North State Journal Vol. 8, Issue 28

BRIEF this week

FAA authorizes RDU Airport to replace its primary runway

RDU

The Federal Aviation Administration has authorized the RaleighDurham Airport Authority to seek nal permits and begin construction on the replacement of RaleighDurham International Airport’s (RDU) primary runway. The FAA issued a nal decision on the matter on Aug. 31.

The airport’s existing 10,000-foot runway was built in the 1980s and needs to be replaced after nearly four decades of use, according to RDU o cials. The replacement runway will be built approximately 537 feet west of the current location to allow the current runway to operate during construction.

The runway replacement is expected to cost more than $500 million and estimated to be complete by 2028.

NSJ STAFF

Another NC furniture maker quickly shuts down

Taylorsville

Hundreds of furniture manufacturing employees are out of a job following the closure of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams at the end of August.

Signs were posted on the truck gate and o ce door of the company’s main plant in Taylorsville, informing employees the company, “has recently and unexpectedly learned that we are unable to continue business operations,” according to a Fox Business report.

An Arkansas-based private equity rm, The Stephens Group, became the primary shareholder in the company in 2014.

The closure represents the second furniture manufacturer to close in the state within the last month, following the unexpected shutdown of Klaussner Furniture.

NSJ STAFF

Elon Musk says X will have voice and video calls, updates privacy policy

San Francisco

Elon Musk said that his social network X, formerly known as Twitter, will give users the ability to make voice and video calls on the platform.

The company also updated its privacy policies that will allow for the collection of biometric data and employment history, among other information.

Meta, which owns Facebook, introduced voice and video calls on Messenger in 2015. Snapchat added them in 2016.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NC’s second-largest school district sues social media companies

The lawsuit seeks to hold the companies liable for deteriorating youth mental health

By A.P. Dillon North

State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s second-largest school district, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), has led a lawsuit against various social media giants over the “addictive nature” of their products and the negative impact on the mental health of children.

The more than 180-page

NC Symphony facing lawsuit over COVID-19 vaccination mandate

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

most basic liberties are in jeopardy.”

lawsuit was led on Aug. 24 in the U.S. District Court for North Carolina’s Western District. The ling lists defendants as Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram; Siculus, Inc., a shell company linked to Facebook; ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company; Google; Google’s YouTube; and Snap Inc., the owner of Snapchat.

“American children are suffering an unprecedented mental health crisis fueled by Defendants’ addictive and dangerous social media products,” the lawsuit states. “In the past

See CMS, page A2

RALEIGH — Three musicians are suing the North Carolina Symphony and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources after they were red for refusing the organization’s 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Symphony’s CEO, Sandi Macdonald, is also individually named as a defendant in the suit. “Some heroes wear capes — my clients play the French horn and violin,” Envisage Law attorney James R. Lawrence III said in a press release. “It’s an honor to represent these accomplished, highly talented musicians as they ght for religious freedom and their livelihoods.”

“Our clients are dedicated musicians who have been unfairly discriminated against by the Symphony,” said Harmeet Dhillon, founder and CEO of the Center for American Liberty. “The Constitution guarantees religious freedom, but if governmental agencies can force Americans to choose between continued employment anddelity to religious beliefs, our

The main accusations against the Symphony include violating the First Amendment and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by mandating the COVID-19 vaccination over the religious objections of the plainti s.

The constitutional violation allegation is tied to the lawsuit’s claim that the Symphony is a state actor because it is managed by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The complaint also alleges the Symphony tried to distance itself from its state ties by altering its website, removing its former tagline stating it was “A Division of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.”

“On information and belief, based on the timing of the Symphony’s changes to its webpage in relation to the events alleged herein, the Symphony altered its webpage in an e ort to conceal or downplay its a liation with the State of North Carolina for the purpose of avoiding the strictures of the United States Constitution,” states the lawsuit.

See SYMPHONY, page A2

Wake County o cials move to protect area farmland

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Wake County

Commissioners have protected 112 acres of area forests and farmland from development by unanimously approving $400,000 in funding for a conservation easement.

“This amount and the dedication of the rollback tax by Wake County is the largest single county dedication of funds for farmland protection in North Carolina and one of the largest in the country,” according to the county’s press release. The action and its funding is part of the county’s Farmland Preservation Program as well as the result of a partnership of multiple organizations includingTriangle Land Conservancy, which will hold and monitor the easement, as well as funding contributions by theU.S. Department

of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation ServiceandNorth Carolina’s Agricultural DevelopmentandFarmland Preservation Trust Fund.

“We are losing precious farmland at an alarming rate in Wake County, so this agreement for the Oaky Grove property marks a signi cant victory for conservation e orts, assuring that this historic property remains farm and open space for perpetuity,” Wake County Commissioner Donald Mail said in a press release. “This partnership will conserve prime farmland soils, as well as protect wildlife habitat and water quality in the critical natural area around Mark’s Creek. We can’t thank the Browns enough for leading the way in this new initiative.”

Some of the acreage being preserved involves the Oaky Grove Farm in eastern Wake County which is owned by Carol and Talmage Brown. The Browns are re-

storing the property which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Per the press statement, the Brown’s farm dates back to 1798 and Talmage Brown’s great, great, great grandfather, Thomas Price, purchased an “estimated 353 acres for 400 pounds.” Price died in 1830 and at that time the farm was now a plantation spanning “over 4,500 acres, ve grist mills, a plantation home built in the 1800s and a store.”

“Preserving this land and ensuring its continuity for future generations lls me with gratitude,” saidTalmage Brown, a retired NC State professor of veterinary medicine. “It feels like the purpose of a lifetime, a commitment to our community and the forthcoming generations that will cherish the beauty of this land and cultivate it for years to come.”

“Arecent report by the Amer-

ican Farmland Trust projects that North Carolina may lose up to 1.1 million acres of agricultural land by 2040, which places it 2nd in the entire United States in potential agricultural land lost to development,” Director of Land Protection and Stewardship (East) at Triangle Land Conservancy Leigh Ann Hammerbacher said.

Hammerbacher added that Wake County ranks 32nd in the nation for potential farmland loss over the next 20 years.

The move by Wake County of-

See FARMLAND, page A3

PHOTO VIA N.C. DEPT. OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

The North Carolina Symphony performs at a concert earlier in 2023.

CMS from page 1

decade, Americans’ engagement with social media grew exponentially, nowhere more dramatically than among our country’s youth. That explosion in usage is no accident. It is the result of Defendants’ studied efforts to induce young people to compulsively use their products — Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. And Defendants have grown not just their user bases, but the frequency with which users use their platforms and the time each user spends on their platforms.”

The lawsuit goes on to say: “Defendants’ growth is a product of choices they made to design and operate their platforms in ways that exploit the psychology and neurophysiology of their

SYMPHONY from page 1

Lawrence and Josh Dixon of the Center for American Liberty led the lawsuit on behalf of three plainti s: Chris Caudill, Rachel Niketopoulos and Dovid Friedlander.

All three had submitted religious accommodation requests that they expected would be granted but weren’t.

“To Plainti s’ surprise, however, Ms. Macdonald put them on unpaid leave, preliminarily denied their requests, and ultimately terminated their employment for failing to take the vaccine,” the lawsuit states.

Friedlander is Jewish, while Caudill and Niketopoulos — who are married — are both Buddhists.

The ling alleges that Symphony leadership had no intention of granting religious exemptions and cites Macdonald as having declared the organization was com-

“We

— to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

Upon some points, a believer is absolutely sure. He knows, for instance, that an invisible hand is always on the world’s rudder. He also knows that wherever providence may drift — Jehovah steers it. That reassuring knowledge prepares him for everything.

He knows that God is always wise, and knowing this he is con dent that there can be no accidents, no mistakes — that nothing can occur which ought not to occur.

He can say, “If I should lose all I have, it is better that I should lose it, than have it — if God so wills. The worst calamity is the wisest and the kindest thing which could befall me — if God ordains it.

“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God — to those who are called according to His purpose.” The Christian does not merely hold this as a mere theory, but he knows it as a certain fact. Everything has worked for good as yet. Every event as yet has worked out the most divinely blessed results.

users into spending more and more time on their platforms” and that those techniques are “both particularly e ective and harmful” to children.

The complaint also claims the defendants have “intentionally cultivated children as users, creating a mental health crisis among America’s youth.”

The lawsuit was led on behalf of CMS by Greensboro-area attorneys Janet Ward Black and Emily Beeson. Additional law rms listed as “of counsel” on the ling include Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, LLC, located in Maryland, as well as a San Francisco rm called Lie CabraserHeimann & Bernstein, LLP.

The plainti s are seeking an order to hold the companies liable and have their activities declared a public nuisance. Addi-

mitted to a “culture” of vaccination.

In an interview with North State Journal, Lawrence noted the musicians’ jobs “are highly specific” and “very specialized jobs.”

“It’s very di cult to nd alternative employment,” Lawrence said of the trio, adding that these are “extraordinarily competitive positions.”

The lawsuit also says the trio had been willing to comply with the same safety mitigation methods that were being employed for attendees of performances who were “allowed to sit shoulder-to-shoulder mere feet from musicians” during performances.

“They’ve been cut o from the ability to go and perform in front of families and children,” Lawrence said of the plainti s. “Which is something that they really relish and enjoy doing as part of educational outreach throughout the state of North Carolina.”

So believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil — the believer’s heart is assured, and he is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, “Send me what You will, my God — as long as it comes from You. There has never come a bad portion from Your table, to any of

tionally, the lawsuit seeks relief from the court to enjoin the defendants from engaging in further actions causing or contributing to the public nuisance and an award of “equitable relief to fund prevention education and treatment for excessive and problematic use of social media.” The lawsuit also seeks “actual, compensatory, and punitive damages.”

“Nearly 200 school districts so far have joined the litigation against the parent companies of Facebook, TikTok,Snapchatand YouTube.The suits have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., along with hundreds of suits by families alleging harms to their children from social media,”according to aJuly reportbyThe Wall Street Journal.

The Wall Street Journal also

Lawrence added, “At the same time, the symphony welcomed unvaccinated spectators and we allege in the complaint, ‘Why would you do this?’ The reason is clear. They thought they could get away with discriminating against these three musicians.”

The Symphony reversed its vaccine mandate just this past August but has not reinstated the three musicians.

The lawsuit claims the reversal of the mandate was “not the result of evolving science, but the pursuit of $4 million in taxpayer money from the North Carolina General Assembly,” adding that, “As Ms. Macdonald put it, ‘[i]f we are going to remove our mandate in the fall, it behooves us to do it now … to limit jeopardizing our relationships’ with the State legislature.”

Lawrence also noted that the Symphony had received two separate loans through the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program of

Your children.”

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.

noted these lawsuits will have a hurdle toget over as social media giants have led a motion to dismiss the casesclaiming thecompanies are protected under the internet liability shield known as Section 230.

In 2022, theU.S. Surgeon Generalissued anadvisory onSocial Media and Youth Mental Health.

The advisory states, “Social media use among young people is nearly universal, with up to 95% of teenagers, and even 40% of children aged 8-12,” usingsocial media platforms.

While the advisory says there are some positive aspects to social media use such as helping “marginalized” kids feel more connected to other children, the reportalso notes harmful trends such as poor sleep, perpetuatingbody dissatisfaction, eat-

“1.6 million dollars each.”

While the North Carolina budget has yet to be nalized, under most recent entries for the Symphony under the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources show a budget requirement of $6,439,908 for 2023-24 and a revised net appropriation of $10,767,947.

The net appropriations total likely includes the $2 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2023-25 scal biennium that the Symphony also stands to gain as part of a “grant challenge program.” The $2 million is contingent upon the Symphony raising $6 million in non-State funds for the 2023-24 scal year and $7 million in non-State funds for the 2024-25 scal year.

The plainti s are seeking “all equitable and legal relief available” from the Symphony including “back pay, front pay, actual damages, compensatory damages,

ing disorders, social comparison and low self-esteem

Other negative impacts reportedinclude roughly twothirds (64%) of adolescents being “often” or “sometimes” exposed to “hate-basedcontent.”

Social media platformssometimes show acts ofsuicide and self-harm content, “including even lived predictions of selfharm acts, content which, in certain tragic cases, has been linked to childhood deaths,” per the advisory.

Female youth are particularly a ected by social media use and report low self-esteem issues. According to the advisory,“Onethird or more of girls aged 11-15 say they feel ‘addicted’ to certain social media platforms, and over half of teenagers report that it would be hard to give up social media.”

consequential damages, punitive damages, pre-judgment interest, and reinstatement of Plainti s’ employment.”

Similar relief requests are sought against Macdonald as well as attorney’s fees and costs and the demand for a jury trial.

“Since the pandemic began, our priority has been to protect the health and safety of our musicians and sta , consistent with federal and state health guidelines and informed by the policies of other symphonies,” Symphony Vice President of Marketing & Audience Development Linda Charlton wrote in an email to North State Journal. “That approach led us to implement a vaccination requirement and more recently to revisit and lift that requirement.”

Charlton added: “Our policies and actions have been consistent with applicable law and we look forward to responding at the appropriate time in court.”

know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God

PUBLIC DOMAINL “Job and His Friends” by Ilya Repin (1869) is a painting in the State Russian Museum, Moscow.

Council of State August Roundup

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Vetoes overridden, auto insurance increases and the state superintendent reporting big literacy gains in grades K-3 were just some of the Council of State activities in August.

The North CarolinaCouncil of State(COS) is an administrative body of 10 elected o cials who are heads of their departments. Council members include the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, commissioner of insurance, commissioner of labor, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer and superintendent of public instruction.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper had another six of his vetoesoverriddenby both chambers of the General Assembly on Aug. 17.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).

He vetoed two more bills on Aug. 24, bringing his overall veto total since taking o ce to a new state record of 91. The two bills vetoed were Senate Bill 747 — Elections Law Changes and Senate Bill 512 — Greater Accountability for Boards/Commissions. Leadership from both chambers of the General Assembly made statementsthat override votes would be taken.

Mid-month, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsonvisited the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in his hometown of Greensboro. He also presided over the Senate’s overrides of six ofthe governor’s vetoes on Aug. 17.

Later in the month, Robinsontoured Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake with the secretary of Military & Veterans A airs and legislators from the House and Senate.

Edgecombe County o cials

pushed back on a recentauditpublished by the o ce of State Auditor Beth Wood. The published auditwas conducted inresponse to 13allegations received by the state auditor’s ofce. Findings included more than $167,000 in fees and penalties for late federal withholding submissions, questioned catering services of $$5,669 and improper payment of $100,088 for insurance for former employees. In its seven-page response, Edgecombe County Commissioners acknowledged most of the ndings but added context to some and “emphatically” denied the audit’s ndings related to budget amendments.

Insurance Commission-

er Mike Causey announced on Aug. 8 that asettlementhas been made with the North Carolina Rate Bureau over its auto insurance rate increase request. The settlement negotiated is an average statewide auto rate increase of 9%, which will be implemented with a 4.5% hike in 2023 and 4.5% more in 2024.

Per the agreement, motorcycle liability will increase by 4.6% over the same time frame.

According to Causey, the settlement is “about two-thirds less than the insurance companies had requested.” At the start of February, the N.C. Rate Bureau had requested a statewide increase of 28.4% for personal auto rates as well as a 4.7%

Ride ticket credits for this year’s N.C. State Fair will be on a “chipped card” that will automatically debit the ticket count for that ride. Additionally, ride credits will now carry over from year to year.

increase in motorcycle liability rates.

State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced the State Health Plan premiums willremain frozenfor the sixth straight year. He and the Board of Trustees voted on July 27 to maintain active State Health Plan members’ premiums at current rates into the 2024 bene t year that starts on Jan. 1. Premiums for Medicare-eligible members on the Humana Group Medicare Advantage Plans will also be frozen.

Folwell’s o ce also released a reportdetailinglawsuits by state hospitals over medical debt involving more than 5,517 patients. The report covers lawsuits spanning from January 2017 through June 2022 that won $57.3 million in judgments — an average of $16,623 per judgment. The data behind

the report comes from a study conducted by Duke University School of Law researchers and Folwell’s o ce. The study says that interest charges and other additional fees totaled “an estimated $20.3 million, or 35.4% of the judgments awarded” and that 463 families owed “more than $10,000 in interest alone.”

