states Macon County Former Trump chief of

WLOS

EF1 Tornado con rmed in Watauga County Watauga County

The National Weather Service has con rmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Watauga County last week.

That tornado is the same one that touched down in Avery County during the early hours of Tuesday, Aug. 15.

It’s the third o cial tornado con rmed for Watauga since the database began in 1950.

The NWS said the tornado occurred approximately 2 miles north-northwest of Beech Mountain.

The twister resulted in sporadic uprooted trees from estimated wind gusts up to 90 mph.

WATAUGA ONLINE

Hickory woman charged with embezzling $900K from employer

Catawba County

A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment charging Michelle Wilshire, 48, of Hickory with multiple counts of wire fraud, tax fraud and money laundering from her employer. According to allegations in the indictment, from 2016 to 2021, Wilshire was employed by a familyowned business located in Conover and was in charge of the company’s third-party payment processing and debit card issuing service. The indictment alleges that Wilshire executed a scheme to defraud her employer through a debit card scheme and issue checks for her personal bank account.

Wilshire’s initial court appearance has been scheduled for Aug. 29.

Kudzu eradication e orts continue in Polk County

Polk County

NSJ

Kudzu may be associated with the South, but it’s a nonnative, invasive plant that can smother and kill native species of trees and shrubs, cover roadways, overtake utility poles and lines, and clog waterways.

On public lands, the Polk County Appearance Commission has a kudzu eradication project in place involving three municipalities and nine community organizations that have been working together to remove dozens of acres of kudzu across the county since 2020.

The nonpro t Conserving Carolina works with a volunteer group called the Kudzu Warriors, which has eradicated about 25 acres of kudzu, allowing native species to return.

TRYON DAILY BULLETIN

A proposal that would have put “In God We Trust” on Guilford County buildings was denied last week. County commissioners voted 6-2 against the measure, with all Democrats voting no. The phrase would have gone on 10 county buildings, including county courthouses, the animal shelter and the health department.

FOX 46

Cleveland County Autumn Johnson, 19, was killed on Friday when the car she was driving was hit by a 76-year-old driver from Morganton who was going the wrong way on the highway in Cleveland County in Mooresboro. The 76-year-old, whose name was not immediately released, was also killed in the crash. Johnson was about to graduate from Crest High School. WSOC

AP Durham company a winner in Elon Musk-funded greenhouse gas contest

Commissioner James Upchurch spearheaded the proposal, stating how the county is divided and that he wanted to create a sense of unity.

“This is an opportunity for us to adopt our nation’s motto, something that has been in place well before I was born and I think that it would help us move toward a more uni ed community,” Upchurch said.

Prosecutor: No charges in shooting of pedestrian by deputy Cumberland County A prosecutor will not pursue charges against an o -duty sheri ’s deputy who shot a Black pedestrian on a busy road, nding the deputy had reason to fear bodily harm and defend himself. The Conference of District Attorneys reviewed the shooting death of Jason Walker on Jan. 8 after the local district attorney recused himself from the case. In a letter Thursday, conference executive director Kimberly Overton Spahos wrote it will not be seeking charges against Je rey Hash, who was o duty from his job at the Cumberland County Sheri ’s O ce at the time of the shooting. AP

New Kerr Lake superintendent named Vance County

Nash County A mother and her boyfriend have been charged with involuntary manslaughter after her two young children died Saturday. Rocky Mount Police say the 1-year-old girl and her 3-month-old baby brother were found unresponsive Saturday morning and declared dead at a nearby hospital. Police have not released additional details about the circumstances of their death. Later Saturday, police arrested the mother and her boyfriend, both 21. They were each charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse. Police said their investigation continues and that further charges are possible once the medical examiner’s o ce completes its report.

O cials: Inmates escape prison, found hours later

Robeson County

Two inmates escaped a North Carolina prison Monday, but were caught hours later, o cials said. Craig Guess Jr., 39, and Arlo Swink Jr., 38, escaped from the Robeson Con nement in Response to Violation Center in Lumberton shortly before 3 p.m. and were found nearby on foot three hours later.

More than dozen horses seized from ranch Davidson County

WFMY

Durham County Ideas for reducing greenhouse gas in the atmosphere are getting a funding boost from famed entrepreneur Elon Musk. Musk is bankrolling a $100 million XPRIZE competition for the most promising ways to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by grabbing the gas out of the air. The 15 initial “milestone round” winners of the contest, including Durham’s 8 Rivers Capital, each get $1 million, helping to carry on with and scale up their work. Winning ideas range from restoring rain forests by farming algae on cleared lands to producing a sort of arti cial limestone with a process mimicking ocean chemistry. AP

A veterinarian in Davidson County is taking care of more than a dozen horses taken from a ranch in Lexington. Davidson County deputies showed up at Sun and Moon Ranch in unmarked cars last week, according to WGHP. The team seized a total of 16 horses, both foals and adults. Deputies say many of the horses are injured and underweight.

The horses were taken to an undisclosed location where a veterinarian will examine their condition. No charges have been led as of yet for the owner of the horses, but the case is still under investigation.

WGHP

Waxhaw residents concerned over new development

Union County Some Waxhaw residents voiced their concerns over Angelina, a proposed project for 500 homes o Providence Road, which is often congested. Several residents of Providence Grove and Inverness on Providence attended a meeting with the developer over a plan to annex and rezone more than 200 acres. That would a ect the existing developments by redirecting tra c from Cuthbertson Road to Providence Road (Route 16).

Like many of his neighbors, Rich Zapata said they don’t mind the growth in Waxhaw, but the infrastructure is not in place for the rate the town is growing.

WCNC

Man who shot pregnant woman in head following road rage incident sentenced Wake County

A Garner man who shot a pregnant woman in the head on Raleigh’s New Bern Avenue in August of last year was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of ammunition by a felon. Tyler Mack Kirby of Garner pled guilty on May 11.

“This felon shot a pregnant woman in the back of the head in an act of senseless violence while she simply rode in a car,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Make no mistake, this U.S. Attorney’s O ce will take action against any felon who engages in gun violence in Raleigh or beyond.”

O cials are investigating how they escaped. Guess and Swink were serving 90-day periods of con nement for violations of their post-release supervision, o cials said. The men were sent to a higher custody level facility and will be charged with felony escape, o cials said.

NSJ

Edenton gets two grants to reuse buildings

Chowan County

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced that Keith Nealson, who has been with state parks for 25 years, has been named a superintendent at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. Nealson joins Bill Stanley, the lead superintendent, who moved into that role last year after longtime superintendent Bryce Fleming retired. Nealson joined the division as a maintenance mechanic at William B. Umstead State Park in 1998 before becoming a ranger there. In 2009, he was promoted to park superintendent at Eno River State Park. His most recent position was chief ranger for DPR, leading the division’s law enforcement program and training process. NSJ

The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority approved nearly $4 million in grants to help rural businesses renovate property. Edenton received two grants. A $500,000 award will reuse a building that will be used by sports boat tech company Hermes Marine. $200,000 will expand a building used by Regulator Marine. The grants will help create about 161 jobs in the county.

AP

AP

Former Teacher of Year takes assistant principal post Sampson County

Amy Tart was among the personnel approved by the Sampson County Board of Education during a recent work session at the recommendation of SCS Superintendent Jamie King to become assistant principal at Union Elementary School. Tart started in 2014 as a member of the Teach for America program, where she was placed at Union Intermediate School to begin her time as a teacher. During her time at Union Intermediate, Tart was named Sampson County Teacher of the Year for the 2018-19 school year.

Tart picked up experience both as a teacher and as an administrator, working at several schools in between her beginning at Union Intermediate and new role at Union Elementary.

SAMPSON INDEPENDENT

New elections director chosen Chowan County

Chowan County will have a new director of elections for the presidential election in 2024 following the State Board of Elections’ recent approval of Kristina Nixon to succeed current director Terrence Meyers.

Nixon has been working for the Chowan Board of Elections since Aug. 12 and her current title is director in training. She will take over as director of elections on Jan. 1, 2024.

“I happy to be here,” Nixon said. “I’m looking forward to it, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Nixon worked as a poll worker for four previous elections. She comes to the elections o ce after a 30-year career in public health. DAILY ADVANCE

Solar project opens near Moyock Currituck County

Leeward Renewable Energy announced that it has completed construction of its 100-megawatt (MW) Oak Trail Solar project near Moyock and the facility has reached commercial operation. Verizon Communications has supported the development of Oak Trail Solar through a longterm virtual purchase agreement.

LRE hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event, in partnership with the American Clean Power Association (ACP), at the project site to celebrate the start of operations.

Oak Trail Solar created approximately 300 jobs at peak construction and will provide long-term renewable energy jobs and signi cant property tax contributions to Currituck County according to the company.

Jones & Blount

NC Court of Appeals reverses ruling in retirement bene ts cap case

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The N.C. Court of Appeals has reversed a lower court’s ruling in a case brought against legislation passed by the General Assembly that capped contributions to retirement bene ts for certain state employees.

“We reverse the superior court’s 13 June 2022 order reversing the ALJ’s grant of summary judgment in Respondents’ favor and granting summary judgment in Petitioner’s favor because the Act does not violate Article I, Section 10, of the United States Constitution; does not violate Article IX, Section 7(a), of the North Carolina Constitution; and is not retroactively applied to Petitioner,” the N.C. Court of Appeals ruling states. “Furthermore, we reverse the superior court’s 18

March 2022 order denying Respondents’ Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss because Speaker Moore and President Pro Tempore Berger were not proper parties to the petition for judicial review.”

The case was ruled on earlier this year by Wilson County Superior Court Judge William D. Wolfe who was appointed to the seat by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in January 2021.

The Wilson County Board of Education are the plainti s in the case. The defendants included the state Retirement Benets Division, the Department of N.C. State Treasurer, the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS), as well as Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) and Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden).

“I applaud the Court of Ap-

peals opinion that unanimously overturned a lower court ruling,” said N.C. State Treasurer in a statement. “Prevailing in this case was the result of signi cant e ort by Olga Vysotskaya at the N.C. Department of Justice, our internal legal sta of General Counsel Ben Garner and attorney Tim Melton, and Retirement Systems Division personnel Thomas Causey and Patrick Kinlaw.”

“The law was implemented by the previous treasurer,” Folwell said. “It is not our job to tell school boards or others what to pay administrators. It is our job to protect and defend others in the plan who are asked to pay for it.”

The legislation at the heart of the lawsuit was passed in an effort to deal with «pension spiking,» which is described in the ruling as when an «employee›s compensation substantial-

ly increases to create a retirement bene t that is signi cantly greater than the employee’s contributions would fund.»

“In 2014, the General Assembly enacted An Act to Enact Anti-Pension-Spiking Legislation by Establishing a Contribution-Based Bene t Cap (the “Act”), 2014 N.C. Sess. Laws 88, which is codi ed in relevant part by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1355(a3),” the ruling explains. “The Act establishes a retirement bene t cap applicable to employees with an average nal compensation greater than $100,000 whose pension would otherwise be signi cantly greater than the accumulated contributions made by that employee during their employment with the State. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 135-5(a3).”

The “Average nal compensation” is de ned in the law as “the

average annual compensation of a member during the four consecutive calendar years of membership service producing the highest such average.” The Act applies to every member retiring on or after Jan. 1, 2015.

Under the Act, the TSERS Board of Trustees established a “contribution-based bene t cap factor recommended by the actuary, based upon actual experience, such that no more than three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) of retirement allowances are expected to be capped.”

When an employee retires, an analysis is performed that includes four steps; determining the amount of the employee’s accumulated contributions to TSERS, the amount of a single life annuity that is the actuarial equivalent of the employee’s accumulated contributions, multiplying the annuity by the contribution-based cap factor and then calculating the employee’s expected pension based upon the employee’s membership service.

After the analysis is performed, the employee’s pension will be capped if that individual’s expected pension exceeds the calculated contribution-based bene t cap.

Farms Farms

Tim Scott will share the spotlight at massive South Carolina campaign event headlined by DeSantis

The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. — Just a few days after the rst GOP presidential debate of the 2024 cycle, two of the contenders will be hitting the same stage in front of the largest annual gathering of Republicans in early-voting South Carolina.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had already been set as the headliner at the Faith & Freedom BBQ, hosted by Rep. Je Duncan on Aug. 28. Duncan told The Associated Press that Sen. Tim Scott — invited in his capacity as a South Carolina senator, not presidential hopeful — had also accepted an opportunity to speak, as he has done in years past.

The event, which takes place

in a massive civic center and attracts more than 2,000 attendees, comes ve days after Scott, DeSantis and others in the broad GOP eld are set to participate in the rst debate of the 2024 cycle in Milwaukee.

Duncan’s event, a fundraiser bene ting his reelection campaign, has long been a showcase for possible White House contenders, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, then-Vice President Mike Pence, Sens. Ted Cruz, Joni Ernst and Marco Rubio, and former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who’s now part of the 2024 eld.

In a state where success has historically been a catalyst for

GOP presidential nominees, the South Carolina venue provides DeSantis an opportunity to make his case in front of a large number of party activists, with whom Trump — who earlier this month headlined the state Republican Party’s annual fundraiser — remains popular.

But it’s not just the headliner who draws attention. Last year, before Pompeo’s keynote, Scott gave a rousing speech that drew thunderous applause from the barbecue crowd.

The opportunity to address a crowd of thousands in his home state — which holds the rst GOP presidential primary in the South — comes as Scott’s presidential campaign prepares to kick in to high gear in the closing months before the rst

votes are cast next year.

Scott’s campaign told the AP that it had purchased $8 million in ad space in the critical early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, planning a television, radio and digital campaign that would run through the end of November. That purchase comes on the heels of a $6 million ad buy the campaign launched as Scott kicked o his campaign in May.

It also follows major spending by a super political action committee backing Scott, which began a $7.25 million television and digital ad buy when he entered the race. When that ends on Labor Day, the group’s $40 million reservation in early-state air time will begin.

Scott’s campaign has long

stressed that his strong ability to fundraise, coupled with the more than $20 million he transferred to his presidential co ers from his Senate campaign account, would mean their candidate could stay on the air in key states in ways others might not be able to.

As DeSantis and Scott prepare to both take the stage at the event hosted by Duncan — one of only two Republicans in South Carolina’s delegations not already aligned with a presidential candidate — voters in the state are still mulling their options.

At a DeSantis event in Greenville, South Carolina, earlier this summer, businessman Dean Estep said he’s currently backing the Florida governor, and already has a running mate for him in mind.

“Tim Scott’s a rst class guy,” Estep said, before the question about who he’d like to see on a ticket with DeSantis was even nished. “He’s just a picture of America.”

OPINION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

“Rich Men North of Richmond”

Country Music Industry

Confused By

Man Actually

From Country

Making Actual Music

ON AUG. 7, Oliver Anthony of Farmville, Virginia, recorded a song out back on his farm next to a pond with a dog at his feet. He had made others in the past which hardly anyone noticed. He loaded this one up to YouTube ― and by the end of the rst weekend, more than 2 million people had seen and heard it.

Close to 50 million people have heard “Rich Men North of Richmond” — in less than two weeks.

What made this one song from an unknown country singer stand out and strike such a chord with millions of people of all races, backgrounds and creeds so quickly?

The rst time I heard it, it sent a chill down my spine ― and not many things chill my spine anymore. I heard his voice and didn’t really pay much attention to the words, just like most music heard for the rst time. But it grabbed me and wouldn’t let go — and I am not much of a country music fan either.

Anthony let loose a full range of emotions and experiences that everyday people immediately recognize as authentic. A Babylon Bee meme captured it perfectly: “Country Music Industry Confused

By Man Actually From Country Making Actual Music.” A music executive o ered Anthony $8 million for his song, but he turned them down, saying it would defeat the purpose of his song in the rst place. It is music from the heart and the soul. It had all the elements of a poignant lament from a man who has self-admittedly had struggles with mental health, depression and alcohol abuse. There are far more many millions of people in America who can relate to him than they can to a super-successful, rich, Ivy League-educated, Harvard Law guy.

But “Rich Men North of Richmond” is far more than a sad country song about a guy getting red from his job, dumped by his wife and nding his truck totaled by his teenage son. It has the backbone of a shrill rebel yell but is tempered by good old common-sense wisdom

(“It’s a damn shame”) from an old soul grandmother or grandfather of any race.

Somehow, Oliver Anthony has managed to combine the following words into a lament, an anthem, a rallying cry and a paean to an America of days gone by where truth, honesty and personal responsibility were respected, not chided. This is a “protest song” not against war but against powerful people telling other less selfimportant people what to say, what to do, what to teach their kids and which car to drive at the same time telling them what a terrible

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

The problems have gotten so bad that some employees at the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco are being urged to continue working from home.

LEADERS IN DEMOCRAT-RUN CITIES across the country are having to learn the hard way that being soft on crime doesn’t pay.

Take, for instance, big cities in California like San Francisco and Oakland.

In June 2022, then-SF District Attorney Chesa Boudin was ousted in a recall election, with even reform-minded left-wing San Franciscans sending strong signals that they’d had it with his soft-on-crime approach to dealing with the city’s rampant crime problems.

The woman who took his place, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, has developed a reputation for being “anti-woke” although, in her Twitter bio, she indicates that she is “dedicated to criminal justice reform.”

Unfortunately for Jenkins, not much has changed in the City by the Bay, with open-air drug use, retail theft including smash and grabs, hate crimes against Asian-Americans, and vehicle break-ins continuing to be a problem. Homelessness is also spiraling, with new tents sprouting up on city streets almost daily.

In fact, the problems have gotten so bad that some employees at the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco are being urged to continue working from home.

The reason cited? Concerns over their safety.

“O cials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advised hundreds of employees in San Francisco to work remotely for the foreseeable future due to public safety concerns,” the San Francisco Chronicle recently reported while also noting that “the area is also home to one of the city’s most brazen open-air drug markets, where dozens of dealers and users congregate on a daily basis.”

On any given day one can log onto social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok to see new videos of what downtown San Franciso looks like, and it’s not a pretty picture.

Businesses are packing up and leaving in droves, with many admitting that fear for the safety of their employees and customers was a major factor in deciding to permanently close their doors.

place America is to live.

It is a cry for community and reestablishment of a tolerant, caring nation. Whether it becomes a rallying cry in coming elections remains to be seen — in which case every incumbent of both parties in Congress 90 miles north of Richmond should be worried simply because, to the average man or woman, it doesn’t look like any of them care about what is good for the nation as a whole, only themselves and their political party or faction.

Maybe Oliver Anthony is a modern-day prophet calling on America to repent of its sinful ways. Even if it is not the next “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” Anthony’s plea for neighbors to treat each other as friends, if not family, is a good suggestion for all of us to follow.

“I’ve been sellin’ my soul, workin’ all day

Overtime hours for bullsh-- pay

So I can sit out here and waste my life away

Drag back home and drown my troubles away

It’s a damn shame what the world’s gotten to

For people like me and people like you

Wish I could just wake up and it not be true

But it is, oh, it is

Livin’ in the new world

With an old soul

These rich men north of Richmond

Lord knows they all just wanna have total control

Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do

And they don’t think you know, but I know that you do

’Cause your dollar ain’t shit and it’s taxed to no end

’Cause of rich men north of Richmond

I wish politicians would look out for miners

And not just minors on an island somewhere

Lord, we got folks in the street, ain’t got nothin’ to eat

And the obese milkin’ welfare

Well, God, if you’re 5-foot-3 and you’re 300 pounds

Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of fudge rounds

Young men are puttin’ themselves six feet in the ground

’Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin’ them down”

Nearby Oakland is facing similar issues, so much so that Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, whose style has been compared to Boudin’s, is also facing the possibility of a recall election.

Even prosecutors who want to throw the book at the repeat o enders who are wreaking havoc on these cities are having a hard time doing so, with laws on the books that e ectively make taking them to court useless.

Yolo County (California) District Attorney Je Reisig explained the situation on his Twitter page.

“This retail theft mob happened at a Nordstrom in California today. Because of broken state laws, these crimes are considered ‘non-serious’ and ‘non-violent’ and nobody will go to state prison,” Reisig wrote, “even if caught and convicted. State laws need to be xed and YES, many people need to go to prison for this type of crime.”

“In many cases, within hours of people being released from custody on Zero-bail, they were re-o ending and committing new felony crimes,” he also wrote.

When I read stories about what’s taking place in blue states like California and New York, I’m reminded of how these states have over the years issued government-related business travel bans to states like North Carolina over laws like the HB2 “bathroom bill” and the like.

Earlier this year, San Francisco’s board of supervisors abandoned its travel bans to states like N.C. “after a report found it was potentially costing the city money and contracts and wasn’t working as intended,” according to Deseret News.

Just goes to show that a reworking of priorities for these Democratrun parts of the country may be in order. After all, it’s often been said that one should concentrate on xing their own problems before they go trying to nose around in someone else’s backyard.

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

COLUMN | FRANK HILL

Being soft on crime doesn’t pay

Blahous’ laws of politics #5 and #6

Article rst appeared in the July 25, 2023 edition of Discourse magazine published by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University

5TH LAW: The more sympathetic the constituency, the worse the policy. This is one of the most powerful forces operating in politics — one that warrants understanding by any analyst or voter. As a general rule, the more sympathetic a cause or a constituency, the less we are inclined to apply critical thinking to any action described as supporting it. No one wants to be seen as opposing help to disabled veterans, child victims of sexual abuse, individuals battling breast cancer, 9/11 rst responders or any other sympathetic group. We are eager to declare ourselves as being on the side of the vulnerable and against the oppressor. It is not generally safe, politically, for an elected o cial to be depicted as opposing support for any group that garners widespread sympathy.

The result is that a much lower level of scrutiny is applied to spending on sympathetic groups and causes than to other federal legislation. When Americans are asked whether we should spend more or less on a sympathetic cause or group, they will generally respond with “more” before even knowing how much is currently being spent. The other side of the coin is that when a politician is seemingly allying with a group for which virtually no one feels sympathy (as a hypothetical example, “corporate billionaire tax-evading polluters”), chances are much better that they’re actually standing up for an important policy principle, because there is no political gain in their doing so. These dynamics cause some parts of the budget to persistently grow far faster than other parts, often completely disconnected from what a thorough analysis would reasonably conclude is optimal policy. For example, Social Security and Medicare are allowed to grow far faster than budget experts agree is sustainable, largely because seniors remain a sympathetic constituency despite having higher incomes than most Americans. No politician wants to get crosswise with that sentiment.

Recent Medicaid expansion has resulted in dramatic increases in improper payments and even reduced spending on children’s health, but has continued largely unquestioned because it is synonymous with healthcare for the sympathetic poor. Federal environmental regulation is notoriously costly and ine cient, largely because government o cials cannot bear to be thought of as being in bed with polluters, and thus, they overcompensate to

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

THE MEDIA WOULD LIKE you to know that Javier Milei, the upstart candidate who improbably won Argentina’s presidential primary this week, is a “Trump admirer,” “right-wing populist,” “far-right outsider,” “far-right populist,” “rightist,” “far-right libertarian,” a “radical” — and did they mention he’s on the “far right”?

Anyway, I’m no expert on Argentinian politics, so this coverage sparked my curiosity. And it turns out, Milei — also known as el Peluca (“The Wig”) because he sports the hairstyle of a man spinning jazz- ute fusion records in his velvet-draped bachelor pad circa 1972 — is far more interesting than headlines would have us believe.

An economist and rhetorical pugilist, Milei’s philosophical outlook could more precisely be described as “doctrinaire ultraliberal,” (the good kind) as Andres Malamud of the Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Lisbon recently put it. That is news because it is an exceptionally rare outlook.

Milei threatens to upend the political order in a country in the middle of another economic meltdown. Once-low poverty rates have exploded — some estimates put it at 43% — while the currency continues to lose its value. Milei, a longtime television personality, has made the case that Argentines are “hostages” to generationally destructive economic policy. (Interest rates were hiked to 118% this week.) He argues that politicians — or, as he calls them, “rats” of the “parasitic, useless and useless political caste” — have destroyed one of the richest countries in the world “with nefarious ideas to line their pockets.”

Many of those ideas, Milei argues, can be found in Keynesian economics, which lies at the heart of most of Western society’s ills. The candidate promises to shut down the central bank, dollarize the economy, deregulate markets, open up trade, cut taxes and pare the regulatory regime. Not incidentally, his English masti s are named after Milton Friedman, Murray Rothbard and Robert Lucas. (Question: “Is economics an exact science?”

Answer: “No, because if it were, socialism would work.”)

When Milei was asked if happiness was more important than liberty, he responded, “They go hand in hand. You cannot be happy without being free.”

I’m skeptical that’s the case for everyone. But Milei’s placing of personal liberty as the prerequisite for not only a prosperous society but a virtuous one is welcome in a world where politicians increasingly look to bureaucracies, the welfare state and “industrial policy” to save us.

avoid that taint.

A useful rule of thumb when reading of any political controversy is to check yourself for the degree of sympathy you feel for the constituencies involved. If you feel a strong identi cation with one constituency and a strong aversion to another, this suggests the necessity of applying a much higher level of skeptical scrutiny to your re exive policy instincts.

6th Law: What initially appears as venality is usually incompetence. (Also known as Blahous’ Political Corollary to Hanlon’s Razor, which reads, “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”) This law is widely applicable both in and outside of politics. When bad things occur, we tend to assume there is a malevolent will behind the act. This instinct is as old as civilization itself: Even the most rational of ancient Greek scholars were willing to ascribe countless phenomena, for which we now have scienti c explanations, to the whimsical actions of an array of invisible actors. Whenever something inexplicable happens, we often assume that someone made it happen, on purpose.

Government, however, is not typically characterized by omniscience, omnipotence or its ability to accurately foretell the future. It is sta ed by human beings with the same limitations and shortcomings as the rest of us, ampli ed by the ine ciencies and internal con icts embedded in government work. Yes, sometimes bad people in government deliberately do bad things, but far more often, they simply screw up. President Biden wasn’t deliberately trying to fuel in ation with the American Rescue Plan, President George W. Bush didn’t know that the CIA’s assessment of Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction was incorrect, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt didn’t know that Imperial Japan was about to bomb Pearl Harbor. Mistakes not only happen, but in government, they are extremely normal.

This principle applies with even greater force to allegations of vast conspiracies. One thing people in Washington are not good at is keeping their mouths shut. For every instance in which it is actually true that a cabal of people inside the government has conspired to do something illegal or unethical, there are hundreds of instances in which those in government have simply messed up.

Charles Blahous is the J. Fish and Lillian F. Smith Chair and Senior Research Strategist at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University

The highly dangerous Georgia indictments

LAST WEEK, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis launched a 98-page missile directly into the heart of American politics. That missile was a 41-count indictment charging former President Donald Trump and 18 alleged co-conspirators with violation of the Georgia version of the Racketeering In uenced and Corrupt Organizations Act — acts in furtherance of a conspiracy to commit a criminal act. In this case, the criminal act, according to the indictment, was “knowingly and willfully (joining) a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump.” Whether this amounts to a crime comes down to the question of whether Trump himself knew that he had lost the election; if he believed that he had won, then all the other accusations about him fall away.

After all, it is not a crime to pursue a spurious legal strategy in furtherance of a delusion. But by charging RICO, Willis extends the case to people who may have admitted that Trump lost the election. This accomplishes two purposes. First, it puts these alleged coconspirators in serious legal jeopardy, giving them reason to ip on Trump himself. Second, it may allow Willis to charge Trump as part of a criminal conspiracy even if he personally believed he won the election — after all, case law suggests that co-conspirators can be charged under RICO even if they didn’t agree on every aspect of the conspiracy, so long as they knew the “general nature of the enterprise.”

In the United States, big-government conservatives like to complain that “libertarians” like Milei aren’t equipped, or are unwilling, to take on social issues. Yet the candidate not only does so, he frames his defense as both a moral and liberal imperative. “I am openly against abortion,” Milei says. “As a liberal I believe in unrestricted respect for others. You can choose over your body, but not over the body of the other.” When asked why he wants to shut down government “sex education” programs, Milei referred to them as “a mechanism” of propaganda that destroys the family and “comes down from the state with the intention of promoting everything that the line of the left and gender ideology has.”

While Milei has a Trumpian disdain for “elites” and engenders loyalty from his fans, the Argentine does not share the former president’s adoration for state power and believes (rightly) that free markets o er a massive positive upside for the working and middle class.

Milei has promised to ra e o his presidential paycheck, and 2.4 million Argentines have already registered to win $3,200 every month. “To me, that is dirty money,” he explained. “From my philosophical point of view, the state is a criminal organization that is funded through taxes taken from people by force. We are giving back the money that the political caste has stolen.” And along with rejecting climate alarmism as a destructive attack on modernity, he proposes an armed citizenry and calls for Argentina to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (Both the United States and Israel, he says, are his “natural allies.”)

Into my veins, as the kids say.

And what might seem surprising is that Milei’s popularity is driven by younger voters. It is, of course, likely that part of that support is a protest vote against the failures of the Argentinian establishment rather than any ideological statement. Most ordinary people aren’t “doctrinaire” about anything. Still, it shows that individual liberty — mocked as antiquated and puerile rhetoric by both right and left these days — can still have some currency. All this radical liberalism talk has prompted President Alberto Fernandez to warn that Milei is “a threat to democracy” and invoke Adolf Hitler and totalitarianism, as one always does. As far as I can tell, with authoritarian ideas gaining ground at an alarming rate, we could use more charismatic populist liberals like Milei.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist.

Letters

The Georgia case also presents unique danger to Trump because it is a state case. The Manhattan case against Trump rooted in campaign nance allegations is incredibly weak and is an obvious stretch; the Florida and D.C. cases against Trump are federal, which means that if elected president, he could theoretically pardon himself. The Georgia case is both wide-ranging and state-based: if convicted, Trump would go to state prison, and would have no ability to pardon himself. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp does not have unilateral pardon power, either: In Georgia, pardons work through an appointed board. So, the very real prospect exists that even were Trump elected, he’d start his term from a state prison. But even that discussion is premature: The Georgia case, along with all the other indictments against Trump, are going to lock him into courthouses for the rest of the election cycle. What’s more, every waking moment for the media will be coverage of those court cases. That will make it impossible for Trump — even if he were so inclined, which has shown no evidence of being — to talk about President Joe Biden rather than his legal peril. And there has yet to be a single piece of data suggesting that Americans are driven to vote for Trump because of his legal troubles. To pardon yourself, you have to be elected president. But spending your entire presidential race in the dock makes that a radically uphill battle.

All of this is quite terrible for the country. No matter what you think of Trump’s various legal imbroglios — from mishandling classi ed documents to paying o porn stars to calling up the Georgia secretary of state in an attempt to “ nd” votes — the glass has now been broken over and over and over again: Political opponents can be targeted by legal enemies. It will not be unbroken. If you think that only Democratic district attorneys will play this game, you have another thing coming. Prepare for a future in which running for o ce carries the legal risk of going to jail — on all sides. Which means that only the worst and the most shameless will run for o ce.

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

The best presidential candidate in the world is running in Argentina

Ukraine will get F-16 ghter jets from the Dutch and Danes after the US agrees to allow transfers

The Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands

— The United States has given its approval for the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16s to Ukraine, o cials in Washington and Europe said Friday, in a major gain for Kyiv, even though the ghter jets are unlikely to a ect the war any time soon.

It was not immediately clear when the rst F-16s might enter the con ict, but Ukrainian pilots will rst have to undertake at least six months of training on the aircraft, according to ofcials.

Ukraine has long pleaded for the sophisticated ghter to give it a combat edge. It recently launched a long-anticipated countero ensive against the Kremlin’s forces without air cover, placing its troops at the mercy of Russian aviation and artillery.

Even so, Air Force Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. air forces in Europe and Africa, told reporters in Washington he did not expect the F-16s to be a game-changer for Ukraine. Getting F-16 squadrons ready for battle could take “four or ve years,” he said.

But in eastern Ukraine, attack helicopter pilots welcomed the news. They said Russia has a clear advantage in the skies, but the introduction of better ghter jets could dramatically shift the balance of power Kyiv’s way.

Ukrainian air forces supporting infantry are using decades-old Soviet-era planes, which are vulnerable to air-toair missile attacks from Russian ghter jets, Capt. Yevgen Rakita, a spokesman for the 18th Army Aviation Brigade, told The Associated Press.

“A modern war cannot be won without aviation” capabilities, Rakita said.

In making the decision on F-16 deliveries, Washington aims to ensure warplanes can be pro-

vided to Ukraine as soon as its pilots complete training, according to a U.S. administration ofcial who was not authorized to comment and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken sent a letter to his Dutch and Danish counterparts earlier in the week, o ering formal assurance that the U.S. would fast-track approval of all requests from third parties to transfer F-16s to Ukraine.

Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said Friday that the training of Ukrainian pilots is starting this month.

A coalition of 11 Western countries — the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland,

Portugal, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom — pledged in July to train Ukrainian pilots to y F-16s. Denmark will hand over some of its F-16s only after receiving its new F-35 jet ghters. The rst four F-35s are due to be delivered on Oct. 1.

Washington’s blessing for the plane donations to other countries is needed because the aircraft are made in the United States.

Ukraine’s Western allies have at times moved slowly on granting Kyiv the military support it has requested.

President Joe Biden’s authorization last May for allies to train Ukrainian forces on how to operate the warplanes, and eventually to provide the aircraft them-

selves, was preceded by months of debate in Washington and quiet talks with allies, o cials said.

The administration had concerns that the move might escalate tensions with Russia. Also, U.S. o cials argued that learning to y and logistically support the advanced F-16 would be difcult.

Though delivery is likely months away, Washington says the F-16s — like the advanced U.S. Abrams tanks — will be crucial for Ukraine’s long-term security.

Ukraine has been relying on older aircraft, such as Russian-made MiG-29 and Sukhoi jets. F-16s have newer technology and targeting capabilities. They are also more versatile, experts say.

Jailed Sam Bankman-Fried can’t prepare for trial without vegan diet and adequate meds, lawyers say

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried can’t adequately prepare for trial in six weeks while in jail without proper access to computers, necessary medications to help him concentrate, and a better diet than bread, water and peanut butter, his lawyers told a magistrate judge Tuesday.

The lawyers made their complaints at a Manhattan federal court hearing after Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to seven charges he’ll face at his Oct. 3 trial, including wire fraud and multiple conspiracy counts.

Bankman-Fried was extradited from the Bahamas in December after prosecutors said he stole billions of dollars in FTX customer deposits, spending tens of millions on his businesses, speculative venture investments, charitable donations and on illegal campaign contributions aimed at in uencing cryptocurrency regulation in Washington.

The 31-year-old California man was making his rst court appearance in a drab beige prison uniform since his $250 million bail was revoked 10 days ago by Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. The judge had granted a request by prosecutors to jail him after agreeing that the fallen cryptocurrency whiz had repeatedly tried to in uence witnesses against him.

Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, presiding over Tuesday’s hearing, told Bankman-Fried’s attorneys that she would not overrule Kaplan’s rulings about access to computers, but that she would see if she could get the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to provide medications and a diet more closely aligned to the defendant’s vegan

preferences.

Attorney Mark Cohen told Netburn that Bankman-Fried hadn’t received medication that’s necessary for him to focus since he was sent to jail on Aug. 12.

He said his client continued to be served a “ esh diet,” leaving him to rely solely on bread, water and sometimes peanut butter.

“Your Honor, that’s outrageous and needs to be remedied,” he said of a man who had shufed into the courtroom, his legs shackled.

Another defense attorney, Christian Everdell, told Netburn that Bankman-Fried was being

denied the right to adequately prepare for trial because he was only allowed to review millions of pages of evidence two days a week.

“There is no way for him to effectively prepare for his defense,” Everdell said.

Before his bail was revoked, Bankman-Fried had been permitted to live with his parents in their Palo Alto, California, home with strict rules limiting his access to electronic devices.

Kaplan ordered him jailed after concluding that there was probable cause to believe he had committed the federal crime of

Air Force awards start-up company $235 million to build example of sleek new plane

Colorado Springs, Colo.

The U.S. Air Force will invest $235 million to help a start-up manufacturer build a jet with a blendedwing body that o cials say could provide greater range and e ciency for military tankers and cargo planes and perhaps eventually be used to carry airline passengers. JetZero and the Air Force say they hope that the fullsize demonstrator plane will be ready to y in 2027.

Most large airplanes are tubes with wings and a tail section attached. Blended-wing planes are designed with the body and wings being one piece. The result is a sleek, futuristiclooking aircraft with less aerodynamic drag than a conventional plane of the same size.

JetZero o cials argue that traditional planes are running out of ways to improve fuel e ciency and, with fuel prices likely to rise, an entirely new design is needed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The Air Force, the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit and NASA are working on the project. JetZero has a partner in defense contractor Northrop Grumman.

The idea of a blendedwing body is not new. Boeing built and tested reducedscale samples of its X-48. Lockheed Martin has tested a Hybrid Wing Body design in wind tunnels. The Air Force said technological advancements in materials and manufacturing have made the production of larger-scale demonstrators possible.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Neighbors Ukraine and Romania sign accord to boost Kyiv’s grain exports through Romanian territory Bucharest, Romania Ukraine and neighboring Romania signed an agreement Friday to work together to boost Kyiv’s export of grain through Romania after Moscow broke o a key wartime shipping agreement that allowed safe passage through the Black Sea.

The accord was signed during a trip by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, for talks with his Romanian counterpart Marcel Ciolacu.

The two leaders discussed ways to ramp up the war-torn nation’s key grain exports and improve infrastructure for transportation across river, rail, road and sea, including at border crossings. Ukraine’s economy is heavily dependent on farming, and its grain is crucial for world supplies of wheat, barley and sun ower oil.

Ciolacu told a news conference after the meeting that he hopes Romania can transport more than 60% of Ukraine’s grain exports.

attempted witness tampering.

He cited an attempt by Bankman-Fried to communicate with the FTX general counsel in January and his disclosure several week ago to a journalist of some private writings by Caroline Ellison, his former girlfriend and the ex-CEO of Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading hedge fund that was one of his businesses. The judge said the writings were kinds of things that a former romantic partner was unlikely to share with anyone “except to hurt, discredit, and frighten the subject of the material.”

The Romanian leader added that the Black Sea port of Constanta will remain a key transport route for getting Ukraine’s goods to the international market. The Sulina Channel, an arm of the Danube River on what is Europe’s second-longest river and a key transport route, will also play a role.

The bilateral meeting comes amid weeks of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s grain storage and port facilities along the Danube River.

AP PHOTO

A Romanian Air Force F- 16s military ghter jet, left, and a Portuguese Air Force F- 16s military ghter jets participating in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission operate over the Baltic Sea, Lithuanian airspace, on May 22, 2023.

AP PHOTO

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan federal court, June 15, 2023, in New York.

$2,507,049,424

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INVESTMENTS from page A9 as the liquidity mining con that Gochenour experienced.

“Legitimate companies let you take the time you need to investigate before spending any money,” says McGovern.

Scammers will also exaggerate the signi cance of current events, following headlines and tying their pitch to the news. By making an opportunity seem exciting, innovative, and timely, they hope a target will commit without having fully researched the o er.

“Delete, hang up, and walk away,” the FTC advises. “Especially if they want you to take money out of your 401(k) to invest.”

One tell-tale sign of a crypto con is when the scammer asks you to send money in advance for any reason, the FTC warns. The fraudster will often claim this advance payment is to buy something needed for a big return or to protect the money you’ve already invested somehow. Gochenour experienced several versions of this send-money-toget-more-money approach.

“Never mix online dating and investment advice,” the agency cautions. “If you meet someone on a dating site or app, and they want to show you how to invest in crypto, or they ask you to send them crypto, that’s a scam.”

Here are the most common investment frauds:

COACHING

INVESTMENT

In this scam, the fraudster will tell you their “patented,” “tested,” or “proven” strategy will let you make money investing in stocks, bonds, foreign currency, or tax liens. They promise the approach will set you up for life and let you stop working. But after the free events and introductory videos, you’ll have to pay fees up front for the rest of the expensive coaching, with no guarantee of return.

“It’s all part of a marketing scheme to get you to pay thousands of dollars for what turns out to be empty promises,” the FTC warns in its consumer alert.

REAL ESTATE COACHING

In-person and online seminars about how to invest in real estate often promote “risk-free” training, luring targets with promises of nancial freedom. If the promotional materials and sales pitches make over-the-top claims, be wary. Watch for phrases like “sure thing,” “security for years to come,” or the chance to “rake in money by working parttime or at-home.” Most people never make back the thousands of dollars of up-front fees.

PRECIOUS METALS AND COINS

If “metal dealers” or “rare coins merchants” tell you there’s no better time than now to invest, watch out. Scammers in this con typically simply keep your money. The FTC advises consumers to read the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s precious metals fraud alert before investing in bullion, bullion coins, collectible coins, or gold.

DonorsChoose sees banner donation year with millions of small gifts

The Associated Press NEW YORK — DonorsChoose has seen a banner year for donations in 2023, setting records by collecting nearly $10 million during Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Earlier this month, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donated $2 million to match 50% of all DonorsChoose pledges for one day – a marked departure from the way the largest U.S. philanthropy normally makes donations, based on its own meticulous research and big-picture priorities.

DonorsChoose is also seeing plenty of engagement from donors in a time when overall giving is generally down, especially among young people.

Alix Guerrier, DonorsChoose CEO, says families with schoolage children use the platform to teach their kids about generosity because the kids understand what getting sports equipment or school supplies means to students who don’t have any. He said the platform’s appeal to slightly older donors is even stronger.

“Among young adults -whether that’s Gen Z or maybe even into millennials -- there is a distrust of larger institutions and a high premium placed on directness,” Guerrier said. “They actually have an interaction with the teacher right through the platform and can give a word of support. The teacher sends their thanks and gives evidence of what happened. So that kind of directness really appeals to them.”

The model -- created in 2000 by Charles Best, who was teaching at a public high school in The Bronx – actually appeals to

plenty of philanthropists, both big and small. Teachers go on the platform to ask for supplies that their districts do not provide. When donors fully fund the campaign, DonorsChoose sends the teachers the supplies.

On any given day, philanthropist Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, will likely boost a handful of DonorsChoose campaigns from his personal account on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. Actress and SAG-AFTRA board member Yvette Nicole Brown does the same. As does stand-up comic

and talk show host W. Kamau Bell.

“It’s one of the best days of the year: @DonorsChoose match day,” Bill Gates wrote on X, earlier this month, announcing the Gates Foundation’s match. That day, DonorsChoose raised $8 million between the Gates Foundation match and nearly 40,000 donations for 24,000 teachers.

Bob Hughes, director of K-12 Education for the Gates Foundation’s United States Program, said he considered the donation a privilege to help support teachers, especially with the

current shortage following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re a strategic philanthropy and our goal is to change big levers in the world,” said Hughes.

“We happen to do big things. We’re looking at math curriculum and we’re looking at assessment and we’re looking at professional learning and those are big, hairy, systemic problems.

But DonorsChoose is just an opportunity to lead a little bit more with your heart.”

In 2022, the Gates Foundation donated $290 million to K-12 education in the United States to address large issues in the sector, especially around improving students’ understanding of math. However, Hughes said reaching small goals also makes a di erence.

“Every bit counts and every single day in the life of a student and teacher is important,” he said. “If we can change the trajectory of those days in ways that bene t them, that’s super exciting.”

Erick Odom, social studies teacher at the East Bronx Academy for the Future in New York, said DonorsChoose has helped him turn his classroom into a place where his students can feel comfortable. He is excited about getting a combination air fryer and microwave for his classroom this coming school year, so his students can make healthier meals.

“When the students see the boxes coming in, they really appreciate it,” Odom said. “Even if it’s only small things, I want them to understand that this comes from other people — doing it for them. It means a lot.”

FILE - The entrance to a Walmart store is shown on June 25, 2019 in Pittsburgh. Walmart reports earning on Thursday.

Walmart’s hot sellers? Hand mixers and kitchen tools. In an era of high prices, basic is king

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Walmart racked up another strong quarterly sales gain as its low-prices continue to attract budget conscious consumers looking for deals in a tough economic environment. The nation’s largest retailer boosted its annual outlook last week after reporting better-than expected second-quarter results sending shares, already up 13% this year, slightly higher at the opening bell.

Walmart is among the rst batch of major retailers to report results for the three-month period ended July and is considered a crucial barometer of spending, given its size and the breadth of its customer base. And the performance at the low-cost store compared with many of its peers, where sales are agging under the weight of in ation, reveals a lot about a massive swath of U.S. consumers right now. A strong job market, rising wages and pockets of easing in-

ation have juiced spending by Americans. But rising energy prices, the recent resumption of student loan payments put on hold during the pandemic and rising interest rates mean that millions more people are starting to feel increased economic pressure, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told analysts last week.

That has bene ted Walmart, which books more than half of its sales each year from its grocery aisle. Walmart also said that in recent quarters it has begun to attract higher-income shoppers, while longtime customers trade down to private-label items that are less expensive than national brands. And customers are buying more grocery staples and turning to hand blenders, stand mixers and other kitchen tools as they prepare more meals at home, Walmart said.

“When you put all this together, we see families that are discerning about what they’re spending on,” McMillon said. “They’re setting priorities and

spending on the things they care most about. We saw that during the rst half. We see people across income cohorts come to us more frequently looking to save money on every day needs.”

Many other retailers do not have the wide breadth of product mix that Walmart has, and they’ve seen sales fade as shoppers pull back spending on discretionary items, from accessories to appliances. Target reported its rst quarterly sales decline in six years on Wednesday, dragged down by cautious spending in addition to backlash by some customers to its Pride merchandise. Home Depot, the nation’s largest home improvement retailer, reported that sales continue to decline, with a fall-o in big-ticket items like appliances and other things that often require nancing. That’s become a problem with interest rates rising rapidly over the past year, making credit cards a much bigger burden for consumers.

Earlier this week, the U.S. reported that Americans in-

creased their spending last month, but higher interest rates are weighing on spending that is more commonly dependent on credit, like homes, cars and furniture.

To cater to its neediest customers, Walmart slashed the price of its online subscription shopping service in half for those on government assistance, to keep those customers. Walmart said the Walmart+ service will cost $49 a year, or $6.47 per month for those on Medicaid, Social Security, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (commonly known as food stamps) or other programs. Its regular membership costs $98 annually. Walmart launched its subscription service in 2020, and has been adding more perks as a way to compete with Amazon Prime, which was unveiled in 2005. Amazon’s annual membership now costs $139 per year, and it also has been adding bene ts. The online retailer began o ering discounts to those on government assistance in 2017.

Bill Gates speaks during the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, in New York.

Trump’s decision to back out of debate tests Fox News’ ability to pivot again

The Associated Press NEW YORK — If 2023 has taught anything to the people running Fox News Channel, it’s the importance of being able to pivot.

The decision by former President Donald Trump to skip Wednesday’s rst debate of the 2024 presidential primary season likely deprives Fox of a huge late-summer audience. Even worse for the network, Trump has talked of appearing in an online interview with former Fox star Tucker Carlson at the same time.

Trump’s announcement on Sunday wasn’t necessarily a surprise. Fox debate moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum had been preparing for two events — one if he were there and one if he wasn’t.

Several Fox personalities this summer publicly urged Trump to attend the event, and Fox executives privately made the same argument to the former president. Trump’s former press secretary Kayleigh McEnany called his decision a “huge political miscalculation” on Monday on Fox.

Eight candidates will be on the debate stage on Wednesday, the Republican National Committee con rmed late Monday: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, exNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Despite Trump’s lead over other Republicans in polls, MacCallum cautioned potential

viewers against dismissing a debate without him as a junior varsity event. She cited a recent poll by The New York Times and Siena College, taken July 23-27, that showed nearly half of Trump backers in Iowa said they were open to other candidates.

“I don’t think as members of the media or people who watch politics it’s our place to say, ‘Oh, this is over, these people aren’t

going to be the nominee,’” she said. “It’s way too soon to say that.”

Trump’s rst appearance in a GOP primary debate brought 24 million viewers to Fox in 2015. It would be next to impossible to reach those numbers again, given his novelty has worn o and cord-cutting has diminished cable news audiences. Yet when only 12.5 million watched a January 2016 Fox debate that

Trump skipped, that gave an indication of his drawing power.

This summer’s debate has been anticipated as a beacon for Fox News, which endured months of embarrassing headlines earlier this year related to Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation lawsuit for the network’s coverage of bogus claims by Trump after the 2020 election.

How much Trump’s four

criminal indictments will be discussed onstage in Milwaukee is an open question, in part dependent upon what his opponents want to talk about.

Even without Trump’s participation on Wednesday, “he will be on the stage even if he’s not on the stage,” Baier said in an interview.

The Siena College-Times survey suggests that it wouldn’t be a popular topic among regular Fox viewers. The poll found 78% of people who regularly get news from Fox said Trump has not committed any serious federal crimes, and that 80% said that the GOP should stand behind Trump in the cases.

Krakauer said Fox would hardly be unique among the media in wanting to give its audience what it wants, and suggested there may be some “indictment fatigue” among the audience.

Even a debate that avoids the indictments as a major topic would still likely wind up being a lot about Trump, with discussions about whether or not he was successful in tackling issues like immigration or the economy, he said.

Baier said such poll ndings won’t be a factor in how he and MacCallum structure the debate.

“Of course we’ll bring it up,” MacCallum said. “I expect that the candidates will bring it up in part as well. And to the extent that there’s indictment fatigue, there are so many other issues we’re going to be talking about on the stage, it’s certainly not going to be the lion’s share of the night.”

The event features a live audience, which isn’t unusual. But the crowd at CNN’s Trump town hall in New Hampshire this spring proved distracting and wasn’t a high point.

“If we have to quiet them down at points, well, that’s part of what the moderator’s job is,” MacCallum said. “But I think it’s actually going to be additive to the night.”

New this week: Adam Sandler, ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ Tim McGraw and ‘Honor Among Thieves’

The Associated Press

TIM MCGRAW roars back with “Standing Room Only” and the “Mandalorian” spin-o “Star Wars: Ahsoka” are among the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you

Among the o erings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are “The Eight Mountains,” a soul-stirring Italian epic of male friendship, and the return of Adam Sandler in “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.”

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM

— It would have been easy to dismiss “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” as another tired Hollywood e ort to parlay whatever unused IP it had lying around. Yet directors and co-writers Jonathan M. Goldstein and John Francis Daley, who helmed one of the better comedies in recent years (“Game Night”), turn “Honor Among Thieves” into a remarkably funny and refreshingly unserious fantasy adventure, led by comic performances by Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez and Hugh Grant. After playing in theaters this spring, “Honor Among Thieves” lands on Prime Video on Friday, Aug. 25. In her review, AP’s Jocelyn Noveck said it works “surprisingly, sometimes delightfully well — even if you have no clue what a paladin or Red Wizard or Harper is.”

— The hills are alive in “The Eight Mountains,” Belgian lmmakers Charlotte Vandermeersch and Felix van Groeningen’s soul-stirring Italian epic of male friendship. The lm, one of the best of the year, tracks the lives of two friends (Luca Marinelli, Alessandro Borghi) from childhood through adulthood in the Italian Alps. A mountain idyll is a pastoral dream to one, a humble livelihood to the other. The

lmmakers, whose lm took a prize at the Cannes Film Festival last year, is unhurried, letting time unfurl against a stunning Alpine backdrop and the fragile, organ-in ected folk songs of Daniel Norgren.

Reviewing “The Eight Mountains,” which begins streaming on the Criterion Channel on Tuesday, I wrote: “Vast and intimate at once, their luminously languid adaptation of Paolo Cognetti’s bestseller reaches sublime heights.”

— Adam Sandler has long been known for making movies with his friends. Now it’s his family’s turn. “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” which streams Friday, Aug. 25 on Net ix, stars Sunny Sandler, Adam’s teenage daughter, as one of two friends (Samantha Lorraine plays the other) driven apart by a squabble over a boy. Adam, himself, co-stars as Sunny’s father in the adap -

tation of Fiona Rosenbloom’s 2005 YA novel. Sandler’s wife, Jackie, and other daughter, Sadie, also co-star.

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM

— Tim McGraw roars back with “Standing Room Only, “ an album with the wistful title track, and “Hey Whiskey,” which is almost a breakup song with booze. Another single, “Remember Me Well,” is a look back at a love a air in which McGraw sings “If you’re gonna forget me/Find someone else/ If you’re gonna remember me/ Remember me well.” He says the songs are “some of the most emotional, thought-provoking, and life-a rming music I’ve ever recorded.”

— Alice Cooper welcomes you to a new album in a very Alice Cooper way. “I know you’re looking for a real good time. So, let me introduce you to a friend

of mine. I’m Alice. I’m the Master of Madness; the Sultan of Surprise,” he sings in the rst single, “I’m Alice.” The rocker’s new collection, Road” also includes “Welcome to the Show” and “White Line Frankenstein” featuring Tom Morello. His team says the new music “taps into the essence of his classic hits while o ering a fresh and invigorating sound, bursting with energy from the rst note.”

NEW SERIES TO STREAM

— The Jedi Ahsoka Tano was originally introduced in the 2008 animated lm “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and then returned in “The Mandalorian,” played by Rosario Dawson. Now, Anakin Skywalker’s former apprentice leads a “Mandalorian” spin-o called “Star Wars: Ahsoka.” Ahsoka, a survivor of the Jedi purge, is investigating a threat to the

galaxy after the fall of the Galactic Empire. Additional cast members include Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, David Tennant and Lars Mikkelsen. The series debuts Wednesday on Disney+.

— If you want to stay in space, “Invasion” season 2 launches on Apple TV+ on Wednesday. The show, co-created by Simon Kinberg and David Weil, focuses on individuals across various continents whose lives are upended by the arrival of aliens on Earth. In season two, the aliens are getting more aggressive.

— The life of an expat in Spain begins to unravel when a trip to a supermarket turns into a robbery and one of the robbers claims to recognize her. Might she have been living a double life? Evin Ahmad plays the titular character in her rst English-speaking role. All seven episodes of “Who is Erin Carter?”

drop on Thursday.

AP PHOTO

The Fox News logo is displayed outside Fox News Headquarters in New York, April 12, 2023.

PHOTOS VIA AP

This combination of images shows promotional art for the second season of “Invasion,” premiering Aug. 23 on Apple TV+, left, “Star Wars: Ahsoka,” a new series premiering Aug. 23 on Disney+ and “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” a lm streaming Aug. 25 on Net ix.

2023 Lincoln Corsair

Relaxing with Ford BlueCruise: Hands o , eyes on

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

BOSTON — Allow me to start with a controversial assertion: driving a vehicle without your hands on the wheel is the most relaxing way to get where you’re going. Naturally, this requires some explanation and more than a few caveats.

I’m referring to the experience of using hands-o , eyes-on features like Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise. I tested BlueCruise 1.2, the latest iteration of the feature, in the 2023 Lincoln Corsair, and came away very impressed. I’ll get into how it works, but rst, I have to explain how we got here.

First came cruise control. Choose a set speed, and the car modulates the throttle input to keep you at that speed. The driver steers, and if a car in front is too slow, they have to brake to avoid a collision. Simple enough.

Then, in the mid-00s, came adaptive cruise control. Sometimes called radar cruise (not every version uses radar these days), this was a huge advancement. It used sensors to determine the speed of the car in front, and, if it was going slower than your set speed, used both the throttle and brake to slow the car and keep you from driving into it. This feature is a godsend in tra c and is becoming extremely common in new cars. Every car from Toyota comes with adaptive cruise as standard equipment, for example, even the cheapest Corolla.

Here’s where things get tricky, and the naming gets complicated. Adaptive cruise control is easy to understand: the car slows itself so you don’t hit the car in front of you. But then came a seemingly

in nite variety of steering assists. The most basic ones attempt to shove you back into your lane if you inadvertently cross into the adjacent lane. More advanced, so-called “active steering” features, will apply some amount of steering torque to keep you in the middle of the lane. Some provide only a modicum of assistance, while others seemingly allow you to take your hands o the wheel for a bit before they nag you to put them back.

A worryingly large contingent of people seem to think that this makes theirs a self-driving car, but it does not. It is merely an advanced version of the lane keep assist that would mindlessly try and shove your car back when you touch the lane line. That’s why you need to touch the wheel to con rm that you’re paying attention, and it’s the paying attention part that’s key. Because the system doesn’t actually look ahead for obstacles — it merely

looks at the lane lines and tries to keep you between them — it relies on the human driver to make sure there isn’t a deer or wayward re truck in front of them. Active lane-centering systems require the driver to take action if there is a re truck in the way, and it uses steering wheel sensors to ensure you’re paying attention. With me so far? Now we come to hands-o , eyes-on systems like Ford BlueCruise and GM Super Cruise. A few similar systems are around, too, mostly on high-end German luxury cars, and more are coming, but those are the best-known and widest available. These systems do not rely on wheel sensors to verify driver attentiveness, instead using a camera to watch your face and make sure you’re keeping your eyes on the road instead of on your smartphone. When active, it allows you to drive down the highway and keep your hands in your lap. If you

watch the road to ensure nothing weird happens, the car will handle the steering and speed. In simple terms, this is the next evolution of cruise control. But, it comes with caveats.

Both BlueCruise and Super Cruise only work on certain, well-marked roads. Super Cruise’s map is a bit larger, including many smaller US Highways (including Route 66!), while BlueCruise is largely limited to limited-access routes like interstates. They do not work on side streets or on roads with tra c lights, etc.

That’s because an interstate is a relatively predictable place. It’s generally safe to assume that all the cars are going the same way, and you won’t have a pedestrian wandering into tra c. Those happen sometimes, or a retruck is blocking a crash, so it requires the driver to pay attention and uses the camera to do so.

Once you learn to trust the

system (which takes a minute, as watching a car steer itself is pretty unnerving, particularly for passengers), it becomes as natural as using cruise control. BlueCruise 1.2, the latest version of Ford’s system, adds a lanechange assist function where the vehicle can move over on its own when the turn signal is activated, and it’ll even suggest a lane-change maneuver if the car in front is too slow. It can subtly move within your lane if a large truck is next to you, as a human would, and it’ll automatically slow down ahead of sharp curves.

BlueCruise has come a long way in the few years since I rst tried it, and it’s impressive. It will be included on 500,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles built in 2024, more than double what’s out there today. Notably, Ford will include the BlueCruise hardware standard on those cars, with customers able to take advantage of a complimentary trial and monthly or annual subscription plans to access it.

It’s hard to explain how much less tiring long drives are with systems like BlueCruise. The mental load of steering is surprisingly signi cant, though we don’t give it much thought as there hasn’t been an alternative. Now there is, and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back. As a professional car reviewer, I take frequent long drives. I’ve had a few cars recently that didn’t have cruise control at all, and a fourhour trek in one of those (particularly in stop-and-go New York City tra c) is exhausting.

But behind the 2023 Lincoln Corsair’s untouched wheel, with BlueCruise at the helm, a long highway cruise is almost calming. Where to next?

PHOTOS COURTESY LINCOLN

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Michigan’s Harbaugh suspended 3 games, will miss opener vs. ECU

Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh will serve a three-game suspension to start this season as part of self-imposed penalties for NCAA recruiting infractions. The school’s move means Harbaugh will not be on the sideline for the second-ranked Wolverines home games against East Carolina, UNLV and Bowling Green. He will be permitted to coach the team during the week, as per NCAA rules. The infractions case is tied to improper contact with recruits. Schools usually self-impose penalties as a way to get out in front of the NCAA, show cooperation, and mitigate some of the damages of an eventual punishment. The Sept. 2 game in Ann Arbor will be the rst meeting between the Wolverines and Pirates.

SOCCER

Portland edges

NC Courage to take rst place in NWSL Portland, Ore.

Sophia Smith wasted little time in her return from the Women’s World Cup, scoring the goahead goal one minute after taking the pitch as a secondhalf substitute in Portland’s 2-1 victory over North Carolina on Sunday in Portland, Oregon. The win lifted Portland over North Carolina in the league standings, with 28 points to 26 points for the Courage, and capped the league’s weekend return to action after breaking for the Women’s World Cup. Smith, a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team and reigning NWSL MVP, chased down a pass from Morgan Weaver and converted from short range in the 69th minute. Tyler Lussi opened the scoring for the Courage on a free kick in the 17th minute. Portland tied the score in the 41st minute on a goal by Hannah Betfort.

Position battles, depth remain on Panthers’ camp to-do list

Starting right guard and backup pass-catchers are spots still up for grabs

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

THE CAROLINA PANTHERS saw some signs of progress in their second preseason game. With one warmup contest remaining before the scores start to count, however, there’s still plenty of work left to be done.

First the bright side: The Panthers were able to score points, with rookie starting quarterback Bryce Young leading his rst scoring drive as a pro. Backup candidates Matt Corral and Jake Luton even led the team to the end zone in the 21-19 loss to the Giants. The offensive line also did a better job of keeping Young and company upright and relatively safe.

Young was sacked once, as was Corral, but the overall quarterback abuse was down from the preseason opener. That doesn’t mean the line is crossed o the team’s to-do list, however. The Panthers struggled to run the ball, and the guys up front were inconsistent clearing space with their blocking.

“I thought it was a mixed bag,” said Carolina coach Frank Reich. “I looked down, and we’re averaging 2.8 a carry. Sometimes we’re struggling running it.”

The one glaring area that needs to be addressed on the line is the right guard position. Last year’s starter at that spot, Austin Corbett, injured his ACL in the nal game of last season. The recovery is going well, and Reich said Corbett is “ahead of schedule.” “If you watched him move around, you’d say he looks like

“I thought it was a mixed bag.”

Panthers coach Frank Reich on the o ensive line’s performance in the team’s second preseason game

he could play Week 1,” Reich said. “But it takes time.” Reich went on to say the team wasn’t expecting to have Corbett for the start of the season.

The battle to be Corbett’s temporary replacement has gone on through camp, and the team said before the Giants game that it hoped to have an answer before the preseason nale. Cade Mays had the rst shot at the job and was respectable in the preseason opener.

He and tackle Taylor Moton had a miscommunication on one of the hits Young took, but otherwise, he didn’t have any major penalties or blown blocks. He also lled in at center late in the game, but he missed the second exhibition game after injuring his neck.

That opened the door for draft pick Chandler Zavala, who missed the rst preseason game with a hamstring injury. He got the start in game two and had a clean performance. He was able to move defenders and clear space in the run game, and some of the team’s best runs were behind him. He also was solid in pass protection, with a holding penalty that wiped out a third down pass as his only glaring negative.

“I’m excited to go look at the tape,” Reich said. “He had a good week of practice. Obviously, I wasn’t zoning in on him one-on-one during the game. I thought up front, I thought our protection was better.”

Michael Jordan got most of the backup snaps in both games and seemed to struggle more than the two starters.

See PANTHERS, page B3

How hot? Where each coach stands entering FB season

Only one FBS coach in the state should be feeling some heat in 2023

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

COLLEGE FOOTBALL season begins this weekend with seven games — including Notre Dame and Navy playing across the pond in Dublin — followed a week later by a full slate that will see all seven of the state’s FBS teams play their openers.

Five of the schools managed at least eight wins last year, and all of those coaches should be on solid ground. The state also has a rst-time college head coach and another whose seat could be warming up.

Here’s a look at the head coaches for the state’s seven teams and their job security heading into the 2023 season.

MACK BROWN 15th season at UNC

9-5 (6-2 ACC) in 2022

Brown is one win away from his 100th victory in Chapel Hill, having posted a 99-681 record in his two stints with the Tar Heels. His second tour of duty, which started in 2019,

has seen UNC go 30-22 — a .545 winning percentage. But the Tar Heels reached the ACC Championship Game last year and return star quarterback Drake Maye, who was named a second-team AP All-American. Brown will turn 72 years old six days before the Heels open their season Sept. 2 against South Carolina at Bank of America Stadium, and he’s made it clear this is the nal stop of his career. It will likely be Brown’s call as to when he wants to step away from coach-

ing, and his ability to develop top- ight quarterbacks should keep his seat comfortable this season and in the near future. Hot seat: Cool

DAVE CLAWSON

10th season at Wake Forest

8-5 (3-5 ACC) in 2022

Seemingly the only way Clawson would leave the Deacons was if he found an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. The 56-year-old has turned Wake — arguably the toughest foot-

ball job in the ACC — into perennial contenders. The Deacs have posted winning records in six of the last seven seasons, and Clawson — who is 59-53 in Winston-Salem — has gotten them to make an appearance in The Associated Press Top 10 in each of the last two years.

In a college football world that revolves around transfers and NIL, Clawson has built Wake into a winner by unearthing under-the-radar talent on the recruiting trail and patiently developing those players. No one in the league may have better job security than Clawson.

Hot seat: Ice cold

DAVE DOEREN

11th year at NC State

8-5 (4-4 ACC) in 2022

It feels like Doeren has been around forever, but he’s still just 51 years old and the second-youngest coach among the seven FBS teams in the state. The Wolfpack is still looking for a breakthrough season under Doeren, having won eight or nine games six times — we’re not counting the 2021 COVID bowl game “win” — in his decade at the helm.

See COACHES, page B4

NELL REDMOND | AP PHOTO

Coach Shawn Clark led App State to a 6-6 record last season, the rst time since the Mountaineers made the jump to FBS that the team didn’t nish with a winning record.

AP PHOTO

Panthers second round pick Jonathan Mingo, right, runs with the ball during Carolina’s preseason game against the Giants last Friday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

8.23.23

TRENDING

Isaiah Bolden: The Patriots’ rookie cornerback was released from a Green Bay area hospital after being carted o the eld in the fourth quarter of New England’s exhibition game with the Packers on Saturday night. The game was suspended after the injury. Bolden was released on Sunday morning and ew home with the Patriots.

Kate Markgraf:

The former defender stepped down on Friday after four years as general manager of the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Markgraf will continue in a transition role through August. Markgraf was appointed to the post following the 2019 Women’s World Cup and replaced the retiring Jill Ellis with Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned last week after the Americans were eliminated from the World Cup.

Maxie Baughan: The College Football Hall of Famer and nine-time Pro Bowler has died at age 85. The Eagles said Baughan died Saturday of natural causes at his New York home. The Alabama native played for coach Bobby Dodd at Georgia Tech as a linebacker and center, later returning as an assistant. He spent six seasons with Philadelphia, also playing for the Rams and Redskins.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES NASCAR

William Byron dominated at Watkins Glen, picking up his Cup Series-leading fth victory of the season. Byron overtook Michael McDowell in the rst quarter of the 90-lap event and pretty much remained in control the rest of the way. Pole-sitter Denny Hamlin was second, followed by Christopher Bell, AJ Allmendinger and Ty Gibbs.

UNC tight end John Copenhaver on the school’s e orts to keep football players from gambling.

Nick Dunlap capped a big summer with his biggest title yet, winning the U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills to join Tiger Woods as the only players to win the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Junior Amateur. Dunlap, a 19-year-old who plays collegiately at Alabama, never trailed in his 4-and-3 victory over Ohio State’s Neal Shipley.

Carson Beck will open the season as No. 1 Georgia’s starting quarterback as the Bulldogs seek a third straight national title. Beck was the backup to Stetson Bennett in 2022, throwing for 310 yards and four touchdowns. He entered preseason practice as the favorite in the competition with Brock Vandagri and Gunner Stockton.

Chase Elliott on needing to win next week’s Cup Series race at Daytona to earn a playo berth.

PRIME NUMBER

3,343

Strikeouts for Rangers

pitcher Max Scherzer, moving him into 11th place all-time in K’s. Scherzer passed knuckleballer Phil Niekro, whose 24-year career included 21 seasons in Atlanta and 318 wins.

Buccaneers quarterback John Wolford was taken to a hospital because of a neck injury after being carted from the eld after being sacked in a preseason game against the Jets on Saturday night. Wolford, who played at Wake Forest, appeared to hit his head on the turf after taking the hit. The 27-year-old was evaluated at the hospital and returned to Tampa with the team.

GOLF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

MATT YORK | AP PHOTO JOHN BAZEMORE | AP PHOTO

“Like going to Vegas and having to hit the … jackpot.”

PAUL SANCYA | AP PHOTO

“It’s being put in our heads every single day.”

BEN MCKEOWN | AP PHOTO

JEFFREY T. BARNES | AP PHOTO

NFL

SETH WENIG | AP PHOTO

Predicting the college football season with award watchlists

UNC and Duke are looking at strong years, while Wake Forest could take a step back

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

LAST YEAR, Wake Forest and NC State both had strong seasons, nishing with eight wins and earning bowl bids and attention from national polls. Still, it wasn’t quite enough to overcome Clemson, which stormed back to an undefeated ACC regular season and league title.

Surprising? Not to anyone who read our annual season prediction based on preseason watchlists.

For several years, North State Journal has been using an unusual source of information to predict winners and losers for the upcoming season. It’s often written o as u — a way for football programs to get attention for the upcoming season — but the preseason watchlists for the major college football awards are actually a relatively accurate gauge of how a team’s roster stacks up to the opposition.

In late July, each of the 16 major awards — everything from the Maxwell player of the year award to the Ray Guy award, given to the top college punter — lists two to three dozen players who are expected to contend for their honor. A total of more than 300 players receive watchlist mentions each o season.

Our prediction model is based on a simple concept: The more watchlist players a team has on its roster, the higher its talent level, and the more likely it is to win games.

For instance, UNC opens with a game against South Carolina in Charlotte. The Tar Heels have players on the watchlists for the Bednarik, Biletniko , Nagurski, Butkus, O’Brien, Groza, Maxwell, Lott, Guy and Camp awards, and two players on the Mackey Award watchlist.

(Those awards, by the way, go to the top defensive player, receiver, defensive player, linebacker, quarterback, kicker, overall player, defensive player, punter, overall player and tight end, respectively.)

The Gamecocks have players on the Biletniko , Nagurski, Mackey, Groza, Outland and Guy award watchlists, and two on the Maxwell Award list. So the Tar Heels, with a 12-8 edge in watchlisted players, have the talent edge and would be expected to win.

Does the model work? In short, usually, but not always. In general, over the ve years we’ve been running the model, it gives a fairly accurate prediction of a team’s record. This year, it came closest with NC State and Wake Forest.

Clemson and Florida State are expected to be neck-andneck, miles ahead of the rest of the league. UNC and Duke will battle to top the second tier, followed by a clump of teams. Of course, the number of watchlisters on your team’s roster is only one factor. By looking at the total number of watchlist players each team will face, we can get a sense of the strength of schedule for the league. And that’s not good news for Duke or Wake.

It was overly optimistic for some teams.

And overly pessimistic for others.

Around the ACC, Florida State, Louisville and Syracuse all outperformed their projected records, while Boston College, Miami and Virginia fell short.

So what can we expect for the upcoming season? After crunching the numbers on the watchlists, we found four teams in UNC that may want to start making postseason plans.

UNC seems best positioned to take advantage of its light schedule to push for a repeat trip to the ACC Championship Game. Duke, who played fewer watchlisters than any other ACC team last year, will de nitely face an upgraded slate this season. For the non-ACC programs in the state, East Carolina will have the toughest road.

PANTHERS from page B1

For the record, toss-ups occur when a team and its opponent have the same number of watchlisters in a given game. The other three in-state teams could be in store for long seasons.

1 3-6 (3 toss-ups) East Carolina 1 2-7 (3 toss-ups) Wake Forest 3 2-10

Expanding our scope to the ACC, the league is getting rid of divisions for the upcoming season. Here’s a look at how the teams rank based on the number of watchlisters on each roster.

Finally, comparing watchlist players on each roster for every ACC team’s full schedule this season gives us the following projected league standings.

The next area that still needs to be resolved is at third receiver and second tight end. Young will likely be looking for safety valves early in his NFL career, especially if the line continues to be inconsistent. So far, the team has not gotten much reason for optimism from the guys behind the frontline players — Adam Thielen and DJ Chark at receiver, and Hayden Hurst at tight end.

Rookie second-round pick Jonathan Mingo started both preseason games. In the rst, he struggled to get open and was never even targeted. He was able to create space in game two and had one impressive leaping catch that he brought down and a broken tackle to get the rst down.

Terrence Marshall was considered his top competition for the third receiver spot, but his back injury, su ered at practice following the rst game, puts his ability to be ready to start the season in jeopardy. Laviska Shenault is the next logical candidate, but he has been targeted three times in two games and has yet to get a reception.

Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble have both put in plenty of time as the second tight end in recent seasons, but neither appears to be stepping up to claim the job this year. Thomas has three catches in four times being targeted and is the likely choice. Tremble has one catch in three targets.

The Panthers will also have to decide on Young’s backup, where Corral has been solid and veteran Andy Dalton has yet to play in a preseason game.

UNC is well-positioned to push the loser of the Clemson-FSU toss-up game for a spot in the conference title game. Duke and Syracuse will be right behind the Heels, and the Wolfpack will battle Miami and Boston College among the league’s lower-level bowl teams. Of course, injuries and other issues can cause a team to lose a large number of watchlist players, and there are always players that are overlooked in the preseason and then play their way into relevance. That’s why, as they say, they play the games.

On defense, there are decisions to be made, most notably in the linebacker depth positions. Yetur Gross-Matos has had some big plays as he tries to hold o rookie DJ Johnson, who hasn’t played much in the two games, veteran Marquis Haynes, former practice squadder Kobe Jones and newly signed Justin Houston. At backup inside linebacker, special teamer Kamu Grugier-Hill and newcomer Donte Jones have both had their moments.

AP PHOTO

UNC’s Drake Maye was named to the preseason watchlist for the Maxwell Award, which is given annually to the best player in college football.

AP PHOTO Appalachian State’s Nate Noel was named to the watchlist for the Doak Walker Award given each year to the nation’s top running back.