At the Aug. 3 meeting of the State Board of Education, State Superintendent Catherine Truittreported”incredible gains” in literacy scores by the state’s K-3 students. She credited the gains to the phonics-based “the science of reading” and teacher training in Language Essentials for Teachers ofReadingand Spelling (LETRS).

“Our kindergarteners from the beginning of this year to the end of this year saw a 46% increase statewide in their percentage of students who are on track or [are] ready for core instruction,” said Truitt during her presentation, and she also noted that K-3 students in North Carolina outperformed the nation.

Prior to the announcement of K-3 literacy gains, Truittdescribedsome successes the state has had when dealing with learning loss and educational pandemic recovery in testimony given before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education on July 26. Truitt was part of a panel on “Generational Learning Loss: How pandemic school closures hurt students.”

Carowinds Amusement Park’s Fury 325 rollercoaster was given the green light to return to operations by the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau after a video showing a massive crack in the track’s support structure went viral. The park’s website describes the Fury 325 as “the tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America,” reaching speeds of up to 95 mph. Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson was in no rush to recertify the coaster, stating in a July interview that“until we’re 100% comfortable issuing that new certi cate of operation, we

Cooper announces $1M for bus driver training

By A.P. Dillon

North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Caroli-

na Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will be allocating $1 million in funding to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) for bus driver training in an e ort to alleviate bus driver shortages being seen in the state and nationwide.

“North Carolina desperately needs more school bus drivers

and the way to get them is to pay them more and train them faster,” said Cooper in a press release that included criticism of the legislature for not yet passing a budget.

The governor’s statement said funding for his plan will come from the federal Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS) funds that have reverted to the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund.

The governor announced

his plan during a visit to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools District bus lot.

Cooper’s release said a primary challenge identi ed by the NCDMV and school districts is the amount of time it takes to train bus drivers.

The governor’s plan includes hiring up to seven temporary trainers, one for each NCDOT region, to accelerate the training process, as well as retention bonuses of up to $3,000 to current

school bus driver training employees.

Additionally, funds will be used to purchase two dedicated training buses.

According to a USA Today analysis, all 50 states have seen at least “one instance of a major school bus driver shortage” so far this year.

In North Carolina, the state’s largest district of Wake County started the year o with a driver shortage resulting in at least 222

will not do so.”

The N.C. Department of Agriculture announced tickets for the upcoming 2023 NC State Fairare now available for purchase through Oct. 12. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 6-12. One-day unlimited ride wristbands are also available for purchase online for $30 each. Ride ticket credits will be $10 for 18 ticket credits during the advance sale timeframe.

Per a press release, ride ticket credits for this year’s fair will be on a “chipped card” that will automatically debit the ticket count for that ride. Additionally, hang on to those cards because ride credits will now carry over from year to year. Advance tickets are also on sale for the N.C. Mountain State Fair.The 2023 N.C. Mountain State Fair runs Sept. 8-17 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler also o cially recommended to the governor that agricultural transportation waivers be implemented for the movement of livestock and agricultural products in order for farmers to work ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Idalia.

“I’ve talked with the Governor about the potential impact to farmers and he concurs and understands the challenging spot they are in because it is peak harvest time for a number of crops,” Troxler said in a statement. “We in agriculture appreciate the opportunity to get a head start on what could potentially be an economically damaging storm.”

Attorney General Josh Steinannounced that North Carolinians can view how their local governments plan to spend the approximately $1.2 billion being disbursed to counties and municipalities to ght the opioid overdose crisis. The information is available on the Community Opioid Resources Engine for North Carolina (CORE-NC).

Stein, who is running for governor in 2024, also received a campaign endorsement from the governor.

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall’s o ce had no reportable activities or news releases in August.

students arriving at school more than half an hour after the rst bell.

Wake County schools estimated around 1,446 students would be one to 10 minutes late and another 1,489 students would arrive between 11 and 30 minutes late.

While all students needing transportation have been assigned a route, their driver may be covering more than one route, delaying pick-up and drop-o times. Additionally, the district cited a 10% absentee rate with the impact on approximately 6,000 riders who would have late or no service.

probably not going to work out’ for employees who defy return-to-o ce policy

Amazon CEO says ‘it’s

The Associated Press NEW YORK — Amazon employees have been pushing back against the company’s return-to-o ce policy for months — and it seems CEO Andy Jassy has had enough.

During a pre-recorded internal Q&A session earlier this month, Jassy told employees it was “past the time to disagree and commit” with the policy, which requires corporate employees to be in the o ce three days a week.

The phrase “disagree and commit” is one of Amazon’s leadership principles, and was used often by the company’s founder and

FARMLAND from page 1

cials follows the announcement earlier this year in May of the “NC Forever Farms Program” by the Farmland Preservation Division of the North Carolina Depart-

current executive chairman, Je Bezos.

“If you can’t disagree and commit, it’s probably not going to work out for you at Amazon,” Jassy said, adding it wasn’t right for some employees to be in the o ce three days a week while others refuse to do so. His comments were rst reported by Business Insider, and later shared by Amazon.

The current o ce attendance mandate, which was announced in February and went into e ect in May, is a shift from Amazon’s previous policy that allowed leaders to determine how their teams worked. But the company said

ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS).

Preserving family farms in North Carolina has been a longtime top priority of Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We continue to sound the

Tuesday it rejects the notion that the prior policy was supposed to be the norm, and pointed to a blog post from 2021 where Jassy noted Amazon would “continue to adjust” things as more information rolled in.

When announcing the updated policy earlier this year, Jassy wrote in a memo to sta that Amazon made its decision after observing what worked during the pandemic and talking to leaders at other companies. He said the company’s senior executives, known internally as the S-team, concluded employees tended to be more engaged in person and collaborate more easily.

alarm about the ever-increasing loss of farmland in North Carolina and I am proud that message is resulting in action in terms of conservation easements like this one with Oaky Grove Farm and greater awareness of this major issue,”

But many workers haven’t been convinced. In May, hundreds of Amazon employees protested the new policy during a lunchtime demonstration at the company’s Seattle headquarters. At the time, an internal Slack channel that advocated for remote work had racked up 33,000 members. Some employees have also been pushing the company to supply data that support Jassy’s claims. During the session, Jassy said the company’s leadership looked at the data it has available and among other things, he said they didn’t feel that meetings were as e ective from home as they were before. He added there are a lot of

Troxler said in an emailed statement to North State Journal. “We are happy to be a partner on this signi cant project with Wake County and USDA. I am encouraged by this model that Wake County is using that funnels

scenarios where the company has made some of its biggest decisions without perfect data, pointing to examples like Amazon’s decision to pursue an online marketplace for sellers and AWS, its cloud computing unit.

In July, Amazon also rolled out a policy that requires some workers in smaller o ces to move to main o ces located in bigger cities, according to multiple media reports.

Amazon employs 1.4 million people worldwide but does not indicate how many of those work in o ce settings, as opposed to working at its warehouses and other sites.

taxes paid when farms are converted from farm use and sold for development into funds for farmland preservation,” said Troxler. “This is an innovative and visionary approach to protecting farmland for future generations.”

VISUAL VOICES

OPINION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

The exceptionalism of the American experience

WE JUST RETURNED from a 12-day sojourn in a campervan through Glacier, Yellowstone and Teton national parks ― it was terrific, trust me; everyone should do it if you can ― and came away with the conclusion North Carolinians and Americans of all backgrounds need to go west to rekindle a profound appreciation for the country in which we have been blessed to live.

It would be a shame to see the American democratic republic experiment in free selfgovernance collapse, never to be seen again over the next 4.8 billion years.

Barack Obama was astoundingly wrong when he selfrighteously — and unilaterally — declared America “not exceptional.” His revisionist thinking that the whole concept of being an “American” is not an incredibly important and epochal event in human history ― no more important or consequential to human progress than say, being from Portugal or Burma ― is incredibly misguided and dangerous to our entire collective psyche.

Without the unique combination of political philosophy based on individual freedom anchored in Judeo-Christian religious belief and aversion to the concentration of power in any individual’s hands, America would be like almost every other nation and, therefore, “not exceptional” at all.

First of all, it is important to put the uniqueness of the American Experiment into its proper context in the overall timeline of the geology and topography of the three national parks. Glacier National Park was literally carved out of a mountain range by ice packs more than 3,000 feet deep starting about 20,000 years ago. Yellowstone was created by the explosion of a supervolcano more than 640,000 years ago. The Tetons are the “youngest” mountain range in America and are still growing as tectonic plates collide against each other hundreds of miles below the earth’s mantle and cause earthquakes pushing up sheets of rock dating from 2.6 billion years ago.

If seeing and learning about such dramatic and beautiful American geography formed over millennia doesn’t instill a profound sense of humility in a person, they are just not paying attention. Considering the vast amount of time during which humans didn’t even exist should make a person feel pretty puny. Modern man, which has evolved from humanoid Neanderthal creatures who somehow survived the last ice age and crawled out of frozen caves 10,000 years ago, represents a mere blip on Earth’s geological timeline ― if all of our planet’s geological life of 4.8 billion years could be condensed

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

On the arrival of autumn

THOUGH, OFFICIALLY SPEAKING, the rst day of autumn isn’t until Saturday, Sept. 23 this year, the rst day of Meteorological Fall was ― and always is ― on Sept. 1.

But no matter which day it actually starts, it certainly felt like fall for a good chunk of last week in my part of the state thanks in part to the rain we got from what was left of Hurricane Idalia.

There are myriad excuses we are given to spend more time with family and friends to relish each other’s company, to have fun and maybe relax a little.

You walked out the door to sit on the porch or run errands and weren’t immediately enveloped in the thick humidity that is normally felt in the summer months. In the mornings, the cool, crisp breezes and calm, clear skies were a welcome reprieve from the hot sun rays that typically hit you right in the face.

As if to con rm, the leaves on some of the trees also appeared to be starting their gradual color change to what we’re used to seeing around this time of year, with golden yellows, bright oranges, deep reds and crisp browns peeking out ever so slightly from underneath the green leaves.

Relatedly, the NFL’s rst regular season game — featuring the Detroit Lions at the Kansas City Chiefs — will be played Thursday, which is another uno cial signal that fall is just around the corner. That, along with the blow of the whistle at the beginning of high school football season, is enough to give many an autumn reveler the warm fuzzies.

The arrival of fall, of course, would not be complete without the annual reintroduction of some of our favorite sweet treats, avors and scents, like all things pumpkin including pumpkin spice, cinnamon, salted caramel, hot apple cider — the list goes on.

Then there is the fall decorating, which even if you’re not much into decorating around the house takes on a whole new

into one modern calendar year, man would be on it for less than one second, possibly even a microsecond or nanosecond.

It is “exceptional” that we humans even exist at all. It takes a certain amount of irrational hubris to think man controls nature when the truth is, Mother Nature and God have all the controls at their disposal.

For the vast majority of the past 10,000 years, mankind has existed in lives that could be generously described as nasty, brutal and short. We asked one guy if we could buy a pine needle basket from one of the indigenous tribes in Montana. He just laughed and said, “The Piegan Blackfeet native Americans who were here long before any white European settlers dared cross the Atlantic engaged in brutal warfare to protect their traditional hunting grounds. They were not basket-weavers. They were proud warriors.”

If realization of survival of the fittest over these last 100 centuries isn’t enough to convince anyone of the exceptionalism that we are even here to attempt to run a government by the people, for the people and of the people, then not much else will.

But what really capped off a two-week expedition for appreciating the land we say we love was attending the final competition of the season at the Jackson Hole Rodeo. In a packed arena filled with cowboy hats and denim jeans, a young champion female barrel rider came charging into the ring with a 10-foot-tall American flag flying almost straight backward as the announcer recounted the 247-year history of the flag’s people never backing down from a challenge or running from danger.

Tears welled up in both of our eyes. It was at that moment we realized just how unique it is for us to be living in a country in this tiny sliver of history where no one has the authority to tell anyone else what to do, what to say or what to think as long as we practice charity toward others without any malice.

We have to defend and protect this America from those such as Barack Obama and Joe Biden who want to impose their will on the rest of us because of their grossly misguided understanding of how the world works. It would be a shame to see the American democratic republic experiment in free self-governance collapse due to our negligence, never to be seen again over the next 4.8 billion years.

meaning this time of year. I’m usually proud of myself at the end of the season when I’m able to clear out at least one bin full of decor to donate — only to turn right back around and ll up another bin with the items I bought at all of the half-o sales (which also happens to me right after Christmas!).

Let’s not forget the light jackets, soft and fuzzy sweaters, and plush throw blankets that reappear in the fall months, which along with sweet-smelling candles help to keep us warm and cozy on those cool nights.

In September and October, we eagerly prepare ourselves for the haunted trail/house events, the Halloween costume parties, the trick-or-treating on Halloween night and everything in between.

In November, of course, comes the bare trees and the planning for the Thanksgiving festivities, with friendly competitions breaking out among friends and neighbors as to who will serve up the biggest, most delicious turkey.

Most importantly, as it is with all seasons, there are myriad excuses we are given to spend more time with family and friends to relish each other’s company, to have fun and maybe relax a little, and to share in the good times and joy of just being able to hang out with each other.

For a lot of people, fall is the best time of the year. I’m a springtime girl, but I admit autumn is a close second.

The older you get, the faster time ies. So enjoy every minute of the fall, y’all.

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.

Blahous’ laws of politics

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

9TH LAW: When Americans express opposition to a policy, those in government will reconsider their messaging strategy before reconsidering the policy.

Whenever a survey reveals that Americans oppose the position of an elected o cial or a party, the rst response is usually not to accept that criticism and reconsider the policy. The rst response is to blame inadequate messaging. It will be asserted that Americans do in fact support the policies when fully and properly understood.

This re exive response is not merely for public consumption. Even behind the scenes, elected o cials are always much slower to grasp the need to modify the substance of their policies than they are to believe that they merely need to retool their communications strategy. Sometimes their hand is eventually forced by reality, and they must back away from a previously announced position. But in the meantime, they will try virtually everything else rst.

Examples of this dynamic are legion. In 2010, Democrats lost badly in midterm elections after passing the A ordable Care Act, due to repeatedly expressed voter opposition to the law, and widespread public anger over having been misled with the false claim that those who liked their previous health coverage would be able to keep it. Instead of acknowledging the legitimacy of the criticism, many advocates for the law denied there was any basis for public concern and blamed voters for their want of understanding. Similarly, Republicans’ role in a government shutdown helped President Bill Clinton win reelection in 1996, yet Speaker Newt Gingrich, who led House Republican strategy at that time, perceived no fault in Republicans’ substantive positioning. Even decades afterward, he continued to assert that the strategy had merely been inaccurately portrayed in the media.

An amusing corollary of this principle is that each side of the aisle always believes that, while their own policies are substantively superior, they are forever outmatched by the communications brilliance of the opposing side. It is an article of faith on MSNBC that Americans are forever being duped by conservative propaganda spewed from Fox News, and equally an article of faith on Fox News that the opposite is happening through the left’s control over mainstream media.

There have even been bestselling books written on the conviction that Americans are too dim to understand the policies that are best for them, a cognitive problem addressed only by matching the other side’s stirring appeals to mindless emotion. Of course, good policy can indeed be undermined by poor communication, but the policy is the problem far more often than politicians like to acknowledge, even to themselves.

10th Law: When politicians justify their positions in

terms of their popularity, they are probably embracing bad policy.

When a policy is a good one, politicians can explain why. They can explain who will bene t and why the bene ts outweigh the costs. But when politicians instead emphasize the popularity of the policy in response to skeptical questioning, that usually means it’s a bad policy.

It’s a “tell” — a tell that they’re pursuing the policy for political reasons rst and foremost, as well as a tell that the substantive justi cation for a policy isn’t so easily summoned to mind.

There are many examples, but a classic one is the stimulus checks of $1,400 sent out as part of the American Rescue Plan in early 2021. There was no substantive justi cation for sending checks of this magnitude to nearly everyone, only the political justi cation that sponsors had campaigned on the promise to send each person $2,000 from the U.S. Treasury (the $1,400 payments enacted in early 2021 followed payments of $600 the previous December). The desires of those receiving the payments became the leading rationale for the policy.