Hurricanes staying, PNC Arena changing

The PNC Arena deal includes $300M in renovations, a 20-year lease agreement with Hurricanes and a planned arena district

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — The original promise of the Hartford Whalers’ relocation to North Carolina in 1997 was bringing the NHL to Raleigh. After two seasons in Greensboro, the Carolina Hurricanes moved into the new Entertainment & Sports Arena, a nearly 19,000-seat venue o Wade Avenue to be shared with NC State basketball, with the expectation that it would lead to growth in an area of the city that also had Carter-Finley Stadium, the State Fairgrounds — and little else. Nearly a quarter-century later, those hopes are poised to become a reality.

“I think that this potential development project is going to be the greatest thing to happen to West Raleigh since North Carolina State decided to build its university there,” said Centennial Authority chairman Philip Isley at Tuesday’s press conference that announced $300 million in renovations to now-named PNC Arena, a 20year lease extension with the Hurricanes and an agreement to allow team owner Tom Dundon to develop nearly 80 acres around the arena and create the

COACHES from page B1

But he’s brought stability to a program that often lacked it. Doeren should have nothing to worry about, but it’s worth remembering what happened to Herb Sendek after a decade of stability in Raleigh. The former men’s basketball coach guided the Wolfpack to ve straight NCAA Tournament appearances but left NC State as the fanbase and boosters grew tired of waiting for the program to take the next step. The basketball program hasn’t since been able to match its stability under Sendek, and the Wolfpack faithful would be wise to remember that when evaluating Doeren.

Hot seat: Cool

MIKE ELKO

2nd season at Duke

9-4 (5-3 ACC) in 2022

There weren’t high expectations for the Blue Devils in Elko’s rst season in Durham. Duke was picked by the ACC media to nish last in the Coastal Division and begin a rebuild after the departure of longtime coach David Cutcli e.

Instead, the Blue Devils picked up a big early-season win at Northwestern and won four of ve down the stretch in ACC play. They capped what became Elko’s ACC coach of the year season with a Military Bowl victory to give the school its rst nine-win campaign since 2014.

Like Clawson at Wake, the biggest thing that could lead to Elko’s exit from Durham is a bigger program luring him away. When Northwestern dismissed Pat Fitzgerald in early July due to a hazing scandal, Elko’s name was among the rst to emerge as a potential replacement. That would have been a pretty lateral move, but if Duke has success this year similar to 2022, you can bet bigger programs will come calling.

Hot seat: Ice cold

MIKE HOUSTON

5th season at East Carolina

8-5 (4-4 AAC) in 2022

Houston has slowly returned the Pirates to respectability, leading ECU to its rst bowl game win since the 2013 season last year. This year could be the coach’s biggest challenge. Quarterback Holton Ahlers, who smashed records at ECU over ve seasons in Greenville, has graduated and will test Houston’s ability to maintain a program in his rst head coaching job.

The good news is Houston has transformed the Pirates’ defense into one that averages giv-

Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell, left, and NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan, right, look on while Centennial Authority chairman Philip Isley speaks during a press conference Tuesday announcing an agreement that will renovate the 24-year-old PNC Arena, keep the Hurricanes there through 2044 and give team owner Tom Dundon the ability to develop the land around it.

entertainment district that was long expected to materialize when the NHL came to Raleigh.

Dundon and the Hurricanes had tied the team’s commitment to staying in the Triangle with authorization to turn the arena’s vast parking lots into a mixed-use district, and the team owner has already committed to spending $800 million — an amount that could balloon to more than twice that — to make that nally happen.

“Tom is a developer,” Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell said at

ing up points in the 20s instead of the 30s, which should give a cushion to his work-in-progress o ense this season. ECU has to be pleased with Houston at this point, but a bad year will quickly turn up the heat. For now, he should have nothing to worry about.

Hot seat: Cool

SHAWN CLARK

4th season at App State

6-6 (3-5 in Sun Belt) in 2022

The Mountaineers just missed knocking o the Tar Heels to open last season and then shocked the college football world by toppling No. 6 Texas A&M in College Station the following week. That led to a visit from ESPN’s “College GameDay” and another thriller — a 32-28 win over Troy on a 53-yard touchdown pass on the game’s nal play.

It went south for Clark and the Mountaineers after that. App State beat only one FBS team the rest of the way and nished without a winning record for the rst time since the school made the jump to college football’s top division in 2014.

Clark needs a bounce-back season to keep the wolves from circling, and he’ll have to do it with a new quarterback and without two of his top-three rushers from a year ago. The Mountaineers open their season against three in-state foes, including getting another crack at UNC in Week 2. How those games go could determine the team’s season — and Clark’s fate.

Hot seat: Warming up

BIFF POGGI

1st season at Charlotte

3-9 (2-5 CUSA) in 2022

The 49ers join ECU in the AAC this season, making the move from Conference USA, and do so with a new coach.

Poggi, an assistant to Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh for the last two years, will now try and bring the success he had as a longtime Baltimore high school coach and with the Wolverines to the Queen City.

Poggi has already raised the Niners’ pro le by lashing out at reporters at AAC media day after his team was picked last in the conference, and nonconference games at Maryland and Florida in September should provide a good assessment of if the new coach was right in feeling disrespected.

Poggi should be given time to turn around the program, but at age 63 he could get a shorter leash than expected if things turn worse in Charlotte.

Hot seat: Cool

Tuesday morning’s press conference announcing the agreement. “He’s developed a lot of property in Texas. He sees an opportunity like this, he gets excited. He is thrilled about this deal, not only for the hockey team because of the lease, but the development also.” The development around the arena would include retail space and restaurants, o ces, a high-end hotel, a 4,000-seat music venue and residential space that would include affordable housing. Dundon and Gale Force Holdings — the LLC

“He is thrilled about this deal, not only for the hockey team because of the lease, but the development also.”

Don Waddell, Hurricanes president and GM, on team owner Tom Dundon

of the Hurricanes — also plans a sportsbook that would take advantage of the state’s recent decision to legalize sports betting.

Isley and the Centennial Authority — the governing body that owns PNC Arena — had to toe a delicate line to get all sides involved to agree to the complicated and wide-ranging deal. That included satisfying NC State and its commitment to maintaining its game day atmosphere for football games at Carter-Finley Stadium, and also securing the $300 million from the city and Wake County in tourism tax funds for arena renovations.

While the Hurricanes have never threatened to leave North Carolina — despite pleas and fabrications over the years from some in the Montreal and Quebec media — it wasn’t an impossibility. It gave the Hurricanes leverage in the negotiations, especially when one considers Houston — about a

3½-hour drive from Dundon’s adopted hometown of Dallas — is considered a viable future NHL market. The move solidi es Dundon’s place in North Carolina sports history. While Peter Karmanos Jr. — the Hockey Hall of Famer who sold the majority share of the Hurricanes to Dundon in January 2018 — brought the team and the 2006 Stanley Cup to Raleigh as owner for more than two decades, the franchise had zzled in the last decade of his stewardship.

Dundon infused energy — and money— into the team, and his decision to promote Rod Brind’Amour to head coach paid immediate dividends. Carolina has made the playo s in all ve of Brind’Amour’s seasons leading the team, twice reaching the Eastern Conference nal.

He’s now solidi ed that the Hurricanes’ home is in Raleigh for the foreseeable future. He and Waddell even secured more marquee NHL events in the near future. Last year’s wild successful Stadium Series outdoor game at Carter-Finley Stadium will be revisited, and the league has also agreed to bring the All-Star Game back to Raleigh. The Hurricanes hosted it in 2011.

Discussions on how to best use the $300 million for renovations have begun in earnest, and that work could begin as early as next summer.

A two-year extension of the naming rights deal with PNC Bank will end following the 2023-24 NHL season, creating the possibility that the next era of the arena will be under a new name.

in

Spain earns its rst Women’s World Cup

La Roja beat England 1-0 in the nal

By Anne M. Peterson The Associated Press

SYDNEY — Spain was celebrating its rst Women’s World Cup trophy Sunday after an impressive display proved too much for England in a 1-0 victory for La Roja.

Olga Carmona scored in the rst half of the nal and Spain held on to cap the month-long tournament.

Overcoming the turmoil that had surrounded the team, the victory made Spain the rst team to hold the under-17, under-20 and senior world titles at the same time. Spain is the fth winner in nine editions of the Women’s World Cup and joined Germany as the only two nations to win both the men’s and women’s titles.

“We’ve su ered a lot throughout the past 12 months, but I think everything has a reason to be. This has made us a stronger team,” Carmona said. “And it’s really incredible. I don’t know just why Spain is the world champions, but I think that we deserved it.”

The Lionesses were trying to bring a World Cup back to England for the rst time since the men won it in 1966. The wait will go on.

“At rst you feel like you failed with not winning,” England captain Millie Bright said. “I think in a couple of weeks and it settles, (we) will be really, really proud.”

In an open game featuring multiple chances for both teams, Carmona’s left-foot strike in the 29th minute — nishing o a fast-breaking counterattack after England’s Lucy Bronze lost possession —

remained the only goal.

Carmona also scored the game-winner in the 89th minute of Spain’s 2-1 semi nal victory over Sweden, becoming the rst player since Carli Lloyd in 2015 to score in a World Cup semi nal and nal.

Spain had a chance to double the lead in the 68th after a VAR review awarded a penalty for Keira Walsh’s handball, but Jenni Hermoso’s penalty attempt was saved by Mary Earps.

Spain’s victory comes despite a near-mutiny by players last year. Fifteen players said they were stepping away from the national team for their mental health while also calling for a more professional environment.

Three of those players — Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey — reconciled with the federation and were at the World Cup.

The victory was also a bit of redemption for La Roja, which fell to England 2-1 in the quarter nals of the European Championship last year. England went on to win the Euros on home soil.

“I think all of us, we felt that this team had something special,” Carmona said. “I believe that we’ve shown this on the eld, we’ve shown this in the group stage, in the knockout stage. We’ve been ghting until the end. We never stopped.

“Last year was di erent, but football gives you second chances. What better chance than in a World Cup nal and to be able to call ourselves world champion.”

Spain grew over the course of the tournament. After a 4-0 loss to Japan in the group stage, Spain replaced Misa Rodriguez with Cata Coll in goal. La Roja rebounded quickly by trouncing Switzerland 5-1 to kick o the knockout round

and built from there.

“When we found out that we had England in the nal, we analyzed them and saw how they played,” Bonmati said. “We prepared it well, we came out condent of what we were doing, of our game, of our ght, of our dedication.”

England had momentum going into the tournament after winning the Euros, but three of the team’s best players, captain Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead, all had knee injuries that kept them o the World Cup squad.

Sarina Wiegman was the rst coach to take her teams to backto-back World Cup title matches. She led the Netherlands to the nal in 2019 but fell 2-0 to the United States. She’s now 0-2 in the championship match.

One of England’s best chances was in the 16th when Lauren Hemp’s blast caromed o the crossbar. A minute later, Salma Paralluelo raced toward goal but couldn’t get a clean shot and Earps stopped Alba Redondo’s attempt in the scramble in front of the net.

England was coming o a 3-1 victory over host Australia in the semi nal. Lauren James, who was the team’s top scorer with three goals and three assists, was forced to sit out two matches after being suspended for stomping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie to open the knockout stage.

While James was available for the nal, Wiegman started Ella Toone and used the Chelsea winger as a second-half substitute in a double change to spark the attack.

There were 75,784 fans at the nal at Stadium Australia, including tennis great Billie Jean King, increasing the record attendance for the tournament to more than 1.975 million.

Aitana Bonmati celebrates after Spain defeated England

the Women’s World Cup nal at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

CORY LAVALETTE | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

STEVE MARKHAM | AP PHOTO

Home sales slumped in July as rising mortgage rates and prices discouraged many would-be homebuyers

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in July to the slowest pace since January, as elevated mortgage rates and a stubbornly low inventory of homes on the market combined to discourage many would-be homebuyers.

Existing home sales fell 2.2% last month from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.07 million, the National Association of Realtors said Tuesday. That’s below the 4.15 million pace that economists were expecting, according to FactSet.

Sales slumped 16.6% compared with July last year. It was also the lowest home sales for the month of July since 2010.

The annual sales decline was steepest in markets across the Northeast and Midwest, where sales slumped 20% or more, the NAR said.

Despite falling sales, competition for a near-historic low level of homes on the market helped drive prices higher. The national median sales price rose 1.9% from July last year to $406,700, marking the rst annual increase in prices since January.

The shortage of homes for sale has kept the market competitive, driving bidding wars in many places, especially for the most a ordable homes. Roughly 35% of homes sold in July fetched more than their list price, said Lawrence Yun, the NAR’s chief economist.

“At least when it comes to home prices, it looks like the housing recession is already over,” Yun said.

All told, there were 1.11 million homes on the market by the end of last month, an increase of 3.7% from June, but down 14.6% from a year earlier, the NAR said.

Homes listed for sale in July

typically sold within just 20 days, with 74% staying on the market for less than a month.

All told, the number of homes on the market at the end of July amounted to a 3.3-month supply at the current sales pace. In a more balanced market between buyers and sellers, there is a 5- to 6-month supply.

The combination of high borrowing costs and intense competition for the most affordable homes on the market is keeping many rst-time buyers on the sidelines. They accounted for just 30% of home sales last month, though that was

“There’s virtually no inventory at the lower price point.”

up from 27% in June, the NAR said.

“There’s virtually no inventory at the lower price point,” Yun said. The latest housing market

gures are more evidence that many house hunters are being held back by a persistently low inventory of homes for sale and rising mortgage rates.

The average rate on a 30-year home loan hovered just below 7% last month and has continued climbing, reaching 7.09% last week, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is now at its highest level in more than 20 years.

High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can a ord in a market al-

Some renters may get relief from biggest apartment construction boom in decades

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — When viewed through a wide lens, renters across the U.S. nally appear to be getting some relief, thanks in part to the biggest apartment construction boom in decades.

Median rent rose just 0.5% in June, year over year, after falling in May for the rst time since the pandemic hit the U.S. Some economists project U.S. rents will be down modestly this year after soaring nearly 25% over the past four years. A closer look, however, shows the trend will likely be little comfort for many U.S. renters who’ve had to put an increasing share of their income toward their monthly payment. Renters in cities such as Cincinnati and Indianapolis are still getting hit with increases of 5% or more.

Much of the new construction is located in just a few metro areas, and many of the new units are luxury apartments, which rent for well north of $2,000.

Median U.S. rent has risen to $2,029 this June from $1,629 in June 2019, according to rental listings company Rent, which tracks rents in 50 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Demand for apartments exploded during the pandemic as people who could work remotely sought more space or decided to relocate to another part of the country.

That scenario is playing out across the nation. Developers are rushing to complete projects that were green-lit during the pandemic-era surge in demand for rentals or left in limbo by delays in supplies of xtures and building materials. Nearly 1.1 million apartments are currently under construction, according to the commercial real estate tracker CoStar, a pace not seen since the 1970s.

Increasing the supply of

apartments tends to moderate rent increases over time and can give tenants more options on where to live. But more than 40% of the new rentals to be completed this year will be concentrated in about 10 high job growth metropolitan areas, including Austin, Nashville, Denver, Atlanta and New York, according to commercial real estate rm Marcus & Millichap. In many areas, the boost to overall inventory will be barely noticeable.

“We’re building a multidecade record number of units.”

Even within metros where there’ll be a notable increase in available apartments, such as Nashville, most of it will be

in the luxury category, where rents average $2,270, nationally. Some 70% of the new rental inventory will be the luxury class, said Jay Lybik, national director of multifamily analytics at CoStar.

“I think we’re in a period of rent attening for 12 or 18 months, but it’s certainly not a big rent decline,” said Hessam Nadji, CEO of Marcus & Millichap. “We’re building a multi-decade record number of units,”

ready una ordable to many Americans. They also discourage homeowners who locked in those low rates two years ago from selling. Mortgage rates have been rising along with the 10-year Treasury yield, lenders use to price rates on mortgages and other loans. The yield has been climbing as bond traders react to more reports showing the U.S. economy remains remarkably resilient, which could keep upward pressure on in ation, giving the Federal Reserve reason to keep interest rates higher for longer.

Nadji said. “It’s going to cause some softening and some pockets of overbuilding, but it’s not going to fundamentally resolve the housing shortage or the affordability problem for renters across the U.S.”

The surge in rents has made it di cult for workers to keep up with in ation despite solid wage gains the past few years and exacerbated a long-term trend. Between 1999 and 2022, U.S. rents soared 135%, while income grew 77%, according to data from Moody’s Analytics.

Realtor.com is forecasting that rents will drop an average of 0.9% this year. But while down nationally, rents are still rising in many markets around the country, especially those where hiring remains robust.

In the New York metro area, the median rent climbed 4.7% in June from a year earlier to $2,899, according to Realtor. com. In the Midwest, rents surged 5.6% in the Cincinnati metro area to $1,188, and 6.9% to $1,350 in the Indianapolis metro area.

The current spike in apartment construction alone isn’t going to be enough to address how costly renting has become for many Americans.

“For the rest of the 2020s rents will continue to grow because millennials are such a big generation and we’re very much in the hole in terms of building housing for that generation,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Red n. “It will take many good years of new construction to build adequate housing for millennials.”

The bigger challenge is building more work force housing, because the cost of land, labor and navigating the government approval process incentivize developers to put up luxury apartments buildings.

Expanding the supply of modestly priced rentals would help alleviate the strain from so many new apartments targeting renters with high incomes, “although additional subsidies will be needed to make housing a ordable to households with the lowest incomes,” researchers at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies wrote in a recent report.

Lawrence Yun, National Assoc. of Realtors

Hessam

Nadji, developer

A sign noting a pending sale is shown in front of a home on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in Concord, Mass.

AP PHOTO

Web designer Joey Di Girolamo, 50, poses for a picture outside his apartment building, Thursday, July 20, 2023, in Pembroke Pines., Fla.

Rhiannon Giddens is as much scholar as musician.

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Most people familiar with singer Rhiannon Giddens know her scholarly side.

She won a MacArthur “genius grant” for her work making sure the contributions of Black Americans aren’t ignored in the history of folk and country music. Earlier this year, she earned a Pulitzer Prize for co-writing the opera “Omar,” about an enslaved Muslim man who lived in Charleston, South Carolina. She’s produced an online series on the history of the banjo — which she plays adeptly — and has lectured at Harvard, Stanford and Yale.

Her saucy side, not so much.

That will change for anyone who hears “Hen in the Foxhouse” or the Nina Simone homage “You Put the Sugar in my Bowl” on her new album, “You’re the One,” out on Friday.

The disc is the most broadly inviting work of Giddens’ career, a potent stew of folk, country, rock, soul and Cajun steered by producer Jack Splash, who has worked with Alicia Keys, Valerie June, Solange Knowles and Kendrick Lamar. A listener can commiserate with some done-me-wrong songs, luxuriate in love or just dance.

To hear Giddens tell it, she needed a change after her work with “Omar.”

“I just needed a break,” she told The Associated Press last week. “I mean, do you want to go onstage and try to entertain, sing correctly, talk about minstrelsy, slavery and American capitalism in ways it’s not going to drive o your audience, while educating them at the same time and having them walk out with a smile on their face? It’s a lot.”

There’s no required study hall on “You’re the One,” but that doesn’t mean there aren’t meaningful moments.

“Another Wasted Life” is inspired by Kalief Browder, a New

York City teenager who spent two years in solitary con nement at Rikers Island — three years in jail total — when he couldn’t make bail on a charge of stealing a backpack. He died by suicide after his release, after charges were dropped without a trial. Giddens, a 46-yearold mother of two who lives in Ireland with partner Francesco Turrisi, talks in detail about her childbirth experience and how the album’s title cut is about how the cloud of postpartum depression lifted for her. Jason Isbell duets with her on a song about a cross-cultural romance. Here are some excerpts from an interview with the AP.

AP: Rolling Stone magazine called “You’re the One” your

most outward-looking record. Is that a fair assessment?

Giddens: It’s my most accessible album, and that’s why I did it. It’s so easy to just be in your corner. I know how to make a record that folkies like. ... This was something I didn’t know what I was doing, really. And that’s where I like to live. I like

to do something I haven’t done.

AP: Does it bother you that some purists may be upset by it?

Giddens: I know what I’m doing next and they will be very happy, so they can be out of joint for this one because the whole point was I wanted to go bigger, right? ... I wanted to see how accessible this could be to people who are outside of my world.

AP: Although you tell the story about how the song “You’re the One” was inspired by your experience coming out of postpartum depression, it could just as easily be read as a simple love song. Did you want to give people freedom to interpret it the way they want to?

Giddens: That’s the way all songs are. You’re going to inter-

pret it the way you want to, anyway. So I never really thought about it. I knew telling the story (in interviews) was going to disrupt that. But people can still use it as a love song if they want. It is a love song, it’s just I wrote it because of my son. But the emotion is universal.

AP: A website (chapelboro. com) recently described you as the most famous living North Carolinian. What do you think when you see that?

Giddens: Yeah, Michael Jordan. Give me a break. I mean, look, I appreciate it. But I know where I sit. There’s a good cadre of people who really love our work. And then there’s everybody else who are like, “Who? Who’s that?” That’s ne.

The Associated Press

MULBERRY, Tenn. — For decades, the whiskey and bourbon makers of Tennessee and Kentucky have been beloved in their communities. The distilleries where the liquor is manufactured and barrelhouses where it is aged have complemented the rural character of their neighborhoods, while providing jobs and the pride of a successful homegrown industry.

Now, the growing popularity of the industry around the world is fueling con icts at home.

In Kentucky, where 95% of the world’s bourbon is manufactured, counties are revolting after the legislature voted to phase out a barrel tax they have depended on to fund schools, roads and utilities. Local ofcials who donated land and spent millions on infrastructure to help bourbon makers now say those investments may never be recouped.

Neighbors in both states have been ghting industry expansion, even suing distillers. Complaints include a destructive black “whiskey fungus,” the loss of prime farmland and liquor-themed tourist developments that are more Disneyland than distillery tour.

The love a air, it seems, is over. “We’ve been their biggest advocates and they threw us under the bus,” said Jerry Summers, a former executive with Jim Beam and the judge-executive for Bullitt County, essentially the county mayor.

Bullitt County has long depended on an annual barrel tax on aging whiskey, which brought in $3.8 million in 2021, Summers said. The majority goes to schools but the mon-

ey also is used for services that support the county’s Jim Beam and Four Roses plants, including a full-time re department.

Many of the new barrelhouses are being built with industrial revenue bonds exempting them from property taxes for years or decades. The counties supported the property tax breaks because they expected to continue collecting the barrel tax. When the state legislature voted to phase it out earlier this year, after intense lobbying by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, county o cials felt betrayed.

“Our industry was always a handshake agreement,” Summers said. Now, those agree -

ments are being broken.

Once the barrel tax sunsets in 2043, the distillers will pay no taxes at all to Bullitt on some warehouses. The county will still have to provide them with services, protect them and protect the surrounding community from them if anything goes wrong, Summers said.

“Where you have an alcohol-based plant that produces a hazardous material, you need emergency management, EMS, a sheri ’s department,” he said.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who signed the bill after passage by Kentucky’s Republican-controlled legislature, said several industry compromises were vital to his support,

while the bill will encourage investment.

“I know it was tough. You had an industry that supports so many jobs and calls Kentucky home. At the same time, you’ve got communities that have helped build that industry. I know there are, right now, probably some di cult feelings,” Beshear said in a news conference.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory noted the compromise bill creates a new excise tax to help fund school districts. Another tax helps re and emergency management services, though it does not apply in all counties.

“Even with this relief, distill-

ing remains Kentucky’s highest taxed industry, paying $286 million in taxes each year,” Gregory said in an email. While the tax changes take place, whiskey is booming.

As a former Beam executive, Summers remembers a time when whiskey was a cheap, “bottom shelf” drink. With small batch products, the liquor slowly became cool. American whiskey revenues since 2003 have nearly quadrupled, reaching $5.1 billion last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. During the same period, the super premium segment rose more than 20fold to $1.3 billion.

Now many of the most recognized brands are part of international beverage conglomerates. Jim Beam is owned by Japan-based Beam Suntory. Britain’s Diageo owns Bulleit. Italy’s Campari Group owns Wild Turkey.

In lobbying for the end of the tax, the distillers’ group suggested the industry could leave Kentucky. O cials like Summers are calling that a blu . He said Bullitt County does not want any new barrelhouses unless things change, and he is not alone.

Nelson County, home to Heaven Hill, Log Still and other Kentucky communities involved with the industry, recently approved a moratorium on new bourbon warehouse construction while the county updates zoning and permitting rules. Soon, any new projects will be required to seek citizen input and zoning board approval, Judge Executive Timothy Hutchins said.

“That got their attention, let’s put it that way,” Hutchins said. “Now, we’re trying to kiss and make up.”

Now, she’s showing her saucy side in a new album

As whiskey and bourbon business booms, beloved distillers face pushback over taxes and emissions

“I wanted to see how accessible this could be to people who are outside of my world.”

Rhiannon Giddens

AP PHOTO

Musician Rhiannon Giddens performs at National Sawdust on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, in New York.

AP PHOTO

A statue of Jack Daniels sits on a bench as a visitor enters a souvenir shop in the town where the distillery is located Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Lynchburg, Tenn.

pen & paper pursuits

Albemarle football

Albemarle’s Ja’Zyion Geiger drives the ball into the Blue Comets defense on Aug 18th, 2023.

Praise-Fest Christian Music Festival event scheduled at City Lake Park

Stanly Count Arts

Council to accept grassroot subgrant applications until Sept. 22

The Stanly County Arts Council will be accepting applications for North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program subgrants until September 22. Nonpro t organizations that promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Stanly County are encouraged to apply. Funding is given to quali ed arts organizations (theaters, festivals, galleries), education programs conducted by quali ed artists, and community arts organizations. Projects seeking funding must take place between now and June 15, 2024. Applications and grant guidelines can be found online at www.stanlycountyartscouncil.org/grants-andfunding/. Recipients will be noti ed by the end of October.

Woman leads law enforcement on chase from Rowan to Stanly County

Last Wednesday, law enforcement o cers in Salisbury engaged in a police chase that ended in the parking lot of a Family Dollar in Stanly County. The incident began after o cers attempted to perform a routine tra c stop of a white Ford F-150. The chase came to an end when deputies in Stanly County used stop sticks near Pfei er University in Misenheimer. The suspect, 42-year-old Crystal Dawn Johnson, was charged with felony ee to elude arrest, no liability insurance, displaying ctitious tags, driving without registration, and failure to appear in court. She was given a $50,000 bond and is set to appear in court on August 29.

Board to seek public input at upcoming meetings

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

ALBEMARLE — There will be no shortage of live music in Stanly County this weekend as a new yearly concert event is putting down its roots in Albemarle.

On Aug. 26, the rst-annual Praise-Fest Christian Music Festival is set to be held at the City Lake Park Amphitheater from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with performances beginning at 5 p.m.

The free event at 815 Concord Rd. in Albemarle will feature a selection of Christian artists, including country singer-songwriter Blake Helms and Stan eld native (and former American Idol contestant) Dustin Curlee.

Additionally, the rock trio Return to Sender, Southern gospel

band Harwood, praise and worship group Conviction Notice, and guest speaker Charles Sims are also slated to participate in the festival.

Pastor Wilson Moore of Albemarle’s Rekindled Church — also a band member in Conviction Notice — announced the event in a promotional video.

“I’m super excited to announce the rst-annual Praise-Fest and that we’re having a Christian music festival in Albemarle, NC, at the lovely City Lake Park,” Moore said. “We want to invite you to come to the most a ordable event of the year — it’s free! It starts at 4:30 p.m. We have a great lineup, and we’re looking forward to seeing you.”

“This remarkable event promises to be a celebration of faith, unity, and the power of music, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together in a joyful, uplifting, and unforgetta-

“We want to invite you to come to the most a ordable event of the year - its free!”

Pastor Wilson Moore

ble experience,” a recent festival advertisement stated. “At the Praise-Fest Music Festival, you can expect to be serenaded by an array of talented artists and bands that will harmoniously blend the magic of melodies with the powerful message of faith.”

The festival is designed to be a family-friendly environment and will include dedicated kid zones featuring bounce houses and other activities; the Christian-themed event will also feature personal testimonies as well

Home builder announces new facility in Stanly County

Stanly County Journal

NEW LONDON

— As a leading national home builder has selected Stanly County for a new facility that will ultimately generate over 260 new jobs. Clayton Supply, part of Clayton Home Building Group, announced its decision to establish a manufacturing location in New London. Clayton Home Building Group’s portfolio includes a range of o -site and site-built housing. The project in Stanly County will expand Clayton Supply’s capabilities to support the growing market demand the company is seeing in the hous-

ing industry. The average salary for the new positions will be $59,388. The current average wage in Stanly County is $41,612, according to a release from the state.

Clayton Supply’s project will be supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee on Tuesday. The project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $649 million.

“A quality company like Clayton Supply is a welcome addition to Stanly County,” said N.C. Senator Carl Ford. “We’re the perfect location for leading-in-

dustries and I’m con dent the company will nd the people and the support they need to thrive and grow in our community.”

“It’s great to see Clayton Supply choose Stanly County for the next phase of their company’s growth,” said N.C. Representative Wayne Sasser. “We welcome these new jobs and this signicant investment, which will lift our region to a welcome new level of prosperity.”

The announcement came after cooperation between the state legislature, N.C. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of

as moments of re ection and inspiration from local speakers and spiritual leaders.

Along with Rekindled Church, the female-oriented House of Pearls treatment center and male-oriented Ground 40 halfway house are both sponsors for Praise-Fest.

House of Pearls is a Monroe-based non-pro t Christian ministry, long-term addiction and cost-free restoration program dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives. Also based in Monroe, Ground 40 is a program designed to help men transition back into the community from homelessness, addiction and incarceration.

More information about the upcoming festival can be found at praise-fest.com and rekindledchurch.com. A sampled selection of the event’s musical acts is available on the “Praise Fest 2023” Spotify playlist page.

N.C., N.C. Community College System, the N.C. Department of Revenue, Stanly County, Town of New London, and the Stanly County Economic Development Commission.

“Manufacturers trust North Carolina because they know we’ve earned our reputation for having the best advanced manufacturing workforce in the nation,” said Governor Cooper. “From our central, east coast location that makes it easy to reach customers, to our worldclass transportation infrastructure and workforce training systems, North Carolina o ers everything these companies need to succeed.”

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

stanlyjournal.com

CRIME LOG

SMITH, TONY WAYNE (W /M/50), FELONY WORTHLESS CHECK, 08/21/2023, Stanly County

Sheriff`S Office

GUILLERMO, ALVARADO

PRECIADO (H /M/29), DRIVING

WHILE IMPAIRED, 08/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

HERNANDEZ, JESI JAMES (HI/M/29), RESISTING PUBLIC

OFFICER, 08/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

STEARNS, BENJAMIN OSULLIVAN (W /M/33), DRIVING WHILE

IMPAIRED, 08/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

RABORN, STEPHEN CRAIG (W /M/34), ASSAULT ON GOVT

OFFICIAL/EMPLY, 08/19/2023, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

BARRINGER, KELAND XAVIER (O /M/20), SIMPLE ASSAULT, 08/18/2023, Stanly County

Sheriff`S Office

CAGLE, SAMUEL PAUL (B /M/54),

BREAKING AND OR ENTERING (F), 08/18/2023, Stanly County

Sheriff`S Office

MIDDLETON, NATHANEL GLENN (B /M/46), BREAKING AND OR

ENTERING (F), 08/18/2023, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

QUERY, DAVID THOMAS (W /M/45), POSSESS

METHAMPHETAMINE, 08/17/2023, Stanly County

Sheriff`S Office

MCCUMBEE, STEPHANIE (W /F/37), BREAKING AND OR ENTERING (F), 08/16/2023, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

RUSHING, DARRIO O`NEAL (B /M/30), FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE, 08/16/2023, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

American Airlines sues a travel site to crack down on consumers who use this trick to save money

The Associated Press

DALLAS — American Airlines is suing a travel website that sells tickets that let people save money by exploiting a quirk in airline pricing.

American sued Skiplagged Inc. in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas, this week, accusing the website of deception. It threatened to cancel every ticket that Skiplagged has sold.

In a practice called skiplagging and hidden-city ticketing, travelers book a ight that includes at least one stop, but they leave the plane during a layover. Generally skiplagging is not illegal, but airlines claim that it violates their policies.

Last month, American booted a 17-year-old from a ight and banned him for three years when he tried to use the tactic to y from Gainesville, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina, on a ticket that listed New York City as his destination. For the teen, that was cheaper than booking a ight directly to Charlotte. In the lawsuit, American accused Skiplagged of tricking consumers into believing they can tap “some kind of secret ‘loophole.’” American said the website poses as an ordinary consumer to buy tickets, and warns its customers not to tip o the airline about the arrangement. American said Skiplagged has never been authorized to resell the airline’s tickets.

“Skiplagged’s conduct is deceptive and abusive,” the airline said in the lawsuit. “Skiplagged deceives the public into believing that, even though it has no authority to form and issue a contract on American’s behalf, somehow it can still issue a completely valid ticket. It cannot. Every ‘ticket’ issued by

Skiplagged is at risk of being invalidated.”

There was no immediate response to a request for comment left with Skiplagged.

Skiplagging is possible because of the way airlines compete on price.

Long ights usually cost more than shorter ones, but the reverse might be true if many airlines compete on the longer

route while only one or two y the shorter one.

Travelers who use the tactic avoid checking a bag, since it will wind up at the ticketed destination, not the layover airport. They often book one-way tickets, or only try this strategy on the return trip – if the airline notices someone skipping out, it might cancel the rest of their itinerary.

Stem cells from one eye show promise in healing injuries in the other

The Associated Press Phil Durst recalled clawing at his face after a chemical from a commercial dishwashing machine squirted into his eyes, causing “the most indescribable pain I’ve ever felt — ever, ever, ever.”

His left eye bore the brunt of the 2017 work accident, which stole his vision, left him unable to tolerate light and triggered four to ve cluster headaches a day.

Then he underwent an experimental procedure that aims to treat severe injuries in one eye with stem cells from the other.

“I went from completely blind with debilitating headaches and pondering if I could go another day — like really thinking I can’t do this anymore” to seeing well enough to drive and emerging from dark places literally and guratively, he said, choking up.

The 51-year-old from Homewood, Alabama, was one of four patients to get stem cell transplants as part of the rst U.S. study to test the technique, which could someday help thousands. Though additional treatment is sometimes needed, experts say the stem cell transplant o ers hope to people with few if any other options.

Results of the early-stage research were published Friday in the journal Science Advances, and a larger study is now underway. The procedure is designed

to treat “limbal stem cell deciency,” a corneal disorder that can occur after chemical burns and other eye injuries. Patients without limbal cells, which are essential for replenishing and maintaining the cornea’s outermost layer, can’t undergo corneal transplants that are commonly used to improve vision.

Dr. Ula Jurkunas, an ophthalmologist at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston who was the principal investigator for the study, said the experimental technique involves taking a small biopsy of stem cells from the healthy eye, then expanding and growing

them on a graft in a lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

A couple of weeks later, they’re sent back to be transplanted into the injured eye. Durst was the rst patient to undergo the procedure.

“The great part of it is that we’re using a patient’s own tissue,” not donor tissue the body might reject, Jurkunas said.

She said this method is better than a di erent procedure that takes a very large piece of stem cells from a healthy eye for use on an injured eye — but risks damaging the good eye.

Skiplagged, which is based in New York, has been sued before. United Airlines and online travel agency Orbitz accused Aktarer Zaman, who was in his early 20s when he started Skiplagged around 2014, of touting “prohibited forms of travel.” Zaman started a GoFundMe to pay his legal costs. He settled with Orbitz, and the United lawsuit was dismissed.

Jurkunas, who is also a liated with Harvard Medical School, said Durst’s 2018 surgery was the culmination of almost two decades of research, “so we felt immense happiness and excitement to nally do it.”

All patients in the study saw their cornea surfaces restored. Durst and another patient were then able to get transplants of arti cial corneas, while two others reported much-improved vision with the stem cell transplant alone.

Jurkunas estimates about 1,000 people in the U.S. per year could potentially bene t from this sort of stem cell transplant, which has also been studied in Japan.

“There’s de nitely an unmet clinical need for this e ort — there’s no question,” said Dr. Tueng Shen, an ophthalmology professor at the University of Washington who was not involved in the research. She added that doctors currently have no reliable source of cultivated limbal stem cells.

Researchers are nalizing the next phase of the clinical trial, which includes 15 patients. One is Nick Kharufeh, whose left eye was injured in 2020. He was watching reworks being set o in the street when a spark hit his eyeball.

Kharufeh moved from California to Boston to take part in the study, and the 26-year-old real estate agent can see well enough to y a small plane.

Though he’s given up on plans of becoming a commercial pilot, “I still y whenever I get back to California. I love it,” he said. “I’m just really thankful that they gave me the opportunity to be part of the trial because it’s really helped me out.”

The American Airlines logo is seen in this le photo.

PHOTO

Phil Durst, who has undergone an experimental stem cell procedure with his eyes, sits for a portrait in Homewood, Ala., on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

A ordability – not jobs – is the key to the economy

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

AS THE CHALLENGES to the economy have evolved, politicians have not learned to focus on what’s is really hurting the American people.

Traditionally, unemployment and jobs are key indicators of economic health. In most elections, candidates either tout the jobs that have been created since they were elected or criticize increasing unemployment numbers.

The same model has been applied to analyzing this economy for the upcoming 2024 election. However, it may be the wrong focus.

The real pain in the 2023 American economy is not unemployment. It is a ordability.

President Joe Biden’s policy of pouring debt on the American people, and increasing de cit spending, is creating a crisis of a ordability. People have jobs – they just can’t a ord to pay for anything.

The Winston Group has developed a new measurement to explain this: the Presidential In ation Rate (PIR). Most analysts talk about in ation as an annualized gure, but this obscures how much prices have increased over time.

Winston Group tracks the in ation rate from the day a President takes o ce. The amount in ation has gone up across a presidential term is the key result of the Presidential In ation Rate.

According to the Winston Group analysis, President Biden is second only to President Jimmy Carter in modern in ation rates from inauguration to July of their third year in o ce. Speci cally, in ation has increased 16.9 percent since Biden’s inauguration. That is three times President Donald Trump’s Presidential In ation Rate in the same timeframe (5.7 percent). Carter

was at 25 percent in ation over the rst three years – but every other recent president had less in ation than Biden.

The annualized in ation rate understates the pain level experienced by the American people. If you look at the Winston Group’s PIR measurement, you see that food prices under Biden have gone up 19.4 percent. The price of electricity has gone up 25.6 percent. Gasoline prices have gone up 53.4 percent.

In ghting the Biden in ationary surge, the Federal Reserve has adopted the demand-side strategy of raising interest rates. The theory is simple: Create pain for the American people so we slow our spending. Ultimately, this will reduce in ation.

Under President Biden, this classic demandside strategy is failing to work. The government is borrowing so much money — and spending it so extravagantly — that demand is sustaining even as the Fed tries to squeeze o the private sector.

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

You may have a job — but you have not likely had a pay raise. Meanwhile, the cost of everything you buy has gone up.

In just the last few weeks, the price of gasoline has jumped $.30 a gallon to an average of $3.87 for regular and $4.62 for premium. That is up from $2.42 for regular when President Trump left o ce. It is a 60 percent increase in the cost of something most Americans must buy. It is e ectively, a gigantic tax increase for most working Americans. Yet energy is not the biggest cause of pain.

Traditionally, the sector hit hardest by

demand—side interest rate increases is housing. Mortgage interest rates are now above 7 percent, which the New York Times reports is the highest rate in 21 years (1982). As mortgage rates rise, the cost of buying a house goes much higher. Home values decline, because people cannot a ord the now much higher cost of the mortgage. When Trump left o ce in January 2021, mortgages averaged 2.65 percent — the lowest in 30 years. That has now almost tripled. The di erence in cost measured over 20 or 30 years is staggering. It has e ectively closed most people o from the housing market. They just can’t a ord it.

Further, this deliberate Bidenomics hike in mortgage rates has lowered the value of houses for the millions of Americans for whom their home is their primary retirement savings. So, Bidenomics is impoverishing the young who can’t a ord to buy a new house — and seniors who are watching their lifetime savings dwindle from higher costs and lower house values.

This crisis in a ordability is beginning to show up as the biggest threat to how people measure the Biden economy. A new Emerson poll of New Hampshire voters has “housing a ordability” skyrocketing in importance. It is the second biggest issue in the survey.

The economy led the list at 32 percent. However, one-in- ve (21 percent) of those surveyed identi ed housing a ordability as their top concern. For voters under 50, housing a ordability was the top issue.

As the 2024 election approaches, many Americans may decide they just can’t a ord Bidenomics.

Single women are the odd men out, politically

AMERICA’S POLITICAL PARTIES are the oldest and third-oldest in the world, and they have competed for votes among a population that has been diverse since colonial times. I

f you have any doubts about that, consult David Hackett Fischer’s 1989 classic “Albion’s Seed” on how settlers from di erent parts of the British Isles brought distinctive “folkways” to the di erent seaboard colonies and the Appalachian backwoods.

Since none of these groups has ever come close to constituting a majority of Americans, the partisan competition has usually been erce and (except for the brief and misnamed “era of good feelings”) unending. And uctuating.

Regional di erences have long been obvious: Di erences between North and South produced the Civil War. But in recent elections, the Midwest has voted more like the South than like the Northeast or the West.

Racial and ethnic di erences have often been critical. Black Americans voted almost unanimously Republican, when they were allowed to vote, from the 1860s to the 1930s. Since the 1960s, they have voted almost unanimously Democratic — though that may be changing lately.

And “whites,” treated as a uniform group by many analysts these days, used to have sharp divisions. New England politics for most of the 20th century was a battle, at the ballot box and in birth rates, between Yankee Protestant Republicans and Irish Catholic Democrats. By the 1990s, evangelical Protestants emerged as a heavily Republican group, and in the 2010s, white college graduates (especially those with post-graduate degrees) as a heavily Democratic group.

And then there is the gender gap, the di erence between male and female voters, which became statistically signi cant in 1980. In the years since, and despite the quip

attributed to Henry Kissinger that “there’s too much fraternizing with the enemy,” it has grown wider.

But not uniformly. As American Enterprise Institute’s ace polling expert Karlyn Bowman together with Ruy Teixeira have pointed out, it’s more of a marriage gap.

The exit poll in the almost even 2022 House (Republicans won the popular vote 50% to 47%) shows that married men voted 59% to 39% Republican, and unmarried men also went Republican by a smaller but signi cant 52% to 45% margin.

Married women, however, also voted Republican by a landslide 56% to 42% margin. So, why was the election so close? Because unmarried women favored Democrats 68% to 31%.

Note that married men and married women both made up 30% of the electorate. But there are a lot more unmarried women voters, 23% of the electorate, than unmarried men, 16%.

That re ects not only longer female lifespans but also female dominance in higher education, with women making up 60% of college and university students these days, and the trend toward later rst marriages.

The upshot is that about one-third of Democratic voters are single women, which helps explain, as the Washington Examiner’s Conn Carroll points out, the 2012 Obama “Life of Julia” cartoons, which showed government helping unattached women through life.

In general, women are more risk-averse than men, and thus more supportive of welfare state measures and more reluctant to support military action. They are also, as we have seen on female-dominated campuses, more willing to suppress speech that is seen as irritating or hurtful. “Highly educated women,” as Australian educator Lorenzo Warby writes, “are proving all too willing to trash other people’s

freedoms to protect their emotions.”

Surveys show that, after 50 years of feminism, American women are increasingly likely to report themselves as unhappy, a characteristic especially marked in unmarried young liberal women with no religious connection.

Of course, happiness is a subjective condition, perhaps subject to change in de nition over time. But it’s hard to avoid the conclusion of economist Tyler Cowen that “current political debate in America cannot be understood without the concept of neuroticism — as a formal concept from personality psychology — front and center.”

This nds re ection in Biden-era Democrats’ disguised but rm support for abortion up to the moment of birth (for reasons of “mental health”) and for their eagerness to suppress speech that ran contrary to extreme riskaverseness during the COVID pandemic.

Those with memories ranging back to the 1970s and 1980s will recognize these attitudes as contrary to the positions of liberal Democrats then, including Joe Biden himself, who supported restrictions on late-term abortions and opposed government suppression of dissenting speech.

All of which undercuts the crude feminist view that everything would be better if women’s views prevailed and provides support for the view that engagement, sometimes respectful and sometimes abrasive, between diverse segments — blacks and whites, North and South, Yankees and Irish, married people and single women — provides a better route to sensible policy and a successful nation.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB

3 games in California moved up ahead of Hurricane Hilary

New York

Major League Baseball moved up three Sunday games in California because of the forecast for Hurricane Hilary. MLB announced the changes as Hurricane Hilary churned o Mexico’s Paci c coast as a powerful Category 4 storm. Each of the games — Arizona at San Diego, Tampa Bay at the Los Angeles Angels and Miami at the Los Angeles Dodgers — were played Saturday as part of split doubleheaders. Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club also rescheduled games.

OLYMPICS

Water quality concerns halt Paris Olympics swimming test

Paris

Another Paris Olympics test run in the Seine River has been canceled because of new concerns about water quality. The swim portion of the paratriathlon was canceled and the event became a duathlon. The cancellation is a fresh blow to 2024 Olympic organizers and to the city’s ambitions to reopen the iconic river to public swimming after next year’s Games. Swimmers took to the Seine in competition on Thursday and Friday but o cials reported worrying results of water quality tests in the hours leading up to Saturday’s events. Heavy rain can cause over ows of untreated waste in the Seine, leaving water quality below safety standards.

NFL Graham back with Saints after being stopped by police

Los Angeles

The New Orleans Saints say tight end Jimmy Graham was in the midst of a “medical episode” and was disoriented when he was taken into custody in the Los Angeles area and transported to a hospital. Graham was stopped by police on Friday night while reportedly wandering in tra c and booked on suspicion of being under the in uence of a controlled substance. The Saints say Graham has been evaluated by team doctor John Amoss and released from a hospital on Saturday morning. He was back with the team but did not play in its preseason game Sunday night against the Chargers.

NHL Ducks acquire Lyubushkin from Sabres

Anaheim, Calf.

The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin in a trade with the Bu alo Sabres. The Ducks sent a fourth-round draft choice in 2025 to Bu alo. Anaheim originally acquired the pick from Minnesota in the deal that sent John Klingberg to the Wild last March. The 29-year-old Lyubushkin is a ve-year NHL veteran who began his North American career with Arizona in 2018. He was traded to Toronto in February 2022, and he signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with Bu alo in July 2022. He had 14 points in 68 games with Bu alo last season.

Byron dominates at Watkins Glen for 5th Cup win season

The Associated Press WILLIAM BYRON had the eld covered at Watkins Glen International, delivering such a dominant performance that no other NASCAR driver even got to his bumper in the nal third of the race.

It was usual for the Cup Series and even more rare for Byron at a road course. The 25-year-old Byron won on a serpentine track for the rst time in six Cup seasons, this one being his series-leading fth victory of the season and making him a favorite to win it all.

“We’ve worked years and years for this,” Byron said, crediting veteran open-wheel racer Max Papis

with helping him. “It’s a great win. I don’t know what it means and all that. I don’t read into that. But I think it shows that when we’re at our best, we can perform like this.”

Driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports, Byron overtook Michael McDowell in the rst quarter of the 90-lap event and pretty much remained in controlled the rest of the way. He led 66 laps in all, including the nal 33.

Pole-sitter Denny Hamlin was second, nearly 3 seconds back, in the penultimate race of the Cup Series’ regular season. Christopher Bell was third, followed by AJ Allmendinger and Ty Gibbs. Martin Truex Jr. nished sixth

but failed to lock up the regular season title for Joe Gibbs Racing. He and Hamlin will vie for the regular season crown next weekend at Daytona. “It’s doable,” said Hamlin, who trails Truex by 39 points. “You’ve got to have things go your way, but yeah. If we can talk NASCAR into those 25 points they took away earlier in the season, we’d really make it interesting.”

Always-unpredictable Daytona will be the last chance for more than two dozen drivers — most notably 2020 series champion and fan favorite Chase Elliott — to make the 16-car playo s. Elliott, a two-time winner at the Glen, had hoped to lock up a postseason spot Sunday. But the

Schau ele earns nal Ryder Cup spot

The Associated Press

OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. — PGA champion Brooks Koepka went from a remarkable feat of getting among the six automatic spots on the Ryder Cup to now needing a phone call from U.S. captain Zach Johnson.

Xander Schau ele did enough right Sunday in the BMW Championship that a bogey on the nal hole didn’t cost him. He closed with a 2-under 68 at Olympia Fields and tied for eighth, giving him the sixth and nal automatic spot on the Ryder Cup team. Koepka fell from No. 5 to No. 7, nishing 29 points behind Schau ele. Max Homa had been in the nal spot and shot 68 to tie for fth.

The BMW Championship was the nal qualifying tournament. After the Tour Championship next week, Johnson will get six captain’s picks.

Scottie Sche er led the points list by such a margin that he had more points than the next two players behind him, U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and British Open champion Brian Harman. They were followed by Patrick Cantlay, Homa and Schau ele.

Koepka left the PGA Tour for Saudi-backed LIV Golf last

June and only had access to Ryder Cup points in the majors. He was a runner-up at the Masters and won the PGA Championship, with points counting double for winners of a major. Schau ele nished with 9,450 points in 26 qualifying tournaments. Koepka had 9,421 points in 10 counting events. Any other player who nished just outside qualifying, had

won ve majors and was 6-5-1 in his three Ryder Cup appearances would seem to be a lock. The wild card is Koepka being part of LIV Golf and its 48-man elds over 54 holes.

Since his victory in the PGA Championship, Koepka tied for 17th in the U.S. Open and tied for 64th in the British Open. At LIV Golf, he had only one nish in the top 10 in ve events, and

Hendrick star quali ed in the middle of the pack and then ruined his chances when he ran out of fuel with 36 laps to go. He lost a lap and all hope of winning.

Elliott will have to win at Daytona to make the playo s for the eighth consecutive season. Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez will be equally anxious at Daytona. They are in a tight race along with Gibbs for the 16th and nal spot.

“Still stressful at hell, but that takes a little bit of the edge o for sure,” Wallace said.

Former series champions Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski eased their nerves by locking up playo spots at the Glen, both securing berths because Byron was a repeat winner.

“It’s great to have that o our shoulders,” Keselowski said. “We’re going to race really hard with nothing to lose (at Daytona); that makes us really dangerous.”

The series goes to Daytona for the regular season nale on Saturday night. Austin Dillon is the defending race winner.

the last two he was near the bottom of the pack.

The last American who nished just outside automatic qualifying and was not picked was Bubba Watson for the 2016 matches at Hazeltine.

Schau ele at least doesn’t have to wait on a phone call. He was bypassed in the standings in favor of Tony Finau for the 2018 matches in France.

“You don’t really want to sit around and wait for the phone call,” Schau ele said. “Been on both sides of it. ... I remember getting a call saying, ‘No’ and a call saying, ‘Yes.’ It’s nice to automatically qualify.”

Jordan Spieth, who has played in every Ryder Cup since 2014, narrowly made it to the Tour Championship. He nished at No. 8, followed by Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley and Sam Burns.

Rickie Fowler, who won the Rocket Mortgage this summer for his rst win in ve years, is at No. 13. Most of the attention is on Justin Thomas, who is No. 15 and did not qualify for the FedEx Cup playo s (top 70) for the rst time in his career. He also has a 6-2-1 record in the two Ryder Cups he has played.

Of the potential captain’s picks, seven will be at East Lake for one last audition. That includes Lucas Glover, who had won his previous two starts to reach No. 5 in the FedEx Cup. Glover nished at No. 16 in the Ryder Cup standings.

AP PHOTO

William Byron celebrates with his crew following his win Sunday in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen.

AP PHOTO Xander Schau ele watches his tee shot on the rst hole during Sunday’s nal round of the BMW Championship.

West Stanly blanks South Stanly in season opener

The new-look Colts o ense powered a 34-0 win

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

THE WEST STANLY football team easily handled a visit to cross-county rival South Stanly, rolling to a 34-0 win in last Friday’s season opener.

Senior quarterback Jett Thomas completed 13 of 19 passes for 113 yards and a pair of touchdown throws to junior wide receiver Gavyn E rd, who led the Colts (1-0) with 55 receiving yards.

West Stanly picked up the bulk of its yardage on the ground, getting contributions from four ball-carriers: seniors Caleb Bumgarner, Jacob Starnes and Rene Salazar, and junior Breyden Lambert.

Potential new rivalries with BYU becoming Big 12’s 3rd private Christian school

The Associated Press

There could be some new rivalries between Christian schools brewing in the evolving Big 12 Conference.

With BYU coming in this season, the Big 12 has three private Christian schools from di erent denominations. The Cougars, the 1984 national champions who played the past 12 seasons as an independent, are now in the same league with Baylor and TCU — whose 118-game “Revivalry” in Texas dates to a scoreless tie in 1899.

“I think that will be really intriguing to see ... is there more of a longterm interest amongst TCU and Baylor fans in BYU as an opponent compared to some of the other Big 12 teams that are coming in,” said Northern Kentucky professor Joe Cobbs, an expert in sports rivalries.

BYU was founded by and still supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church. Baylor is the world’s largest Baptist university, and TCU partners with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). All three schools were founded in the 1800s.

There can be commonality among

fans from such schools, even of different denominations, in valuing what religion adds to higher education, Cobbs said. There also can be the thoughts of “we’re both religious schools, let’s see who’s the best. And that’s where ‘Holy War’ becomes kind of an apt name.”

TCU is the smallest Big 12 school with around 12,000 students, but the Horned Frogs had an undefeated regular season and made the four-team College Football Playo last season before losing to Georgia in the national championship game. That came a year after Baylor was the Big 12 champion and won the Sugar Bowl.

“I understand that TCU is probably our primary rival, but I’m also really proud of TCU and of Baylor ... smaller private institutions, and we’ve been able to nd a way to navigate,” said Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades, noting the similarities with BYU.

“To have three in a conference I think is really cool. And I think it will probably make for some really healthy conversation between the three of us, and how do we continue to navigate our success in the midst of schools that have more alums, maybe even deeper pockets.”

In college basketball, the Big East was formed in 2013 by seven Catholic universities and the league has become one of the strongest in the sport.

There are 14 teams in the Big 12 this season with the additions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF. That means not every team will play each other each year.

BYU, with only one losing record over the past 18 seasons, plays at TCU on Oct. 14, a reunion of teams that brie y in the past shared membership in both the Mountain West (200510) and Western Athletic (1996-98) conferences. But the Cougars aren’t scheduled to play Baylor after they split games the past two seasons in a home-and-home series with the Bears that was set long before all of the conference realignment.

TCU has played BYU 11 times, most of those in their past conferences together, though their last meeting in 2011 was the season the Cougars became an independent team. Baylor and BYU have met four times, including the Cougars’ 47-13 win at home early in the 1994 season that they nished undefeated.

There should be a lot more opportunities to play each other now.

Bumgarner had 40 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while Starnes totaled 63 yards and a score on six carries. Salazar added 48 yards and a touchdown run on nine attempts, and Lambert led the Colts with a team-high 14 carries for 137 yards.

West Stanly will next host Carson (0-1) in a nonconference battle between two of the top YVC teams, while the Bulls (0-1) will be visited by South Rowan (1-0).

North Stanly 17, Anson 12

In their rst game under new head coach Chad Little, North Stanly scored 17 unanswered points in a 17-12 home win over Anson.

The Comets (1-0) rallied thanks to a 51-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chance Blake to wideout Jordan Stewart and then a touchdown run from Jay Jackson. North capped o the game with a late eld goal to pad its lead.

North will host East Rowan (0-1) in a nonconference game on Friday.

Asheboro 24, Albemarle 22

Albemarle fell just short of a season-opening road win at Asheboro, dropping a 24-22 decision.

Junior running back Kaine McClendon put his Bulldogs (0-1) on the board midway through the second quarter with a touchdown, but the Blue Comets (1-0) led the game 12-8 at halftime. Albemarle claimed the lead midway through the third quarter when Jaylen Pinkney punched in a 1-yard touchdown run.

Asheboro, however, responded with a pair of touchdown drives. Bulldogs Ander Artis and Zyion Geiger connected on a 44-yard touchdown pass, but the Blue Comets held on for a two-point win. Albemarle will face Trinity (0-1) on the road on Friday.

US rallies, tops Germany in nal World Cup tuneup

O cials are considering moving the race to four weeks after the Kentucky Derby

The Associated Press

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — USA Basketball dug deep to head to the World Cup with an unbeaten exhibition record.

Anthony Edwards scored 34 points, Austin Reaves and Tyrese Haliburton each added 16 o the bench, and the U.S. rallied from a 16-point second-half de cit to beat Germany 99-91 on Sunday night in its nal tuneup

game before heading to the Philippines for the World Cup.

An 18-0 run in the nal minutes saved the Americans, who nished the exhibition season 5-0.

“What I like is that we know now they’ve got guts,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. “But we can get a lot better because we have a higher ceiling than a lot of teams — because most of these teams have been together. (Germany) has been together. They’re really good. We feel like we’ve got more room for growth. And we’ve got to keep working and getting better as we head to Manila.”

Edwards was brilliant, making 11 of 21 shots and going 8 of 8 from the line. The rest of the U.S.

starters scored a combined 25 points; Edwards had nine more than that by himself.

“That was the best game I’ve had in a minute,” Edwards said.

Added Kerr: “He’s unquestionably the guy. He knows it. Now the rest of the team knows it.”

Thing is, Edwards didn’t do it alone. The comeback really started late in the third, when Haliburton scored 11 points in less than 3 minutes to bring the U.S. back from 16 down to within three and spark serious hope.

Germany didn’t go away.

Moritz Wagner’s 3-pointer with 6:58 left put Germany up 86-77. The Germans missed their next eight shots — and the Americans

scored the game’s next 18 points, taking the lead back for good on Mikal Bridges’ 3-pointer with 2:15 left.

“It just comes down to buckling down and getting stops,” Haliburton said.

Franz Wagner scored 17 points for Germany, which got 16 points and 10 assists from Dennis Schroder, and 14 points from Moritz Wagner. It became the rst team this summer to take more than a four-point lead on the U.S. but couldn’t nish the win o .

The U.S. team has been together for only 2½ weeks yet has had very little trouble clicking to this point. The Americans opened the tuneup schedule

with a 117-74 win in Las Vegas over Puerto Rico, then headed to Spain for wins over Slovenia (9262, though the Slovenians played without Luka Doncic) and Spain (98-88). From Spain, they headed to Abu Dhabi to nish preparations, beating Greece 108-86 on Friday and then capping it all o by topping the Germans.

Next up: The stu that matters — the World Cup, which will take place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. The U.S. is the heavy betting favorite to win the tournament, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, and will face New Zealand, Greece and Jordan in group play that starts Saturday in Manila.

“I don’t think that we really ever feel like we’re out of a game,” Reaves said.

The U.S. will face New Zealand in the World Cup opener Saturday at Manila, Philippines.

AP PHOTO

BYU quarterback Riley Nelson rushes the ball past TCU defensive tackle D.J. Yendrey in a 2011 game.

AP PHOTO

Anthony Edwards, center, shoots over Puerto Rico’s George Conditt IV, left, and Christopher Ortiz, right, during a World Cup exhibition game earlier this month in Las Vegas.

years

The Associated Press

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than 20 years, grim news for would-be homebuyers already challenged by a housing market that remains competitive due to a dearth of homes for sale.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.09% from 6.96%. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.13%.

It’s the fourth consecutive weekly increase for the average rate and the highest since early April 2002, when it averaged 7.13%. The last time the average rate was above 7% was last November, when it stood at 7.08%.

High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can a ord in a market already una ordable to many Americans.

“With prices even higher than they were a year ago in many markets, crossing the 7% mortgage rate threshold again could be what sets in motion a major contraction in the housing market this fall,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS.

The latest increase in rates follows a sharp uptick in the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been above 4% this month and climbing. The yield, which lenders use to price rates on mortgages and other loans, touched its highest level since October on Thursday morning, and it’s close to where it was in 2007.

The yield has been rising as bond traders react to more reports showing the U.S. economy remains remarkably resilient, which could keep upward pressure on in ation, giving the Federal Reserve reason to keep inter-

est rates higher for longer.

“The economy continues to do better than expected and the 10year Treasury yield has moved up, causing mortgage rates to climb,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Demand has been impacted by a ordability headwinds, but low inventory remains the root cause of stalling home sales.”

High in ation drove the Feder-

al Reserve to raise its benchmark interest rate 11 times since March 2022, lifting the fed funds rate to the highest level in 22 years. Mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Fed’s rate increases, but tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Investors’ expectations for future in ation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Fed does with interest rates can in uence rates

on home loans.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 2.86%. Those ultra-low rates spurred a wave of home sales and re nancing. The sharply higher rates now are contributing to a dearth of available homes, as homeowners who locked in those lower borrowing costs two years ago are now reluc-

Court tosses Jan. 6 sentence in ruling that could impact other low-level Capitol riot cases

The Associated Press

A federal appeals court on Friday ordered a new sentence for a North Carolina man who pleaded guilty to a petty offense in the Capitol riot — a ruling that could impact dozens of low-level cases in the massive Jan. 6, 2021 prosecution.

The appeals court in Washington, D.C. said James Little was wrongly sentenced for his conviction on a misdemeanor o ense to both prison time and probation, which is court-ordered monitoring of defendants who are not behind bars.

Little, who entered the Capitol but didn’t join in any destruction or violence, pleaded guilty in 2021 to a charge that carries up to six months behind bars. He was sentenced last year to 60 days in prison followed by three years of probation.

But the 2-1 opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said that probation and imprisonment “may not be imposed as a single sentence” for

a petty o ense, adding “there are separate options on the menu.” Judge Robert Wilkins, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, dissented. The decision could invalidate

the sentences of dozens of Jan. 6 defendants who received what is known as a “split sentence” for a petty o ense. More than 80 other Jan. 6 defendants have been sentenced to both prison time

and probation for the same misdemeanor o ense as Little, according to an Associated Press analysis.

The practical e ect, however, may be limited as almost all of them have likely already served their prison terms long ago. Little’s attorney had asked the appeals court to simply order an end to his probation monitoring since he already served his 60 days behind bars.

An attorney for Little declined to comment on Friday. The Justice Department could appeal the decision. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s ofce in Washington said: “We are reviewing the Court’s ruling and will determine our next steps in accordance with the law.”

Some judges who have imposed such sentences in misdemeanor cases have stressed the need to keep tabs on Jan. 6 defendants after they serve their time to prevent them from engaging in such conduct during the next election. While on probation, defendants have to check

tant to sell and jump into a higher rate on a new property.

The lack of housing supply is also a big reason home sales are down 23% through the rst half of this year.

The average rate on 15-year xed-rate mortgages, popular with those re nancing their homes, rose to 6.46% from 6.34% last week. A year ago, it averaged 4.55%, Freddie Mac said.

in with a probation o cer and follow certain conditions.

“The Court must not only punish Little for his conduct but also ensure that he will not engage in similar conduct again during the next election,” the judge who sentenced Little, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, wrote in a ruling last year.

“Some term of imprisonment may serve sentencing’s retributive goals. But only a longer-term period of probation is adequate to ensure that Little will not become an active participant in another riot,” he wrote.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Little went to President Donald Trump’s speech ahead of the riot and then walked to the Capitol, where he st-bumped other rioters and went into the Senate Gallery, according to court records. After leaving the Capitol, he and others prayed on the Capitol steps and sang “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” by Twisted Sister, according to court documents.

More than 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 riot. More than 600 of them have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trials decided by a jury or judge. About 600 have been sentenced, with over half getting terms of imprisonment ranging from three days to 18 years.

Average long-term US mortgage rate climbs to 7.09%, highest level in more than 20

Townhomes under construction are shown in Mars, Pa., on May, 27, 2022.

AP PHOTO

Protestors loyal to President Donald Trump breach the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021.

STATE & NATION

Biden’s approval rating on the economy stagnates despite slowing in ation, AP-NORC poll shows

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden has devoted the past several weeks to promoting the positive impacts of his policies — but his e orts have yet to meaningfully register with the public.

Only 36% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, slightly lower than the 42% who approve of his overall performance, according to the new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research.

Both gures are close to where Biden’s approval numbers have stood for about the past year and a half, including just two months ago. Signs of an improving economic outlook have done little to sway how people feel about the Democratic president as he gears up for a 2024 reelection campaign that could pit him against his predecessor and 2020 opponent, Republican Donald Trump.

Just 65% of Democrats approve of Biden’s economic leadership, while 76% approve of how he’s handling the job overall.

In follow-up interviews, some survey respondents felt torn between the desire to return to a sense of normalcy after Trump’s presidency and the desire for

even more sweeping policies to address climate change, health care costs and taxes.

“When Joe Biden was selected to be the nominee and eventually won, my feeling at the time was that he could be the most milquetoast and undramatic president to help the country cool down,” said Steven Peters, 41, who works in information technology in White House, Tennessee. “Unfortunately, that’s what he’s been. I’m dissatis ed because I had hoped there would be more change.”

Peters added, “He’s really middle of the road when a lot of people would like to see more dramatic action.”

For GOP supporters, such as Merritt Rahn, Biden has gone too far. Rahn said he is retired but also works at Home Depot and sees higher gasoline and food costs as making it harder for families to get by nancially. The Jensen Beach, Florida, resident said Biden will further hurt the U.S. by moving energy sources away from oil and gas.

“It’s a death to our society and

Federal Reserve minutes: Too-high in ation, still a threat, could require more rate hikes

The Associated Press

Most Federal Reserve o cials last month still regarded high ination as an ongoing threat that could require further interest rate increases, according to the minutes of their July 25-26 meeting released last week.

At the same time, the o cials saw “a number of tentative signs that in ation pressures could be abating.” It was a mixed view that echoed Chair Jerome Powell’s noncommittal stance about future rate hikes at a news conference after the meeting.

According to the minutes, the Fed’s policymakers also said that despite signs of progress on ination, it remained well above their 2% target. They “would need to see more data ... to be condent that in ation pressures were abating” and on track to return to their target.

At the meeting, the Fed decided to raise its benchmark rate for the 11th time in 17 months in its ongoing drive to curb in ation. But in a statement after the meeting, it provided little guidance about when — or whether — it might raise rates again.

Most investors and economists have said they believe July’s rate hike will be the last. Earlier this

week, economists at Goldman Sachs projected that the Fed will actually start to cut rates by the middle of next year.

Since last month’s Fed meeting, more data has pointed in the direction of a “soft landing,” in which the economy would slow enough to reduce in ation toward the central bank’s 2% target without falling into a deep recession.

The Fed has raised its key rate to a 22-year high of about 5.4%.

In ation has cooled further, according to the latest readings of “core” prices, a category that excludes volatile food and energy costs. Core prices rose 4.7% in July a year earlier, the smallest such increase since October 2021. Fed o cials closely track core prices, which they believe provide

economy,” said Rahn, who added that he believes Biden “has no clue what’s going on.”

The poll also found that 55% of Democrats say they don’t think Biden should run again in 2024, though a large majority — 82% — say they would denitely or probably support him if he is the nominee. Overall, only 24% of Americans say they want Biden to run again.

Among Democrats who approve of how Biden is handling the economy, 58% would like him to seek another term. Just 20% of those who disapprove of his performance on the issue want the incumbent president to run again.

Biden continues to struggle to appeal to younger Democrats, especially on the economy. Only 52% of Democrats under age 45 say they approve of his handling of the economy, compared with 77% of those older.

The president has used the term “Bidenomics” to try to encompass his ideas to lower costs for people on Medicare, shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy, and build factories for advanced computer chips and batteries. Yet some are still struggling to understand what the term means.

The age gap extends to Biden’s reelection campaign: Just 34%

a better read on underlying in ation.

Overall consumer prices rose 3.2% in July compared with a year earlier, above the previous month’s year-over-year pace because of higher gas and food costs. Still, that is far below the peak ination rate of 9.1% in June 2022.

That progress has been made without the sharp increase in unemployment that many economists had expected would follow the Fed’s sharp series of interest rate hikes, the fastest in four decades. The unemployment rate actually ticked down to 3.5% in July, near the lowest level in a half-century.

Hiring has slowed, however, with employers having added 187,000 jobs in July, a solid gain but roughly one-third of the pace of monthly job growth earlier this year.

Still, the Fed now faces upticks in gas and some food prices, which could keep overall in ation from falling much further in the coming months. And rising costs for services, from auto insurance to restaurant meals to dental services, could keep core in ation persistently high.

In a sign that at least some ocials think the Fed is nearing the end of its rate hikes, the minutes said “a number” of policymakers think their benchmark rate is high enough to restrain the economy.

These o cials also think the risk of raising rates too high is roughly equal to the risk of not

of Democrats under 45 want him to run again, compared with 54% of those older than that. Still, about three-quarters of younger Democrats say they’ll most likely support him if he’s the nominee, though only 28% say they de nitely will.

Biden also faces renewed pressure related to investigations over his son Hunter’s business dealings. The poll nds that a majority of Americans — 58% — have hardly any con dence in Biden to reduce corruption in government, though that’s unchanged since January. Another 30% have some con dence and 10% have hardly any.

The poll shows that 23% of Americans say they have a great deal of con dence in Biden’s ability to e ectively manage the White House, 31% have some con dence and 45% have hardly any. Despite the fact that Biden has achieved several of his major policy goals, just 16% say they have high con dence in his ability to do that, while 38% say they have some con dence and 44% hardly any.

Few Americans say they think the national economy is doing well: 34% describe it as very or somewhat good. No more than about a third of Americans have called the economy good since 2021.

raising them high enough. That marks a signi cant shift from earlier this year, when the Fed routinely said the main risk was tilted toward not doing enough to slow borrowing and spending.

The Fed’s decision in July to raise rates for an 11th time was unanimous, a sign that the ocials remain largely uni ed even as their decisions become more fraught. The minutes, though, said that two o cials favored keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged last month, out of the 18 that took part in the meeting. At least one or both could be among the ocials who lacked a vote last month. Only 11 o cials currently vote on the Fed’s rate policies.

Since the meeting, Fed o cials have expressed contrary views. Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said he wants the Fed to keep its options open for another rate hike.

“I’m not ready to say that we’re done, but I’m seeing positive signs that say, hey, we may be on our way,” Kashkari said. “We can take a little bit more time and get some more data in before we decide whether we need to do more.”

By contrast, Patrick Harker, president of the Philadelphia Fed, said he would support leaving rates unchanged for the rest of this year.

“Absent any alarming new data between now and mid-September,” Harker said, “I believe we may be at the point where we can be patient and hold rates steady.”

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks on the anniversary of the In ation Reduction Act during an event in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

AP PHOTO

The ag of the Federal Reserve hangs between American ags at a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee meeting on July 26, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

Water fun at Summer Survival Day at YMCA

The Asheboro/Randolph YMCA held Summer Survival Day on Friday. The Asheboro Fire Department came out for some water fun with children from the YMCA’s after-school program taking part. The event was made possible by Keller Williams Realty, State Farm and Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group.

NEWS

RCC to host nal NCWorks event for former Klaussner Employees next Tuesday

Randolph Community College hosted the rst of three NCWorks Career and Resource Fairs on Aug. 15 and this past Tuesday in the Continuing Education and Industrial Center (CEIC) on the Asheboro Campus. The fairs are a response to the recent closing of Klaussner Furniture, which left more than 800 people without employment. Over 400 people received help at the rst event alone. On Tuesday, Aug. 29, a nal resource fair will be held at the CEIC from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for those who were unable to attend the earlier events. The resource fair will focus on resume assistance, mock interviews, and job connection. “By o ering free classes, resume writing assistance, and hosting job fairs, the College is demonstrating our commitment to the well-being and professional development of these individuals during a challenging time,” said RCC President Dr. Shah Ardalan. “We are hoping to not only equip these individuals with valuable skills, but also empower them to navigate the job market with con dence.” The CEIC is located at 413 Industrial Park Avenue in Asheboro. For more information, please visit www.randolph.edu/ k / or call (336) 633-0200.

Taking their shots: Area teens hit targets with new passion

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Randolph County teenagers Colson Allen and Isaac McCoy took a school pastime and have made it a fulledged hobby.

Trapshooting has taken them to multiple states for competitions ,and they’ve come home with recognition for their accuracy.

“I started with the school with hunter safety,” Allen said. “My school coach (J.D. Goodwin) got me into ATA.”

They recently returned from the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s Grand American event at the World Shooting & Recreational Complex in Sparta, Ill.

Allen and McCoy, who’ve known each other since fth

grade, are beginning their sophomore years at Uwharrie Charter Academy. They’ve been involved with the shooting club at

FILE IMAGE

the school for about four years.

“(Goodwin) told us about ATA after we got through with a tournament for 4-H,” McCoy said.

“We started practicing and got involved.”

It took time and determination.

“My rst few times shooting, I wasn’t good at all,” Allen said.

Allen and McCoy took part in their rst ATA event last October in Rockingham County. Since spring, they’ve gone to several states to compete before the Grand American, where more than 3,047 entrants registered and multiple countries were represented.

Allen received three trophies for his e orts. He was the sub-junior champion in his division, placed third in the sub-junior 100-target event, and fth out of 200-plus entrants in the Class C world clay target championship.

McCoy had 100 straight targets. He earned a trophy in the ATA world doubles championship for third place. He was involved in two shoot-outs in one night in another category.