As a result, the policy was enacted as part of a massive spending package despite warnings from leading economists that ooding an economy with nearly $2 trillion in additional spending, right when in ationary pressures were building, was irresponsible. The spending spree wasn’t the sole cause of the soaring in ation that followed, but it was an incredibly poor policy decision at that moment, driven by politics rather than economics.

It bears mention that the irresponsibility on this issue was bipartisan: Though the last part of the payments was enacted by a Democratic Congress at the start of the Biden administration, the rst part was enacted in a lame-duck Congress under split party control during the previous administration, with President Donald Trump calling for bigger payments.

Another recent example of this phenomenon is student debt relief pursued by Biden. There is hardly a policy initiative under debate that receives more thorough condemnation by expert economists of both parties: It would be massively expensive, in ationary and regressive (a giveaway to the better-o ), and few were surprised when the Supreme Court recently declared it illegal. But it’s naturally popular with those who would reap the nancial bene t of receiving an expensive education without paying for it, and this popularity is often one of the rst things cited in response to those who criticize it.

The 10 laws of U.S. politics cited over the past couple of months are applicable across party lines, and they operate both before and after elective o ce changes hands. A grasp of these laws would help voters to better understand how and why politicians act as they do.

Charles Blahous is the J. Fish and Lillian F. Smith chair and senior research strategist at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University

Biden’s killing the American Dream of homeownership

IN BOASTING about Bidenomics two weeks ago in Milwaukee, President Joe Biden declared that his policies are “restoring the American dream.” Then he went into his creepy whispering mode and assured us “it’s working.”

Huh?

Isn’t a big aspiration of the American dream owning a home? Biden keeps making rst-time homeownership harder for young families for two reasons. One is that the overall jump in in ation and the slower increase in wages and salaries mean that homes are more expensive. High home prices bene t those who already own their homes, but much of the increased value is due to general in ation, which reached a high of 9% last year and hurts everyone.

A bigger killer for rst-time homebuyers has been the steady rise in mortgage rates under Biden. When he came into o ce, the mortgage rate was 2.9% nationally. Now it is 7.1%, thanks in no small part to the Federal Reserve’s 11 interest rate increases prompted by the $6 trillion Biden spending and borrowing spree in 2021 and 2022.

So now, according to the mortgage company Red n, just the increase in interest rates on a 30-year mortgage from 5% to 7% means that a middle-income family that could once a ord a median-value home of $500,000 can only a ord a home worth $429,000. Great, spend more and you get less house. Or instead of a single-family home, you can only a ord a three-room condo or a townhouse. If we compare the rates today versus when Donald Trump was president, the typical homebuyer can only a ord a house with a price tag of more than $100,000 less than three years ago.

What a deal? Maybe this is one reason the size of a new home is smaller than in the past.

Here’s another way to think about the damage done by Biden policies: If you want to buy a $500,000 home today, which is close to the median price in many desirable locations, your total interest payments will be at least $800 more per month. That means over three decades of payments totaling at least $250,000.

Of course, rents are up nearly 20% as well, so for many 20-somethings, this means sleeping in the parents’ basement.

Biden talks a lot about bridging gaps between rich and poor and blacks and whites. But the group that is most handicapped by these interest rate shocks is minorities. Black homeownership is still less than 50% for black households. The Washington Post calls this “heartbreaking,” but they blame racism, not bad government policies.

READERS OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL know that North Carolina’s universities were woke long before we learned to call them that. You also know that before Feb. 23, 2023, the hard left’s grip on our universities seemed invincible.

Then came the stunning news that an amendment to the University of North Carolina’s Board of Governors’ policy concerning “Political Activities” declared that the “University shall neither solicit nor require an employee or applicant for academic admission or employment to a rmatively ascribe to or opine about beliefs, a liations, ideals, or principles regarding matters of contemporary political debate or social action as a condition to admission, employment or professional advancement.”

In plain English the BOG has ruled against excluding — or silencing — students or employees whose viewpoint runs counter to the university’s ruling orthodoxy. On March 22, UNC Chapel Hill’s Board of Trustees followed with a resolution prohibiting “compelled speech” in the university, that is, the use of mandatory DEI statements in admission, faculty hiring, promotion and retention.

What you might not know is that a think tank based in Raleigh has played a part in the BOG’s decision to sanction “Viewpoint Diversity” in our university system. Founded in 2003 as the John Williams Pope Center for Higher Education, the James G. Martin Center advocates “responsible governance, viewpoint diversity, academic quality, cost-e ective education solutions, and innovative market-based reform” to ensure “that public investment in higher education provides value to students, taxpayers, and society”: (full disclosure: I’m on the Martin Center’s board).

The BOG’s growing receptiveness to proposals outlined in the Martin Center’s work scores a win for shareholders and for students who would challenge, with impunity, university professors who claim that “freedom of speech is always implicated in racism” or that the Age of Enlightenment marks the dawn of the “Age of Enwhitenment.”

The BOG’s endorsement of “Viewpoint Diversity” is all the more remarkable when you consider that university leftists have spent two decades trying to discredit a think tank’s research, dismissing our call for accountability

to grantors, taxpayers and tuition-paying parents as “anti-intellectual” and “counterproductive.” University overlords would have you think that New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristo was right when he said that professors uniformly “want women, blacks, Latinos, gays and Muslims at the table — er, so long as they aren’t conservatives,” but my own experience researching writing programs for the Pope Center proved otherwise.

In 2006, the Pope Center commissioned me to review the writing programs at NC State and UNC Chapel Hill to determine why the National Commission on Writing had reported that college students were being “shortchanged” in their writing programs. When I agreed not to quote them by name, acclaimed senior faculty at both schools, all of whom identi ed as “progressive,” noted that the quality of student writing declined when a new breed of “experts” commandeered a university writing program and rede ned composition as “a form of social action.” In short, leftist professors are not united in their endorsement of the hard left’s takeover of higher education.

English 101 is not the only course that has been repurposed as a boot camp for student activists, and professors who oppose the university’s leftward drift have made invaluable contributions to the Martin Center’s research — sometimes anonymously — lest they incur the wrath of the “social justice” warriors.

When renowned Yale historian Donald Kagan delivered his farewell lecture in 2013, he lamented the dearth of “faculty with atypical views” at Yale, then followed up with a statement that rests my case: “At the university, there must be intellectual variety. If you don’t have [that] … you are deprived of testing the things that you do know or think you know or believe in, so that your knowledge is super cial.”

Dr. Kagan did not live to see the president of the Common Sense Society say that North Carolina’s agship university “provides a roadmap … for any institution that wants to restore true education and intellectual inquiry to their rightful place on campus.”

Having overcome the objections of senior faculty, having surrounded themselves with pliant students and skittish administrators, the hard left has ruled North Carolina’s universities unchecked — until now.

There’s one other impediment to homeownership for Generation X and millennials. Many 30- and 40-somethings are hamstrung by their existing and expanding debt. Credit card debt is now $1.03 trillion. Half of all families are expected to have problems paying o this debt each month. Delinquencies are rising, which can mean penalty rates of 20% to 25%.

So, if families can’t a ord their existing debt, how will they get a bank to approve a $400,000 or more mortgage loan?

An even bigger question is how in the world can Biden call his economic policies a success?

Perhaps Biden has a secret plan to “forgive” trillions of dollars of mortgage debt, as he has already attempted to do with student loans. But that just shifts the debt burden to taxpayers — hardly a solution.

The Biden administration’s assault on homeownership isn’t just harmful to the families that are being priced out of the market. It’s bad for communities and cities around the country. When families become homeowners and set roots in a town, they are much more prone to care about not just improving their own house and maintaining the upkeep and mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges, but it gives them a stake in the schools and children in the neighborhood and the quality of the public services. In other words, homeownership gives Americans a sense of Tocquevillian civic pride.

Crime is lower, neighbors are friendlier and everyone’s property values rise when they live in a community of owners, not renters.

There is one reason to feel today’s downward spiral can be reversed. Back in 1980 when Jimmy Carter was president, mortgage rates weren’t 7%; they reached above 17%. Voters rebelled against the economic mayhem and chased Carter out of o ce. Ronald Reagan came into the White House, and with wiser economic scal policies, mortgage rates quickly fell in half and then lower still. It can happen again.

Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a chief economist at FreedomWorks. He is the co-author of “Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive Our Economy.”

Attention grantors, taxpayers, and tuition-paying parents

As Taiwan’s government races to counter China, most people aren’t worried about war

The Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan — As People’s Liberation Army ghter jets from China sped toward Taiwan on Friday, life on the self-governing island carried on as normal.

Andy Huang, a restaurateur in Taipei, said he has become desensitized to military threats from the mainland.

“I’ve been hearing about China invading for 30 years,” he said.

Taiwan’s government is racing to counter China, buying nearly $19 billion in military equipment from the United States and extending military conscription for men to a year starting in 2024. But many on the island say they don’t feel the threat.

That may be partly due to the nuanced views many Taiwanese hold of China. While polls indicate most people on the island reject reuni cation, many say they are attracted to their much larger neighbor’s dynamic economy, and its shared language and culture. Others are simply numb to hearing about the threat in their backyard.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory, and its actions in recent years have led some to fear it is preparing to use force to try to take control of the island. Taiwan has been compared to Ukraine by American lawmakers and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.

The island’s politicians have not been shy about sounding the alarm. “In order to keep the peace, we need to strengthen ourselves,” Tsai said last month at a war memorial commemorating the last time Taiwan and China battled.

Members of the public don’t feel that urgency.

Coco Wang is one of the many people who feel a connection to China without considering themselves Chinese. Her grandparents came to Taiwan among people eeing the 1949 Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War, which left rival governments ruling the mainland and Taiwan. Her grandparents kept in touch with relatives in China, and she remembers summers traveling through the country’s rural areas with her parents.

She considers herself Taiwanese but worked in Shanghai for a year before the pandemic and is thinking of going back.

The opportunities in China are so much bigger, she said. “There’s this feeling that if you just go in and you really work at it, then you can really achieve something,” she said.

China is Taiwan’s largest trading partner, receiving 39% of the island’s exports in 2022 despite new trade barriers im-

posed amid rising tensions. While Wang feels drawn to China, she acknowledged that it is not entirely possible to leave politics at the door when working there. Colleagues in Shanghai occasionally called her a “Taiwanese separatist.”

She knew they meant it as a joke, but it made her uncomfortable. To herself, she thought: “We are already independent. Taiwan is just Taiwan.”

Her viewpoint is widely shared.

Since polling began in the 1990s, majorities on Taiwan have said they favor the status quo, rejecting both proposals for uni cation with the mainland and a formal declaration of independence that could mean war.

But a closely watched poll question that asks people whether they consider themselves Chinese has shown the island’s population growing further from the mainland, said Ching-hsin Yu, the head of National Chengchi University’s Election Study Center. When polling began in 1992, over twothirds of respondents said they were both Chinese and Taiwanese, or just Chinese. Today, close to two-thirds say they are just Taiwanese, while around 30% identify as both.

Those attitudes don’t translate directly into views on re -

lations with the mainland, Yu said, but among the majority who identify as Taiwanese there has been a subtle shift toward favoring the status quo for now but with “eventual independence.”

Huang, the restaurant owner, said he was taught in school that he was Chinese but as an adult came to consider himself just Taiwanese.

His restaurant in Taipei, which specializes in Taiwanese cuisine, has a “Lennon Wall” dedicated to the now-banned Hong Kong democracy movement, decorated with hundreds of Post-It notes with messages from patrons.

Huang shut down in solidarity with protesters during Taiwan’s Sun ower movement in 2014 when tens of thousands demonstrated against a trade deal with China. He says the Chinese population is “brainwashed.”

Personally, he wants independence now, but he also said he can wait until more of Taiwan’s public is convinced.

Nor does he think much about war, he said. “Whether they attack or not, that’s for China’s leaders to decide; it’s pointless for us to worry,” said Huang.

For others, like Chen Shihwei, cultural and emotional ties to China are very strong. Chen’s

family immigrated to Taiwan during the Ming dynasty, which ended in 1644, and he considers himself both Chinese and Taiwanese.

“I’m Chinese and I’m Taiwanese. This can’t be separated,” he said. “We’ve read the history, including the clan records, and we are clear that we came from the mainland, and came from people who had landed in Taiwan, and grew up here.”

Chen, who is from Taichung in central Taiwan, traveled to China many times as a young athlete, starting in 1990. On the mainland, he said, he encountered more similarities than di erences. Chen is pro-reunication but doesn’t believe it will happen in his lifetime.

Chen now lives in Matsu, a group of Taiwanese-held islands that are closer to China than the island of Taiwan. He said he is somewhat worried about the prospect of con ict. “This is not what the public on both sides want to see,” he said.

No one sees an easy way out of the accumulated antagonism of the past several years, whether military, diplomatic or economic.

But Wang said the tensions are between the two governments, not between people.

“Taiwanese and mainlanders are largely friendly to each other. Why is it like this?” she said.

Biden will observe 9/11 in Alaska instead of traditional NYC, Virginia or Pennsylvania events

Washington, D.C.

President Joe Biden will observe the 22nd anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil at an Alaska military base with service members and their families, the White House announced.

Biden will not participate in any of the observances at 9/11 memorial sites in New York City, Virginia or Pennsylvania. Instead, the president will stop in Alaska for a Sept. 11 observance at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson in Anchorage on his way back to Washington after a trip to Asia.

Biden is scheduled to travel to India from Sept. 7-10 to attend a summit with other world leaders, followed by a stop in Vietnam.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emho , will participate in the annual observance at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan.

First lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon.

Terrorists hijacked commercial airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, and ew them into the Twin Towers in New York’s nancial district and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth plane crashed in a eld in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought back.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks. Biden was a U.S. senator at the time.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miami Mayor

Francis Suarez suspends 2024 GOP presidential bid after failing to qualify for debate

Miami

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez suspended his bid for the presidency, dropping out of the 2024 race after failing to qualify for the rst Republican debate.

The two-term mayor became the rst candidate to drop out of the crowded GOP eld. He launched his campaign just over two months ago as one of the last competitors to join a primary race that has so far been dominated by former President Donald Trump. “While I have decided to suspend my campaign for President, my commitment to making this a better nation for every American remains,” he said in a statement.

The 45-year-old Suarez was vying to become the rst sitting mayor and rst Latino elected president.

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 840,000 Afghans who applied for a resettlement program aimed at people who helped the U.S. war e ort in Afghanistan are still there waiting, according to a report that lays out the challenges with a program intended to help America’s allies in the two decade-long con ict.

The report released Thursday by the State Department’s inspector general outlines steps the department took to improve processing of special immigrant visas for Afghans. But two years after the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to power, challenges remain.

The visa program was started in 2009 to help Afghans who worked side-by-side with Americans and faced signi cant risks for doing so. A similar program exists for Iraqis. Both programs have been plagued by criticism that cases move much too slowly, leaving applicants in danger-

ous limbo. And since the U.S. left Afghanistan the number of people applying for the visas has skyrocketed. According to the report, there were a little less than 30,000 applicants in October 2021, but by

December 2022 that number had grown to roughly 155,000. Those gures do not include family members who are allowed to resettle with them if their application is approved. The State Department esti-

mates that as of April of this year, more than 840,000 applicants for the special visa program and their family members remain in Afghanistan, the report said. Not everyone who applies is accepted; the State Department noted that about 50% of applicants do not qualify when their applications are reviewed at a key stage early in the process.

The department also said since the start of the Biden administration in January 2021 through Aug. 1 of this year it’s issued nearly 34,000 visas for the applicants and their family members, which it said was a substantial increase from previous years.

The report said the department has hired more sta to process applications, coordinated with the Pentagon to verify applicants’ employment and eliminated some of the steps required of applicants. But, the report said, there was more it could do. For example, the report noted that a key position overseeing the special immigrant visa process has seen frequent turnover and vacancies.

The son of Miami’s rst Cuban-born mayor, Suarez campaigned talking up his role as the only Hispanic candidate in the race and his experience leading the world-known city of Miami, home to about 450,000 residents, and confronting crime and homelessness.

Suarez had been critical of Trump in the past and didn’t support him in the 2016 or 2020 presidential elections. But earlier this year, Trump’s former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway oated Suarez’s name as a possible vice presidential pick.

The mayor fumbled when asked in a radio show about the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim group that China has been accused of oppressing, saying “What’s a Uygher?” He later said he didn’t recognize the pronunciation.

840K Afghans who’ve applied for key US resettlement program still in Afghanistan, report says

AP PHOTO

A soldier holds up Taiwan’s national ag during the annual Han Kuang military exercises in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, on July 26, 2023.

AP PHOTO

Afghan refugees walk through an Afghan refugee camp at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J., on Sept. 27, 2021.

for millions that come with big sales, end-of-summer celebrations and, of course, a last chance to dress in white fashionably. Whether celebrations remain faithful to the holiday’s origins depends on where you live. New York and Chicago, for example, hold parades for thousands of workers and their unions. Such festivities aren’t practiced as much in regions where unionization has historically been eroded, Vachon said, or didn’t take a strong hold in the rst place.

When Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, unions in the U.S. were largely contested and courts would often rule strikes illegal, Vachon said, leading to violent disputes. It wasn’t until the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 that private sector employees were granted the right to join unions. Later into the 20th century, states also began passing legislation to allow unionization in the public sector — but even today, not all states allow collective bargaining for public workers.

Rates of organized labor have been on the decline nationally for decades. More than 35% of private sector workers had a union in 1953 compared with about 6% today. Political leanings in di erent regions have also played a big roll, with blue states tending to have higher unionization rates.

Hawaii and New York had the highest rates of union membership in 2022, respectively, followed by Washington, California and Rhode Island, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nationwide, the number of both public and private sector workers belonging to unions actually grew by 273,000 thousand last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found. But the total workforce increased at an even faster rate — meaning the total percentage of those belonging to unions has fallen slightly.

Despite this percentage dip, a reinvigorated labor movement is back in the national spotlight.

In Hollywood, screenwriters have been on strike for nearly four months — surpassing a 100-day work stoppage that ground many productions to a halt in 2007-08. Negotiations are set to resume Friday. Actors joined the picket lines in July — as both unions seek better compensation and protections on the use of arti cial intelligence.

Unionized workers at UPS threatened a mass walkout before approving a new contract last month that includes increased pay and safety protections for workers. A strike at UPS would have disrupted the supply chain nationwide.

Last month, auto workers also overwhelmingly voted to give union leaders the authority to call strikes against Detroit car companies if a contract agreement isn’t reached by the Sept. 14 deadline. And ight attendants at American Airlines also voted to authorize a strike this week.

The Associated Press NEW YORK — The federal government will, for the rst time, dictate sta ng levels at nursing homes, the Biden administration said Friday, responding to systemic problems bared by mass COVID-19 deaths.

While such regulation has been sought for decades by allies of older adults and those with disabilities, the proposed threshold is far lower than many advocates had hoped. It immediately drew ire from the nursing home industry as well, which said it amounted to a mandate that couldn’t be met.

With criticism expected, a promise made with fanfare in President Joe Biden’s 2022 State of the Union speech had its details revealed as many Americans turned away from the news for a holiday weekend.

“Establishing minimum staing standards for nursing homes will improve resident safety,” Health Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “When facilities are understa ed, residents su er.”

The proposed rules, which now enter a public comment period and would take years more to fully take e ect, call for staing equivalent to 3 hours per resident per day, just over half an hour of it coming from registered nurses. The rules also call for facilities to have an RN on sta 24 hours a day, every day.

The average U.S. nursing home already has overall caregiver sta ng of about 3.6 hours per resident per day, according to government reports, including RN sta ng just above the half-hour mark.

Still, the government insists a majority of the country’s roughly 15,000 nursing homes, which house some 1.2 million people, would have to add sta under the proposed rules.

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, who heads the Centers for Medicare

and Medicaid Services, or CMS, called the move “an important rst step.” CMS oversees nursing homes. The new thresholds are drastically lower than those that had long been eyed by advocates after a landmark 2001 CMS-funded study recommended an average of 4.1 hours of nursing care per resident daily.

Most U.S. facilities don’t meet that threshold. Many advocates said even it was insu cient, not taking into account quality of life, simply determining the point at which residents could su er potential harm.

Richard Mollot, who leads the Long Term Care Community Coalition, called the latest proposal “completely inadequate” and a blown chance of “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” that “ outs any evidence” of what residents need and fails to make good on the heart of Biden’s promise. He begrudgingly acknowledged the 24/7 RN rule could bring small improvements to the worst facilities, but he otherwise was withering in

his criticism. Calling the move “heartbreaking” and “nauseating,” he said it would do more harm than good, putting a government imprimatur on poorly sta ed homes and imperiling wrongful-death lawsuits.

“It is a tremendous dereliction of duty,” he said. “We are continuing to allow nursing homes to warehouse people and to rip the public o .”

Katie Smith Sloan, the head LeadingAge, which represents nonpro t nursing homes, said it was meaningless to create a rule requiring facilities to hire additional sta when the industry was already in a workforce crisis and “there are simply no people to hire.”

“To say that we are disappointed that President Biden chose to move forward with the proposed sta ng ratios despite clear evidence against them is an understatement,” she said.

Current law requires only that homes have “su cient” sta ng, but it leaves nearly all interpretation to states. Thirty-eight states

and the District of Columbia have their own sta ng regulations. Some are so low that advocates say they’re meaningless, and, across the board, enforcement is often toothless.

The problem has long been apparent to front-line nurse aides – the low-paid, overwhelmingly female and disproportionately minority backbone of facility sta s – and to residents themselves, whose call bells go unanswered, whose showers become less frequent and who lie hungry, awaiting help with meals.

The coronavirus pandemic, which claimed more than 167,000 U.S. nursing home residents, brought the greatest attention to poor sta ng in history. But, in its wake, many homes saw their sta ng grow even thinner.

Across all job types, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows nursing homes have 218,200 fewer employees than in February 2020, when the rst U.S. outbreak of the coronavirus arrived at a nursing home outside Seattle.

The Associated Press LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked Arkansas from enforcing a new law that would have required parental consent for minors to create new social media accounts, preventing the state from becoming the rst to impose such a restriction.

U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks granted a preliminary injunction that NetChoice — a tech industry trade group whose members include TikTok, Facebook parent Meta, and X, formerly known as Twitter — had requested against the law. The measure, which Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law in April, was set to take e ect Friday.

Arkansas’ law is similar to a rst-in-the-nation restriction signed into law earlier this year in Utah. That law is not set to take e ect until March 2024. NetChoice last year led a lawsuit challenging a California law requiring tech companies to put kids’ safety rst by barring them from pro ling children or using personal information in ways that could harm children physically or mentally. In a 50-page ruling, Brooks said NetChoice was likely to succeed in its challenge to the Arkansas law’s constitutionality and questioned the e ectiveness of the restrictions.

“Age-gating social media platforms for adults and minors does not appear to be an e ective approach when, in reality, it is the content on particular platforms that is driving the state’s true concerns,” wrote Brooks, who was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama.

Similar laws placing restrictions on minors’ use of social media have been enacted in Texas and Louisiana, which also aren’t scheduled to take e ect until next year. Top Republicans in Georgia have said they’ll push

for a parental consent measure in the Legislature next year, and some members of Congress have proposed similar legislation.

NetChoice argued the requirement violated the constitutional rights of users and arbitrarily singled out types of speech that would be restricted.

“We’re pleased the court sided with the First Amendment and stopped Arkansas’ unconstitutional law from censoring free speech online and undermining the privacy of Arkansans, their families and their businesses as our case proceeds,” Chris Marchese, director of the NetChoice Litigation Center, said in a statement. “We look forward to seeing the law struck down permanently.”

Republican Attorney General Tim Gri n said he was disappointed with Brooks’ decision.

“But I will continue to vigorously defend the law and protect our children, an important interest recognized in the federal judge’s order today,” Gri n said in a statement.

Arkansas’ restrictions would have only applied to social media platforms that generate more than $100 million in annual revenue. It also wouldn’t have applied to certain platforms, including LinkedIn, Google and YouTube.

Brooks’ ruling said the the exemptions nulli ed the state’s intent for imposing the restrictions, and said the law also didn’t adequately de ne which platforms they would apply to. As an example, he cited confusion over whether the social media platform Snapchat would be subject to the age-veri cation requirement.

Social media companies have faced increasing scrutiny over their platforms’ e ect on teen mental health, one of the concerns Sanders cited as she pushed for the legislation. In a statement posted Thursday night on X by her spokeswoman, Sanders wrote, “Big Tech companies put our kids’ lives at risk.”

“They push an addictive product that is shown to increase de-

pression, loneliness, and anxiety and puts our kids in human trafckers’ crosshairs,” Sanders said. “Today’s court decision delaying this needed protection is disappointing but I’m con dent the Attorney General will vigorously defend the law and protect our children.”

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has warned that there is not enough evidence to show that social media is safe for children and teens and called on tech companies to take “immediate action to protect kids now.” Meta announced in June it was adding some new parental supervision tools and privacy features to its platforms.

Social media companies that knowingly violate the age verication requirement would have faced a $2,500 ne for each violation under the now-blocked law. The law also prohibited social media companies and third-party vendors from retaining users’ identifying information after they’ve been granted access to the social media site.

will regulate nursing home sta ng for rst time, but proposal lower than many advocates hoped

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs a bill requiring age veri cation before creating a new social media account as Sen. Tyler Dees, R-Siloam Springs, looks on

Tina Sandri, CEO of Forest Hills of DC senior living facility, left, helps resident Courty Andrews back to her room, Dec. 8, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

Rule allowing rail shipments of LNG will be put on hold to allow more study of safety concerns

The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. — A Trumpera rule allowing railroads to haul highly ammable lique ed natural gas will now be formally put on hold to allow more time to study the safety concerns related to transporting that fuel and other substances like hydrogen that must be kept at extremely low temperatures when they are shipped, regulators announced Thursday.

Right after it was announced in the summer of 2020, the rule was challenged in court by a number of environmental groups and 14 states. The uncertainty about the rule on transporting the fuel known as LNG kept railroads from shipping it. The Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration says no one has ever even ordered one of the specially forti ed rail cars that would have been required to ship LNG, and several hundred of those cars that would each take at least 18 months to build would likely be needed to make the idea viable.

“We need to do more safety investigative work,” said Tristan Brown, the deputy administrator who is leading the agency. “Until we do that work, we don’t want someone to, you know, make investments and deploy something where we haven’t fully done the process we normally do need to do.”

Brown acknowledged that the rule was rushed under a directive from former President Donald Trump, so it needs to be re ned.

This latest action ensures the rule that was backed by the freight rail and natural gas industries will remain on hold at least until regulators nalize changes to the rule the Biden administration wants to make or the end of June 2025 — whichever comes rst.

One of the big railroads that said it may have been interested in hauling the fuel, CSX, abandoned any plans to build the infrastructure needed to load and unload LNG from railcars after the agency rst announced this proposal to suspend the rule in 2021.

Current federal rules do allow trucks to haul LNG but not rail. But Brown said there’s only a tiny amount of natural gas that isn’t delivered by pipelines, so there was never much demand for rail shipments of LNG. After pipelines deliver gas to ports, ships haul the LNG that is exported.

The rail industry maintains that it is the safest option to transport hazardous materials across land. The Association of American Railroads trade group touts railroads’ record of delivering more than 99% of all toxic shipments without incident.

But rail safety has been in the spotlight this year ever since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in eastern Ohio in February and spilled several chemicals that caught re. That railroad is still cleaning the mess that prompted calls for reforms and fears of possible health problems for people who live in and around East Palestine.

Brown said he thinks the East Palestine derailment highlighted the importance of some

of his agency’s previous rules because the tougher tank cars recommended in 2015 performed better in the wreck. But that derailment highlights the need for railroad regulations.

“I think that has that has underscored the need to address rail safety — generally hazmat transportation by rail,” Brown said.

U.S. natural gas production has continued to surge in recent years amid strong global demand for the fuel. Natural gas exports have grown steadily over the past two decades, and the U.S. has become the world’s largest exporter of lique ed natural gas.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Auto workers leader slams companies for slow bargaining, les labor complaint with government

The Associated Press DETROIT — The United Auto Workers union says it has led unfair labor practice complaints against Stellantis and General Motors for failing to make countero ers to the union’s economic demands.

Ford was the only company of the Detroit Three to make a countero er, but it rejected most of the union’s proposals, President Shawn Fain told workers Thursday in a Facebook Live meeting.

Fain’s statements and strong responses from the companies showed both sides appear to be digging in with just two weeks before contracts with the union’s 146,000 members expire. Fain is once again threatening to strike when the pacts end at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14.

He told members that the companies have been warned not to wait until the last minute to get serious about bargaining.

“The Big Three are either not

listening or they are not taking us seriously,” Fain said, calling the refusal to respond “insulting and counterproductive,” and also illegal. He said the union led the complaints with the National Labor Relations Board on Thursday.

In a statement, Stellantis said the unfair labor charges are not based on fact, and that it will vigorously defend itself against them.

“We are disappointed to learn that Mr. Fain is more focused on ling frivolous legal charges than on actual bargaining,” the statement said. “We will not allow Mr. Fain’s tactics to distract us from that important work to secure the future for our employees.”

Ford said it made a fair economic proposal that is better than the pay at Tesla or foreign automakers.

“We will not make a deal that endangers our ability to invest, grow and share pro ts with our employees,” CEO Jim Farley

said in a statement. “That would mortgage our future and would be harmful to everyone with a stake in Ford.”

GM said it strongly refutes the union’s labor accusation.

“We believe it has no merit and is an insult to the bargaining committees,” GM said in a statement. “We have been hyper-focused on negotiating directly and in good faith with the UAW and are making progress.”

Automakers have said they’re facing an uncertain transition from gas-powered vehicles to those that run on batteries. They’re also reluctant to take on labor costs that grow even farther beyond those at Tesla and foreign automakers with U.S. factories.

Fain, who won the UAW’s presidency this spring in its rst direct election of o cers by members, has set expectations high, telling workers that they can make signi cant gains if they’re willing to walk picket lines.

But even he has described union demands as audacious. Union members are seeking 46% pay raises over four years, restoration of traditional dened-bene t pensions for new hires, an end to tiers of wages, pension increases for retirees, and a 32-hour work week for 40 hours of pay.

Top-scale assembly plant workers now make $32 per hour, but the union’s proposal would raise that to $47.

Ford o ered a 9% general wage increase over the life of the four-year contract, with lump sum payments instead of the union’s proposed cost-of-living adjustments, Fain said. The company also rejected demands to end tiers of wages, instead proposing that it take six years for new hires to reach the top of the pay scale rather than the current eight, he said.

Ford also turned down union demands to increase pension payments to retirees and for companies to pay workers if

only added to global demand. That’s particularly the case in Europe, where many nations were accustomed to relying on Russian energy before the war prompted them to sever those ties.

The states that challenged the LNG rule in court alongside groups like the Sierra Club, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Clean Air Council included California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Washington D.C. and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians are also part of the lawsuit.

their plants are closed, Fain said. And it still plans to move battery work to what Fain called low-paying jobs outside of Ford at joint venture battery plants.

“Our union isn’t going to stand by while they replace oil barons with battery barons,” Fain said.

Ford said o ered to end wage tiers and said its proposal would give workers 15% guaranteed wage increases and lump sums, and improved bene ts during the four-year contract. It said wages, including overtime and lump sum bonuses, would rise from an average of $78,000 per year last year to $92,000 in the rst year of a new contract.

Workers would get $5,500 in rati cation bonuses and $12,000 in cost-of-living payments during the contract, Ford said.

In addition, workers would get health care coverage worth $17,500 and other bene ts worth another $20,500, the company said.

Fain has said the union could strike all three automakers at once, or it could pick a target company. Earlier this week, Canadian auto workers, whose contracts expire four days after the UAW’s, selected Ford as their target.

AP PHOTO

A CSX freight train passes through Homestead, Pa., Monday, Feb. 12, 2018.

AP PHOTO

United Auto Workers members walk in the Labor Day parade in Detroit, Sept. 2, 2019.

Food ads are in the crosshairs as Burger King, others face lawsuits for false advertising

The Associated Press FOOD ADS have long made their subjects look bigger, juicier and crispier than they are in real life. But some consumers say those mouthwatering ads can cross the line into deception, and that’s leading to a growing number of lawsuits.