“These boys have only been doing this for a few months

See TRAPSHOOTING, page 2

Asheboro Council passes resolution in support of improvements to NC Highway 42

Land around McCrary ballpark to be purchased for future improvements

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Council met Thursday, August 10, with a variety of property and budgetary matters on the agenda.

The council held a public hearing to rezone property located at 148 and 159 North Street from I2, B3 and B2 to OA6.

“It is actually the city that has led this application for cityowned property,” said Community Development Director Trevor Nuttall. “This, of course, is the former Acme property that the

city purchased at the end of last year. It’s currently mostly zoned I2 general district industrial, which is consistent with the historical operations of the property, but there is also some general commercial designation on the property and a very small amount of B3 commercial designation as well.”

According to Nuttall, the rezoning is simply a preliminary step, and more speci c plans will be brought before the council in the future for the development of the property.

“A primary interest of the city when we acquired the property was to ensure future development compliments the ongoing revitalization happening downtown,” Nuttall said. “We don’t believe future industrial use of

the property would support that objective, so it is in our best interest to get it out of that district prior to any conveyance of that property.”

Following the hearing, the council approved the request.

The council then approved a resolution in support of improvements to NC Highway 42, specifically on the safety and functionality of West Salisbury Street as the roadway merges with Lexington Road west of Interstate 73/74.

“The rst step to get something implemented along these lines is to have a project created, and the NCDOT is the only one that can establish that,” said Mayor Pro Tem Walker Mo t. “So the projects originate from these planning organizations. It

has to be birthed rst, and the primary way that sort of thing happens when a governing body has an interest in a project is that we pass a resolution of support for it, and then it’s introduced to the DOT and hopefully gets on the STIP program.”

The council also approved a change order between the City of Asheboro and Simcon Company, LLC for additional electrical work on the 80’x80’ corpo -

See COUNCIL , page 2

Colson Allen and Isaac McCoy from Randolph County were in Illinois for a major trapshooting competition earlier this month. They returned with honors.

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hamilton becomes principal at Providence Grove

By Bob Sutton Randolph

Record

CLIMAX — It’s a di erent location for high school principal Dennis Hamilton, but the people connected to Providence Grove are plenty familiar to him.

Hamilton had administrative roles at Randleman for two decades.

“I was given an opportunity to take a new adventure at a di erent school,” Hamilton said.

He’s the new principal at Providence Grove after holding a similar position at Randleman.

Hamilton was principal of Randleman Middle School when the Providence Grove district was formed, and so in 2008, there was a new high school in the Randolph County School System. Many of the students that had attended Randleman schools were assigned to the new district.

So, in a way, Hamilton is renewing ties with many families.

TRAPSHOOTING from page 1

and came home with something,” said Beth Allen, Colson’s mother. “It’s kind of one of those obscure things.”

Competitions have several divisions and di erent challenges with varying yardage groups.

It has been an ongoing learning experience. They might practice at least three times per week.

“Just shooting all week, I saw I had it in me,” McCoy said. “I just really enjoyed shooting. That’s about the only thing I look forward to.”

Allen and McCoy go regularly to practice at the Rock-

COUNCIL from page 1

rate hangar totaling $5,204, of which the county is only responsible for $520.40.

The council then approved a proposed budget ordinance amendment for the acquisition of three tracts of land that will be used for future improvements at McCrary Ballpark.

The cost for the property, which is located on McCrary Street, totals out to $195,000.

The council also approved an amendment to Section 51.37 of the Code of Asheboro and the 2023-2024 annual operating budget to establish a tipping fee rate at the city’s solid waste transfer station for the City of Randleman

Dennis Hamilton

“This was an opportunity for me to re-connect with that community,” he said. “I knew their parents and kept up with them. I feel very connected with this community as well.”

Hamilton replaced April Thompson, who had been Providence Grove’s principal.

Classes begin next Monday.

Hamilton’s roots are deep in Randleman, where he graduated in 1988.

After time in the Army and playing football at Charleston Southern, he had numerous roles in Randolph County.

ingham County Gun Club in Reidsville.

“I try to work on everything when I’m up there,” Allen said. The competitions provide another level of learning.

“I like the people on the line,” Allen said. “You meet a bunch of di erent people and gain from their experiences.”

McCoy, who’s aiming to land a shooting-related scholarship for college, said being around other shooters is part of what interests him. He had gone to Virginia and South Carolina for shooting competitions, but the trip to Illinois took it to another level.

“You’re being around good shooters at these tourna-

at $38.00 per ton.

Currently, Asheboro and Randleman are the only Randolph County municipalities that provide their waste services rather than contracting them out. With this agreement, the two municipalities add together their tonnage, which results in Randleman paying less in total, but that paid amount will go to Asheboro rather than Waste Management, so both sides bene t.

“This will be a savings for the City of Randleman, and our board wanted to convey their thanks,” said Randleman Interim City Manager Greg Patton. “It will also save us a lot of wear and tear on our new vehicles, so we’re looking for-

He was athletics director in the late 1990s at Trinity and had a brief stint out of county on the sta at Richmond Senior.

Then it was back in Randleman, where he served in numerous positions, including assistant principal at the high school, principal at the middle school and then principal at the high school.

“I know a lot of people who have gone to Randleman are over here, or their kids are over here,” Hamilton said.

Now, Hamilton is going all in at Providence Grove, where he praised the quality of the student body and teachers.

“Just say we’re going to be the best school in Randolph County,” he said.

Emma Phillips is the new assistant principal at Providence Grove. Her husband is Corey Phillips, the new Randleman principal.

Corey Phillips had been assistant principal at Randleman under Hamilton.

Also, Kerri Cole is the new principal at Coleridge Elementary School.

ments, and I like how they treat you,” he said. “(I enjoy) seeing everybody at the shoots that I know.”

Allen lives on a small goat farm near Seagrove. McCoy, who said shing and hunting are other activities he enjoys, lives just outside Asheboro.

Now that they’re immersed in the activity, there’s the quest to improve.

“I just got to get everything ne-tuned and work on my consistency,” Allen said. “I know I can hit all the targets. You have to work on the mental.”

In the fall, Allen and McCoy are set to take part in the Dixie Grand in Bostic.

ward to working in conjunction again on a project that will bene t us all.”

Finally, the council approved an annexation request for 9.821 acres of land located at the intersection of Crestview Church Road and Zoo Parkway to be added into the corporate limits of the City of Asheboro following a public hearing and set a public hearing date of September 7 for two additional annexation requests.

The rst is for 1.34 acres of property located at the end of Kelly Circle, and the second is for 1.112 acres of property located along W.O.W. Road.

The Asheboro City Council will next meet September 7.

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

August 26

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!

Liberty Showcase Theatre Presents –The Isaacs 7pm

Come out to the Liberty Showcase Theatre for live music by The Isaacs, a award-winning gospel group!

August 28

Liberty Town Council Meeting

5:30pm

The Liberty Town Council will be holding a meeting next Monday at the Liberty Town Hall, located at 239 S. Fayetteville Street.

August 29

NC Works –Career Fair

10am – 3pm

In partnership with Randolph Community College, NC Works is hosting a career fair to provide next steps to former employees of Klaussner Furniture. All events are open to the public and will be held at 629 Industrial Park Ave. in Asheboro.

August 30

World Tavern Poker at Carolina Tap House 7pm

Alejandro Rivery, age 60 of Franklinville, died Thursday, August 18th, 2023 at the Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro.

Johnny Newton Dawkins, Sr., age 73 of Randleman, died Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his home.

Benny Keith Welch, age 80 of Asheboro, died Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Teresa Jeanette Hinson Phillips, age 72 of Asheboro, died Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation in Asheboro.

Ruby Jewell McNeill Hoover, age 97 of Asheboro, died Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Terra Bella in Asheboro.

Robert Russell Raymond, age 66 of Franklinville, died Monday, August 14, 2023 and is now in the care of his Heavenly Father.

Join America’s #1 Bar Poker League right in Asheboro at the Carolina Tap House! Entry is 100% free to the public and games take place every Wednesday night!

September 2

Adopt & Play

Saturday 10am – 2pm

on 8/16, at 1822 US HWY 64 W. Garner, Daniel (M, 39), Arrested on charge of Second Degree Trespass, Carrying Concealed Weapon, on 8/16, at 4690 US HWY 220 S. Murray, Francis Jr. (M, 48), Arrested on charge of Possess Meth, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, on 8/16, at 1822 US HWY 64 W.

Deweese, Rodney (M, 44), Arrested on charge of Assault on a Female, on 8/15, at 5871 Mendenhall Rd.

Jaimes, Hector (M, 28), Arrested on charge of PWISD Marijuana, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Maintain Place CS, Carrying Concealed Gun, Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia, on 8/15, at Old Lexington Road & Charlotte Church Rd.

Kennedy, Michael (M, 42), Arrested on charge of Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Possess Meth, Possess Marijuana >0.51.5oz, on 8/15, at 7064 US HWY 311.

Richardson, Robert (M, 46), Arrested on charge of Possess Marijuana up to 1/2oz, Simple Possess Schedule IV CS, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, on 8/15, at US HWY 64 E & Greenhill Rd. Curtis, Lamarius (M, 33), Arrested on charge of Simple Assault, on 8/14, at 3626 Curtis Smith Circle.

Henry, Chelsea (F, 26), Arrested on charge of Simple Assault, on 8/14, at 6110 Muddy Creek Rd.

Brooks, Brian (M, 42), Arrested on charge of Communicating Threats, Indecent Exposure, Assault by Pointing a Gun, on 8/14, at 5631 Parinna Dr.

Randolph County Animal Services is hosting its monthly Adopt & Play Event at the Animal Services Adoption Center, located at 1370 County Land Rd. in Randleman. There will be fun activities and plenty of furry friends looking for their forever homes. Adoption fees on speci c animals have been reduced for this event.

COURTESY PHOTO

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

A ordability – not jobs – is the key to the economy

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

AS THE CHALLENGES to the economy have evolved, politicians have not learned to focus on what’s is really hurting the American people.

Traditionally, unemployment and jobs are key indicators of economic health. In most elections, candidates either tout the jobs that have been created since they were elected or criticize increasing unemployment numbers.

The same model has been applied to analyzing this economy for the upcoming 2024 election. However, it may be the wrong focus.

The real pain in the 2023 American economy is not unemployment. It is a ordability.

President Joe Biden’s policy of pouring debt on the American people, and increasing de cit spending, is creating a crisis of a ordability. People have jobs – they just can’t a ord to pay for anything.

The Winston Group has developed a new measurement to explain this: the Presidential In ation Rate (PIR). Most analysts talk about in ation as an annualized gure, but this obscures how much prices have increased over time.

Winston Group tracks the in ation rate from the day a President takes o ce. The amount in ation has gone up across a presidential term is the key result of the Presidential In ation Rate.

According to the Winston Group analysis, President Biden is second only to President Jimmy Carter in modern in ation rates from inauguration to July of their third year in o ce. Speci cally, in ation has increased 16.9 percent since Biden’s inauguration. That is three times President Donald Trump’s Presidential In ation Rate in the same timeframe (5.7 percent). Carter

was at 25 percent in ation over the rst three years – but every other recent president had less in ation than Biden.

The annualized in ation rate understates the pain level experienced by the American people. If you look at the Winston Group’s PIR measurement, you see that food prices under Biden have gone up 19.4 percent. The price of electricity has gone up 25.6 percent. Gasoline prices have gone up 53.4 percent.

In ghting the Biden in ationary surge, the Federal Reserve has adopted the demand-side strategy of raising interest rates. The theory is simple: Create pain for the American people so we slow our spending. Ultimately, this will reduce in ation.

Under President Biden, this classic demandside strategy is failing to work. The government is borrowing so much money — and spending it so extravagantly — that demand is sustaining even as the Fed tries to squeeze o the private sector.

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

You may have a job — but you have not likely had a pay raise. Meanwhile, the cost of everything you buy has gone up.

In just the last few weeks, the price of gasoline has jumped $.30 a gallon to an average of $3.87 for regular and $4.62 for premium. That is up from $2.42 for regular when President Trump left o ce. It is a 60 percent increase in the cost of something most Americans must buy. It is e ectively, a gigantic tax increase for most working Americans. Yet energy is not the biggest cause of pain.

Traditionally, the sector hit hardest by

demand—side interest rate increases is housing.

Mortgage interest rates are now above 7 percent, which the New York Times reports is the highest rate in 21 years (1982). As mortgage rates rise, the cost of buying a house goes much higher. Home values decline, because people cannot a ord the now much higher cost of the mortgage. When Trump left o ce in January 2021, mortgages averaged 2.65 percent — the lowest in 30 years. That has now almost tripled. The di erence in cost measured over 20 or 30 years is staggering. It has e ectively closed most people o from the housing market. They just can’t a ord it.

Further, this deliberate Bidenomics hike in mortgage rates has lowered the value of houses for the millions of Americans for whom their home is their primary retirement savings. So, Bidenomics is impoverishing the young who can’t a ord to buy a new house — and seniors who are watching their lifetime savings dwindle from higher costs and lower house values.

This crisis in a ordability is beginning to show up as the biggest threat to how people measure the Biden economy. A new Emerson poll of New Hampshire voters has “housing a ordability” skyrocketing in importance. It is the second biggest issue in the survey.

The economy led the list at 32 percent. However, one-in- ve (21 percent) of those surveyed identi ed housing a ordability as their top concern. For voters under 50, housing a ordability was the top issue.

As the 2024 election approaches, many Americans may decide they just can’t a ord Bidenomics.

Single women are the odd men out, politically

The upshot is that about one-third of Democratic voters are single women.

AMERICA’S POLITICAL PARTIES are the oldest and third-oldest in the world, and they have competed for votes among a population that has been diverse since colonial times. I

f you have any doubts about that, consult David Hackett Fischer’s 1989 classic “Albion’s Seed” on how settlers from di erent parts of the British Isles brought distinctive “folkways” to the di erent seaboard colonies and the Appalachian backwoods.

Since none of these groups has ever come close to constituting a majority of Americans, the partisan competition has usually been erce and (except for the brief and misnamed “era of good feelings”) unending. And uctuating.

Regional di erences have long been obvious: Di erences between North and South produced the Civil War. But in recent elections, the Midwest has voted more like the South than like the Northeast or the West.

Racial and ethnic di erences have often been critical. Black Americans voted almost unanimously Republican, when they were allowed to vote, from the 1860s to the 1930s. Since the 1960s, they have voted almost unanimously Democratic — though that may be changing lately.

And “whites,” treated as a uniform group by many analysts these days, used to have sharp divisions. New England politics for most of the 20th century was a battle, at the ballot box and in birth rates, between Yankee Protestant Republicans and Irish Catholic Democrats. By the 1990s, evangelical Protestants emerged as a heavily Republican group, and in the 2010s, white college graduates (especially those with post-graduate degrees) as a heavily Democratic group.

And then there is the gender gap, the di erence between male and female voters, which became statistically signi cant in 1980. In the years since, and despite the quip

attributed to Henry Kissinger that “there’s too much fraternizing with the enemy,” it has grown wider.

But not uniformly. As American Enterprise Institute’s ace polling expert Karlyn Bowman together with Ruy Teixeira have pointed out, it’s more of a marriage gap.

The exit poll in the almost even 2022 House (Republicans won the popular vote 50% to 47%) shows that married men voted 59% to 39% Republican, and unmarried men also went Republican by a smaller but signi cant 52% to 45% margin.

Married women, however, also voted Republican by a landslide 56% to 42% margin. So, why was the election so close? Because unmarried women favored Democrats 68% to 31%. Note that married men and married women both made up 30% of the electorate. But there are a lot more unmarried women voters, 23% of the electorate, than unmarried men, 16%.

That re ects not only longer female lifespans but also female dominance in higher education, with women making up 60% of college and university students these days, and the trend toward later rst marriages.

The upshot is that about one-third of Democratic voters are single women, which helps explain, as the Washington Examiner’s Conn Carroll points out, the 2012 Obama “Life of Julia” cartoons, which showed government helping unattached women through life.

In general, women are more risk-averse than men, and thus more supportive of welfare state measures and more reluctant to support military action. They are also, as we have seen on female-dominated campuses, more willing to suppress speech that is seen as irritating or hurtful. “Highly educated women,” as Australian educator Lorenzo Warby writes, “are proving all too willing to trash other people’s

freedoms to protect their emotions.”

Surveys show that, after 50 years of feminism, American women are increasingly likely to report themselves as unhappy, a characteristic especially marked in unmarried young liberal women with no religious connection.

Of course, happiness is a subjective condition, perhaps subject to change in de nition over time. But it’s hard to avoid the conclusion of economist Tyler Cowen that “current political debate in America cannot be understood without the concept of neuroticism — as a formal concept from personality psychology — front and center.”

This nds re ection in Biden-era Democrats’ disguised but rm support for abortion up to the moment of birth (for reasons of “mental health”) and for their eagerness to suppress speech that ran contrary to extreme riskaverseness during the COVID pandemic.

Those with memories ranging back to the 1970s and 1980s will recognize these attitudes as contrary to the positions of liberal Democrats then, including Joe Biden himself, who supported restrictions on late-term abortions and opposed government suppression of dissenting speech.

All of which undercuts the crude feminist view that everything would be better if women’s views prevailed and provides support for the view that engagement, sometimes respectful and sometimes abrasive, between diverse segments — blacks and whites, North and South, Yankees and Irish, married people and single women — provides a better route to sensible policy and a successful nation.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB

3 games in California moved up ahead of Hurricane Hilary

New York

Major League Baseball moved up three Sunday games in California because of the forecast for Hurricane Hilary. MLB announced the changes as Hurricane Hilary churned o Mexico’s Paci c coast as a powerful Category 4 storm. Each of the games — Arizona at San Diego, Tampa Bay at the Los Angeles Angels and Miami at the Los Angeles Dodgers — were played Saturday as part of split doubleheaders. Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club also rescheduled games.

OLYMPICS

Water quality concerns halt Paris Olympics swimming test

Paris

Another Paris Olympics test run in the Seine River has been canceled because of new concerns about water quality. The swim portion of the paratriathlon was canceled and the event became a duathlon. The cancellation is a fresh blow to 2024 Olympic organizers and to the city’s ambitions to reopen the iconic river to public swimming after next year’s Games. Swimmers took to the Seine in competition on Thursday and Friday but o cials reported worrying results of water quality tests in the hours leading up to Saturday’s events. Heavy rain can cause over ows of untreated waste in the Seine, leaving water quality below safety standards.

NFL Graham back with Saints after being stopped by police

Los Angeles

The New Orleans Saints say tight end Jimmy Graham was in the midst of a “medical episode” and was disoriented when he was taken into custody in the Los Angeles area and transported to a hospital. Graham was stopped by police on Friday night while reportedly wandering in tra c and booked on suspicion of being under the in uence of a controlled substance. The Saints say Graham has been evaluated by team doctor John Amoss and released from a hospital on Saturday morning. He was back with the team but did not play in its preseason game Sunday night against the Chargers.

NHL Ducks acquire Lyubushkin from Sabres

Anaheim, Calf.

The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin in a trade with the Bu alo Sabres. The Ducks sent a fourth-round draft choice in 2025 to Bu alo. Anaheim originally acquired the pick from Minnesota in the deal that sent John Klingberg to the Wild last March. The 29-year-old Lyubushkin is a ve-year NHL veteran who began his North American career with Arizona in 2018. He was traded to Toronto in February 2022, and he signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with Bu alo in July 2022. He had 14 points in 68 games with Bu alo last season.

Byron dominates at Watkins Glen for 5th Cup win season

The Associated Press WILLIAM BYRON had the eld covered at Watkins Glen International, delivering such a dominant performance that no other NASCAR driver even got to his bumper in the nal third of the race.

It was usual for the Cup Series and even more rare for Byron at a road course. The 25-year-old Byron won on a serpentine track for the rst time in six Cup seasons, this one being his series-leading fth victory of the season and making him a favorite to win it all.

“We’ve worked years and years for this,” Byron said, crediting veteran open-wheel racer Max Papis

with helping him. “It’s a great win. I don’t know what it means and all that. I don’t read into that. But I think it shows that when we’re at our best, we can perform like this.”

Driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports, Byron overtook Michael McDowell in the rst quarter of the 90-lap event and pretty much remained in controlled the rest of the way. He led 66 laps in all, including the nal 33.

Pole-sitter Denny Hamlin was second, nearly 3 seconds back, in the penultimate race of the Cup Series’ regular season. Christopher Bell was third, followed by AJ Allmendinger and Ty Gibbs. Martin Truex Jr. nished sixth

but failed to lock up the regular season title for Joe Gibbs Racing. He and Hamlin will vie for the regular season crown next weekend at Daytona. “It’s doable,” said Hamlin, who trails Truex by 39 points. “You’ve got to have things go your way, but yeah. If we can talk NASCAR into those 25 points they took away earlier in the season, we’d really make it interesting.”

Always-unpredictable Daytona will be the last chance for more than two dozen drivers — most notably 2020 series champion and fan favorite Chase Elliott — to make the 16-car playo s. Elliott, a two-time winner at the Glen, had hoped to lock up a postseason spot Sunday. But the

Schau ele earns nal Ryder Cup spot

The Associated Press OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. — PGA champion Brooks Koepka went from a remarkable feat of getting among the six automatic spots on the Ryder Cup to now needing a phone call from U.S. captain Zach Johnson.

Xander Schau ele did enough right Sunday in the BMW Championship that a bogey on the nal hole didn’t cost him. He closed with a 2-under 68 at Olympia Fields and tied for eighth, giving him the sixth and nal automatic spot on the Ryder Cup team. Koepka fell from No. 5 to No. 7, nishing 29 points behind Schau ele. Max Homa had been in the nal spot and shot 68 to tie for fth.

The BMW Championship was the nal qualifying tournament. After the Tour Championship next week, Johnson will get six captain’s picks.

Scottie Sche er led the points list by such a margin that he had more points than the next two players behind him, U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and British Open champion Brian Harman. They were followed by Patrick Cantlay, Homa and Schau ele.

Koepka left the PGA Tour for Saudi-backed LIV Golf last

June and only had access to Ryder Cup points in the majors. He was a runner-up at the Masters and won the PGA Championship, with points counting double for winners of a major. Schau ele nished with 9,450 points in 26 qualifying tournaments. Koepka had 9,421 points in 10 counting events. Any other player who nished just outside qualifying, had

won ve majors and was 6-5-1 in his three Ryder Cup appearances would seem to be a lock. The wild card is Koepka being part of LIV Golf and its 48-man elds over 54 holes.

Since his victory in the PGA Championship, Koepka tied for 17th in the U.S. Open and tied for 64th in the British Open. At LIV Golf, he had only one nish in the top 10 in ve events, and

Hendrick star quali ed in the middle of the pack and then ruined his chances when he ran out of fuel with 36 laps to go. He lost a lap and all hope of winning.

Elliott will have to win at Daytona to make the playo s for the eighth consecutive season. Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez will be equally anxious at Daytona. They are in a tight race along with Gibbs for the 16th and nal spot.

“Still stressful at hell, but that takes a little bit of the edge o for sure,” Wallace said.

Former series champions Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski eased their nerves by locking up playo spots at the Glen, both securing berths because Byron was a repeat winner.

“It’s great to have that o our shoulders,” Keselowski said. “We’re going to race really hard with nothing to lose (at Daytona); that makes us really dangerous.”

The series goes to Daytona for the regular season nale on Saturday night. Austin Dillon is the defending race winner.

the last two he was near the bottom of the pack.

The last American who nished just outside automatic qualifying and was not picked was Bubba Watson for the 2016 matches at Hazeltine.

Schau ele at least doesn’t have to wait on a phone call. He was bypassed in the standings in favor of Tony Finau for the 2018 matches in France.

“You don’t really want to sit around and wait for the phone call,” Schau ele said. “Been on both sides of it. ... I remember getting a call saying, ‘No’ and a call saying, ‘Yes.’ It’s nice to automatically qualify.”

Jordan Spieth, who has played in every Ryder Cup since 2014, narrowly made it to the Tour Championship. He nished at No. 8, followed by Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley and Sam Burns.

Rickie Fowler, who won the Rocket Mortgage this summer for his rst win in ve years, is at No. 13. Most of the attention is on Justin Thomas, who is No. 15 and did not qualify for the FedEx Cup playo s (top 70) for the rst time in his career. He also has a 6-2-1 record in the two Ryder Cups he has played.

Of the potential captain’s picks, seven will be at East Lake for one last audition. That includes Lucas Glover, who had won his previous two starts to reach No. 5 in the FedEx Cup. Glover nished at No. 16 in the Ryder Cup standings.

AP PHOTO

William Byron celebrates with his crew following his win Sunday in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen.

AP PHOTO Xander Schau ele watches his tee shot on the rst hole during Sunday’s nal round of the BMW Championship.

Asheboro clicks as new soccer season begins

Several volleyball teams rack up multiple wins

Randolph Record

STRONG STARTS to the season came in various forms for Randolph County teams as the fall competitions began last week.

Here’s a glance at some of the highlights:

Boys’ soccer

Asheboro, coming o the best season in program history, won its opener in the new season by a 5-1 count against Newton Foard. The Blue Comets had ve di erent goal scorers – Daniel Guttierez, Henry Martinez Cruz, Ozmar Martinez, Alan Alcantara and Arath Jiemes.

The Blue Comets also won a non-league game vs. visiting Randleman, with Varona Bustamante scoring two goals and Alcantara, Martinez and Tyler Smith also tallying goals.

Asheboro was the only Mid-Piedmont Conference team without a loss in the rst week of the season. All games involving teams in the league were non-conference matchups.

** Trinity won twice, topping East Davidson 1-0 and Thomasville 4-0. Moises Venture had the only goal in the rst game and two goals in the second game. Sami Abdul also had two goals vs. Thomasville.

Volleyball

Randleman, Trinity and Wheatmore all went 2-0 during the week.

Randleman won at home against a pair of Mid-Piedmont

Kai Matthews

boro Grimsley, Orange and East Chapel Hill. None of the matches lasted ve sets.

** Asheboro lost its debut under rst-year coach Kelly Smith in a ve-set home decision to Wheatmore, which won 20-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 15-9. Sion Murrain recorded 19 kills and seven digs for Asheboro.

That result pushed Wheatmore to 2-0 because the Warriors earlier won at home in a sweep of East Davidson.

** Eastern Randolph also won two matches after a loss in its season opener. The Wildcats lost in four sets to visiting Western Alamance before sweeping host Eastern Alamance. Addie Flinchum had 11 kills, Kenly Whitaker provided 27 assists, Logan Beaver had 15 digs and Miriana Corea made eight blocks in the rst victory of the season. Then came a sweep of visiting South Davidson.

Asheboro, football

Conference teams by defeating Oak Grove in four sets before a sweep of Asheboro.

Haley Hinshaw with 18 kills and 18 digs vs. Oak Grove and Camden Scott with 187 kills and nine digs in the Asheboro match, were among the highlights for the Tigers.

Trinity topped visiting Thomasville in three sets before needing four sets to defeat host Lexington.

** Uwharrie Charter Academy began 2-0 by winning at Union Academy and a home sweep of Ledford before a loss to Northern Guilford.

** Southwestern Randolph opted for a challenging opening week, going 3-2 in action that included neutral-court action. The results included a loss at Watauga and to Carrboro, while there were victories against Greens-

Eastern Randolph alum Cockman takes baseball job

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

RAMSEUR — Nate Cockman’s rise to a head coaching position in high school baseball happened faster than he envisioned. He’s grateful for that.

He’s the new coach at Eastern Randolph.

“It all happened pretty quick,” Cockman said. “The doors opened at once. I couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough.”

The 2017 graduate takes over at his alma mater because Brent Haynes left after one season. Haynes took the coaching job at Burlington Williams.

Cockman had been coaching at Southeastern Randolph Middle School, which is a feeder school to Eastern Randolph.

“I knew eventually I wanted to get back to Eastern,” he said.

Cockman was a pitcher and in elder for the Wildcats. He also played football and basketball.

Haynes said the chance to take a coaching position in Alamance County was enticing because of the location. He’s a Southern Al-

amance graduate who lives in Graham.

Eastern Randolph posted an 8-19 record under Haynes. The Wildcats excelled in the Class 1-A state playo s, reaching the West Region nals.

“It was great being at Eastern Randolph. I enjoyed the one year there,” Haynes said. “Once we got to the 1-A competition, it kind of evened out the playing eld.”

** Providence Grove won its lone match of the week by topping East Davidson in three sets behind Mailey Way’s 22 digs and Riley Mazzarone ‘s 30 assists.

Girls’ tennis

Southwestern Randolph began with a pair of victories – 5-2 vs. Oak Grove and 8-1 vs. South Davidson.

Postponements

The vicious storm that blew through the region on Tuesday of last week played havoc with the schedule, including for multiple days in some cases.

Providence Grove had volleyball and boys’ soccer competitions called o at Southern Guilford because of lingering power outages.

Haynes, who also was on Eastern Randolph’s football sta as a receivers coach, said he appreciated the good relationships he developed with team members.

Four players from the 2023 Wildcats team are set to play baseball in college: Stratton Barwick and Kahlin Graham are heading to Guilford College, and Pierce Leonard and Ethan Frye are going to Guilford Tech.

Cockman coached Southeastern Randolph Middle School’s team for one season. It began with an 0-3 record before a 13game winning streak to end the season.

“Just trying to get kids to change and adapt to a di erent culture,” he said.

Cockman said he was fortunate to see Eastern Randolph’s team several times during the 2023 season. He also had been the manager for Post 81’s American Legion team, but that club didn’t eld a team this year because of low player interest.

The plan has been to get Post 81 back in action, and Cockman’s new role might aid that.

“Hopefully, now we can push to get that,” he said. “Hopefully, it will be a win-win situation.”

Because of the late-summer timing, Cockman will remain on the football coaching sta at Southeastern Randolph Middle School. He’ll take Haynes’ previous position as a physical education teacher at Eastern Randolph, a similar role he held at Southeastern Randolph Middle School.

Matthews had key plays on o ense and defense as the Blue Comets opened the season by defeating visiting Albemarle 24-22.

He scored on a rushing play for one of the Blue Comets’ four touchdowns. He also made a late-game interception as Asheboro clung to the lead.

The Blue Comets won their season opener for just the second time in a sevenseason span.

Matthews, a senior, has excelled in track and eld as a sprinter for Asheboro as well.

For more on high school football, see Page 6.

Caraway to add ve to Wall of Fame

Randolph Record

SOPHIA — There will be ve additions to Caraway Speedway’s Wall of Fame this weekend.

The new members are Donald Tucker, John Paul Linville, Junior Miller, long-time o cial Lance Childress and Riggs Racing. The group will be honored as part of Saturday night’s race card.

Tucker was one of the winningest drivers at the speedway during the early dirt-track years.

Then during the early years of racing on a paved track, Linville proved to be one of the most consistent drivers. He moved on to the Busch Series and is the father-in-law of NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick.

Miller posted more than two dozen victories in various Modied levels at Caraway. Track ocials said he won 20 times in the original SMART Modi ed Tour and ve times in the NASCAR Whelen Modi ed events. On

those series combined, he won seven championships, boosted by his results at the speedway. Miller has a strong connection to another Wall of Fame newcomer in Riggs Racing. He competed for that racing team, which became prominent for its strong Modi ed entries in the South. Riggs Racing, with a base in Martinsville, Va., has prepared championship cars for Miller, Andy Seuss and others. Childress is a former race director at Caraway. That role came in addition to his work at other tracks and with NASCAR.

The Wall of Fame induction ceremony is set for 7 p.m. prior to the night’s regular racing. Saturday night’s event comes following a three-week gap in the Caraway schedule since the rst weekend in August. The Late Models feature will consist of 58 laps to commemorate the speedway’s 58th anniversary.

There’s also a racing set for Modi eds, Challengers, Mini Stocks, UCARs, Legends and Bandoleros.

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL Asheboro’s Kai Matthews, left, makes a play on Albemarle’s Jaylen Pinkney during Friday night’s opener in Asheboro.

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Eastern Randolph teammates Cora Sparrow, left, and Logann Beaver make a play at the net against Western Alamance. Teammate Kenly Whitaker, far left, looks on.

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL Wheatmore’s Lucy Lockwood, right, meets Asheboro’s Abby Becker at the net during last week’s match.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

New Eastern Randolph baseball coach Nate Cockman talks with his ChathamRandolph Pony League AllStar team earlier this month.

Asheboro, Providence Grove win openers in debut for coaches

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Logan Laugh-

lin threw three touchdown passes to Elijah Woodle as Asheboro defeated visiting Albemarle 2422 in a successful debut for new coach Calvin Brown.

The outcome wasn’t secure until Kai Matthews’ interception. Matthews earlier scored a touchdown on a rushing play.

Laughlin threw for 225 yards on 16-for-24 passing.

TJ Mark also intercepted a pass for Asheboro’s defense.

Brown is in his rst season with the Blue Comets after coming from Providence Grove.

Providence Grove 24, East Davidson 7:

At Thomasville, the Patriots picked up the road victory in David Hayes’ coaching debut.

Providence Grove scored in a variety of ways. James Ellis threw a touchdown pass to Jackson Lawver. Running back Logan Fox tacked on a conversion run and later had a rushing touchdown.

Defensive back Malachi Combo returned an interception for a touchdown. Tucker Batten added a eld goal to go with an earlier extra-point tick.

Randleman 20, Thomasville 7: At Randleman, Thomas Do-

bias returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown before the host Tigers nally got going on o ense in the second half to win their opener.

Daylan Atkins scored on a 2-yard run in the third quarter to break a tie, and Tyshaun Goldston’s 39-yard catch from John Kirkpatrick extended the lead later in the quarter.

Dobias scored in the second quarter. Thomasville didn’t complete a pass. Goldston, Chase Farlow and Micah Thurston also

picked o passes. Kirkpatrick threw for 161 yards on 14-for-24 passing. Goldston had 105 receiving yards.

Southwestern Randolph 29, Western Guilford 18:

At Greensboro, Nathan Ellis scored three touchdowns, and the visiting Cougars didn’t allow a second-half point in the opener. Ellis scored on two runs and a reception. Teammate Jentezen Cox gained 199 yards on 18 carries and also scored a touchdown.

PREP FOOTBALL WEEK 2

Friday night’s games

Eastern Randolph at Asheboro Albemarle at Trinity

East Davidson at Wheatmore

Providence Grove at Southern Guilford

Southwestern Randolph at North Moore

Randleman at West Stokes

The Cougars responded from an 18-14 halftime de cit.

Wheatmore 33, West Davidson 7:

At Lexington, Jonathan Kelly ran for three touchdowns as the visiting Warriors won by avenging a loss from last year’s opener.

Sa’Cory Maryland scored on a kicko return.

Kelly picked up 91 yards on 16 carries, and Riley Strickland threw for 188 yards. Trey Swaney, who gained 58 yards on the ground, made nine catches for 127 yards.

Starmount 43, Trinity 30:

At Boonville, the visiting Bulldogs came up short in Bear Bradley’s coaching debut with Trinity in the road game after falling behind 15-0.

Trinity’s Noah Bradley, the coach’s son, threw three touchdown passes and ran for another. He also had a conversion run and conversion pass. He accounted for 287 yards in the air on 13for-25 passing.

Dominic Payne made an 83yard touchdown catch, Cam Nelson notched a 68-yard touchdown reception and Brandon Campbell’s 80 receiving yards on three catches, including a 28-yard touchdown play.

Eastern Alamance 35, Eastern Randolph 13:

At Ramseur, the visiting Eagles won for the second year in a row in their opener against Eastern Randolph, which sputtered on o ense and su ered only their fourth loss in three seasons. The Wildcats tied the game with 3:29 left in the rst half but trailed 14-7 at halftime.

Eastern Alamance scored the rst three touchdowns of the second half before the Wildcats posted the nal points. Carter Revelle threw for a touchdown to Donnell Watson and ran for a touchdown in his Eastern Randolph debut. He was intercepted twice. Nicah Taylor made 11 receptions for 167 yards.

Running backs Josh Murray and Tyrek Samuel both ran for two touchdowns for the Eagles. Eastern Alamance’s rst touchdown came on Jason Ball’s pass to Dalton Helton in the second quarter.

Murray’s 31-yard run late in the rst half put the Eagles ahead to stay. Samuels’ 57-yard run provided the Eagles’ nal touchdown before Eastern Randolph scored last.

Wheatmore has returning QB, growing con dence

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

TRINITY — Wheatmore’s football team has something no other Randolph County team has.

A returning starting quarterback.

“That’s actually pretty cool,” said Wheatmore’s Riley Strickland, who holds that distinction. “I still have two years.”

Strickland and the Warriors began the rst of those with Friday night’s 33-7 victory at West Davidson.

That outcome served as a sign of the development for Wheatmore, which won seven games in the past three seasons combined.

“My biggest takeaway from Friday night is we’re better than last year,” Strickland said. “Our defense is way better. Everybody wants it more, and you can tell that.”

Wheatmore coach Philip Yarbrough said the Warriors have been building toward success. It has been a process.

“It was not an ideal situation, and I told our parents that at the beginning of last year,” Yarbrough said. “It was knowing

and believing that there would be a payo .” In recent seasons, the Warriors dealt with opponents who were bigger and more experienced.

“It was very tough sledding last year,” Yarbrough said.

“What we did a very good job at as a program is creating a culture. It has been fun to watch the growth. We went through all

those learning curves that you would like to go through on JV (and not varsity). The playing eld is a little more even now. But it’s just Game 1.”

The challenging times might have set the foundation.

“It has been rough,” Strickland said. “We were really young last year. We were really timid. We’ve been young for a long time. Everybody is more con -

dent this year.”

Strickland’s time as a starting quarterback is unique in Randolph County this year because Eastern Randolph, Providence Grove, Randleman and Southwestern Randolph had seniors at quarterback last season. Dominic Payne has moved from quarterback to running back at Trinity, while Asheboro has transfer Logan Laughlin as its starter.

It hasn’t been easy for Strickland to get to this point. Ben Walker was Wheatmore’s starter in 2021, but a knee injury at Asheboro ended his season, so Strickland moved to the rststring spot for three games.

In the third game, he su ered a broken collarbone on a scramble against Trinity. He was back as the starting quarterback as a sophomore last year.

Strickland, who’s about 6-foot and 150 pounds, said he has been intent on improving. He said he has better pocket presence, and that helps him stay calm.

“I’ve de nitely improved on pre-snap reads,” he said. “I have to get better with that.”

Yarbrough called Strickland a general on the eld for his efforts. The Warriors, who play

their home opener Friday night against East Davidson, also will rely on junior running back and outside linebacker Jonathan Kelly. He gained 91 rushing yards on 16 carries in the opener.

“I’m kicking myself for not giving him the ball a little bit more,” Yarbrough said. “Our offense runs through him.”

Defensive standouts in the rst game included senior linebacker Max Smith and junior cornerback Clay Hill.

So, for one night, it all came together.

“It was way better,” Strickland said. “We had people get hurt and cramp in that game, and we didn’t give up. We kept going and going.”

Yarbrough said he no longer saw the Warriors as a young, overmatched team.

“We showed a lot of maturity, a lot of poise,” he said.

The Warriors might be able to distinguish themselves with speed because their coach said, “We’re a fast football team for Randolph County and 2-A football.”

Now it’s a matter of making all these assets work.

“We’re just trying to make a statement,” Strickland said.

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Asheboro receiver Elijah Woodle makes a move against Albemarle on Friday night.

RANDOLPH RECORD FILE PHOTO

Wheatmore’s Riley Strickland prepares to throw a pass during a game last year.

David Daniel Kaminski

October 12, 1955 — August 17, 2023

David Daniel Kaminski, age 67, of Asheboro passed away on August 17, 2023 at the Randolph Hospice House.

Mr. Kaminski was born in Newark, NJ on October 12, 1955 to David and Catherine Strom Kaminski. David was a 1973 graduate of Lyndhurst High School and attended Rutgers University majoring in biology. He left college to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He was an avid reader and history bu . David was shy but loved intelligent conversation. He was a hard worker and enjoyed traveling, board games, outdoor activities and shing, and was a Scuba certi ed diver. David loved animals and loved to cook. David was dedicated to those in his inner circle. He was a loving, caring and supportive father. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by 1 brother.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie Kaminski; daughter, Cynthia Kaminski of Salisbury; sister, Diane Dostalik (Ted) of New Jersey; and brother, Martin Kaminski of New Jersey.

Earl Sherman Beane

November 7, 1949 — August 17, 2023

Earl Sherman Beane, age 73, of Asheboro passed away on August 17, 2023 at his home.

Mr. Beane was born in the Black Ankle Community on November 7, 1949 to Inzer and Ella Lucas Beane. He retired from the textile industry with over 40 years of service. Earl was a very religious man, a good dad, and he loved animals.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley Beane; son, Chris Beane of Asheboro; and sister, Treva Hartness of Mt. Airy.

Hector Luis Legrand Ortiz

February 22, 1932 — August 15, 2023

Hector Luis Legrand Ortiz, age 91 of Asheboro, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

Hector was born on February 22, 1932, in Puerto Rico to Julio Legrand and Jesusa Ortiz. Hector was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. Hector was a truck driver for twelve years driving for Commercial Carrier Corporation.

Pauline Margaret Kill Parrish

March 12, 1933 — August 15, 2023

Pauline Margaret Kill Parrish

originally of Rich eld, IL, age 90, passed away in her home August 15, 2023.

Mrs. Parrish retired in 2005 from the Greensboro News & Record after working for over 35 years. Pauline enjoyed yard sales, gardening, couponing, putting together puzzles, and feeding her cardinals – but not the squirrels.

Sanford Malcolm Cates

February 27, 1953 — August 15, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a beloved husband and father, an ardent lover of music, an exceptional songwriter, and a dedicated dentist, Sandy Cates, who departed from this world too soon due to a swift battle with cancer.

Paul Gregory Davis

October 28, 1995 — August 14, 2023

Paul Gregory Davis, age 27, of Asheboro passed away on August 14, 2023.

Mr. Davis was born on October 28, 1995 in High Point, NC. Paul was a free spirit and a very happy and caring man who never met a stranger. He loved to sh, listen to all types of music, eat, and do yard work. Most of all he loved his daughter, Scarlett and his ancée, Rachel.

He is survived by his ancée, Rachel Beasley; daughter, Scarlett Davis; father and stepmother, Greg and Dianna Davis of Climax; mother and stepfather, Jayn and Garry Prater of Asheboro; sister, Jacky Davis and husband Nathan Maysonet; niece, Magnolia Davis-Maysonet; and paternal grandparents, Randall and Beth Howell.

Hilda Mae Walker Stalker

June 12, 1947 — August 14, 2023

Hilda Mae Walker Stalker, 76 of Randleman passed away Monday, August 14, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Hilda was born June 12, 1947, in Randolph County, North Carolina to the late Worth and Leah Mae Brown Walker, and was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

Hilda was married to the love of her life Charles “Butch” Stalker for 54 wonderful years. She loved spending time with her family and family always came rst. She was loving and passionate, understanding and sel ess. She had a heart of gold and left lasting impressions on everyone she came in contact.

Hilda was a great cook and loved spending time at the beach. She was an enormous Elvis fan, who also had a love for Arby’s curly fries, Pepsi Cola and cheez it crackers.

Left to cherish her memory are Husband: Charles “Butch” Stalker of the home. Daughters: Jill Stalker Luck (Tommy) of Randleman and Wendy Stalker Whitaker (Darin) of High Point; Brother: Worth Hillary Walker (Shelby) Of Winston-Salem; Grandchildren: Dylan Luck, Tyler Luck, Grayson Whitaker, and Mackenzie Whitaker; Great grandchildren: Wyatt Luck and Charleigh Luck.

In addition to his parents, Hector is preceded in death by his wife, Aida Luz Torres. Hector is survived by his six daughters, Sonia (Jodie) Allspach, Lissette (Pascacio Legrand) Ortiz, Luisa (Santiago Rosa) Ortiz, Camille Shelton, Alica (Pablo Santiago) Ortiz, and Aivy Ortiz; grandchildren, Johnny Allspach, Alexis Allspach, Ja et Legrand, Luisito Legrand, Stacey Rosa, Santiago Rosa, Cynthia Flores, Aida Santiago, Pablo Santiago, Alanis Santiago, Brandon Robinson and Madelyn Shelton; great grandchildren, Jaces, Jadel, Esmeralda, Liannet, Luisangel, Adrian and Elijah; and his brother, George.

Stan Lee Pelehowski

March 24, 1953 — August 12, 2023

Stan Lee Pelehowski, 70, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at his home in Randleman.

Stan was born in Kankakee, Illinois on March 24, 1953, to Albert Lawrence and Charlene Hasemeyer Pelehowski. He graduated in 1972 from Donovan High School. Stan was self-employed as a carpenter which he did for many years.

He was an outdoorsman who loved to sh and work in the garden when able. His passion was his love of his family, but especially his grandchildren. Stan was an excellent whittler, enjoyed watching westerns, he loved his Coor’s beer, and his favorite saying was, “I’m short, left-handed, dyslexic and a Polock “.

Stan is survived by his Father; Albert (Mary) Pelehowski of Wichert, IL, daughters: Kristen and Melanie Pelehowski of Illinois, Siblings: Al Pelehowski of Donovan, IL, Julie Pelehowski of Watseka, IL, Debra McCurry of Kankakee, IL, Robert (Sheila) Pelehowski of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Stepbrother: Robert Williams of Florida; 5 Grandchildren: Rosmond, Aiden, Caiden, Kamdon, Gabreila. In addition to his mother Charlene, he was preceded in death by a brother Tim and a sister Crystal.

She is survived by her daughters, Connie Parrish, Terry Parrish, and Lesa Luckado, all of Randleman; grandchildren, Jamie Parrish, Jennifer Parrish, Matthew Luckado (Kristi), Brittany Luckado Layton (Matthew), Stephanie Luckado; greatgrandchildren, McKenna Williams Blake (Timmy), Charlie & Jack Luckado, Landon & Lucas Layton; greatgreat-grandchild, Kizen Blake; and siblings, Donna Jenkins of Jacksonville, FL and Carolyn Oitker (Gaylord) of Plainville, IL., and Iola Worley of Quincy, IL. She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Vera Kill of Liberty, IL.; siblings, Glenna Brockschmidt, Doris Mur n, and Harold Kill.

Herbert William Smith

June 12, 1929 — August 13, 2023

Herbert William Smith, 94, of Sophia passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Hospice of Randolph County.

Herbert was born June 12, 1929 in Stokes County, NC to the late Drew and Mariner Smith, is one of 9 children, and was preceded in death by his brother and 4 sisters.

Herbert is preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Margaret Hunt Smith. Herbert leaves behind his children, Denise Chriscoe and husband Glenn, Tim Smith and wife JoAnn, and Greg Smith and wife Pam. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Jamie Chriscoe and wife Charity, Andy Chriscoe and wife Regina, Phillip Smith, Misty Hurley, Shelly Harris and husband Josh, Andrew Smith and wife Anna, and Erin Smith. Herbert leaves behind 7 great grandchildren, Madison Chriscoe, Gatlin Hurley, Kaymen Hurley, Emerson Harris, Charleigh Harris, Cash Harris, and Janson Beau Smith. He also leaves behind his sister, Mae Hill, and his brothers, J.R. Smith and Cecil Smith.

In addition to his musical talents, “Dr. Cates” was a devoted dentist who served his patients with care and compassion for many years. His commitment to excellence in his profession was matched only by his dedication to his family and community. For 38 years, he proudly called the town of Randleman his home, immersing himself in its vibrant culture and forging connections that would last a lifetime.

Sandy is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Joy Cates, his three cherished children: Anna Cates Williams of Cedar Grove, NC; Emily Dare Cates of Whitsett, NC; and Evan Thomas Cates of Randleman, NC. He is survived by his brother, Richard Cates, and sisters Jacqueline Rimmer and Marie Cates all of Person County, NC.

The legacy of Sandy is further carried on through his three grandchildren: Ada Williams, Wyatt Cates, and Archer Cates.

Helen Allred White

December 17, 1927 — August 12, 2023

Helen Allred White, age 95, of Asheboro passed away on August 12, 2023 at Clapp's Convalescent Nursing Home.

Helen was born in Franklinville, NC on December 17, 1927 to H.F. Allred, Sr. and Annie Frazier Allred. She met the love of her life as Asheboro High and they married after WWII in 1946 after Bill returned from serving in the US Coast Guard overseas.

They lived in Winston-Salem, NC, Long Beach, NJ, and Miami, FL before moving back to Asheboro to start their family. Sharon was born in 1949 and Susan in 1954.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William L. (Bill) White, sons-in-law, Harold C. Newby and David Chriscoe, 3 brothers and 5 sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Sharon W. Newby of Asheboro and Susan L. White of Charlotte; granddaughter, Laura N. Harvey and husband Marcus R. Harvey of Randleman; grandson, Joshua D. Chriscoe and wife Megan of Charlotte; great grandchildren, twins Adam Harvey and William Harvey both of Randleman, and Matthew, Benjamin, and Andrew Chriscoe all of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Joan A. Allred of Ramseur; and 16 nieces and nephews.

STATE & NATION

Biden’s approval rating on the economy stagnates despite slowing in ation, AP-NORC poll shows

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden has devoted the past several weeks to promoting the positive impacts of his policies — but his e orts have yet to meaningfully register with the public.

Only 36% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, slightly lower than the 42% who approve of his overall performance, according to the new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research.

Both gures are close to where Biden’s approval numbers have stood for about the past year and a half, including just two months ago. Signs of an improving economic outlook have done little to sway how people feel about the Democratic president as he gears up for a 2024 reelection campaign that could pit him against his predecessor and 2020 opponent, Republican Donald Trump.

Just 65% of Democrats approve of Biden’s economic leadership, while 76% approve of how he’s handling the job overall.

In follow-up interviews, some survey respondents felt torn between the desire to return to a sense of normalcy after Trump’s presidency and the desire for

even more sweeping policies to address climate change, health care costs and taxes.

“When Joe Biden was selected to be the nominee and eventually won, my feeling at the time was that he could be the most milquetoast and undramatic president to help the country cool down,” said Steven Peters, 41, who works in information technology in White House, Tennessee. “Unfortunately, that’s what he’s been. I’m dissatis ed because I had hoped there would be more change.”

Peters added, “He’s really middle of the road when a lot of people would like to see more dramatic action.”

For GOP supporters, such as Merritt Rahn, Biden has gone too far. Rahn said he is retired but also works at Home Depot and sees higher gasoline and food costs as making it harder for families to get by nancially. The Jensen Beach, Florida, resident said Biden will further hurt the U.S. by moving energy sources away from oil and gas.

“It’s a death to our society and

Federal Reserve minutes: Too-high in ation, still a threat, could require more rate hikes

The Associated Press

Most Federal Reserve o cials last month still regarded high ination as an ongoing threat that could require further interest rate increases, according to the minutes of their July 25-26 meeting released last week.

At the same time, the o cials saw “a number of tentative signs that in ation pressures could be abating.” It was a mixed view that echoed Chair Jerome Powell’s noncommittal stance about future rate hikes at a news conference after the meeting.

According to the minutes, the Fed’s policymakers also said that despite signs of progress on ination, it remained well above their 2% target. They “would need to see more data ... to be condent that in ation pressures were abating” and on track to return to their target.

At the meeting, the Fed decided to raise its benchmark rate for the 11th time in 17 months in its ongoing drive to curb in ation. But in a statement after the meeting, it provided little guidance about when — or whether — it might raise rates again.

Most investors and economists have said they believe July’s rate hike will be the last. Earlier this

week, economists at Goldman Sachs projected that the Fed will actually start to cut rates by the middle of next year.

Since last month’s Fed meeting, more data has pointed in the direction of a “soft landing,” in which the economy would slow enough to reduce in ation toward the central bank’s 2% target without falling into a deep recession.

The Fed has raised its key rate to a 22-year high of about 5.4%.

In ation has cooled further, according to the latest readings of “core” prices, a category that excludes volatile food and energy costs. Core prices rose 4.7% in July a year earlier, the smallest such increase since October 2021. Fed o cials closely track core prices, which they believe provide

economy,” said Rahn, who added that he believes Biden “has no clue what’s going on.”

The poll also found that 55% of Democrats say they don’t think Biden should run again in 2024, though a large majority — 82% — say they would denitely or probably support him if he is the nominee. Overall, only 24% of Americans say they want Biden to run again.

Among Democrats who approve of how Biden is handling the economy, 58% would like him to seek another term. Just 20% of those who disapprove of his performance on the issue want the incumbent president to run again.

Biden continues to struggle to appeal to younger Democrats, especially on the economy. Only 52% of Democrats under age 45 say they approve of his handling of the economy, compared with 77% of those older.

The president has used the term “Bidenomics” to try to encompass his ideas to lower costs for people on Medicare, shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy, and build factories for advanced computer chips and batteries. Yet some are still struggling to understand what the term means.

The age gap extends to Biden’s reelection campaign: Just 34%

a better read on underlying in ation.

Overall consumer prices rose 3.2% in July compared with a year earlier, above the previous month’s year-over-year pace because of higher gas and food costs. Still, that is far below the peak ination rate of 9.1% in June 2022.

That progress has been made without the sharp increase in unemployment that many economists had expected would follow the Fed’s sharp series of interest rate hikes, the fastest in four decades. The unemployment rate actually ticked down to 3.5% in July, near the lowest level in a half-century.

Hiring has slowed, however, with employers having added 187,000 jobs in July, a solid gain but roughly one-third of the pace of monthly job growth earlier this year.

Still, the Fed now faces upticks in gas and some food prices, which could keep overall in ation from falling much further in the coming months. And rising costs for services, from auto insurance to restaurant meals to dental services, could keep core in ation persistently high.

In a sign that at least some ocials think the Fed is nearing the end of its rate hikes, the minutes said “a number” of policymakers think their benchmark rate is high enough to restrain the economy.

These o cials also think the risk of raising rates too high is roughly equal to the risk of not

of Democrats under 45 want him to run again, compared with 54% of those older than that. Still, about three-quarters of younger Democrats say they’ll most likely support him if he’s the nominee, though only 28% say they de nitely will.

Biden also faces renewed pressure related to investigations over his son Hunter’s business dealings. The poll nds that a majority of Americans — 58% — have hardly any con dence in Biden to reduce corruption in government, though that’s unchanged since January. Another 30% have some con dence and 10% have hardly any.

The poll shows that 23% of Americans say they have a great deal of con dence in Biden’s ability to e ectively manage the White House, 31% have some con dence and 45% have hardly any. Despite the fact that Biden has achieved several of his major policy goals, just 16% say they have high con dence in his ability to do that, while 38% say they have some con dence and 44% hardly any.

Few Americans say they think the national economy is doing well: 34% describe it as very or somewhat good. No more than about a third of Americans have called the economy good since 2021.

raising them high enough. That marks a signi cant shift from earlier this year, when the Fed routinely said the main risk was tilted toward not doing enough to slow borrowing and spending.

The Fed’s decision in July to raise rates for an 11th time was unanimous, a sign that the ocials remain largely uni ed even as their decisions become more fraught. The minutes, though, said that two o cials favored keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged last month, out of the 18 that took part in the meeting. At least one or both could be among the ocials who lacked a vote last month. Only 11 o cials currently vote on the Fed’s rate policies.

Since the meeting, Fed o cials have expressed contrary views. Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said he wants the Fed to keep its options open for another rate hike.

“I’m not ready to say that we’re done, but I’m seeing positive signs that say, hey, we may be on our way,” Kashkari said. “We can take a little bit more time and get some more data in before we decide whether we need to do more.”

By contrast, Patrick Harker, president of the Philadelphia Fed, said he would support leaving rates unchanged for the rest of this year.

“Absent any alarming new data between now and mid-September,” Harker said, “I believe we may be at the point where we can be patient and hold rates steady.”

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks on the anniversary of the In ation Reduction Act during an event in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

AP PHOTO

The ag of the Federal Reserve hangs between American ags at a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee meeting on July 26, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

COUNTY NEWS

Hoke man’s death under investigation, deputies suspect foul play

The Hoke County Sheri ’s

O ce is currently investigating a potential homicide after emergency responders responded to a call about a 41-year-old man going into cardiac arrest on August 9. The victim, who was identi ed as Keidra LaMar Reaves, was found dead in his home and “cold to the touch” when re rescue arrived at his home in the 300 block of D. Cunningham Lane in Raeford. Detectives were immediately called to inspect the scene. At this time, the investigation into the death of Reaves is still considered ongoing, and deputies are waiting for the results of his autopsy.

Hoke man found guilty for 2018 Barefoot Road shooting

On March 2, 2018, a Hoke County man was arrested after deputies responded to a call about a shooting on Barefoot Road. According to the sheri ’s o ce, deputies arrested Arthur Skillman after he shot his nephew, Gerland Miles, in the leg with a 9mm handgun. Miles was admitted to the Moore Regional Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. Skillman was apprehended on the scene and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, in icting serious injury. On July 31, 203, Assistant District Attorney Mary Lawrence Ellis represented the State in the prosecution of Skillman. He was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon, in icting serious injury, by a jury and has received an active sentence of 27-45 months.

HOKE COUNTY

Bucks open season with 7-0 road win at Jack Britt

North State Journal

HOKE COUNTY BUCKS

quarterback Brandon Saunders led the Bucks to a 7-0 road victory last Friday night at Jack Britt. The junior QB connected with X’Zavier Stephens-McIntosh for a 42-yard touchdown reception with about 4 minutes to play. Josue Hernandez-Lima kicked the extra point.

It was just the sixth time in the last 15 years that the Bucks

started their season with a win in their opener and rst since 2021. They’ve enjoyed a season-opening win just nine times since the 2004 season.

The low-scoring victory marked the rst time Hoke County has won while scoring a single touchdown since a 10-0 victory over Fayetteville Seventy First on Sept. 2, 2011 and their lowest point total in a win since beating Cape Fear 7-3 on Sept. 8, 2006.

Hoke County was led by a stout defense. Jamarie Brown had an interception, and the Bucks stopped Jack Britt on downs four times, including the nal possession of the game, with under two minutes remaining.

The Bucks will host South View this Friday for their home opener at Raz Autry Stadium in Raeford 7:30 pm. South View defeated Overhills 47-22 last Friday in Hope Mills.

Commissioners approve contractual matters for Health Department

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD – The Hoke County Board of Commissioners met Monday, August 21, with a variety of contractual matters on the agenda.

The rst action the board took was the approval of the release of delinquent taxes requested by citizens for the month of August.

“We had a total of 17 releases for the month of August,” said Acting Tax Assessor Mandi Davis. “The total release amount is $4,917.54.”

The board was also presented with the new director for Hoke County Cooperative Extension, Greg Huneycutt.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work here in Hoke County,” Huneycutt said. “So far, I’ve been here for three weeks. You’ve got a great sta with Cooperative Extension, and we plan to build a little on that sta and continue to build the agricultural outreach. That’s something that we really want to focus on in the county.”

Greg Huneycutt

The board then approved two Health Department contractual matters, with the rst being for Justice Involved Individuals. “The rst contractual agree-

ment is for the Justice Involved Individuals grant work that we’ve been doing in Hoke County,” said Health Director Helene Edwards. “Part is with the Hoke County Sheri ’s Department to fund some peer support counselors to be used with inmates, and the other part of the contract is with Tia Hart to continue the services of going into the jail and providing medical-assisted therapy, counseling and peer support with that.”

According to Edwards, the grant was initially supposed to end in May but was extended through December 31.

The board also approved a renewal of the Health Department’s contract with Lamar Media Campaign for the billboards the Health Department advertises on. The total cost of the renewal is $13,169 for 13 months of advertising.

Finally, Hoke County Schools, being represented by Interim Superintendent Rodney Shotwell and Assistant Superintendent Chad Hunt, presented a request to reallocate FY24 capital funding.

“I am here to talk about the capital outlay that you all allocated us,” Shotwell said. “We’re not asking for any more money. We

“We had a total of 17 releases for the month of August.”

Acting Tax Assessor

Mandi Davis

had estimations over the summer, and sometimes some projects rise up that you didn’t know were going to be a problem. So that’s why we’re here tonight. To bring back more rm numbers and let you know exactly where all the taxpayer money is going for this following year.”

According to Shotwell and Hunt, due to some rising costs, HCS aimed to pivot away from some projects and refocus their e orts on others.

“Due to the needs of the school district, we did have to make the tough decision about the ooring at East and West Middle School, and basically, we want to request that both of those funds and part of the Turlnington project funding be used towards other safety measures and maintenance, both preventative and reactive mea-

PREP FOOTBALL

Upcoming Hoke County

Varsity Football Schedule:

Friday Aug. 25, 6:30 PM

Bucks (1-0) vs. South View (1-0)

Home / Non-Conference

Friday Sept. 1, 7:30 PM

Bucks vs. Douglas Byrd (0-1) Home / Non-Conference

Friday Sept. 8, 7:30 PM

Bucks vs. Seventy-First (1-0) Away / Non-Conference

Friday Sept. 15, 7:30 PM

Bucks vs. Scotland (1-0) Home / Conference

sures that have come up across the school district since the springtime,” Hunt said. “Those funds are to be allocated towards the facelift and beauti cation projects at Turlington Alternative School. The di erence there is $269,000.”

However, the school board apparently did not have the opportunity to give approval for this plan, and so due to the commissioners’ desire to have prior school board approval before moving forward, the motion failed.

“I believe some of the school board’s positions – and I think it’s from a majority of them – they want to have the opportunity to look at this and receive this report and approve it to be sent to us,” said Chair Allen Thomas, Jr. “I think that’s where we are having issues and I don’t think this board wants to get into your politics. We want to stay clear and free on our side.”

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet September 4.

JASON E. JACKSON | FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Hoke County Bucks won their season opener on Friday, Aug. 19, 2023.

Suspect

arrested on gun and drug charges after a foot chase

RED SPRINGS – On Monday, members of the Hoke County Sheri ’s O ce Special Operations Unit conducted a tra c stop on Cope Road near Ru Road. When the vehicle pulled to the shoulder of the road, the front passenger jumped and ran from the vehicle.

During a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was throwing items in the wood line. The suspect was apprehended and identi ed as Patrick LeShane Chavis. Chavis was taken into custody. When the suspect was searched, deputies found marijuana and suspected cocaine on his person.

With the help of a canine, Detectives were able to locate a rearm that was thrown by Chavis prior to his arrest. Also located by the canine was a black bag containing 18 dosage units of suspected MDMA, ve grams of cocaine, three grams of methamphetamine, scales and baggies.

Patrick Chavis was transported to the Hoke County Detention Center and received a $25,000.00 secured bond given by the magistrate.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

Daniels, Eddie Ray (W/M/34)

Larceny

08/21/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Coggins, Jennifer Dale (W/F/42)

Probation Violation

08/19/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Locklear, Latrell Lee (I/M/28)

Probation Violation

08/18/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Yow, Brian Lee (W/M/47) Simple Possess Schedule III CS 08/17/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

McPhatter, Lee Demetrius (B/M/50)

Probation Violation

08/17/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Do you have a birthday, wedding, engagement or other milestone to celebrate? Contact us at celebrations@northstatejournal.com.

Chavis was transported to the Hoke County Detention Center and recveived a $25,000 secured bond.

Jones, Mary Ashley (I/F/38) Possess Cocaine

08/16/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Slaton, Demetrius

Jamaal (B/M/31) Assault on Emergency Personnel

08/16/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Paschal, Jennifer Elaine (W/F/40) Probation Violation

08/16/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Morgan, John Joseph (B/M/32) Assault on a Female

08/16/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Locklear, Lanie Dale (I/M/57)

Larceny from Construction Site

08/15/2023 Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

A ordability – not jobs – is the key to the economy

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

AS THE CHALLENGES to the economy have evolved, politicians have not learned to focus on what’s is really hurting the American people.

Traditionally, unemployment and jobs are key indicators of economic health. In most elections, candidates either tout the jobs that have been created since they were elected or criticize increasing unemployment numbers.

The same model has been applied to analyzing this economy for the upcoming 2024 election. However, it may be the wrong focus.

The real pain in the 2023 American economy is not unemployment. It is a ordability.

President Joe Biden’s policy of pouring debt on the American people, and increasing de cit spending, is creating a crisis of a ordability. People have jobs – they just can’t a ord to pay for anything.

The Winston Group has developed a new measurement to explain this: the Presidential In ation Rate (PIR). Most analysts talk about in ation as an annualized gure, but this obscures how much prices have increased over time.

Winston Group tracks the in ation rate from the day a President takes o ce. The amount in ation has gone up across a presidential term is the key result of the Presidential In ation Rate.

According to the Winston Group analysis, President Biden is second only to President Jimmy Carter in modern in ation rates from inauguration to July of their third year in o ce. Speci cally, in ation has increased 16.9 percent since Biden’s inauguration. That is three times President Donald Trump’s Presidential In ation Rate in the same timeframe (5.7 percent). Carter

was at 25 percent in ation over the rst three years – but every other recent president had less in ation than Biden.

The annualized in ation rate understates the pain level experienced by the American people. If you look at the Winston Group’s PIR measurement, you see that food prices under Biden have gone up 19.4 percent. The price of electricity has gone up 25.6 percent. Gasoline prices have gone up 53.4 percent.

In ghting the Biden in ationary surge, the Federal Reserve has adopted the demand-side strategy of raising interest rates. The theory is simple: Create pain for the American people so we slow our spending. Ultimately, this will reduce in ation.

Under President Biden, this classic demandside strategy is failing to work. The government is borrowing so much money — and spending it so extravagantly — that demand is sustaining even as the Fed tries to squeeze o the private sector.

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

You may have a job — but you have not likely had a pay raise. Meanwhile, the cost of everything you buy has gone up.

In just the last few weeks, the price of gasoline has jumped $.30 a gallon to an average of $3.87 for regular and $4.62 for premium. That is up from $2.42 for regular when President Trump left o ce. It is a 60 percent increase in the cost of something most Americans must buy. It is e ectively, a gigantic tax increase for most working Americans. Yet energy is not the biggest cause of pain.

Traditionally, the sector hit hardest by

demand—side interest rate increases is housing.

Mortgage interest rates are now above 7 percent, which the New York Times reports is the highest rate in 21 years (1982). As mortgage rates rise, the cost of buying a house goes much higher. Home values decline, because people cannot a ord the now much higher cost of the mortgage. When Trump left o ce in January 2021, mortgages averaged 2.65 percent — the lowest in 30 years. That has now almost tripled. The di erence in cost measured over 20 or 30 years is staggering. It has e ectively closed most people o from the housing market. They just can’t a ord it.

Further, this deliberate Bidenomics hike in mortgage rates has lowered the value of houses for the millions of Americans for whom their home is their primary retirement savings. So, Bidenomics is impoverishing the young who can’t a ord to buy a new house — and seniors who are watching their lifetime savings dwindle from higher costs and lower house values.

This crisis in a ordability is beginning to show up as the biggest threat to how people measure the Biden economy. A new Emerson poll of New Hampshire voters has “housing a ordability” skyrocketing in importance. It is the second biggest issue in the survey.

The economy led the list at 32 percent. However, one-in- ve (21 percent) of those surveyed identi ed housing a ordability as their top concern. For voters under 50, housing a ordability was the top issue.

As the 2024 election approaches, many Americans may decide they just can’t a ord Bidenomics.

Single women are the odd men out, politically

The upshot is that about one-third of Democratic voters are single women.

AMERICA’S POLITICAL PARTIES are the oldest and third-oldest in the world, and they have competed for votes among a population that has been diverse since colonial times. I

f you have any doubts about that, consult David Hackett Fischer’s 1989 classic “Albion’s Seed” on how settlers from di erent parts of the British Isles brought distinctive “folkways” to the di erent seaboard colonies and the Appalachian backwoods.

Since none of these groups has ever come close to constituting a majority of Americans, the partisan competition has usually been erce and (except for the brief and misnamed “era of good feelings”) unending. And uctuating.

Regional di erences have long been obvious: Di erences between North and South produced the Civil War. But in recent elections, the Midwest has voted more like the South than like the Northeast or the West.

Racial and ethnic di erences have often been critical. Black Americans voted almost unanimously Republican, when they were allowed to vote, from the 1860s to the 1930s. Since the 1960s, they have voted almost unanimously Democratic — though that may be changing lately.

And “whites,” treated as a uniform group by many analysts these days, used to have sharp divisions. New England politics for most of the 20th century was a battle, at the ballot box and in birth rates, between Yankee Protestant Republicans and Irish Catholic Democrats. By the 1990s, evangelical Protestants emerged as a heavily Republican group, and in the 2010s, white college graduates (especially those with post-graduate degrees) as a heavily Democratic group.

And then there is the gender gap, the di erence between male and female voters, which became statistically signi cant in 1980. In the years since, and despite the quip

attributed to Henry Kissinger that “there’s too much fraternizing with the enemy,” it has grown wider.

But not uniformly. As American Enterprise Institute’s ace polling expert Karlyn Bowman together with Ruy Teixeira have pointed out, it’s more of a marriage gap.

The exit poll in the almost even 2022 House (Republicans won the popular vote 50% to 47%) shows that married men voted 59% to 39% Republican, and unmarried men also went Republican by a smaller but signi cant 52% to 45% margin.

Married women, however, also voted Republican by a landslide 56% to 42% margin. So, why was the election so close? Because unmarried women favored Democrats 68% to 31%. Note that married men and married women both made up 30% of the electorate. But there are a lot more unmarried women voters, 23% of the electorate, than unmarried men, 16%.

That re ects not only longer female lifespans but also female dominance in higher education, with women making up 60% of college and university students these days, and the trend toward later rst marriages.

The upshot is that about one-third of Democratic voters are single women, which helps explain, as the Washington Examiner’s Conn Carroll points out, the 2012 Obama “Life of Julia” cartoons, which showed government helping unattached women through life.

In general, women are more risk-averse than men, and thus more supportive of welfare state measures and more reluctant to support military action. They are also, as we have seen on female-dominated campuses, more willing to suppress speech that is seen as irritating or hurtful. “Highly educated women,” as Australian educator Lorenzo Warby writes, “are proving all too willing to trash other people’s

freedoms to protect their emotions.”

Surveys show that, after 50 years of feminism, American women are increasingly likely to report themselves as unhappy, a characteristic especially marked in unmarried young liberal women with no religious connection.

Of course, happiness is a subjective condition, perhaps subject to change in de nition over time. But it’s hard to avoid the conclusion of economist Tyler Cowen that “current political debate in America cannot be understood without the concept of neuroticism — as a formal concept from personality psychology — front and center.”

This nds re ection in Biden-era Democrats’ disguised but rm support for abortion up to the moment of birth (for reasons of “mental health”) and for their eagerness to suppress speech that ran contrary to extreme riskaverseness during the COVID pandemic.

Those with memories ranging back to the 1970s and 1980s will recognize these attitudes as contrary to the positions of liberal Democrats then, including Joe Biden himself, who supported restrictions on late-term abortions and opposed government suppression of dissenting speech.

All of which undercuts the crude feminist view that everything would be better if women’s views prevailed and provides support for the view that engagement, sometimes respectful and sometimes abrasive, between diverse segments — blacks and whites, North and South, Yankees and Irish, married people and single women — provides a better route to sensible policy and a successful nation.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB

3 games in California moved up ahead of Hurricane Hilary

New York

Major League Baseball moved up three Sunday games in California because of the forecast for Hurricane Hilary.

MLB announced the changes as Hurricane Hilary churned o Mexico’s Paci c coast as a powerful Category 4 storm. Each of the games — Arizona at San Diego, Tampa Bay at the Los Angeles Angels and Miami at the Los Angeles Dodgers — were played Saturday as part of split doubleheaders. Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club also rescheduled games.

OLYMPICS

Water quality concerns halt Paris Olympics swimming test

Paris

Another Paris Olympics test run in the Seine River has been canceled because of new concerns about water quality. The swim portion of the paratriathlon was canceled and the event became a duathlon. The cancellation is a fresh blow to 2024 Olympic organizers and to the city’s ambitions to reopen the iconic river to public swimming after next year’s Games. Swimmers took to the Seine in competition on Thursday and Friday but o cials reported worrying results of water quality tests in the hours leading up to Saturday’s events. Heavy rain can cause over ows of untreated waste in the Seine, leaving water quality below safety standards.

NFL Graham back with Saints after being stopped by police

Los Angeles

The New Orleans Saints say tight end Jimmy Graham was in the midst of a “medical episode” and was disoriented when he was taken into custody in the Los Angeles area and transported to a hospital. Graham was stopped by police on Friday night while reportedly wandering in tra c and booked on suspicion of being under the in uence of a controlled substance. The Saints say Graham has been evaluated by team doctor John Amoss and released from a hospital on Saturday morning. He was back with the team but did not play in its preseason game Sunday night against the Chargers.

Byron dominates at Watkins Glen for 5th Cup win season

The Associated Press

WILLIAM BYRON had the eld covered at Watkins Glen International, delivering such a dominant performance that no other NASCAR driver even got to his bumper in the nal third of the race.

It was usual for the Cup Series and even more rare for Byron at a road course. The 25-yearold Byron won on a serpentine track for the rst time in six Cup seasons, this one being his series-leading fth victory of the season and making him a favorite to win it all.

“We’ve worked years and years for this,” Byron said, crediting veteran open-wheel racer Max Papis with helping him.

“It’s a great win. I don’t know

what it means and all that. I don’t read into that. But I think it shows that when we’re at our best, we can perform like this.”

Driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports, Byron overtook Michael McDowell in the rst quarter of the 90-lap event and pretty much remained in controlled the rest of the way. He led 66 laps in all, including the nal 33.