Burger King is the latest company in the crosshairs. In August, a federal judge in Florida refused to dismiss a class action lawsuit that claims Burger King’s ads overstate the amount of meat in its Whopper burger and other sandwiches.

But Burger King is far from the only one. Perkins Coie, a law rm that tracks class action suits, said 214 were led against food and beverage companies in 2022 and 101 were led in the rst six months of this year. That’s a huge increase from 2010, when just 45 were led.

Pooja Nair, who represents food and beverage companies as a partner with the Beverly Hills, California-based law rm Ervin Cohen and Jessup, said waves of class action lawsuits started hitting federal courts a few years ago.

Some of the rst were false advertising claims against snack chip makers for not completely lling the bags; most of those were dismissed, she said. Since 2019, hundreds of lawsuits have been led asserting that consumers are being misled by “vanilla- avored” products that don’t contain pure vanilla or vanilla beans.

Plainti s’ attorneys largely le the cases in the same courts in New York, California and Il-

linois, she said, where federal courts are less likely to dismiss them outright.

While the case against Burger King was led in Miami, where its parent company has its U.S. headquarters, one of the attorneys who led it has similar cases pending in New York against Wendy’s, McDonald’s and Taco Bell. That attorney, James Kelly, didn’t respond to a message seeking comment.

Companies often settle cases before a lawsuit is led instead of spending the time and money ghting it in court, Nair said. Earlier this summer, A&W and Keurig Dr Pepper agreed to pay $15 million to settle claims they had deceived customers with

the label, “Made with aged vanilla” on cans of soda which actually used synthetic avoring.

Others say growing consumer awareness is behind the trend. Social media can instantly make a photo of a soggy sandwich go viral, informing other potential plainti s, said Jordan Hudgens, the chief technology o cer for Dashtrack, an Arizona-based company that develops restaurant websites.

Rising awareness of health and nutrition is also causing people to question product claims, he said. Ben Michael, an attorney with Michael and Associates in Austin, Texas, said in ation also might be making restaurants a

target right now, since some may have cut back on portion sizes to cut costs.

“Unfortunately, many businesses make these changes without consulting their marketing department or updating their menus to represent new portion sizes and ingredients,” he said. “This leaves them open to the kinds of lawsuits we’ve been seeing more of.”

In the Burger King case, plainti s in multiple states sued in March 2022, claiming that advertisements and photos on store menu boards show burgers that are about 35% larger __ with double the meat __ than the burgers they purchased. The plainti s said they wouldn’t

have bought the sandwiches if they had known the actual size.

A Burger King spokesperson said the plainti s’ claims are false, and that the beef patties in its ads are the same ones it serves across the U.S.

In late August, U.S. District Judge Roy Altman dismissed some of the plainti s’ claims. He ruled that the plainti s can’t argue that television or online ads constituted a “binding offer” from Burger King, because they don’t list a price or product information. But he said the plainti s could argue that the images on the menu boards represented a binding o er. He also didn’t dismiss claims of negligent misrepresentation. Nair said it’s unclear how the case will be resolved. Generally, she said, cases against fast food giants have been hard to win. Unlike boxes of cereal or sodas, every sandwich is di erent, and some might look more like the images on menu boards than others. The U.S. Supreme Court hasn’t weighed in on these issues, so they’ve been decided on a court-by-court basis.

In 2020, a federal appeals court upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit against Dunkin’. The plainti s said the company deceived them when it said their wraps contained Angus steak; they actually contained ground meat.

Ultimately, the Burger King case and others could cause companies to be more careful with their ads, said Je Galak, an associate professor of marketing at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. But that could come at a cost; more realistic photos might lead to lower sales.

“There’s a legal line. When is it pu ery and when is it deceit?” Galak said. “Companies are always trying to ride right up against that line.”

The Associated Press

KEY WEST, Florida — All the world was “Margaritaville” on Saturday, from Key West to New York City and beyond, as legions of fans mourned the passing of beach-bum balladeer Jimmy Bu ett at the age of 76.

Bu ett’s eponymous hit song has long been the anthem of Florida’s Key West, where Bu ett once lived and built his enduring legacy.

“Everybody equates that song with our city,” said Clayton Lopez, a Key West city commissioner. “I mean, when you say Margaritaville, you’re talking about the city of Key West.”

The community planned a remembrance Sunday along Duval Street, home to some of Key West’s most well-known eateries and music venues, including the Chart Room, a dive bar where Bu ett sang early in his career.

“He’s doing another show now,

but it’s in the sky,” said Jimmy Weekley, who owns Fausto, a restaurant that is one of Key West’s landmarks.

Bu ett’s fandom was widespread, and tributes poured in Saturday.

President Joe Biden sent condolences to Bu ett’s family “and to the millions of fans who will continue to love him even as his ship now sails for new shores.”

Former President Bill Clinton wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Bu ett’s “music brought happiness to millions of people.”

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wrote: “Love and Mercy, Jimmy Bu ett,” and Paul McCartney called him “one of the kindest and most generous people.”

Matt Urben, a self-described Parrothead, as Bu ett fans are known, and a Brooklyn resident, awoke to news of Bu ett’s death.

He joined fellow fans in New York City to reminisce.

“I actually got emotional,” said Urben, 32, who said he’d seen 48 Bu ett concerts since his college days. “They were really special and really fun. ... Just so many stories and so many memories.”

Afterward, he and a buddy headed to the Margaritaville restaurant in Times Square — part of the Bu ett business empire — which describes itself as “an island-inspired oasis in the middle of New York City.”

When “Margaritaville” played, Reid Johnson sang along. By no means a Parrothead, he said, “I’m very familiar with his music.”

Jeanne Fetner had traveled from Northern Virginia with her daughter Avery to visit colleges in New York City when she heard the news. She went to Margaritaville to celebrate Bu ett, whose

ode to a beef patty and bun, “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” is her favorite song.

Fetner recalled a visit to Key West years ago on spring break.

“My friends and I went to Bu ett’s house and rang the bell on his door,” Fetner recounted. Bu ett’s daughter Savannah appeared and told the group, “My dad can’t come out but he wanted to thank you for coming,” she said.

Tracy Smith, from Tampa, Florida, arrived at the Times Square restaurant with her daughters in between Broadway shows.

“We made a trip here to pay a tribute to Jimmy Bu ett, too,” she said while sipping on a margarita.

“I bought all his music,” she said, “I love him and I love his vibe. He makes people happy.”

For at least a day, all the world is ‘Margaritaville’ in homage to Jimmy Bu ett

AP PHOTO

The Burger King logo is displayed on a sign outside a restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh, Jan. 12, 2022.

FILE PHOTO BY DAVID SINCLAIR

Jimmy Bu et performs at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, in 2016.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Wake’s Forbes will keep coaching while wife recovers from stroke

Winston-Salem

Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes says his wife is regaining movement on her left side following a stroke last month and that he plans to continue with his coaching duties entering preseason practices. Johnetta Forbes su ered the stroke Aug. 8. She is receiving treatment at the Shepherd Center, which is a neuro -rehabilitation facility in Atlanta. Steve Forbes said Monday she didn’t su er memory damage. He also says she’s making “incremental” progress and is determined to walk when she is scheduled to leave the facility on Sept. 22. Forbes plans to split his time between Atlanta and the Winston-Salem campus for preseason workouts.

MLS

Charlotte, Nashville

trade stoppage-time goals in 1-1 draw

Nashville Reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar scored on a penalty kick in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time for Nashville SC after Scott Ar eld had given FC Charlotte the lead ve minutes earlier in a wild 1-1 draw on Saturday in Nashville. Neither team scored until Ar eld took a pass from Adilson Malanda three minutes into extra time and found the net for the second time in six career appearances for Charlotte (7-9-10).

Mukhtar answered with his league -leading 14th goal of the season for Nashville (11-9-7) after defender Lukas MacNaughton drew a foul on Charlotte defender Nathan Byrne. Kristijan Kahlina saved four shots for Charlotte, which returns to action on Sept. 16 when it hosts D.C. United.

Long walk home: Duke rocks No. 9 Clemson

The Blue Devils used a su ocating defense and clutch play from Riley Leonard to top the ACC’s powerhouse program

By Shawn Krest North

State Journal

DURHAM — In the days leading up to his opener against Duke, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney complained about how long the walk was from the visiting locker room to the eld at the Blue Devils’ Wallace Wade Stadium. That was nothing compared to his walk back to those lockers after the game. Duke got an improbable sea-

New

cluding a targeting call in the second half.

“It’s funny,” said Elko. “I don’t really know that we ever had control (of the game). It was really just a testament to how much we kept ghting.”

son-opening win over the No. 9-ranked Tigers, controlling the second half on the way to a 28-7 victory and ending some long streaks of futility against the team that has ruled the ACC for a generation.

It was Duke’s rst win against the Tigers since 2004 and the rst time the Blue Devils have beaten a top-10 opponent since beating Clemson back in 1989. Duke scored its most points against the Tigers since 2002 and held them to their lowest point total in the series since 1972. The win was Duke’s biggest over Clemson since 1936.

“We came into this game believing we could win the football game,” said Duke coach

Mike Elko.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the win was that the Blue Devils didn’t have to play a perfect game to produce it. Duke, which led the nation in turnover margin last season, lost two fumbles in the rst half — half of its total fumbles lost all of 2022. The Blue Devils also committed seven penalties to Clemson’s one, in-

Duke’s defense shut the Tigers out in the second half and had three takeaways after halftime. The Blue Devils also blocked a eld goal in the rst half and pressured the kicker into a miss in the second half, holding Clemson scoreless three of the four times it reached the red zone in the game.

Clemson led at the half 7-6, but Duke took the second-half kicko and scored on a 44-yard Riley Leonard run. The quarterback had 98 rushing yards for the game and put the Blue Devils on top to stay with his big play to nd the end zone.

“Yeah, that’s what he does,” Elko said. “When we need him to make plays, he makes them.

See DUKE, page B3

faces abound as old rivals meet in Panthers’ opener

Carolina and Atlanta both have new quarterbacks and shu ed rosters after a string of down years

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

THE PANTHERS and Falcons meet twice a year, but the NFC South rivals will need to have some pregame introductions when they meet in the season opener in Atlanta on Sunday.

Both teams have undergone extensive makeovers in an effort to snap out of the malaise that has stricken the organizations.

Since playing in Super Bowl

51 in February 2017, the Falcons have gone 42-56, including a streak of ve straight losing seasons and three straight nishes in the bottom two in the division. Since their trip to the Super Bowl a year earlier, the Panthers have gone 46-68 with ve straight losing records and four nishes in the bottom half of the NFC South in the last ve years.

Something had to change in both locker rooms, and did it ever this o season. Both teams will have new quarterbacks after following the same pro -

gression at the position — after parting ways with the franchise QB who led them to the Super Bowl, each team tried to go the veteran route before nding the quarterback they hope will be their future.

The Marcus Mariota experiment lasted less than a season in Atlanta, and now the Falcons hope Desmond Ridder can take the team to the heights that Matt Ryan reached in his 14 years as Falcons QB1. The Panthers, meanwhile, are turning to rst overall pick Bryce

Young, who replaced a revolving door of potential replacements for Cam Newton that included Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, Newton (again) and Baker May eld.

Ridder, a third-round pick last season after leading Cincinnati to the College Football Playo , started four games a year ago, winning two. He completed 63% of his passes for 703 yards and threw two touchdowns with no interceptions — encouraging numbers but far from a guarantee of stardom.

He only played in one preseason game this year, completing seven of nine passes, but one of his two misses was an interception.

Ridder did get a vote of condence from his top target, Drake London.

“He only had four games last year — people didn’t really see all of Des,” London said. “Now they get to see him and get to see what he does, so I think he’ll shut a lot of people up and silence those doubters for sure.”

Quarterback is not the only spot in Atlanta with new faces. The Falcons made extensive changes on defense and will have essentially a brand new secondary, as well as a new coordinator calling the shots. They also added several skill position players on o ense to give Ridder other options besides London.

Over at Carolina, the Panthers have given the keys to the o ense to Young. He got mixed reviews during the preseason as the team struggled to protect him. Young nally threw his rst touchdown pass in the preseason nale. Joining him in wearing the “my name is” sticker is a new face at coach in Frank Reich, who has presided over several changes on both

See PANTHERS, page B4

RUSTY JONES | AP PHOTO

Linebacker Brandon Smith, a fourth-round pick by Carolina in 2022, was among the players cut by the team on Tuesday.

AP PHOTO

Duke’s Jordan Waters and Riley Leonard celebrate after a touchdown during the Blue Devils’ 28-7 win over No. 9 Clemson on Monday in Durham.

“God is good, and so is our defense.”

Riley Leonard, Duke quarterback

9.6.23

TRENDING

Josh Harris:

The longtime NASCAR executive will take over as Darlington president from the retiring Kerry Tharp. Harris has worked the past 12 years for the company, rst at Talladega before moving to Daytona. The 41-year-old became a vice president at Darlington this year and will move into his new role in January.

Nela Lopusanova:

The 15-year-old Slovakian phenom who is considered the future of women’s hockey arrived in North America after moving more than 4,300 miles from Zilina, Slovakia, to Rochester, New York, to play for Bishop Kearney high school’s Selects Academy. The program is known for developing some of the top young women’s players in the sport.

Max Verstappen:

The Formula One points leader won his record-breaking 10th consecutive race with victory at the Italian Grand Prix with a Red Bull one-two on Ferrari’s home track. Verstappen, the two-time defending champion, beat teammate Sergio Pérez by 6.064 seconds. Carlos Sainz Jr. was third, 11.193 behind Verstappen and less than two tenths of a second ahead of Charles Leclerc as the two Ferrari drivers battled for the nal spot on Monza’s iconic podium.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES NASCAR

Kyle Larson led the nal 55 laps to start the Cup Series playo s with a win for his rst career victory at Darlington. Larson automatically advances to the round of 12, which will come after races at Kansas and Bristol. Playo drivers took the rst seven spots, with Tyler Reddick nishing second followed by Chris Buescher, William Byron, Ross Chastain, Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace.

ECU coach Mike Houston on No. 2 Michigan after the Pirates lost 30-3 on Saturday at the Big House.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders after the Bu aloes upset No. 17 TCU 45-42 on Saturday.

PRIME NUMBER

100

Career wins at UNC for football coach Mack Brown after the Tar Heels beat South Carolina 31-17 Saturday in Charlotte. Brown is 100-68-1 at UNC — including 31-22 since returning to Chapel Hill in 2019 — and 269-139-1 overall for his career.

After losing SMU to the ACC, the American Athletic Conference has approached Army about joining as a football-only member. Army is a football independent and competes primarily in the Patriot League for its other sports. Army’s rival, Navy, is member of the AAC — which includes N.C. schools ECU and Charlotte.

Serbian national basketball team forward Borisa Simanic lost one of his kidneys as the result of an inadvertent elbow from South Sudan’s Nuni Omot, pictured, during a World Cup game last Wednesday. After complications from an initial surgery, Simanic’s kidney was removed in a second procedure Sunday.

Disgraced hockey coach Bill Peters, who coached in Carolina from 2014 to 2018 and in Calgary the following two seasons before resigning amid past allegations of racism, was hired by the junior league Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League last week. Peters was also accused of hitting and kicking his players while with the NHL’s Hurricanes.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL BASKETBALL

CHUCK BURTON | AP PHOTO AARON FAVILA | AP PHOTO

“We told you we were coming.”

DARRON CUMMINGS | AP PHOTO

“They look like what the preseason ranking is.”

PAUL SANCYA | AP PHOTO

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

HOCKEY

MARK SCHIEFELBEIN | AP PHOTO

UNC, App State look for lower-scoring rematch

Improved defenses and a quarterback switch for App may keep point totals lower

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

UNC AND Appalachian State will meet in an encore of a game that no one on either side was really pleased with last season.

The Tar Heels built an early lead, but a funny thing happened on the way to their blowout — App scored an eye-popping 40 points in the fourth quarter only to see their furious comeback fall just short in a 63-61 Carolina win. The UNC basketball team had ve games where one of the teams didn’t hit the 60-point mark last season. App State’s hoops squad had 14.

“We were a laughingstock on defense,” UNC coach Mack Brown said this week while recalling last season’s matchup. Throughout the preseason, he’s used the fourth quarter debacle against the Mountaineers as a motivational prod for his team.