Pole-sitter Denny Hamlin was second, nearly 3 seconds back, in the penultimate race of the Cup Series’ regular season. Christopher Bell was third, followed by AJ Allmendinger and Ty Gibbs.

Martin Truex Jr. nished sixth but failed to lock up the regular season title for Joe Gibbs

Racing. He and Hamlin will vie for the regular season crown next weekend at Daytona.

“It’s doable,” said Hamlin, who trails Truex by 39 points. “You’ve got to have things go your way, but yeah. If we can talk NASCAR into those 25 points they took away earlier in the season, we’d really make it interesting.”

Always-unpredictable Daytona will be the last chance for more than two dozen drivers — most notably 2020 series champion and fan favorite Chase Elliott — to make the 16-car playo s. Elliott, a two-time winner at the Glen, had hoped to lock up a postseason spot Sunday. But the Hendrick star quali ed in the middle of the pack and then

ruined his chances when he ran out of fuel with 36 laps to go. He lost a lap and all hope of winning.

Elliott will have to win at Daytona to make the playo s for the eighth consecutive season. Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez will be equally anxious at Daytona. They are in a tight race along with Gibbs for the 16th and nal spot.

“Still stressful at hell, but that takes a little bit of the edge o for sure,” Wallace said.

Former series champions Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski eased their nerves by locking up playo spots at the Glen, both securing berths because Byron was a repeat winner.

“It’s great to have that o our shoulders,” Keselowski said. “We’re going to race really hard with nothing to lose (at Daytona); that makes us really dangerous.”

The series goes to Daytona for the regular season nale on Saturday night. Austin Dillon is the defending race winner.

AP PHOTO

William Byron celebrates with his crew following his win Sunday in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen.

Potential new rivalries with BYU becoming Big 12’s 3rd private Christian school

The Associated Press

There could be some new rivalries between Christian schools brewing in the evolving Big 12 Conference.

With BYU coming in this season, the Big 12 has three private Christian schools from di erent denominations. The Cougars, the 1984 national champions who played the past 12 seasons as an independent, are now in the same league with Baylor and TCU — whose 118-game “Revivalry” in Texas dates to a scoreless tie in 1899.

“I think that will be really intriguing to see ... is there more of a long-term interest amongst TCU

Anthony Edwards, center, shoots over Puerto Rico’s George Conditt IV, left, and Christopher Ortiz, right, during a World Cup exhibition game earlier this month in Las Vegas.

and Baylor fans in BYU as an opponent compared to some of the other Big 12 teams that are coming in,” said Northern Kentucky professor Joe Cobbs, an expert in sports rivalries.

BYU was founded by and still supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church. Baylor is the world’s largest Baptist university, and TCU partners with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). All three schools were founded in the 1800s. There can be commonality among fans from such schools, even of di erent denominations, in valuing what religion adds to higher education, Cobbs said.

There also can be the thoughts of “we’re both religious schools, let’s see who’s the best. And that’s where ‘Holy War’ becomes kind of an apt name.”

TCU is the smallest Big 12 school with around 12,000 students, but the Horned Frogs had an undefeated regular season and made the four-team College Football Playo last season before losing to Georgia in the national championship game. That came a year after Baylor was the Big 12 champion and won the Sugar Bowl.

“I understand that TCU is probably our primary rival, but I’m also really proud of TCU and of Baylor ... smaller private institu-

tions, and we’ve been able to nd a way to navigate,” said Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades, noting the similarities with BYU. “To have three in a conference I think is really cool. And I think it will probably make for some really healthy conversation between the three of us, and how do we continue to navigate our success in the midst of schools that have more alums, maybe even deeper pockets.”

In college basketball, the Big East was formed in 2013 by seven Catholic universities and the league has become one of the strongest in the sport.

There are 14 teams in the Big 12 this season with the additions

US rallies, tops Germany in nal World Cup tuneup

O cials are considering moving the race to four weeks after the Kentucky Derby

The Associated Press

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — USA Basketball dug deep to head to the World Cup with an unbeaten exhibition record.

Anthony Edwards scored 34 points, Austin Reaves and Tyrese Haliburton each added 16 o the bench, and the U.S. rallied from a 16-point second-half de cit to beat Germany 99-91 on Sunday night in its nal tuneup

game before heading to the Philippines for the World Cup.

An 18-0 run in the nal minutes saved the Americans, who nished the exhibition season 5-0.

“What I like is that we know now they’ve got guts,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. “But we can get a lot better because we have a higher ceiling than a lot of teams — because most of these teams have been together. (Germany) has been together. They’re really good. We feel like we’ve got more room for growth. And we’ve got to keep working and getting better as we head to Manila.”

Edwards was brilliant, making 11 of 21 shots and going 8 of 8 from the line. The rest of the U.S.

starters scored a combined 25 points; Edwards had nine more than that by himself.

“That was the best game I’ve had in a minute,” Edwards said.

Added Kerr: “He’s unquestionably the guy. He knows it. Now the rest of the team knows it.”

Thing is, Edwards didn’t do it alone. The comeback really started late in the third, when Haliburton scored 11 points in less than 3 minutes to bring the U.S. back from 16 down to within three and spark serious hope. Germany didn’t go away. Moritz Wagner’s 3-pointer with 6:58 left put Germany up 86-77. The Germans missed their next eight shots — and the Americans

scored the game’s next 18 points, taking the lead back for good on Mikal Bridges’ 3-pointer with 2:15 left.

“It just comes down to buckling down and getting stops,” Haliburton said.

Franz Wagner scored 17 points for Germany, which got 16 points and 10 assists from Dennis Schroder, and 14 points from Moritz Wagner. It became the rst team this summer to take more than a four-point lead on the U.S. but couldn’t nish the win o . The U.S. team has been together for only 2½ weeks yet has had very little trouble clicking to this point. The Americans opened the tuneup schedule

of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF. That means not every team will play each other each year.

BYU, with only one losing record over the past 18 seasons, plays at TCU on Oct. 14, a reunion of teams that brie y in the past shared membership in both the Mountain West (2005-10) and Western Athletic (1996-98) conferences. But the Cougars aren’t scheduled to play Baylor after they split games the past two seasons in a home-and-home series with the Bears that was set long before all of the conference realignment.

TCU has played BYU 11 times, most of those in their past conferences together, though their last meeting in 2011 was the season the Cougars became an independent team. Baylor and BYU have met four times, including the Cougars’ 47-13 win at home early in the 1994 season that they nished undefeated.

There should be a lot more opportunities to play each other now.

with a 117-74 win in Las Vegas over Puerto Rico, then headed to Spain for wins over Slovenia (9262, though the Slovenians played without Luka Doncic) and Spain (98-88). From Spain, they headed to Abu Dhabi to nish preparations, beating Greece 108-86 on Friday and then capping it all o by topping the Germans.

Next up: The stu that matters — the World Cup, which will take place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. The U.S. is the heavy betting favorite to win the tournament, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, and will face New Zealand, Greece and Jordan in group play that starts Saturday in Manila.

“I don’t think that we really ever feel like we’re out of a game,” Reaves said.

The U.S. will face New Zealand in the World Cup opener Saturday at Manila, Philippines.

Average long-term US mortgage rate climbs to 7.09%, highest level in more than 20 years

The Associated Press

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than 20 years, grim news for would-be homebuyers already challenged by a housing market that remains competitive due to a dearth of homes for sale.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.09% from 6.96%. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.13%.

It’s the fourth consecutive weekly increase for the average rate and the highest since early April 2002, when it averaged 7.13%. The last time the average rate was above 7% was last November, when it stood at 7.08%.

High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can a ord in a market already una ordable to many Americans.

“With prices even higher than they were a year ago in many markets, crossing the 7% mortgage rate threshold again could be what sets in motion a major contraction in the housing market this fall,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS.

The latest increase in rates follows a sharp uptick in the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been above 4% this month and climbing. The yield, which lenders use to price rates on mortgages and other loans, touched its highest level since October on Thursday morning, and it’s close to where it

was in 2007.

The yield has been rising as bond traders react to more reports showing the U.S. economy remains remarkably resilient, which could keep upward pressure on in ation, giving the Federal Reserve reason to keep interest rates higher for longer.

“The economy continues to do better than expected and the 10year Treasury yield has moved up, causing mortgage rates to climb,” said Sam Khater, Freddie

Mac’s chief economist. “Demand has been impacted by a ordability headwinds, but low inventory remains the root cause of stalling home sales.”

High in ation drove the Federal Reserve to raise its benchmark interest rate 11 times since March 2022, lifting the fed funds rate to the highest level in 22 years.

Mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Fed’s rate increases, but tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Investors’

expectations for future in ation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Fed does with interest rates can in uence rates on home loans.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 2.86%. Those ultra-low rates spurred a wave of home sales and re nancing. The sharply higher rates now are contributing to a dearth of available homes, as homeowners who

Court tosses Jan. 6 sentence in ruling that could impact other low-level Capitol riot cases

The Associated Press

A FEDERAL APPEALS court on Friday ordered a new sentence for a North Carolina man who pleaded guilty to a petty o ense in the Capitol riot — a ruling that could impact dozens of low-level cases in the massive Jan. 6, 2021 prosecution.

The appeals court in Washington, D.C. said James Little was wrongly sentenced for his conviction on a misdemeanor o ense to both prison time and probation, which is court-ordered monitoring of defendants who are not behind bars.

Little, who entered the Capitol but didn’t join in any destruction or violence, pleaded guilty in 2021 to a charge that carries up to six months behind bars. He was sentenced last year to 60 days in prison followed by three years of probation.

But the 2-1 opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said that probation and imprisonment “may not be

imposed as a single sentence” for a petty o ense, adding “there are separate options on the menu.”

Judge Robert Wilkins, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, dissented.

The decision could invalidate the sentences of dozens of Jan. 6

defendants who received what is known as a “split sentence” for a petty o ense. More than 80 other Jan. 6 defendants have been sentenced to both prison time and probation for the same misdemeanor o ense as Little, according to an Associated Press

analysis.

The practical e ect, however, may be limited as almost all of them have likely already served their prison terms long ago. Little’s attorney had asked the appeals court to simply order an end to his probation monitoring since he already served his 60 days behind bars.

An attorney for Little declined to comment on Friday. The Justice Department could appeal the decision. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s ofce in Washington said: “We are reviewing the Court’s ruling and will determine our next steps in accordance with the law.”

Some judges who have imposed such sentences in misdemeanor cases have stressed the need to keep tabs on Jan. 6 defendants after they serve their time to prevent them from engaging in such conduct during the next election. While on probation, defendants have to check in with a probation o cer and follow certain conditions.

locked in those lower borrowing costs two years ago are now reluctant to sell and jump into a higher rate on a new property.

The lack of housing supply is also a big reason home sales are down 23% through the rst half of this year.

The average rate on 15-year xed-rate mortgages, popular with those re nancing their homes, rose to 6.46% from 6.34% last week. A year ago, it averaged 4.55%, Freddie Mac said.

“The Court must not only punish Little for his conduct but also ensure that he will not engage in similar conduct again during the next election,” the judge who sentenced Little, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, wrote in a ruling last year.

“Some term of imprisonment may serve sentencing’s retributive goals. But only a longer-term period of probation is adequate to ensure that Little will not become an active participant in another riot,” he wrote.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Little went to President Donald Trump’s speech ahead of the riot and then walked to the Capitol, where he st-bumped other rioters and went into the Senate Gallery, according to court records. After leaving the Capitol, he and others prayed on the Capitol steps and sang “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” by Twisted Sister, according to court documents.

More than 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 riot. More than 600 of them have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trials decided by a jury or judge. About 600 have been sentenced, with over half getting terms of imprisonment ranging from three days to 18 years.

AP PHOTO

Townhomes under construction are shown in Mars, Pa., on May, 27, 2022.

AP PHOTO

Protestors loyal to President Donald Trump breach the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021.

Larry Huggins

May 19, 1947 ~ August 18, 2023

Mr. Larry Huggins of Lumberton, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 18, 2023, at UNC Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton at the age of 76.

Larry was born to the late Lonnie and Ruby Huggins in Robeson County on May 19, 1947. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Huggins, and a brother Robert Huggins. He is survived by his daughter; Lisa Westfall of Raeford, NC; Six sons Larry Dwayne Huggin of Boone, NC.; Jerry Lynn Huggins and his wife Shelley of Boone, NC, Gerald Lee Huggins of VA.,

Billy Ray Huggins and his wife

Martha of Robeson County, NC.,

Larry Dale Huggins of OK., and Donald Lynn Huggins of OK., eight grandchildren, Sheila

Denise Huggins and her husband

Brandon Bullock of Orrum, NC., Selena Desiraye Hoppe of Raeford, NC., Macie Lee Huggins of Fairmont, NC., Jonathon

Charles Huggins of Fairmont, NC., Britney Lynn Huggins of Boone, NC., Blake Landis Huggins of Boone, NC. and Brandon Lee Huggins of Boone, NC.; four great-grandchildren, Carter Huggins, Nova Huggins, Oliva Huggins and Nina Bullock.

four sisters Cheryl Rogers and her husband Wesley of St. Paul’s, NC., Ruth Huggins of Lumberton, NC., Lib Tedder and her husband

Anthony of Lumberton, NC. and Martha Smith of Lumberton, NC., a brother Mark Huggins of Orrum, NC.

Eleonore (Schnarr) Turney

April 17, 1940 ~ August 15, 2023

Mrs. Eleonore Schnarr Turney of Fayetteville passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at her home.

Mrs. Turney was born in Germany on April 17, 1940. She was preceded in death by her son Thaddeus (Teddy) Zdrodowiski. She was an avid animal lover, oil painter and loved making silk arrangements. She was a devoted mother and wife.

She is survived by her husband Curtis Adam Turney of Fayetteville, NC.; a daughter Kathrene Boxwell and her husband Drew of Raeford, NC.; a son Omar O’Brien and his husband Kevin Clements of Fayetteville NC.; a grandson Derek Boxwell and his wife Jeanie of FL.; a sister Elsie Airheart of Germany.; two granddaughters Ashley Keller of Parkton, NC, and Alannah Clements of Fayetteville, NC; seven great-grandchildren.; two nieces Iwona Pettit and Conny Schuhmacher.

CSM (Retired) Rafael Sergio Corella

November 18, 1943 ~ August 11, 2023

CSM (Retired) Rafael Sergio Corella of Raeford, NC passed away on August 11, 2023, at the age of 79.

He was born in San Jose, Costa Rica on November 18, 1943, to the late Rafael and Fanny Corella.

Rafael retired from the United States Army after 24 years where he served as Command Sergeant Major. After his time in the military, he spent 18 years working for Civil Service. Once he achieved his second retirement, he went on to teach at Fayetteville State as a professor for 16 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy of 58 years; children, Rafael “Ray” Corella (Patti), Angela Devillier, Christopher Corella, and Brian Corella (Missy); grandchildren, Rafael Corella, Kayla Corella, Mary Corella, Emily Corella, Hannah Devillier, and Kayleigh Corella; great-grandchildren Paisley Rose Rodriguez, and Selah Corella; two brothers, Carlos Corella (Sandra), and Jorge Corella (Iliana); and one sister, Maria Del Rocio Romero (Felipe).

NC DMVA Remembers 108-year-old NC World War II Veteran and Montford Point Marine

The Associated Press FAYETTEVILLE — It is with heavy hearts that the NC Department of Military and Veterans A airs (NC DMVA) recognizes the loss of an original Montford Point Marine and World War II Veteran, Cosmas D. Eaglin, Sr, of Fayetteville. He passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at the age of 108.

Born January 12, 1915, Eaglin joined the United States Marine Corps when he was 27. He

completed training in Montford Point, NC and served two years in the Solomon Islands campaign during the Paci c War of World WWII.

After WWII, Eaglin left the Marine Corps but returned to active-duty service and earned his paratrooper wings once joining the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. He was assigned to Fort Bragg, NC in 1951. At that time, he and his family settled in Fayetteville, where they currently re-

side. He also served two tours in the Vietnam War in the 1960’s.

“I am grateful for Mr. Eaglin’s dedication and service to our country. He and his fellow Montford Point Marines defended our freedom against fascism in World War II and set an example at home that helped lead the progress toward racial equality that our country has made over the last 80 years,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “We owe so much to the brave men and women who have

served our armed services and we honor Cosmas Eaglin Sr.’s service and memory today.”

“Mr. Eaglin leaves a legacy of commitment, integrity, and lifelong service,” said Walter E. Gaskin, Lt. General, USMC Ret., Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans A airs. “His life changed the world for the better and we are forever grateful for all the sacri ces he and his family have made for freedom and equality.

He endured unimaginable obstacles in the segregated Marine Corps. I will always remember and admire his strength, resilience, and we honor his service to our country with appreciation for the inspiration he instilled in all of us.”

Eaglin has 6 children, 7 grand-children and 12 great-grandchildren. He and his family have been part of the St. Ann Catholic Church community in Fayetteville for 72 years.

STATE & NATION

Biden’s approval rating on the economy stagnates despite slowing in ation, AP-NORC poll shows

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden has devoted the past several weeks to promoting the positive impacts of his policies — but his e orts have yet to meaningfully register with the public.

Only 36% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, slightly lower than the 42% who approve of his overall performance, according to the new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research.

Both gures are close to where Biden’s approval numbers have stood for about the past year and a half, including just two months ago. Signs of an improving economic outlook have done little to sway how people feel about the Democratic president as he gears up for a 2024 reelection campaign that could pit him against his predecessor and 2020 opponent, Republican Donald Trump.

Just 65% of Democrats approve of Biden’s economic leadership, while 76% approve of how he’s handling the job overall.

In follow-up interviews, some survey respondents felt torn between the desire to return to a sense of normalcy after Trump’s presidency and the desire for

even more sweeping policies to address climate change, health care costs and taxes.

“When Joe Biden was selected to be the nominee and eventually won, my feeling at the time was that he could be the most milquetoast and undramatic president to help the country cool down,” said Steven Peters, 41, who works in information technology in White House, Tennessee. “Unfortunately, that’s what he’s been. I’m dissatis ed because I had hoped there would be more change.”

Peters added, “He’s really middle of the road when a lot of people would like to see more dramatic action.”

For GOP supporters, such as Merritt Rahn, Biden has gone too far. Rahn said he is retired but also works at Home Depot and sees higher gasoline and food costs as making it harder for families to get by nancially. The Jensen Beach, Florida, resident said Biden will further hurt the U.S. by moving energy sources away from oil and gas.

“It’s a death to our society and

Federal Reserve minutes: Too-high in ation, still a threat, could require more rate hikes

The Associated Press

Most Federal Reserve o cials last month still regarded high ination as an ongoing threat that could require further interest rate increases, according to the minutes of their July 25-26 meeting released last week.

At the same time, the o cials saw “a number of tentative signs that in ation pressures could be abating.” It was a mixed view that echoed Chair Jerome Powell’s noncommittal stance about future rate hikes at a news conference after the meeting.

According to the minutes, the Fed’s policymakers also said that despite signs of progress on ination, it remained well above their 2% target. They “would need to see more data ... to be condent that in ation pressures were abating” and on track to return to their target.

At the meeting, the Fed decided to raise its benchmark rate for the 11th time in 17 months in its ongoing drive to curb in ation. But in a statement after the meeting, it provided little guidance about when — or whether — it might raise rates again.

Most investors and economists have said they believe July’s rate hike will be the last. Earlier this

week, economists at Goldman Sachs projected that the Fed will actually start to cut rates by the middle of next year.

Since last month’s Fed meeting, more data has pointed in the direction of a “soft landing,” in which the economy would slow enough to reduce in ation toward the central bank’s 2% target without falling into a deep recession.

The Fed has raised its key rate to a 22-year high of about 5.4%.

In ation has cooled further, according to the latest readings of “core” prices, a category that excludes volatile food and energy costs. Core prices rose 4.7% in July a year earlier, the smallest such increase since October 2021. Fed o cials closely track core prices, which they believe provide

economy,” said Rahn, who added that he believes Biden “has no clue what’s going on.”

The poll also found that 55% of Democrats say they don’t think Biden should run again in 2024, though a large majority — 82% — say they would denitely or probably support him if he is the nominee. Overall, only 24% of Americans say they want Biden to run again.

Among Democrats who approve of how Biden is handling the economy, 58% would like him to seek another term. Just 20% of those who disapprove of his performance on the issue want the incumbent president to run again.

Biden continues to struggle to appeal to younger Democrats, especially on the economy. Only 52% of Democrats under age 45 say they approve of his handling of the economy, compared with 77% of those older.

The president has used the term “Bidenomics” to try to encompass his ideas to lower costs for people on Medicare, shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy, and build factories for advanced computer chips and batteries. Yet some are still struggling to understand what the term means.

The age gap extends to Biden’s reelection campaign: Just 34%

a better read on underlying in ation.

Overall consumer prices rose 3.2% in July compared with a year earlier, above the previous month’s year-over-year pace because of higher gas and food costs. Still, that is far below the peak ination rate of 9.1% in June 2022.

That progress has been made without the sharp increase in unemployment that many economists had expected would follow the Fed’s sharp series of interest rate hikes, the fastest in four decades. The unemployment rate actually ticked down to 3.5% in July, near the lowest level in a half-century.

Hiring has slowed, however, with employers having added 187,000 jobs in July, a solid gain but roughly one-third of the pace of monthly job growth earlier this year.

Still, the Fed now faces upticks in gas and some food prices, which could keep overall in ation from falling much further in the coming months. And rising costs for services, from auto insurance to restaurant meals to dental services, could keep core in ation persistently high.

In a sign that at least some ocials think the Fed is nearing the end of its rate hikes, the minutes said “a number” of policymakers think their benchmark rate is high enough to restrain the economy.

These o cials also think the risk of raising rates too high is roughly equal to the risk of not

of Democrats under 45 want him to run again, compared with 54% of those older than that. Still, about three-quarters of younger Democrats say they’ll most likely support him if he’s the nominee, though only 28% say they de nitely will.

Biden also faces renewed pressure related to investigations over his son Hunter’s business dealings. The poll nds that a majority of Americans — 58% — have hardly any con dence in Biden to reduce corruption in government, though that’s unchanged since January. Another 30% have some con dence and 10% have hardly any.

The poll shows that 23% of Americans say they have a great deal of con dence in Biden’s ability to e ectively manage the White House, 31% have some con dence and 45% have hardly any. Despite the fact that Biden has achieved several of his major policy goals, just 16% say they have high con dence in his ability to do that, while 38% say they have some con dence and 44% hardly any.

Few Americans say they think the national economy is doing well: 34% describe it as very or somewhat good. No more than about a third of Americans have called the economy good since 2021.

raising them high enough. That marks a signi cant shift from earlier this year, when the Fed routinely said the main risk was tilted toward not doing enough to slow borrowing and spending.

The Fed’s decision in July to raise rates for an 11th time was unanimous, a sign that the ocials remain largely uni ed even as their decisions become more fraught. The minutes, though, said that two o cials favored keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged last month, out of the 18 that took part in the meeting. At least one or both could be among the ocials who lacked a vote last month. Only 11 o cials currently vote on the Fed’s rate policies.

Since the meeting, Fed o cials have expressed contrary views. Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said he wants the Fed to keep its options open for another rate hike.

“I’m not ready to say that we’re done, but I’m seeing positive signs that say, hey, we may be on our way,” Kashkari said. “We can take a little bit more time and get some more data in before we decide whether we need to do more.”

By contrast, Patrick Harker, president of the Philadelphia Fed, said he would support leaving rates unchanged for the rest of this year.

“Absent any alarming new data between now and mid-September,” Harker said, “I believe we may be at the point where we can be patient and hold rates steady.”

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks on the anniversary of the In ation Reduction Act during an event in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

AP PHOTO

The ag of the Federal Reserve hangs between American ags at a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee meeting on July 26, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

WSSU to host rst esports event Aug. 30

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem State University will host its rst esports competitive event this month to further expose students to the growing gaming industry.

WSSU Campus Clash will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the University Recreation Game Room and Salon on campus. Players will compete in NBA 2K and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 as they vie for the top prize of $500, divided evenly among two winners.

Rennae Stowe, WSSU’s associate professor and program coordinator of sport management, is helping to organize the tournament that she hopes will attract up to 100 participants. The event is a collaboration between the health, physical education and sport studies department, University Recreation, and Student Activities and Engagement, who have partnered with Cxmmunity, a nonpro t based in Atlanta, whose mission is to increase the representation of minorities in esports and gaming.

The event is open to WSSU students. Faculty and sta members are encouraged to support this rst-time esports event.

TCH STAFF

Salem College experiences second year of record enrollment growth

Board to seek public input at upcoming meetings

Twin City Herald WINSTON-SALEM — Salem College announced that for the second year in a row, the number of new students on campus will increase by more than 50% this fall. This comes after the Winston Salem-based women’s college received a record-breaking number of applications for a second consecutive year. Salem President Summer McGee points to several distinctive features driving the college’s

growth. “First is our academic experience and our unwavering commitment to student support. Salem’s faculty are dedicated mentors and our sta work tirelessly to prepare students to succeed. Here, more than 90% of our classes will have fewer than 20 students, which translates into deep and meaningful relationships with both our faculty and their peers,” said McGee.

She added that the college’s size enables the administration to know students as individuals and tailor the learning experience to their passions and needs.

“This experience helps account for the Salem’s ability to improve

outcomes for its diverse student population, and for the fact that 57% of this year’s incoming students identify themselves as being of diverse ethnicity and/or race, and more than 50% are the rst in their family to attend college,” McGee said.

The Class of 2027 – incoming students who graduated from high school in May 2023 – make up 158 of 179 new full-time Salem College students arriving this fall and comprise the largest incoming class Salem at Salem since 2017. The Class of 2027 is also the 6th largest recorded since 2005. The number of students from outside North Carolina also in-

creased 58% from last year, with an average GPA of 3.91, while the overall GPA Salem incoming students is 3.75. The Class of 2027 includes students from 20 states as well as Cameroon, Colombia, Nigeria, and Nepal.

In 2023, Salem College was ranked #1 among all U.S. national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges for its students’ social mobility, a measure of how well the College enrolls and graduates a large proportion of students receiving Pell Grants. The college is celebrating 252 years as the nation’s oldest continuously operating educational institution for girls and women.

Concerns over out-of-school suspension program raised by Board of Education

District approves purchase of new activity buses

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

WINSTON-SALEM — The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education met Tuesday, Aug. 8 with multiple informational sessions on district programs and initiatives on the agenda.

The board was rst presented with a report on the market share of students in public schools within Forsyth County and other similar urban districts.

“We looked at the percentage of students in Forsyth County that choose to attend public schools and then we asked the question for those students who didn’t attend public schools in Forsyth County, where did they go?” said Chief Accountability O cer Andrew Kraft. “We also asked that question through the lens of, ‘How do we compare to other large, urban districts.’

According to Kraft, about 80% of the school-aged children in Forsyth County attend public schools which is the highest of other similar counties such as

Mecklenburg, Wake, Guilford and Durham.

In addition, the report showed that about 5% of students attend charter schools, about 8% are homeschooled, and about 8% attend private school.

The board then approved a request for the purchase of additional activity buses.

We’ve been working with our athletics team about the various teams we have out there and we also have OCS and some other smaller programs that utilize our activity buses and what we found out is that we really needed some additional smaller buses in our eet,” said Chief Operations O cer Lauren Richards. “We have a few that are out there positioned at Carter and a couple of other schools, but we do not have very many. We have been looking at 14 and 18 passenger school buses and also buses that have lift capability to support our EC students throughout the district.”

The board approved the purchase of two 14-seat buses which do not require CDLs to drive.

The board was also presented with an update on the Restore, Reset and Restart Program.

“This program is designed to serve our middle and high

school students who have received a level 3-5 consequence resulting in them receiving an out-of-school suspension,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Fredricca Stokes. “This program would allow students to be in a safe environment, it will help parents out and give them an option for students to be able to attend this program while they have been out of school suspended and it will also allow students to continue to work on their academic supports.”

According to the plan, R3 sta would assist students academically and socially to increase their self-esteem, conict-resolution skills, and build on positive behavior for a successful transition back to their base school. R3 sta would also work with the base school to transition students back and would conduct follow up visits to check on their progress as well.

The proposed plan would start on September 8 and would run from 7:25 a.m. to 2:05 p.m. at the Fulton YMCA although transportation would not be available in the rst quarter due to sta ng issues.

However, concerns were raised by multiple members of

the board on it not being a centralized location, how they were already having sta ng when it came to their schools, worry over the ability to separate middle and high school students and various other topics.

The presentation was just to take a look at the project and a vote was not taken on the plan.

The board was then presented with an update on the Student Code of Character, Conduct and Support.

“Our code really stands on the foundation of providing equitable practices so that we’re supporting our schools and ensuring that it’s proactive and positive interventions and supporting those social and emotional skills that they need,” said Director of Behavior Support and Interventions Shannon Dobson

According to Dobson, WSFCS is aiming to increase equity through standardization of

See BOE , page 2

The Salem College campus is shown in this undated photo.

A ordability – not jobs – is the key to the economy

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

AS THE CHALLENGES to the economy have evolved, politicians have not learned to focus on what’s is really hurting the American people.

Traditionally, unemployment and jobs are key indicators of economic health. In most elections, candidates either tout the jobs that have been created since they were elected or criticize increasing unemployment numbers.

The same model has been applied to analyzing this economy for the upcoming 2024 election. However, it may be the wrong focus.

The real pain in the 2023 American economy is not unemployment. It is a ordability.

President Joe Biden’s policy of pouring debt on the American people, and increasing de cit spending, is creating a crisis of a ordability. People have jobs – they just can’t a ord to pay for anything.

The Winston Group has developed a new measurement to explain this: the Presidential In ation Rate (PIR). Most analysts talk about in ation as an annualized gure, but this obscures how much prices have increased over time.

Winston Group tracks the in ation rate from the day a President takes o ce. The amount in ation has gone up across a presidential term is the key result of the Presidential In ation Rate.

According to the Winston Group analysis, President Biden is second only to President Jimmy Carter in modern in ation rates from inauguration to July of their third year in o ce. Speci cally, in ation has increased 16.9 percent since Biden’s inauguration. That is three times President Donald Trump’s Presidential In ation Rate in the same timeframe (5.7 percent). Carter was at 25 percent in ation over the rst three years – but every other recent president had less in ation than Biden.

The annualized in ation rate understates the pain level experienced by the American people. If you look at the Winston Group’s PIR measurement, you see that food prices under Biden have gone up 19.4 percent. The price of electricity has gone up 25.6 percent. Gasoline prices have gone up 53.4 percent.

In ghting the Biden in ationary surge, the Federal Reserve has adopted the demand-side strategy of raising interest rates. The theory is simple: Create pain for the American people so we slow our spending. Ultimately, this will reduce in ation.

Under President Biden, this classic demand-

side strategy is failing to work. The government is borrowing so much money — and spending it so extravagantly — that demand is sustaining even as the Fed tries to squeeze o the private sector.

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

You may have a job — but you have not likely had a pay raise. Meanwhile, the cost of everything you buy has gone up.

In just the last few weeks, the price of gasoline has jumped $.30 a gallon to an average of $3.87 for regular and $4.62 for premium. That is up from $2.42 for regular when President Trump left o ce. It is a 60 percent increase in the cost of something most Americans must buy. It is e ectively, a gigantic tax increase for most working Americans. Yet energy is not the biggest cause of pain.

Traditionally, the sector hit hardest by demand—side interest rate increases is housing. Mortgage interest rates are now above 7 percent, which the New York Times reports is the highest rate in 21 years (1982). As mortgage rates rise, the cost of buying a house goes much higher. Home values decline, because people cannot a ord the now much higher cost of the mortgage. When Trump left o ce in January 2021, mortgages averaged 2.65 percent — the lowest in 30 years. That has now almost tripled. The di erence in cost measured over 20 or 30 years is staggering. It has e ectively closed most people o from the housing market. They just can’t a ord it.

Further, this deliberate Bidenomics hike in mortgage rates has lowered the value of houses for the millions of Americans for whom their home is their primary retirement savings. So, Bidenomics is impoverishing the young who can’t a ord to buy a new house — and seniors who are watching their lifetime savings dwindle from higher costs and lower house values.

This crisis in a ordability is beginning to show up as the biggest threat to how people measure the Biden economy. A new Emerson poll of New Hampshire voters has “housing a ordability” skyrocketing in importance. It is the second biggest issue in the survey.

The economy led the list at 32 percent. However, onein- ve (21 percent) of those surveyed identi ed housing a ordability as their top concern. For voters under 50, housing a ordability was the top issue.

As the 2024 election approaches, many Americans may decide they just can’t a ord Bidenomics.

American Airlines sues a travel site to crack down on consumers who use this trick to save money

The Associated Press DALLAS — American Airlines is suing a travel website that sells tickets that let people save money by exploiting a quirk in airline pricing.

American sued Skiplagged Inc. in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas, this week, accusing the website of deception. It threatened to cancel every ticket that Skiplagged has sold.

In a practice called skiplagging and hidden-city ticketing, travelers book a ight that includes at least one stop, but they leave the plane during a layover. Generally skiplagging is not illegal, but airlines claim that it violates their policies.

Last month, American booted a 17-year-old from a ight and banned him for three years when he tried to use the tactic to y from Gainesville, Flori-

BOE from page 1

promotion/prevention practices, disciplinary response cycle and restorative interventions and perceptions of school as a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment.

On the other side, WSFCS is aiming to decrease disciplinary responses resulting in lost instructional time, disproportional application of disciplinary responses, number of students with repeated unskillful behav-

da, to Charlotte, North Carolina, on a ticket that listed New York City as his destination. For the teen, that was cheaper than booking a ight directly to Charlotte.

In the lawsuit, American accused Skiplagged of tricking consumers into believing they can tap “some kind of secret ‘loophole.’” American said the website poses as an ordinary consumer to buy tickets, and warns its customers not to tip o the airline about the arrangement.

American said Skiplagged has never been authorized to resell the airline’s tickets.

“Skiplagged’s conduct is deceptive and abusive,” the airline said in the lawsuit. “Skiplagged deceives the public into believing that, even though it has no authority to form and issue a contract on American’s be -

iors, and discretionary language to describe unwanted behaviors.

One of the key changes with the model is that now, each behavior violation only has one level of consequence in order to reduce subjectiveness, but still the option to mitigate down or aggravate up based on each case is available for administration.

However, there were still concerns by board members on the perceived ine ectiveness of the new code.

“I believe wholeheartedly in

half, somehow it can still issue a completely valid ticket. It cannot. Every ‘ticket’ issued by Skiplagged is at risk of being invalidated.” There was no immediate re -

restorative practices,” said board member Sabrina Coone. “I was a part of the parent advisory panel when we began to implement the code and I sat with parents in sessions and I listened to white and black and brown parents of all socio-economic backgrounds ask for accountability with our code and with our behavior for our students. I have continued to hear stakeholders throughout the community say, ‘What has happened?’ “We have had a lack of ac-

countability, both with adults and students and even our parents. So at what point are we going to actually do real accountability so we can get to real restoration? Because I still don’t feel like we have done anything with that. I feel like we talk a lot about it, but we still don’t have what our educators need in the building to allow them to do what they need to do because no one is holding the adults accountable.”

Following the information-

sponse to a request for comment left with Skiplagged.

Skiplagging is possible because of the way airlines compete on price.

Long ights usually cost more than shorter ones, but the reverse might be true if many airlines compete on the longer route while only one or two y the shorter one.

Travelers who use the tactic avoid checking a bag, since it will wind up at the ticketed destination, not the layover airport. They often book one-way tickets, or only try this strategy on the return trip – if the airline notices someone skipping out, it might cancel the rest of their itinerary. Skiplagged, which is based in New York, has been sued before.

United Airlines and online travel agency Orbitz accused Aktarer Zaman, who was in his early 20s when he started Skiplagged around 2014, of touting “prohibited forms of travel.” Zaman started a GoFundMe to pay his legal costs. He settled with Orbitz, and the United lawsuit was dismissed.

al sessions, the board then approved the 2023-24 Title I application, the Annual Head Start MOU and the continuation of the contract with UVA Darden/ Curry Partnership for Leaders in Education.

The Winston Sta ng Solutions Contract for Child Nutrition Temporary Sta ng Services failed to receive any votes in support of it.

The WSFCS Board of Education’s next meeting was scheduled for Aug. 22.

The American Airlines logo is seen in this le photo.

SPONSORED BY the better part of

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB

3 games in California moved up ahead of Hurricane Hilary New York

Major League Baseball moved up three Sunday games in California because of the forecast for Hurricane Hilary. MLB announced the changes as Hurricane Hilary churned o Mexico’s Paci c coast as a powerful Category 4 storm. Each of the games — Arizona at San Diego, Tampa Bay at the Los Angeles Angels and Miami at the Los Angeles Dodgers — were played Saturday as part of split doubleheaders. Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club also rescheduled games.