UNC will have the same quarterback who authored their ve-dozen points last season. Drake Maye gives the Tar Heels perhaps the most stable quarterback situation in the ACC. Aside from interceptions on back-toback plays against South Carolina last week, Maye is displaying the same form that put him on the Heisman trophy shortlist each of the last two years.

Brown saw some aws in his franchise quarterback last week, however, and heading into the App State game, the fact that they came late in the game is even more troubling.

“Our o ense didn’t nish,” Brown said, pointing out that the Heels didn’t cross mid eld in the fourth quarter against the Gamecocks and were scoreless for the last 21-plus minutes of the game.

Maye, who threw for 269 yards, is supported by running back British Brooks, who turned in a 100-yard rushing day as the Tar Heels ran for 168 yards in the game. Brooks missed all of

last year with a serious knee injury.

“What an amazing story,” Brown said. “And he did a tremendous job in pass protection because they came after Drake a lot.”

Speaking of coming after quarterbacks, the UNC defense was the story of the opener, recording nine sacks and stopping South Carolina repeatedly in the red zone. The Tar Heels D will be an additional concern for App State, whose quarterback situation is already far less settled than Carolina’s.

After a preseason competition to see who would replace Chase Brice, App’s starting quarterback for the last two seasons, coach Shawn Clark awarded the job to Ryan Burger, a redshirt freshman who appeared in one game last year as a backup to Brice. Burger won the job over juco transfer Joey Aguilar, who threw for 21 touch-

“We were a laughingstock on defense.”

Mack Brown, UNC coach

downs and nearly 3,000 yards in two years at Diablo Community College, adding more than 600 yards rushing.

Clark said, perhaps prophetically when he announced his decision, “Both quarterbacks can lead our o ense, move us down the eld and take care of the football.”

He would need both in the opener. After Burger led App on an early scoring drive, throwing his rst career touchdown pass in the rst quarter, the starter su ered a hand injury and had to leave the game. He’ll miss another three to four weeks.

Hartman, Irish present problems on both sides of ball for NC State

The Wolfpack will need to play better in the trenches and nd ways to disrupt the former Wake Forest quarterback

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RALEIGH — NC State had one game to ease into its season. Week 2 is a much tougher assignment.

The Wolfpack (1-0) will kick o their home schedule Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium when they host No. 13 Notre Dame (2-0).

“It’s exciting to play against them,” said NC State coach Dave Doeren. “A team we don’t get to play a lot. A team that rotates through our league and plays ve games a year, so it’s our turn to get an opportunity to compete with them. I’m super excited about the test.”

Last week, the Wolfpack had a tougher-than-expected opener against UConn but managed to pull o a 24-14 win.

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong, in his rst game with NC State after transferring from ACC rival Virginia, led the offense, rushing for 96 yards and two touchdowns on 19 attempts while throwing for 155 yards.

“He enjoys the physicality of

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The biggest thing he has going for him is he knows how to elevate his game at the right time.”

Leonard also completed 17 of 33 passes for 175 yards, but he knew where the credit for the win belonged.

football and he can make things happen,” Doeren said of his new quarterback. “A lot of his rushing yards were self-manufactured scrambles, so it wasn’t just calling a QB-run game. There were a couple of designed runs for him, but most of it was just dropping back and running if things weren’t there.

“He adds an element to the game that allows you to call plays and sometimes he just

“God is good,” he said, “and so is our defense.”

Duke’s defense became the rst ACC foe to hold Clemson to single digits in 118 games, dating back to November 2014 when Georgia Tech won 28-6. Only two other opponents kept Clemson under 10 points since

makes it a better play. He just has to continue to be smart with the football and protect the football and manage that part of the game.”

Freshman Kevin Concepcion led the Wolfpack with 36 yards on four catches, but if NC State hopes to compete with the Irish, it will need to get its receivers more involved on Saturday.

“There were a couple of times where we did throw the

then, and both won the national championship — Alabama in 2017 and Georgia in 2021. The Blue Devils had six tackles for loss, two sacks and nine pass breakups. The Blue Devils recovered a Clemson fumble at their own 10 to hold o one scoring threat, then faced a

Aguilar was able to step in and rally the Mountaineers past an upset-minded Gardner-Webb team. He threw a touchdown on his rst play from scrimmage and nished with four touchdown passes — a school record for a quarterback making his debut. Aguilar completed 11 of 13 passes for 174 yards.

“Joey came in, his rst collegiate pass for App State is a touchdown, and that gave us the spark we needed,” Clark said. “You have to go out there and just play, no matter if it’s rst, second, third,” Aguilar said. “It’s always next guy up, and you just have to be prepared.”

It will be rst this week as Aguilar faces a Tar Heels defense that appears to be much improved over the one that struggled to nish last season’s game.

“They’re a di erent football team on o ense and defense,”

ball down the eld and didn’t connect,” Doeren said. “We had one call that was wide open and Brennan took o running on that play. It just didn’t work that way. … We do need to be able to push the ball down the eld a little bit more.” NC State’s defensive front will also need to be better against Notre Dame than it was versus the Huskies. UConn did a good job handling the Pack’s defensive line last Thursday, with the Huskies rushing for 160 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, including a 71-yard touchdown run. UConn’s line also only allowed two sacks and four tackles for loss.

“We’re going to need them,” Doeren said of his defensive line. “[Notre Dame’s] o-line is talented, big and well coached, so it’s one of those games in the box where it’s going to be a game of imposing will and leverage, strength, fundamentals, inside hands, pad level. It’s going to be awesome in the box. De nitely going to be a game where we have to strain, strain, strain.”

The Fighting Irish have one of the best o ensive fronts in college football led by 2022 All-American o ensive tackle junior Joe Alt.

Notre Dame already has three running backs who have rushed for more than 50 yards, and their lead back, junior Audric Estime, has totaled 211 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries.

The Wolfpack will also be facing a familiar face in former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman, who is playing out his nal season eligibility in South Bend.

rst-and-goal from their own 1 and forced another fumble, with Jalen Stinson returning it 55 yards to set up a touchdown drive for the Blue Devils.

“I’m just so happy for our guys,” Elko said. “For them to go out there on this stage and perform like this is really spe -

Clark said. App also has a strong running game. In addition to Aguilar’s threat as a mobile quarterback, the Mountaineers got 117 yards and a touchdown from running back Nate Noel. Plus, the UNC defense isn’t the only one sporting an upgrade. App’s D forced three turnovers in an eight-minute span in the second half to help put away Gardner-Webb.

Clark pointed out the importance of protecting Aguilar after Gardner-Webb put pressure on both quarterbacks last week. The key, he said, will be keeping UNC’s o ense o the eld. “Any time Drake Maye has the ball in his hands, they have a chance to score a touchdown.”

There were plenty of touchdowns scored, on both ends of the eld, last year. While the scoreboard operator may not be as busy this time around, it sounds like the game will be no less competitive.

“We’re playing a 2-0 football team in Notre Dame that has an exceptional quarterback that we know a lot about with Sam Hartman,” Doeren said. “He’s playing really good, not a surprise.”

In his career against NC State, Hartman has a 1-2 record with 923 passing yards and six touchdowns, but he has just a 54.9% completion percentage with six interceptions.

When the Wolfpack faced Wake Forest last season, Hartman threw for nearly 400 yards, but his three interceptions ultimately cost his team the game.

“How you defended him in Wake’s o ense is di erent than how you will defend him in this one because of the run game, play-action game and the things that are unique about Notre Dame’s system,” Doeren said. “Wake’s system was completely di erent, but we do know from experience what kind of player he is. We know what we have done well and what we haven’t done well over the years against him, so there is some good knowledge in that.”

The Wolfpack will need to limit the yardage that Hartman has been able to pile up against NC State, especially with the Fighting Irish having such a strong run game.

“As a team, we’re going to stress the details and the fundamentals,” Doeren said. “This is going to be a physical game playing against a really good team. But to just get better from Week 1 to Week 2, it’s just the little things that matter most. The details, the fundamentals, you can’t get away from that. That’s how you improve.”

cial. We just kept ghting. We were just relentless, it’s a testimony to what culture and character can do for a program.”

As the Duke students rushed the eld to celebrate the win, Clemson began its long walk back to the locker room, with plenty of questions to ponder.

AP PHOTO

Running back Nate Noel and the Mountaineers will be looking to avenge last season’s loss to the Tar Heels when App State visits Chapel Hill on Saturday.

AP PHOTO

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong and NC State will host Notre Dame on Saturday in the Irish’s rst visit to Raleigh since 2016.

Maryland provides sti er test for new-look 49ers

The 49ers lost 59-21 to the Terrapins last season

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — Coming o his team’s season-opening 24-3 home win over South Carolina State, Charlotte rst-year coach Bi Poggi spoke with a grounded optimism about how his players looked in their rst action of the 2023 season.

“The grittiness and the toughness of the defense and the running game is who we are,” Poggi said in his rst postgame press conference. “We are a blue-collar, gritty football team. We’re not these guys that are going to win a game 55-54, and we’ve talked about that in here before. If we win a game by three touchdowns, that’s a very physically dominant kind of win for a team like us.”

The combination of a powerful rushing attack that totaled 220 yards and a resilient defense that allowed just three points resulted in a three-touchdown victory in front of a sellout crowd of 15,622 people at Jerry Richardson Stadium on Saturday. The opener t the blueprint of how Poggi envisioned his new-look Niners (1-0) would come together.

Poggi’s optimism was countered by his admission that a Week 2 road trip to Maryland (1-0) will be a far greater test than what the 49ers experienced against the FCS Bulldogs.

“South Carolina State is a good football team, but Maryland’s a di erent animal,” he said.

“They’re a Big Ten East team, they’re very well-coached and they’ve got a lot of good players,”

Poggi added. “They have a great quarterback who can run around and make plays. They’ve got very good skilled players — running backs, receivers, tight ends — and they are typically really good in the secondary. They also have a great linebacker in Jaishawn Barham.”

The Terrapins opened their season with a 38-6 home win

over Towson in which quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa totaled four rst-half touchdowns. Coming o back-to-back bowl victories for the rst time in two decades, Maryland played like a team ready to surprise the Big Ten.

Although many players on the Niners’ roster have little connection to last season’s team, those who were around for Charlotte’s 59-21 home loss to Maryland in Jerry Richardson Stadium last September know they will need to up their game to beat the Terps.

“Nobody in this building thinks that what we did tonight is near good enough to win in Maryland,” Poggi said. “After to-

day, pundits will be rmly in the camp they’ve been in that we will probably get smoked next week. But you know, that’s why we play the games, right?”

As the Niners head up to College Park, freshman running back Durell Robinson will look to build on an impressive performance in his rst collegiate game. Robinson got the 49ers’ sluggish o ense on track in the second quarter when he had eight rushes for 71 yards and a touchdown.

Starting quarterback Jalon Jones also settled in as Robinson’s running helped stabilize the o ense, even adding another dimension to Charlotte’s ground game with 49 rushing yards.

Terron Kellman (48 yards) and Shadrick Byrd (42 yards) also contributed to the rushing attack. “We have a lot of backs, and they all are good at di erent things,” Poggi said. “And then Durell is a guy that can do it all. That was his rst college game. I mean, I’m pretty sure that those runs in the future are going to the house. This is a good group. Whenever you rush for 200 yards, you’ve had a good day rushing the football, and that’s kind of what we are.”

While Charlotte’s ability to run the ball will be needed to pull o an upset over Maryland, the Niners’ defense will rst need to contain Tagovailoa and the

Terrapins’ o ense.

Led by senior safety Wayne Jones and Michigan transfer Eyabi Okie-Anoma, the Niners had four three-and-outs, two turnovers on downs, seven tackles for losses, three sacks and an interception in Week 1. SC State was limited to only 168 yards of total o ense, and the Niners didn’t allow a touchdown for the rst time in six years.

“We’ve been talking for a long time, telling [athletic director] Mike Hill, ‘We’re pretty elite on defense,’ and we played like it today,” Poggi said. “I am very pleased with how we played on defense, and I would expect us to only get better as the season goes on.”

Isner heads into retirement after losses at U.S. Open

The Greensboro native, who was a top-20 singles player for a decade, lost twice last Thursday at Flushing Meadows

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

JOHN ISNER, the lanky and hard-hitting Greensboro native who reached as high as No. 8 in the world, closed his singles career with a ve-set loss to fellow American Michael Mmoh 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4, 7-6 (10-7) in the second round of the U.S. Open last Thursday in Flushing Meadows.

Isner won the opening two sets and had a match point at 5-4 in the fth set on Mmoh’s serve, but he hit a backhand into the net to end the threat. Thenal set advanced to a tiebreaker, with Mmoh prevailing 10-7.

Isner had announced before the U.S. Open on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, that the major would be his nal tournament before retirement.

The only player to eclipse 14,000 aces in a career and the all-time leader in the statistic, Isner was emotional following the loss, sitting courtside with a towel covering his face after the loss.

“It’s been a huge part of my

PANTHERS from page B1

sides of the ball. With all the changes on both rosters and coaching sta s, the biggest factor in the opener may be a player who was expected to be one of the few remaining islands of stability. Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns, who has developed into one of the NFL’s leading pass rushers, is engaged in a contract battle

life. It’s tough to say goodbye. It’s not easy,” the 38-year-old said. “But eventually, this day would come. It’s hard to prepare for the emotions of it.”

Isner, who towered over his competition at 6-foot-10 since turning pro in 2007, won 16 ATP Tour titles and ranked in

with the team, and his availability for the game has been cast into doubt. Burns is in the nal year of his rookie contract and looking to get an extension as well as a raise. He didn’t play in the preseason as he looked to come to an agreement with Carolina. Now it’s game week, however, and things don’t appear to be progressing. He missed two practices in a row, including Monday’s rst of Week 1, for

the top 20 in the world for a decade from 2010 to 2019. He reached the Wimbledon seminals in 2018, two quarter nals at the U.S. Open, and the Round of 16 three times at the French Open and twice at the Australian Open. He led Walter Hines High School to a boys’ tennis

state championship in 2001 before attending the University of Georgia. His 11-hour, 5-minute rstround match — played over three days — against Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010 is the longest in tennis history. Isner came out on top, win-

ning the fth-set tiebreaker 70-68 while ushering in a new era in which nal sets included 10-point tiebreakers to determine winners rather than risk marathon matches like the record-breaking one.

Isner’s singles career ended under the new rule — implemented at the U.S. Open in 2022 — with Mmoh outlasting him.

“This is why I worked as hard as I have my whole life to play in atmospheres like this,” an emotional Isner said when asked about the support from the crowd during his nal singles match. “And of course I may not win them all — as we know, just like today. But to play in front of this crowd and have the support I had was pretty special, so thank you.”

Isner was teamed with American Jack Sock in the men’s doubles draw later in the day and saw that end similarly: The duo dropped a deciding third-set tiebreaker to Robert Galloway and Albano.

“(It’s) hard to explain how bad my body feels — I’m not (about) talking right now, because it does, but just in general, lately,” he said after the doubles loss. “So everything I do to get it ready to play, there’s a lot that goes into it. I wanted one more U.S. Open and was able to get that.”

“personal reasons.”

After missing a walk-through last Thursday, Burns told ESPN he wasn’t holding out or refusing to play without a new deal.

“No fault to anybody who is not participating,’’ he said. “But we’ve got something special, and I’m a big part of it, so I can’t miss no time. I’ve just got to be here.’’

Monday’s absence threw that into doubt, however.

“I’m not involved in the contract negotiations. At all. I have zero [input],’” Reich said on Monday. “I’m just worried about getting my team ready to play Atlanta. Do I hope he is there? Absolutely, I hope he is there. If he’s not there, I’m not worried about it. Just move forward.”

Someone will move forward on Sunday when two organizations who desperately need to make progress will meet.

AP PHOTO

Charlotte will need to slow Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa — who had three touchdown passes and another rushing in the Terps’ season-opening win over Towson —if it wants to pull o an upset Saturday in College Park.

AP PHOTO

John Isner waves to the crowd after losing to Michael Mmoh in the nal match of his singles career in the second round of the U.S. Open last Thursday in New York.

“I think he’ll shut a lot of people up and silence those doubters.”