OLYMPICS

Water quality concerns halt Paris Olympics swimming test

Paris

Another Paris Olympics test run in the Seine River has been canceled because of new concerns about water quality. The swim portion of the paratriathlon was canceled and the event became a duathlon. The cancellation is a fresh blow to 2024 Olympic organizers and to the city’s ambitions to reopen the iconic river to public swimming after next year’s Games. Swimmers took to the Seine in competition on Thursday and Friday but o cials reported worrying results of water quality tests in the hours leading up to Saturday’s events. Heavy rain can cause over ows of untreated waste in the Seine, leaving water quality below safety standards.

NFL Graham back with Saints after being stopped by police

Los Angeles

The New Orleans Saints say tight end Jimmy Graham was in the midst of a “medical episode” and was disoriented when he was taken into custody in the Los Angeles area and transported to a hospital. Graham was stopped by police on Friday night while reportedly wandering in tra c and booked on suspicion of being under the in uence of a controlled substance. The Saints say Graham has been evaluated by team doctor John Amoss and released from a hospital on Saturday morning. He was back with the team but did not play in its preseason game Sunday night against the Chargers.

NHL Ducks acquire Lyubushkin from Sabres

Anaheim, Calf.

The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin in a trade with the Bu alo Sabres. The Ducks sent a fourth-round draft choice in 2025 to Bu alo. Anaheim originally acquired the pick from Minnesota in the deal that sent John Klingberg to the Wild last March. The 29-year-old Lyubushkin is a ve-year NHL veteran who began his North American career with Arizona in 2018. He was traded to Toronto in February 2022, and he signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with Bu alo in July 2022. He had 14 points in 68 games with Bu alo last season.

Byron dominates at Watkins Glen for 5th Cup win season

The Associated Press WILLIAM BYRON had the eld covered at Watkins Glen International, delivering such a dominant performance that no other NASCAR driver even got to his bumper in the nal third of the race.

It was usual for the Cup Series and even more rare for Byron at a road course. The 25-year-old Byron won on a serpentine track for the rst time in six Cup seasons, this one being his series-leading fth victory of the season and making him a favorite to win it all.

“We’ve worked years and years for this,” Byron said, crediting veteran open-wheel racer Max Papis

with helping him. “It’s a great win. I don’t know what it means and all that. I don’t read into that. But I think it shows that when we’re at our best, we can perform like this.”

Driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports, Byron overtook Michael McDowell in the rst quarter of the 90-lap event and pretty much remained in controlled the rest of the way. He led 66 laps in all, including the nal 33. Pole-sitter Denny Hamlin was second, nearly 3 seconds back, in the penultimate race of the Cup Series’ regular season. Christopher Bell was third, followed by AJ Allmendinger and Ty Gibbs. Martin Truex Jr. nished sixth

but failed to lock up the regular season title for Joe Gibbs Racing. He and Hamlin will vie for the regular season crown next weekend at Daytona. “It’s doable,” said Hamlin, who trails Truex by 39 points. “You’ve got to have things go your way, but yeah. If we can talk NASCAR into those 25 points they took away earlier in the season, we’d really make it interesting.”

Always-unpredictable Daytona will be the last chance for more than two dozen drivers — most notably 2020 series champion and fan favorite Chase Elliott — to make the 16-car playo s.

Elliott, a two-time winner at the Glen, had hoped to lock up a postseason spot Sunday. But the

Schau ele earns nal Ryder Cup spot

The Associated Press

OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. — PGA champion Brooks Koepka went from a remarkable feat of getting among the six automatic spots on the Ryder Cup to now needing a phone call from U.S. captain Zach Johnson.

Xander Schau ele did enough right Sunday in the BMW Championship that a bogey on the nal hole didn’t cost him. He closed with a 2-under 68 at Olympia Fields and tied for eighth, giving him the sixth and nal automatic spot on the Ryder Cup team. Koepka fell from No. 5 to No. 7, nishing 29 points behind Schau ele. Max Homa had been in the nal spot and shot 68 to tie for fth.

The BMW Championship was the nal qualifying tournament. After the Tour Championship next week, Johnson will get six captain’s picks.

Scottie Sche er led the points list by such a margin that he had more points than the next two players behind him, U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and British Open champion Brian Harman. They were followed by Patrick Cantlay, Homa and Schau ele.

Koepka left the PGA Tour for Saudi-backed LIV Golf last

June and only had access to Ryder Cup points in the majors. He was a runner-up at the Masters and won the PGA Championship, with points counting double for winners of a major. Schau ele nished with 9,450 points in 26 qualifying tournaments. Koepka had 9,421 points in 10 counting events. Any other player who nished just outside qualifying, had

won ve majors and was 6-5-1 in his three Ryder Cup appearances would seem to be a lock. The wild card is Koepka being part of LIV Golf and its 48-man elds over 54 holes.

Since his victory in the PGA Championship, Koepka tied for 17th in the U.S. Open and tied for 64th in the British Open. At LIV Golf, he had only one nish in the top 10 in ve events, and

Hendrick star quali ed in the middle of the pack and then ruined his chances when he ran out of fuel with 36 laps to go. He lost a lap and all hope of winning.

Elliott will have to win at Daytona to make the playo s for the eighth consecutive season. Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez will be equally anxious at Daytona. They are in a tight race along with Gibbs for the 16th and nal spot.

“Still stressful at hell, but that takes a little bit of the edge o for sure,” Wallace said.

Former series champions Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski eased their nerves by locking up playo spots at the Glen, both securing berths because Byron was a repeat winner.

“It’s great to have that o our shoulders,” Keselowski said. “We’re going to race really hard with nothing to lose (at Daytona); that makes us really dangerous.”

The series goes to Daytona for the regular season nale on Saturday night. Austin Dillon is the defending race winner.

the last two he was near the bottom of the pack.

The last American who nished just outside automatic qualifying and was not picked was Bubba Watson for the 2016 matches at Hazeltine.

Schau ele at least doesn’t have to wait on a phone call. He was bypassed in the standings in favor of Tony Finau for the 2018 matches in France.

“You don’t really want to sit around and wait for the phone call,” Schau ele said. “Been on both sides of it. ... I remember getting a call saying, ‘No’ and a call saying, ‘Yes.’ It’s nice to automatically qualify.”

Jordan Spieth, who has played in every Ryder Cup since 2014, narrowly made it to the Tour Championship. He nished at No. 8, followed by Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley and Sam Burns.

Rickie Fowler, who won the Rocket Mortgage this summer for his rst win in ve years, is at No. 13. Most of the attention is on Justin Thomas, who is No. 15 and did not qualify for the FedEx Cup playo s (top 70) for the rst time in his career. He also has a 6-2-1 record in the two Ryder Cups he has played.

Of the potential captain’s picks, seven will be at East Lake for one last audition. That includes Lucas Glover, who had won his previous two starts to reach No. 5 in the FedEx Cup. Glover nished at No. 16 in the Ryder Cup standings.

AP PHOTO

William Byron celebrates with his crew following his win Sunday in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen.

AP PHOTO

Xander Schau ele watches his tee shot on the rst hole during Sunday’s nal round of the BMW Championship.

STATE & NATION

Biden’s approval rating on the economy stagnates despite slowing in ation, AP-NORC poll shows

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden has devoted the past several weeks to promoting the positive impacts of his policies — but his e orts have yet to meaningfully register with the public.

Only 36% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, slightly lower than the 42% who approve of his overall performance, according to the new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research.

Both gures are close to where Biden’s approval numbers have stood for about the past year and a half, including just two months ago. Signs of an improving economic outlook have done little to sway how people feel about the Democratic president as he gears up for a 2024 reelection campaign that could pit him against his predecessor and 2020 opponent, Republican Donald Trump.

Just 65% of Democrats approve of Biden’s economic leadership, while 76% approve of how he’s handling the job overall.

In follow-up interviews, some survey respondents felt torn between the desire to return to a sense of normalcy after Trump’s presidency and the desire for

even more sweeping policies to address climate change, health care costs and taxes.

“When Joe Biden was selected to be the nominee and eventually won, my feeling at the time was that he could be the most milquetoast and undramatic president to help the country cool down,” said Steven Peters, 41, who works in information technology in White House, Tennessee. “Unfortunately, that’s what he’s been. I’m dissatis ed because I had hoped there would be more change.”

Peters added, “He’s really middle of the road when a lot of people would like to see more dramatic action.”

For GOP supporters, such as Merritt Rahn, Biden has gone too far. Rahn said he is retired but also works at Home Depot and sees higher gasoline and food costs as making it harder for families to get by nancially. The Jensen Beach, Florida, resident said Biden will further hurt the U.S. by moving energy sources away from oil and gas.

“It’s a death to our society and

Federal Reserve minutes: Too-high in ation, still a threat, could require more rate hikes

The Associated Press

Most Federal Reserve o cials last month still regarded high ination as an ongoing threat that could require further interest rate increases, according to the minutes of their July 25-26 meeting released last week.

At the same time, the o cials saw “a number of tentative signs that in ation pressures could be abating.” It was a mixed view that echoed Chair Jerome Powell’s noncommittal stance about future rate hikes at a news conference after the meeting.

According to the minutes, the Fed’s policymakers also said that despite signs of progress on ination, it remained well above their 2% target. They “would need to see more data ... to be condent that in ation pressures were abating” and on track to return to their target.

At the meeting, the Fed decided to raise its benchmark rate for the 11th time in 17 months in its ongoing drive to curb in ation. But in a statement after the meeting, it provided little guidance about when — or whether — it might raise rates again.

Most investors and economists have said they believe July’s rate hike will be the last. Earlier this

week, economists at Goldman Sachs projected that the Fed will actually start to cut rates by the middle of next year.

Since last month’s Fed meeting, more data has pointed in the direction of a “soft landing,” in which the economy would slow enough to reduce in ation toward the central bank’s 2% target without falling into a deep recession.

The Fed has raised its key rate to a 22-year high of about 5.4%.

In ation has cooled further, according to the latest readings of “core” prices, a category that excludes volatile food and energy costs. Core prices rose 4.7% in July a year earlier, the smallest such increase since October 2021. Fed o cials closely track core prices, which they believe provide

economy,” said Rahn, who added that he believes Biden “has no clue what’s going on.”

The poll also found that 55% of Democrats say they don’t think Biden should run again in 2024, though a large majority — 82% — say they would denitely or probably support him if he is the nominee. Overall, only 24% of Americans say they want Biden to run again.

Among Democrats who approve of how Biden is handling the economy, 58% would like him to seek another term. Just 20% of those who disapprove of his performance on the issue want the incumbent president to run again.

Biden continues to struggle to appeal to younger Democrats, especially on the economy. Only 52% of Democrats under age 45 say they approve of his handling of the economy, compared with 77% of those older.

The president has used the term “Bidenomics” to try to encompass his ideas to lower costs for people on Medicare, shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy, and build factories for advanced computer chips and batteries. Yet some are still struggling to understand what the term means.

The age gap extends to Biden’s reelection campaign: Just 34%

a better read on underlying in ation.

Overall consumer prices rose 3.2% in July compared with a year earlier, above the previous month’s year-over-year pace because of higher gas and food costs. Still, that is far below the peak ination rate of 9.1% in June 2022.

That progress has been made without the sharp increase in unemployment that many economists had expected would follow the Fed’s sharp series of interest rate hikes, the fastest in four decades. The unemployment rate actually ticked down to 3.5% in July, near the lowest level in a half-century.

Hiring has slowed, however, with employers having added 187,000 jobs in July, a solid gain but roughly one-third of the pace of monthly job growth earlier this year.

Still, the Fed now faces upticks in gas and some food prices, which could keep overall in ation from falling much further in the coming months. And rising costs for services, from auto insurance to restaurant meals to dental services, could keep core in ation persistently high.

In a sign that at least some ocials think the Fed is nearing the end of its rate hikes, the minutes said “a number” of policymakers think their benchmark rate is high enough to restrain the economy.

These o cials also think the risk of raising rates too high is roughly equal to the risk of not

of Democrats under 45 want him to run again, compared with 54% of those older than that. Still, about three-quarters of younger Democrats say they’ll most likely support him if he’s the nominee, though only 28% say they de nitely will.

Biden also faces renewed pressure related to investigations over his son Hunter’s business dealings. The poll nds that a majority of Americans — 58% — have hardly any con dence in Biden to reduce corruption in government, though that’s unchanged since January. Another 30% have some con dence and 10% have hardly any.

The poll shows that 23% of Americans say they have a great deal of con dence in Biden’s ability to e ectively manage the White House, 31% have some con dence and 45% have hardly any. Despite the fact that Biden has achieved several of his major policy goals, just 16% say they have high con dence in his ability to do that, while 38% say they have some con dence and 44% hardly any.

Few Americans say they think the national economy is doing well: 34% describe it as very or somewhat good. No more than about a third of Americans have called the economy good since 2021.

raising them high enough. That marks a signi cant shift from earlier this year, when the Fed routinely said the main risk was tilted toward not doing enough to slow borrowing and spending.

The Fed’s decision in July to raise rates for an 11th time was unanimous, a sign that the ocials remain largely uni ed even as their decisions become more fraught. The minutes, though, said that two o cials favored keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged last month, out of the 18 that took part in the meeting. At least one or both could be among the ocials who lacked a vote last month. Only 11 o cials currently vote on the Fed’s rate policies.

Since the meeting, Fed o cials have expressed contrary views. Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said he wants the Fed to keep its options open for another rate hike.

“I’m not ready to say that we’re done, but I’m seeing positive signs that say, hey, we may be on our way,” Kashkari said. “We can take a little bit more time and get some more data in before we decide whether we need to do more.”

By contrast, Patrick Harker, president of the Philadelphia Fed, said he would support leaving rates unchanged for the rest of this year.

“Absent any alarming new data between now and mid-September,” Harker said, “I believe we may be at the point where we can be patient and hold rates steady.”

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks on the anniversary of the In ation Reduction Act during an event in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

AP PHOTO

The ag of the Federal Reserve hangs between American ags at a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee meeting on July 26, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

COUNTY NEWS

Metabolic & Weight Management Center earns third Center of Excellence designation

Last Friday, the Metabolic & Weight Management Center’s bariatric surgical clinic of Moore County received designation as a bariatric Center of Excellence by Optum for the third consecutive year. Optum is a healthcare services group that operates across 150 countries and o ers datadriven support and expertise to healthcare employers, government organizations, health plans, providers and pharmacy care services.

To earn Optum Center of Excellence (CoE) distinction, bariatric surgery programs must meet rigorous criteria for annual volume of surgeries, certi cations, complications and mortality rate, length of program existence and experience of surgeons. The Metabolic & Weight Management Center is a collaborative partnership between Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, FirstHealth of the Carolinas and Pinehurst Medical Clinic. The Center is located at 300 Pavilion Way, Suite 102, in Southern Pines. “We are proud to be named a Center of Excellence by Optum,” said Dr. Raymond Washington, medical director for the FirstHealth Pinehurst Surgical Clinic bariatrics program. “It is a tribute to our sta and our multidisciplinary e orts to achieve great patient outcomes and is hopefully a distinction that will help us serve our patients better. This recognition helps patients nd a bariatric program with a proven track record of success in helping patients with their weight loss journey.”

MOORE COUNTY

Two of three county football teams start o with wins

Board to seek public input at upcoming meetings

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

IT WAS a successful start to the 2023 high school football season for two of the three teams in the area. North Moore High School and Pinecrest High School both opened their seasons with non-conference wins, while Union Pines High School took a

loss in the opener.

North Moore, coming o a 13-1 season last year and trip to the state quarter nals, got o on the right foot as the Mustangs shut out Carver, 27-0, on the road. The Mustangs were led by 114 yards and a touchdown on the ground by Kolby Ritchie. Jakarey Gillis added 77 yards and a score, while Nathan Rogers had 66 yards and two touchdowns.

Pinecrest, looking to improve on last year’s 9-3 campaign, blew out Knightdale in its home

Board of Education approves extension to Superintendent’s contract

MCS interested in expansion and mandating of seatbelts on buses

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Schools Board of Education met Monday, August 14, with a few budgetary matters as well as an update on the Superintendent’s contract on the agenda.

The rst action item the board approved was the purchase of three new activity buses from White’s IC Bus at the price of $130,758 per bus. According to the plan presented by Assistant Superintendent for Operations Jenny Purvis, two of the buses would be purchased with ESSER funds, and the third bus will be funded through Transportation 706 funds.

“We’re moving forward with

the purchase of three activity buses to help support our aging eet,” said Superintendent Tim Locklair. “We’ve discussed that our activity buses are not just used for our athletic programs, but certainly our performing arts programs as well as eld trips that our students attend.”

In addition to the approval of the purchases, the board also approved the tting of each bus with seat belt restraints, an extra cost of $10,000 per bus.

“[Seatbelts] are recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board,” said Chair Robert Levy. “Back in 2018, after a Tennesee bus accident, they began recommending that seatbelts be placed on buses. I’ve always said that the law of physics is not suspended when you’re on a bus as opposed to being in a car, and I don’t think there is anyone here that would ever allow their child to be in a car without a proper re-

opener by a 48-0 margin. Zymire Spencer led the way for the Patriots with 169 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the day. Jaylin Morgan added a pair of scores on the ground. Union Pines is coming o of a 3-7 season in 2022 and will need to dig out of an 0-1 hole after dropping its home opener to Triton by a 41-12 margin. One of the bright spots for the Vikings was a 65-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Goswick to Caleb Milton to close the game’s scoring.

straint.

“I don’t think we have the money to put seatbelts in all of our yellow buses and our activity buses in one fell swoop, but I do think what we can do, especially in the policy committee, is as we acquire buses, to put seatbelts on those buses as we acquire them and, in a few years, all of our buses will have seatbelts. That is a practical approach.”

Along with the decision, the board committed to discussing and coming up with a policy to mandate the wearing of seatbelts on buses for students as well as support for administration for potential disciplinary actions related to the adherence to these future policies.

The board then approved an amendment to the Superintendent’s contract.

“The Superintendent was hired on for a four-year contract which is the maximum we can give under law for any Superintendent,” Levy said. “The board is very pleased and very appreciative of the e orts Dr. Locklair has made with regard to our schools. We want to show our appreciation in at least one way, which is that we can extend his contract for one year.”

Locklair’s contract will now go through August 14, 2027.

MOORE COUNTY WEEK TWO HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE:

Friday Aug. 25, 7:00 PM Union Pines Vikings (0-1) at Northwood Chargers (0-1, 4-6 in 2022)

Friday Aug. 25, 7:30 PM North Moore Mustangs (1-0) home vs. Southwestern Randolph Cougars (1-0, 6-4 in 2022)

Friday Aug. 25, 7:30 PM Pinecrest Patriots (1-0) at Overhills Jaguars (0-1, 7-4 in 2022)

The board then nally approved the awarding of the bid for gym modernizations and renovations at Cameron Elementary, Highfalls Elementary and Westmoore Elementary to H.M. Kern Corporation.

“H.M. Kern completed renovations including HVAC, windows, lighting and replacing exterior siding on Cameron Park Elementary in Orange County as well as renovation and modernization of locker rooms at Northwood High School in Chatham County, and they are currently constructing a new Central Services building for Harnett County Schools,” Purvis said.

The bid o er by H.M. Kern amounted to $2,616,000, which will be paid for by the County Bond Premium funds. According to Purvis, the nal cost is also only $155,000 over the original pre-bid estimate.

The Moore County Schools Board of Education will next meet September 11.

DAVID SINCLAIR | FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Pinecrest Patriots take the eld in the opening game of the 2023-24 football season against Knightdale.

CODIE GRAY, 32,

W, M, 8/20/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Possess

Methamphetamine, $5,000 Secured

SIMMONS, ALISHA OATES, 38,

W, F, 8/20/2023, Moore County

Sheriff’s Office, Possess Drug

Paraphernalia, Resisting Public Officer, $10,000 Secured

BRUNO, JAKE MICHAEL, 18, W,

M, 8/20/2023, Moore County

Sheriff’s Office, Simple Assault, Possess Drug Paraphernalia,

American Airlines sues a travel site to crack down on consumers who use this trick to save money

The Associated Press DALLAS — American Airlines is suing a travel website that sells tickets that let people save money by exploiting a quirk in airline pricing.

American sued Skiplagged Inc. in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas, this week, accusing the website of deception. It threatened to cancel every ticket that Skiplagged has sold.

In a practice called skiplagging and hidden-city ticketing, travelers book a ight that includes at least one stop, but they leave the plane during a layover. Generally skiplagging is not illegal, but airlines claim that it violates their policies.

Last month, American booted a 17-year-old from a ight and banned him for three years when he tried to use the tactic to y from Gainesville, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina, on a ticket that listed New York City as his destination. For the teen, that was cheaper than booking a ight directly to Charlotte.

In the lawsuit, American accused Skiplagged of tricking consumers into believing

Simple Possession Schedule III CS, $5,000 Secured

THOMPSON, TYLER SCOTT, 35,

W, M, 8/19/2023, Moore County

Sheriff’s Office, Cyber Stalking, Misdemeanor Stalking, $2,000 Secured

PETRONE, CHRISTOPHER

EDWARD, 43, W, M, 8/19/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office,

Possession of Firearm by Felon, $25,000 Secured

“Skipplagged deceives the public into believing that, even though it has no authority to form and issue a contract on American’s behalf, somehow it can issue a completely valid ticket.”

American Airlines

they can tap “some kind of secret ‘loophole.’” American said the website poses as an ordinary consumer to buy tickets, and warns its customers not to tip o the airline about the arrangement.

American said Skiplagged has never been authorized to resell the airline’s tickets.

“Skiplagged’s conduct is deceptive and abusive,” the airline said in the lawsuit. “Skiplagged deceives the public into believing that, even though it has no authority to form and issue a contract on American’s behalf, somehow it can still issue a completely valid ticket. It cannot. Every

BROWN, DANIEL AARON, 36, W, M, 8/19/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Misdemeanor Stalking, Cyber Stalking, Harassing Phone Call, No Bond YATES, DAKOTA DENISE, 24, W, F, 8/18/2023, Robbins PD, Identity Theft, Resisting Public Officer, Possess Methamphetamine, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, $15,400 Secured

CRUZ, TAMMY HALL, 51, W, F, 8/18/2023, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, First Degree Arson,

‘ticket’ issued by Skiplagged is at risk of being invalidated.”

There was no immediate response to a request for comment left with Skiplagged.

Skiplagging is possible because of the way airlines compete on price.

Long ights usually cost more than shorter ones, but the reverse might be true if many airlines compete on the longer route while only one or two y the shorter one.

Travelers who use the tactic avoid checking a bag, since it will wind up at the ticketed destination, not the layover airport. They often book oneway tickets, or only try this strategy on the return trip –if the airline notices someone skipping out, it might cancel the rest of their itinerary.

Skiplagged, which is based in New York, has been sued before. United Airlines and online travel agency Orbitz accused Aktarer Zaman, who was in his early 20s when he started Skiplagged around 2014, of touting “prohibited forms of travel.” Zaman started a GoFundMe to pay his legal costs. He settled with Orbitz, and the United lawsuit was dismissed.

$150,000 Secured

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 o ce.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

A ordability – not jobs – is the key to the economy

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

AS THE CHALLENGES to the economy have evolved, politicians have not learned to focus on what’s is really hurting the American people.

Traditionally, unemployment and jobs are key indicators of economic health. In most elections, candidates either tout the jobs that have been created since they were elected or criticize increasing unemployment numbers.

The same model has been applied to analyzing this economy for the upcoming 2024 election. However, it may be the wrong focus.

The real pain in the 2023 American economy is not unemployment. It is a ordability.

President Joe Biden’s policy of pouring debt on the American people, and increasing de cit spending, is creating a crisis of a ordability. People have jobs – they just can’t a ord to pay for anything.

The Winston Group has developed a new measurement to explain this: the Presidential In ation Rate (PIR). Most analysts talk about in ation as an annualized gure, but this obscures how much prices have increased over time.

Winston Group tracks the in ation rate from the day a President takes o ce. The amount in ation has gone up across a presidential term is the key result of the Presidential In ation Rate.

According to the Winston Group analysis, President Biden is second only to President Jimmy Carter in modern in ation rates from inauguration to July of their third year in o ce. Speci cally, in ation has increased 16.9 percent since Biden’s inauguration. That is three times President Donald Trump’s Presidential In ation Rate in the same timeframe (5.7 percent). Carter

was at 25 percent in ation over the rst three years – but every other recent president had less in ation than Biden.

The annualized in ation rate understates the pain level experienced by the American people. If you look at the Winston Group’s PIR measurement, you see that food prices under Biden have gone up 19.4 percent. The price of electricity has gone up 25.6 percent. Gasoline prices have gone up 53.4 percent.

In ghting the Biden in ationary surge, the Federal Reserve has adopted the demand-side strategy of raising interest rates. The theory is simple: Create pain for the American people so we slow our spending. Ultimately, this will reduce in ation.

Under President Biden, this classic demandside strategy is failing to work. The government is borrowing so much money — and spending it so extravagantly — that demand is sustaining even as the Fed tries to squeeze o the private sector.

Bidenomics is fueling Biden ation and creating a crisis of a ordability for most Americans.

You may have a job — but you have not likely had a pay raise. Meanwhile, the cost of everything you buy has gone up.

In just the last few weeks, the price of gasoline has jumped $.30 a gallon to an average of $3.87 for regular and $4.62 for premium. That is up from $2.42 for regular when President Trump left o ce. It is a 60 percent increase in the cost of something most Americans must buy. It is e ectively, a gigantic tax increase for most working Americans. Yet energy is not the biggest cause of pain.

Traditionally, the sector hit hardest by

demand—side interest rate increases is housing. Mortgage interest rates are now above 7 percent, which the New York Times reports is the highest rate in 21 years (1982). As mortgage rates rise, the cost of buying a house goes much higher. Home values decline, because people cannot a ord the now much higher cost of the mortgage. When Trump left o ce in January 2021, mortgages averaged 2.65 percent — the lowest in 30 years. That has now almost tripled. The di erence in cost measured over 20 or 30 years is staggering. It has e ectively closed most people o from the housing market. They just can’t a ord it.

Further, this deliberate Bidenomics hike in mortgage rates has lowered the value of houses for the millions of Americans for whom their home is their primary retirement savings. So, Bidenomics is impoverishing the young who can’t a ord to buy a new house — and seniors who are watching their lifetime savings dwindle from higher costs and lower house values.

This crisis in a ordability is beginning to show up as the biggest threat to how people measure the Biden economy. A new Emerson poll of New Hampshire voters has “housing a ordability” skyrocketing in importance. It is the second biggest issue in the survey.

The economy led the list at 32 percent. However, one-in- ve (21 percent) of those surveyed identi ed housing a ordability as their top concern. For voters under 50, housing a ordability was the top issue.

As the 2024 election approaches, many Americans may decide they just can’t a ord Bidenomics.

Single women are the odd men out, politically

The upshot is that about one-third of Democratic voters are single women.

AMERICA’S POLITICAL PARTIES are the oldest and third-oldest in the world, and they have competed for votes among a population that has been diverse since colonial times. I

f you have any doubts about that, consult David Hackett Fischer’s 1989 classic “Albion’s Seed” on how settlers from di erent parts of the British Isles brought distinctive “folkways” to the di erent seaboard colonies and the Appalachian backwoods.

Since none of these groups has ever come close to constituting a majority of Americans, the partisan competition has usually been erce and (except for the brief and misnamed “era of good feelings”) unending. And uctuating.

Regional di erences have long been obvious: Di erences between North and South produced the Civil War. But in recent elections, the Midwest has voted more like the South than like the Northeast or the West.

Racial and ethnic di erences have often been critical. Black Americans voted almost unanimously Republican, when they were allowed to vote, from the 1860s to the 1930s. Since the 1960s, they have voted almost unanimously Democratic — though that may be changing lately.

And “whites,” treated as a uniform group by many analysts these days, used to have sharp divisions. New England politics for most of the 20th century was a battle, at the ballot box and in birth rates, between Yankee Protestant Republicans and Irish Catholic Democrats. By the 1990s, evangelical Protestants emerged as a heavily Republican group, and in the 2010s, white college graduates (especially those with post-graduate degrees) as a heavily Democratic group.

And then there is the gender gap, the di erence between male and female voters, which became statistically signi cant in 1980. In the years since, and despite the quip

attributed to Henry Kissinger that “there’s too much fraternizing with the enemy,” it has grown wider.

But not uniformly. As American Enterprise Institute’s ace polling expert Karlyn Bowman together with Ruy Teixeira have pointed out, it’s more of a marriage gap.

The exit poll in the almost even 2022 House (Republicans won the popular vote 50% to 47%) shows that married men voted 59% to 39% Republican, and unmarried men also went Republican by a smaller but signi cant 52% to 45% margin.

Married women, however, also voted Republican by a landslide 56% to 42% margin. So, why was the election so close? Because unmarried women favored Democrats 68% to 31%.

Note that married men and married women both made up 30% of the electorate. But there are a lot more unmarried women voters, 23% of the electorate, than unmarried men, 16%.

That re ects not only longer female lifespans but also female dominance in higher education, with women making up 60% of college and university students these days, and the trend toward later rst marriages.

The upshot is that about one-third of Democratic voters are single women, which helps explain, as the Washington Examiner’s Conn Carroll points out, the 2012 Obama “Life of Julia” cartoons, which showed government helping unattached women through life.

In general, women are more risk-averse than men, and thus more supportive of welfare state measures and more reluctant to support military action. They are also, as we have seen on female-dominated campuses, more willing to suppress speech that is seen as irritating or hurtful. “Highly educated women,” as Australian educator Lorenzo Warby writes, “are proving all too willing to trash other people’s

freedoms to protect their emotions.”

Surveys show that, after 50 years of feminism, American women are increasingly likely to report themselves as unhappy, a characteristic especially marked in unmarried young liberal women with no religious connection.

Of course, happiness is a subjective condition, perhaps subject to change in de nition over time. But it’s hard to avoid the conclusion of economist Tyler Cowen that “current political debate in America cannot be understood without the concept of neuroticism — as a formal concept from personality psychology — front and center.”

This nds re ection in Biden-era Democrats’ disguised but rm support for abortion up to the moment of birth (for reasons of “mental health”) and for their eagerness to suppress speech that ran contrary to extreme riskaverseness during the COVID pandemic.

Those with memories ranging back to the 1970s and 1980s will recognize these attitudes as contrary to the positions of liberal Democrats then, including Joe Biden himself, who supported restrictions on late-term abortions and opposed government suppression of dissenting speech.

All of which undercuts the crude feminist view that everything would be better if women’s views prevailed and provides support for the view that engagement, sometimes respectful and sometimes abrasive, between diverse segments — blacks and whites, North and South, Yankees and Irish, married people and single women — provides a better route to sensible policy and a successful nation.

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Elwood Warren Burnell

October 7, 1940 - August 16, 2023

Elwood Warren Burnell, age 82, died Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Texie J. Burnell, a son, Elwood Anthony Burnell (Johna) of Fayetteville, a daughter, Deborah Jane Munoz (Rick) of Dallas, TX, a brother, Albert Wesley Burnell (Ellen) of Summer eld, FL, grandchildren, Alexandra, Jerriann, Madison, Joseph, and Jessica, 1 great grandchild, Eliana.

Mr. Burnell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Dorothy McAllister Mason

April 2, 1925 - August 15, 2023

Dorothy McAllister Mason, 98 of Southern Pines, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved, Aunt “Bessie” Elizabeth Reardon that helped raise her; husbands, Roderick Hugh McAllister and James Mason; sisters, Florence Dupree (Herb), Catherine Morrison (Douglas); brothers, Thomas Quick, and John Quick (Monica).

She is survived by two children, Ann Heintz (Glen) and David McAllister (Carolyn); brother, George Quick (Jessica); sister-in-law, Rose Quick; two grandsons, Roderick Heintz (Halsten) and Michael Heintz (Macie); also survived by four great grandchildren, McAllister, George, Harvey and Hank Heintz; step-grandchildren; many step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Leonard Anthony Grasso

September 16, 1924 - August 12, 2023

Leonard Anthony Grasso of Southern Pines passed away on August 12. Leonard was born to the late Salvatore and Phyllis Grasso. In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his beloved wife Virginia Grasso in 2014, his sister Grace Grasso in 2017, and of course, Kady the Wonder Dog in 1990. He is survived by eight children: Christine G. Faber (Jan) of Texas, Leonard F. Grasso (Karla) of Rhode Island, Matthew D. Grasso (Vicky) of Connecticut, Stephen R. Grasso (Jackie) of North Carolina, Anthony P. Grasso (Cheri) of Washington, Marianna Grasso of North Carolina, Daniel P. Grasso (Fei) of Virginia, and Paul V. Grasso (Kamala) of Massachusetts; sixteen

grandchildren: Lindsey, Carey (Stefanie), Patrick A., Travis (Lucy), Ellen (Scott), Julia (Ethan), Theodore, Anton, Kevin, Conor, Patrick O., Emily, Eric (Aliyah), Amelia, Brian, and Lucy; and ve great grandchildren: Liam, Reese, Brooks, Lennon, and Zion.

Basil Ray Pigg

July 20, 1942 - August 10, 2023

Basil Ray Pigg, 81 of Aberdeen, passed on Thursday, August 10, 2023 in Aberdeen.

Mr. Pigg was born July 20, 1942 in Moore County to the late Townly Boyd Pigg and Mazie Louise (Atkinson) Pigg.

He was preceded in death in 2018 by his wife of 57years Julia Ellen (Smith) Pigg; two sisters, Jean Cadell and Donna Arlene Whitehead; a brother, Townly James Pigg.

He is survived by a son, Johnny Ray Pigg and wife April of West End, NC; a daughter, Julia Denise Pigg Huggins White of Aberdeen; a sister, Dovie Ann Kendall, Burlington, NC; ve grandchildren; Elizabeth Anne Pigg, Michael Stewart Pigg and wife Alexis; Maegan Raye Pigg, Jeremy Ray Huggins, Zachary Isaac White; seven greatgrandchildren.

Audrey P. Bronk

September 22, 1929 - August 13, 2023

Audrey Bronk, Mom, “The planner” was a very organized, determined and accomplished individual. She passed August, 13, 2023. She was born September 22, 1929 in Leonia, NJ. Her parents Carl and Margaret Peterson, were rst and second generation immigrants.

Her days at Leonia High School took a big turn when she met her future husband and love of her life, Charlie Bronk. They married and spent the rest of their lives together. They celebrated their 71st Anniversary, January 26, 2023.

She is survived by her son Kerry Bronk, her grandson Eric Bronk, her son Jamie Bronk and wife Suzanne Tierney and grand children Alex “AJ” Bronk and Karly Bronk.

Soung Ja Neubauer

December 5, 1940 - August 13, 2023

Soung Ja Neubauer, age 82, of Pinehurst, NC passed away on August 13, 2023. Soung Ja was born in Seoul, South Korea on December 5, 1940 to father Yoo Jae-hyun and mother Kim Hyun-hee. She was the second of six children. Soung Ja immigrated to New York in 1960 and spent most of her career working in professional photography labs. She and husband Leonard moved to Pinehurst in 1998. Song Ja is survived by her husband, Leonard Neubauer; son, Michael Stokes; daughter, Maria Stokes; grandchildren, Hayden and Serena Miller; daughter, Joanna Stokes; grandchild, Harrison Ford; stepdaughter, Stefanie Neubauer; step grandchildren, Oscar and Miles Mailman; stepson, Jonathan Neubauer; step grandchildren, Brodie and Lincoln Neubauer.

Robert (Bob) Curtis Zschoche, Colonel, US Army, Retired

December 4, 1941 - August 10, 2023

Robert (Bob) Curtis Zschoche, age 81, of Whispering Pines, NC, passed away on August 10, 2023.

Bob was born in Des Moines, IA on December 4, 1941 to Robert William and Juanita Bowen Zschoche, and grew up in the Midwest.

Bob and Janet (Jan) Baker Stone were married in Coshoctin, OH on August 4, 1963. Bob was commissioned through ROTC as a Second Lieutenant, Artillery Branch, US Army, and served on active duty for thirty years.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, wife Jan, sister Barbara Arnold, and second wife Florence Keith. He is survived by daughter Anne (Gray), son Robert (Christina); grandchildren Rob (Brittani), Matt (Alicia), Jana, and Robby; and great-grandsons Connor, Carson, and Caden.

Carolyn Lowe Smith

February 10, 1965 ~ August 9, 2023

Carolyn “Sissy” Lowe Smith, age 58 of Carthage, passed away Wednesday August 9, 2023 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.

A native of Chatham County, Carolyn was born February 10, 1965 to Gary and Judy Oates Lowe. She was a hardworking woman, having held many positions at various jobs throughout her life. She was married February 27, 2014 to Richard “Peanut” Smith in Carthage NC.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband Richard; son, Mark Steven Flannigan and his wife Brittany; granddaughter, Elise “lollipop” Flannigan; brother, Keith Lowe; mother, Judy Fox; step-son Jeremiah Smith.