Falcons receiver Drake London on Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder

Late-night hosts team up for ‘Strike Force Five’ podcast to bene t their out-of-work sta

The Associated Press

SOMETHING INTERESTING: Stephen Colbert has in his possession a pair of pants belonging to the late Nicaraguan dictator, Anastasio Somoza. It’s a long story but his mom dated Somoza when she was younger (before he became a dictator, says Colbert).

Speaking of pants, Jimmy Kimmel once bought a pair of Gary Coleman’s pants o eBay.

These are just two of the wonderfully weird factoids shared by late-night hosts Colbert, Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver and Seth Meyers, in a new podcast called “Strike Force Five” — named after their personal text chain — which debuted Wednesday on Spotify.

Because their respective shows have been dark since the Writers Guild of America went on strike in May, all pro ts from the podcast will go to their re-

spective sta s. The show is sponsored by Mint Mobile and liquor company Diageo, and Kimmel said the money will “largely” come from them. Kimmel served as the inaugural moderator and that responsibility will be shared among the hosts.

“What would happen if ve of America’s Top 11 most-beloathed talk show hosts all talked on top of each other for an hour? You’re about to nd out,” said Kimmel at the beginning of the episode.

“There wasn’t a lot of communication during the last WGA strike between late-night hosts and as a result there was a lot of nonsense that went on,” he added, “so Stephen suggested we get together and we talk through our issues or whatever we’re dealing with.”

Oliver asked, “Would it be fair to say that in 2008 the hosts didn’t get along quite as well as we do? I know it’s an incredibly

low bar but that was a sequence of dying marriages that they were.”

The late-night hosts in 2008 were Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, Jay Leno, Dave Letterman, Craig Ferguson and Colbert and Jon Stewart. Kimmel said their shows were all dark but eventually Letterman and Ferguson went back on the air rst “and we were all mad,” he said.

A lightning sound e ect would play each time the words “Strike Force Five” were said and the hosts spent the hour-long episode sharing basically whatever they wanted. Meyers said their unpolished delivery was a tribute to why they really need a sta , including writers and researchers.

Oliver and Meyers performed a few comedy dates together where they took to the stage for a Q&A with the audience. Oliver, said Meyers, mocks the people who don’t properly execute their

opportunity to ask a question, by taking too long or they fumble their words. Oliver did not refute this observation.

Kimmel said he usually has summers o — a fact that annoys the other hosts who normally have shows — and he prefers being on vacation knowing the other hosts have to work.

“I enjoy the fact that you don’t get them that makes it all the more sweeter. I like getting the summer o better when I’m getting paid to get the summer o ,” said Kimmel. “You’re not getting paid to not work when normally you are paid to not work,” Colbert responded.

Other facts included how Fallon’s mom tried being a nun for a week but it wasn’t for her. He says there is photo evidence of his mother wearing a habit, possibly holding a doll of a nun to which Meyers replied, “I have a picture of my dad holding a GI Joe, but I

don’t think he was in the army.”

It was agreed that if Fallon nds the nun photos, Colbert will dig up Somoza’s pants.

Colbert also said he’s created “code names” for the others in case he loses his cell phone. Kimmel is Crank Yanker, Fallon is Steve Allen, Meyers is Boom Chicago, John Oliver is Joliver.

“You’d have to be a pretty dumb guy who stole Stephen’s phone to not gure out Joliver,” quipped Meyers.

They ended the podcast with a promise to drop another episode “this week.” They plan to do at least 12 episodes.

Sarah Kobos, who worked as a photo research coordinator at “The Tonight Show” said, “There hasn’t been any info or communication given internally about how this works. ... That said, we are extremely grateful that the podcast says it will go towards helping sta . It is much needed!”

Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson launch fund with $10 million for displaced Maui residents

The Associated Press

OPRAH WINFREY and Dwayne Johnson have committed $10 million to make direct payments to people on Maui who are unable to return to their homes because of the wild res, through a new fund they announced Thursday.

The People’s Fund of Maui will give $1,200 a month to adults who are not able to return to their primary residences because of the recent wild res, including people who owned and rented their homes, according to the fund’s website. The fund will also seek donations to extend the length of time it can provide the support.

“How do we help?” the “Young Rock” star said he and Winfrey asked each other during the wild res, saying in a video released along with the announcement that they grappled with how to best direct their efforts. “You want to take care of the greatest need of the people, and that’s giving them money.”

They are looking forward to the help of “every person who called me and said, ‘What can I do?’” Winfrey said in the video. “This is what you can do.”

The pair were inspired by a similar fund set up by Dolly Parton after wild res swept through Gatlinburg, Tennessee in December 2016, killing 14 people and destroying 2,400 structures.

Je Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation, said he consulted with Winfrey’s team

multiple times in the past weeks to share the lessons that they’d learned from administrating the fund, which eventually granted $11 million to families who had lost their homes.

“Dolly’s idea was that, ‘Hey, look, these are my people and I want to take care of them and we trust them to know what recovery looks like for them-

selves and their families in the days and weeks following this immediate catastrophe here,’” Conyers said.

Parton’s fund, called My People Fund, worked with rst responders and a local utility company and asked residents to help them determine which structures were destroyed and who lived in those homes, Co -

nyers said. Around 1,000 families eventually received assistance from the fund, according to an evaluation from the University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Social Work. That included a nal $5,000 lump sum transfer at the end of six months.

To qualify for the People’s Fund of Maui, applicants must

show a government ID and a utility bill in their name for a lost or uninhabitable residence, the fund’s website said.

Winfrey, who lives on Maui part-time, visited an emergency shelter on Maui in the days after the wild re hit and worried about e ectively getting resources to residents. At least 115 people were killed in the res, though an unknown number are still missing. The re that ripped through the historic town of Lahaina on Aug. 8 was the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century.

The Entertainment Industry Fund, a Los Angeles-based nonpro t that helps celebrities administer their charitable work, is sponsoring the fund, the announcement said.

Johnson and Winfrey hope the fund will continue to make transfers to qualifying residents for at least six months, but Winfrey said it would be up to the American public to determine how long the fund extends, based on their support and donations.

When setting up a direct cash transfer program, it’s important to de ne the objective, said Holly Welcome Radice, the regional representative for the Americas at CALP Network, a collective of organizations that studies cash assistance programs. In this case, $1,200 should correspond to the price of housing or the living costs for an adult in the area or whatever the need is the fund is seeking to meet, she said.

Members of the The Writers Guild of America picket outside Paramount Pictures on May 3, 2023, in Los Angeles.

AP PHOTO

Dwayne Johnson attends the world premiere of “Black Adam” in New York on Oct. 12, 2022, left, and Oprah Winfrey appears at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans on June 30, 2023.

Downtown Albemarle

The City of Albemarle’s new Courthouse Plaza is o cially under construction. This new project, which is being built in the former alleyway stretching from West Main Street to King Avenue, will feature lighting, seating, public art, and the potential for other amenities. According to the city’s Facebook page, the Courthouse Plaza project “directly aligns with the city’s Strategic Plan, which includes prioritizing downtown revitalization and beauti cation.”

COUNTY NEWS

SCC and SCS takes steps to address teacher shortage

On Thursday, August 17, Stanly Community College (SCC) and Stanly County Schools took their rst step in a partnership that has the potential to address the growing need for quali ed and passionate teachers. SCC President

Dr. John Enamait and Superintendent of Stanly County Schools

Dr. Jarrod Dennis signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides the necessary framework for SCC to serve as an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) for elementary education teachers seeking residency licensure in Stanly County. In fall 2022, NC public schools saw a 58.4% increase in teacher vacancies (over 5,000). “This initiative only continues to grow an already strong partnership between our institutions,” said Enamait. “I’m thankful to Sue Drake for her work in developing this program and to Stanly for supporting this initiative in the name of community success, which is part of our strategic plan at the college. The true winners are our students in Stanly County Schools. It is an exciting day when you can execute agreements that put students rst.”

Individuals interested in learning more about this new program should visit www.stanly.edu/ academics/healthsciences-public-services/ epp-residency.

Stanly County businessman Joseph Burleson re-appointed to Rural Infrastructure Authority

North State Journal

RALEIGH — On August 17, the N.C. General Assembly Legislative leaders made appointments to key boards and commissions during the 2024-2024 legislative session with bipartisan support.

Joseph L. Burleson, of the Endy community in Stanly County, was reappointed by Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) to the Rural Infrastructure Authority. Burleson’s reappoint-

ment to serve on this board received overwhelming support in the N.C. House of Representatives and N.C. State Senate.

“I am committed to serving my county on the state level in every way possible,” said Burleson in a press release. “I appreciate Speaker Moore and President Pro Tem Phil Berger for the support in my reappointment process. My heart is in the work I do every day to help Stanly County and Rural North Carolina, and I’m thankful

for my God-given ability to do so.

I believe I make a positive impact in my service to our country and state, and I’m excited to keep doing that.”

Burleson previously served on the Stanly County Economic Development Commission, the Stanly County Board of Commissioners and the Stanly County Community College Board of Trustees.

The Rural Infrastructure Authority awards Rural, Commu-

Locust set to hold grand opening event for new campsite area

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

LOCUST — Stanly County

residents with a air for the great outdoors will soon have a new spot to enjoy.

The City of Locust Parks and Recreation unveiled last week that it is hosting a Campsites Grand Opening event on Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where it will celebrate the opening of a new tent campsite section at Locust City Park (located at 240 Lions Club Drive).

“Join us at our campsites for a Grand Opening event. Check out the new campsites, engage with park sta , grab dinner, challenge yourself on the mobile climbing wall, and enjoy a camp re and smores,” the Parks and Recreation department announced.

The department will host the Boy Scouts Troop 202 and Girl Scouts Troop 1061, as well as vendors such as the J&M Food

Shack food truck and Bayou Sno shaved ice truck. The freeof-charge Rock Therapy Mobile Rock Climbing Wall will also be available for use.

Four days after the campsites Grand Opening event, Locust is set to host another event as it features the country and Americana band Red Dirt Revival for this year’s End of Summer Concert at 6:00 p.m.

There will be food and drink vendors present, in addition to another appearance by the mobile rock climbing wall. Additionally, the City of Locust announced on Aug. 28 that there will now be a reworks segment of the night at 9 p.m.

The city advises that because there will be no allowed street parking on residential streets, attendees can enter from Kerri Dawn Lane behind the library and use public parking in Locust Town Center; there will also be over ow parking

in front of Ace Hardware and Sassy Cakes Bakery.

“Residents are invited to come for as long as they would like, bring chairs, blankets and yard games if they would like,” the City of Locust said in a statement.

The entry-level sponsor for the event is Ready Mix of the Carolinas, while concert-level sponsors include Layla Sanders with State Farm Insurance, Eudy’s Cabinet Manufacturing, Inc., and Up & Coming Gymnastics.

For more information on the event or signing up to be a vendor, email events@locustnc.com.

Later this month, Locust will host its Kids’ Night Out event on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. as well as its Family Movie Night on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. The rst night will feature games, activities and food for kids ages 5-14, while the second night will showcase a free showing of The Super Mario Bros. Movie behind Locust City Hall.

Joseph Burleson

nity Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Utility Account grant funds. The authority consists of 17 members appointed by the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.

“Check out the new campsites, engage with park sta , grab dinner, challenge yourself on the mobile climbing wall, and enjoy a camp re and smores.”

City of Locust Parks & Recreation

SCOTT PELKEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COUICK, JESSICA LIANE (W /F/35) SECOND

DEGREE TRESPASS

09/02/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

ERSEK, PAUL JAMES (W /M/65) AS-

SAULT ON FEMALE

09/02/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

GREEN, CLARENCE A (B /M/37)DRIVING

WHILE IMPAIRED

09/02/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

GREENE, WENDY

BATES (W /F/57)

SIMPLE ASSAULT

09/02/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

LAWING, CRYSTAL MA-

RIE (W /F/42) BREAK-

ING AND OR ENTERING (F) 09/01/2023

Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

TAYLOR, MATTHEW

BRYAN (W /M/48)

FELONY POSSES-

SION OF COCAINE

09/01/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

WATSON JR, JAMES

THOMAS (B /M/52)

POSSESSION OF FIRE-

ARM BY FELON

09/01/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

BORDEAUX, XAVIER

MONTREAL (B /M/28)

ASSAULT ON GOVT

OFFICIAL/EMPLY

08/30/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

BROWN, THOMAS AN-

THONY (W /M/43)

BREAKING AND OR

ENTERING (F)

08/30/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

CLEMENTE-MELO, AR-

TURO (W /M/42)

FAIL REGISTER SEX

OFFENDER(F)

08/30/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

DYE, JEFFERY DANIEL (W /M/25) ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON (M) 08/30/2023

Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

MILLER, JALEN DAMARIUS (B /M/25) POSSESS

METHAMPHETAMINE

08/30/2023 Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

Four astronauts return to Earth in SpaceX capsule to wrap up six-month station mission

The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

— Four astronauts returned to Earth early Monday after a sixmonth stay at the International Space Station. Their SpaceX capsule parachuted into the Atlantic o the Florida coast.

Returning were NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, Russia’s

Andrei Fedyaev and the United Arab Emirates’ Sultan al-Neyadi, the rst person from the Arab world to spend an extended time in orbit.

Before departing the space station, they said they were craving hot showers, steaming cups of co ee and the ocean air since arriving in March. Their homecoming was delayed a day because of poor weather at the splashdown locations, but in

the end, provided a spectacular middle-of-the-night show as the capsule streaked through the sky over Cape Canaveral toward a splashdown near Jacksonville.

The astronauts said it was incredible to be back. “You’ve got a roomful of happy people here,” SpaceX Mission Control radioed.

SpaceX launched their replacements over a week ago.

Another crew switch will oc-

cur later this month with the long-awaited homecoming of two Russians and one American who have been up there an entire year. Their stay was doubled after their Soyuz capsule leaked all of its coolant and a new craft had to be launched. Between crew swaps, the space station is home to seven astronauts.

Biden wants an extra $4 billion for disaster relief, bringing total request to $16 billion

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House will seek an additional $4 billion to address natural disasters as part of its supplemental funding request, bringing the total to $16 billion — a sign that wild res, ooding and hurricanes that have intensi ed during a period of climate change are imposing ever higher costs on U.S. taxpayers.

The Biden administration had initially requested $12 billion in extra funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund, which helps with rescue and relief e orts. But a policy analyst in the O ce of Management and Budget, Shelby Wagenseller, said that the res in Hawaii and Louisiana as well as ooding in Vermont and Hurricane Idalia striking Florida and other Southeastern states mean that a total of $16 billion is needed.

As recently as Tuesday, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell had stressed that $12 billion would be enough to meet the agency’s needs through the end of the scal year this month.

Criswell told reporters at a White House brie ng that the lower sum “will be a bridge to get us through the end of the scal year.”

“If we continue to see more

storms, we’re going to continuously monitor very closely the health of the disaster relief fund to determine what more may be needed,” Criswell said. “But right now, as the situation stands, the supplemental request will get us through the end of this scal year.”

On Thursday, President Joe

Biden went to FEMA’s o ces in Washington and pushed for more money, saying, “We need this disaster relief request met, and we need it in September.”

He said he could not understand why some lawmakers believe the money is unnecessary.

“I’m not even sure what their thinking is,” the president said.

Within hours of Biden speaking, the O ce of Management and Budget concluded that another $4 billion needed to be tacked on to the supplemental funding measure, which also includes money to aid Ukraine in its war against Russia and efforts to address fentanyl addiction.

dumps

In this image from video made available by NASA, a SpaceX capsule, slowed by parachutes, splashes down in the Atlantic Ocean o the Florida coast, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, as it returns to Earth with NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen, United Arab Emirates astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi, NASA astronaut Warren (Woody) Hoburg and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrei Fedyaev after a sixmonth stay at the International Space Station.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Yes, Washington Is a gerontocracy. And It’s our fault.

For the second time in recent months, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze in the middle of a press conference, staring o in silence before being saved by an aide. The episode was widely covered by the establishment media and fairly so, considering his position and power.

Democrats would rather pretend that the president is an intellectual and physical dynamo because they want to hold onto power.

It would be nice, and ethical, if the same level of scrutiny was applied to our cognitively compromised president, who regularly wanders o to shake hands with invisible leprechauns, struggles to navigate stairs and forgets the name of his cabinet members.

In any event, it’s understandable that people are getting annoyed by the advanced age of our top leaders. Still, I don’t think age limits, as some have suggested, would be very useful.

For one thing, there is value in experience. There’s little evidence that younger politicians are better equipped to govern. It’s more likely, judging from recent events, that they’re going to be just as injudicious, partisan and perhaps less inclined to respect the constitutional order. Politicians aren’t here to drive modernity or bring us new technologies (or social media accounts with lots of followers); they are here to (lightly) govern the nation within the law. Is a Sen. Alexandria OcasioCortez or Marjorie Taylor Greene going to

prove better stewards of those republican values? Color me skeptical.

Now, there are clear cases where age should be disqualifying. California’s Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90, has reportedly relinquished power of attorney to her daughter. If a person can’t be trusted to legally handle their own life decisions, how can they be entrusted with the power to make decisions over your life? That seems like a reasonable standard to push someone out of o ce. Then again, even a person in a coma would be better for the country than Adam Schi or Katie Porter, so you see the problem.

Obviously, mental acuity diminishes with age, but people don’t die in sequential order, and they don’t mature in identical ways. There are plenty of 80-year-olds who are sharp and plenty of 60-year-olds who already struggle. Age minimums for o ce, as James Madison (probably) argued in The Federalist No. 62, make sense because a person gains a “greater extent of information and stability of character” as they age. Most 25-year-olds shouldn’t even be voting. But a maximum cuto age is completely arbitrary. It would make more sense to administer a cognitive test (maybe throw in a civics test) than an age limit. I’m sorry, no one is going to convince me that Sen. Chuck Grassley is less competent

or knowledgeable at 89 than, say, Sen. Chris Murphy at age 50.

All of this is theoretical anyway, as it would take a constitutional amendment to institute age maximums. Because guess what? A solution already exists. Vote them out. We act as if these septuagenarians and octogenarians have been thrust upon us by some unknown force. We put them there. If three-quarters of voters truly believed President Joe Biden is too old for o ce, they would nd someone else to run. But Democrats would rather pretend that the president, not exactly Cicero in his best days, is an intellectual and physical dynamo because they want to hold onto power. Deep down they know no one in their right mind thinks a fresh-faced Mayor Pete is any better.

The reality is that when it matters, voters across the country love the old-timers — perhaps because they are known quantities or maybe they bring home the money or maybe people genuinely like them. If they didn’t, none of them would be in Washington.

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

The Tom and Daisy Buchanans North of Richmond

“THESE RICH MEN north of Richmond, Lord knows they just wanna have total control.” So goes the refrain of singer and songwriter Oliver Anthony’s suddenly famous song. “Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do, and they don’t think you know, but I know that you do.”

Anthony’s degree of familiarity with “The Great Gatsby” is unclear, but his “rich men north of Richmond” these days have more than a touch of Tom and Daisy Buchanan about them.

The song has inspired plenty of negative feedback from inside-the-Beltway liberals who are uncomfortably aware that their home turf sits a little more than an hour’s drive north of Richmond on Interstate 95. But Anthony, whose roots are far away in Southside Virginia, near the North Carolina border, insists he is “dead center down the aisle on politics” and doesn’t like people to “wrap politics” around his work.

It’s certainly possible that he’s unaware that the overwhelming majority of “rich men” in metro Washington are liberal Democrats. Not too far back in history, lots of rich Americans voted Republican.

And the urge to “know what you think” and “what you do” has inspired in conservative Republicans 20 years ago and liberal Democrats today what maverick journalist Matt Taibbi describes as “giving government power to obtain ‘transparency’ into the activities of private citizens.”

“Deep state” intrusiveness 20 years ago was intended to protect ordinary Americans against terrorists like those who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks. “Deep state” intrusiveness today is more often directed at protecting ordinary Americans by regulating their own behavior and habits.

Directed by people who, as Anthony’s characterization of “rich men north of Richmond” suggests, see themselves as separate from and superior to the great mass of Americans whose lives they seek to monitor and control.

The danger of course is that people who see themselves as Plato’s Guardians may turn out to be more like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tom and Daisy Buchanan, “careless people” who “smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness” and “let other people clean up the mess they had made.”

Anthony’s degree of familiarity with “The Great Gatsby” is unclear, but his “rich men north of Richmond” these days have more than a touch of Tom and Daisy Buchanan about them.

They like to think of themselves as caring for the great masses whose conditions in life they consider themselves responsible for alleviating. But their knowledge, despite their attempts at surveillance, remains woefully incomplete and their capacity for smashing up things is greater than they like to contemplate.

One example is their array of policies that will supposedly result in “net zero” carbon emissions. They push regulations and state laws to phase out gas stoves, to eliminate microscopic emissions, after swearing on stacks of nondenominational texts they have no intention of doing so.

They proudly block the construction of pipelines that are the safest means of transporting low-emissions natural gas and which produce well-paying jobs for blue-collar workers out far beyond the Beltway.

They pass laws and promulgate regulations promising to ban gasoline-powered cars in the near future, even while blocking new electric transmission lines — ignoring the fact that an electric-powered vehicle eet will require immense jolts of new electricity. As mega-investor Warren Bu ett said at his 2022 stockholders’ meeting, “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or ve years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.”

They brag about their favorite form of economic redistribution, the Biden administration’s proposed unconstitutional forgiving of $400 billion of college loan repayments. That’s a redistribution of money upward in the economic and education ladders — and a subsidy for the bloat in higher education, which now employs more administrators and facilitators than teachers and scholars.

Absent from liberals’ arguments is any persuasive response to maverick Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), who said that if people “choose to attend college, they can pay back

their loans just like working-class people pay back home mortgages, car loans, and many other expenses that people choose to take out loans for.”

The “vast carelessness” of “rich men north of Richmond” has been nowhere more apparent than in their COVID regimes. As Stanford epidemiologist Jay Bhattacharya has pointed out, the lockdowns and school closings jettisoned “a century of experience managing respiratory-virus pandemics,” imposed when initial reports vastly overestimated the deadliness and strain on medical facilities of the pandemic and kept in place by men (including Republicans as well as Democrats) north of Richmond.

The “laptop class,” Bhattacharya’s term, could Skype comfortably from home, but others fared not so well. Service jobs dependent on foot tra c, in restaurants and retail, disappeared, and small businesses were bankrupted. Lockdowns prevented medical screening and treatments for growing cancers and cardiac weakening.

Hardest hit were the Democrats who indulged their teachers union political allies by acquiescing in school closings that have left millions of nona uent students far, perhaps irremediably far, behind.

That’s not the only damage the Tom and Daisy Buchanans north of Richmond have in icted on the less fortunate. As veteran urbanologist Joel Kotkin points out, o ce buildings in the nation’s 10 largest metro areas today are still only about 50% occupied, with vacancy rates highest in hip, high-tech San Francisco.

That represents billions of dollars of losses not just for rich developers but for widely dispersed individuals — and hundreds of billions less in property tax revenues for central cities and their phalanxes of unionized public employees. Sometimes careless people end up fouling their own nests.

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

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

SIDELINE REPORT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Mountain West pursues Oregon State, Washington State

Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Mountain West Conference made pitches late last month to the Pac12’s nal two members after realignment. Mountain

West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez made presentations to Washington State on Aug. 24 and to Oregon State on Monday, according to conference Associate Commissioner Javan Hedlund. Stanford and California announced Friday they are bolting for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024. That leaves the Beavers and the Cougars alone in the Pac12. Both the Beavers and the Cougars made it clear they are working together to nd, or create, a solution.

NFL

All-Pro DT Jones fails to report to Chiefs

Kansas City, Mo.

Chris Jones did not report to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to begin preparing for their season opener against Detroit. That makes it highly unlikely that the All-Pro defensive tackle will play against the Lions on Thursday night. Jones has been holding out while trying to get a long-term contract. He is entering the nal year of a four-year, $80 million pact, and has been racking up millions in nes while staying away from the team. Jones had 15½ sacks last season as Kansas City won its second Super Bowl in the past four seasons.

BASEBALL

Diamondbacks minor leaguer suspended

80 games

New York

Arizona minor league pitcher Jose Cabrera was suspended for 80 games under baseball’s minor league drug program following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone. The 21-year-old right-hander is in his third season in the Diamondbacks organization. He went 4-9 with a 5.28 ERA in 23 starts this season for Class A Visalia and Hillsboro.

Thirteen players have been disciplined under the minor league program this year.

GOLF Quali er Wannasaen shoots nal-round

63 to win Portland

Classic

Portland, Ore.

Teenager Chanettee

Wannasaen played a vehole stretch in 6 under early in Sunday’s nal round and closed with a nearawless 9-under 63 for a four-stroke victory at the Portland Classic to become the rst Monday quali er to win on the LPGA Tour since 2015. Wannasaen arrived at Portland ranked 367th and having missed nine straight cuts in her rookie season. The 19-yearold from Thailand shattered the tournament scoring record by ve strokes with a 26-under 262 total for her rst LPGA Tour victory.

Larson wins opening playo race

It is the rst career win for the 2021 Cup Series champion at Darlington

The Associated Press DARLINGTON, S.C. — Kyle Larson led the nal 55 laps to start his latest Cup Series playo run with his rst career win at the Southern 500 on Sunday night.

The 2021 Cup Series champion automatically advances into the round of 12 with the win at Darlington Raceway regardless of how he does in races at Kansas and Bristol the next two weeks.

“What a great way to start the playo s,” he said.

Larson didn’t have the fastest car, just one that got out front at the right time while other contenders fell away.

Denny Hamlin led a race-best 177 of 367 laps and looked head-

ed for the win before he felt vibrations for what he told his crew was a loose wheel and had to pit on consecutive laps.

“We controlled the race until we had some trouble,” Hamlin said. “That’s just part of it.”

Tyler Reddick led 90 laps yet lost the lead to Larson coming o pit road. Kevin Harvick, seeking the rst victory of his nal season, challenged Reddick for the lead with less than 60 laps remaining but was penalized when he could not avoid entering the pits moments after they were closed by NASCAR after a caution came out.

Harvick said he didn’t have time to get back on the track before the commitment line and couldn’t recover.

It was a successful run at the track “Too Tough To Tame” for Larson after several close calls. He has had three seconds and two thirds in his 11 previous Cup

has

Series races at Darlington. In May, Larson was racing for the lead late when he was hit by Ross Chastain and wound up 20th.

“This has been one of my favorite tracks my whole career,” Larson said. “Been really, really fast here my whole career, just usually in the wall.”

“Adding this trophy to the collection is amazing,” Larson continued. “This is one of three or four crown jewels.”

Playo drivers took the rst seven spots. Tyler Reddick was second, followed by Chris Buescher, William Byron,

SMU celebrates entrance into ACC, contrast from death penalty days

in 1987

The Associated Press

DALLAS — SMU athletic director Rick Hart shot a small batch of red and blue confetti from a fake champagne bottle before machines showered the stage with plenty more.

The scene celebrating the university’s acceptance into the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday was quite the contrast to the somber, and eerily silent, setting of 36 years ago, when SMU received what is still the only socalled death penalty over NCAA recruiting violations.

The Mustangs have wandered in the wilderness of college athletics for nearly three decades since the breakup of the Southwest Conference, seven years after the shutdown of the SMU football program.

Hart was told by several people the ACC celebration was the biggest moment since that dark day in February 1987.

“I can empathize,” Hart said. “I’ve been here long enough, 11 years, and I have enough relationships with people who lived that and who were a part of it, that moment’s not lost on me. I hope I have a lot of moments

in my career going forward that feel really special. But I don’t know that this will be matched.”

Hart shared the stage with SMU President R. Gerald Turner and Board of Trustees Chair David Miller. The trio had been working for two years to nd a path to a so-called Power Five conference. The move, which becomes ofcial on July 1, 2024, will end

an 11-year run in the American Athletic Conference. After being in the SWC from 1918-95, SMU spent nine football seasons in the Western Athletic Conference and eight in Conference USA before joining the AAC. The AAC includes North Carolina schools East Carolina and Charlotte.

The latest change for SMU is a subtle one on paper — just one letter, to the ACC — but sub -

Chastain, Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace.

Harvick ended 19th and Hamlin 25th. The rest of the playo eld was Kyle Busch in 11th, Joey Logano in 12th, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 16th, Martin Truex Jr. in 18th, pole-sitter Christopher Bell in 23rd and Michael McDowell in 32nd.

Byron, Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate and co-top seed with Truex, entered with a series-best ve victories this year and was pleased with the high nish.

“I think this is a good steppingstone for Kansas and good to get a solid rst race in the playo s,” he said. The second of the opening-round three races in the Cup Series playo s takes place at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 10. Wallace took this event a year ago, while Hamlin won there in May.

stantial in so many other ways.

“We’re nally back where we belong,” Miller told several hundred supporters in the football team’s indoor practice facility, an upgrade the Mustangs believe played a role in their move out of the Group of Five.

A $100 million project under construction in the south end zone of Ford Stadium played an even bigger role, Turner said as he acknowledged the donor whose name will be on the building. Garry Weber was in the rst row of chairs set up in the middle of the shortened football eld that has “SMU” painted in both end zones.

“As several of the conference commissioners said to us,” Miller told the crowd, “‘You already do everything like a Power Five school.’“

There were reports of SMU pushing for entrance into the Pac-12 before that conference began to crumble with Southern California and UCLA announcing their intention to leave for the Big Ten.

The Pac-12 is now on the brink of extinction with Stanford and California joining SMU in the move to the ACC, which had some resistance from current members.

UNC and Florida State voted against the move, meaning the conference had one more vote than necessary to approve the additions. NC State voted for it.

“I’m a graduate of North Carolina, and I’ve said two things today that I’ve not said before and not sure I will again,” Hart said. “I said, ‘Go Blue Devils and go State.’”

“This

been one of my favorite tracks my whole career.”

Kyle Larson

The Mustangs were given the “death penalty”

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

Kyle Larson celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playo opener at Darlington.

SHAFKAT ANOWAR / THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS VIA AP SMU president R. Gerald Turner, center, speaks during a news conference announcing the school’s move to the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday in Dallas.

Sargent rallies USA to Walker Cup win at St. Andrews

The world’s top-ranked amateur won all four of his matches

The Associated Press ST. ANDREWS, Scotland — Gordon Sargent lived up to his billing as the No. 1 amateur in the world by winning all four of his matches at St. Andrews as the United States rallied to win the Walker Cup on Sunday for the fourth straight time.

Great Britain & Ireland had a three-point lead going into the nal two sessions on the Old Course. The Americans won three of the four morning foursomes, and they poured it on during the 10 singles matches.

The Americans won six of the 10 matches and halved two others to complete a Sunday rally in which they outscored GB&I 10-4 over two sessions.

They won by a nal score of 14½ to 11½.

“They played hard to the bitter end,” U.S. captain Mike McCoy said. “This one is going to be a great ride home.”

Caleb Surratt never trailed in the lead match, a 3-and-2 victory over Calum Scott, and then U.S. Amateur champion Nick Dunlap picked up a key halfpoint at the time. Dunlap was 3 down with four to play against Barclay Brown when he won the next two holes and then halved the match with a birdie on the 18th.

Sargent and John Gough of England — and the Charlotte 49ers — were all square going to the 17th when Gough sent his drive too far right, just over the ball near the Old Course Hotel and out-of-bounds. That gave Sargent a 1-up lead. Sargent, a

junior at Vanderbilt, then drove the 18th green with a 3-wood and Gough conceded the match as Sargent’s eagle putt trickled to a stop near the hole.

The nal blow for the Americans was Dylan Menante, a UNC golfer, three-putting the 18th for a halve with Matthew McClean. That gave them 12½ points, with two other matches dormie on the course, assuring them enough to win the cup that dates to 1922.

“All the momentum seemed to be on the U.S. side,” GB&I captain Stuart Wilson said. “Their players handled the conditions better than our guys.”

Sargent, who won the NCAA title as a freshman, went 4-0 for the week.

GB&I was looking to win for the rst time since 2015 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes and had the momentum with a 7½-4½ lead

West Stanly tops Albemarle in 2OT road win

The Colts started the season 3-0 for the second consecutive year

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

West Stanly quarterback

Jett Thomas connected with tight end Austin Eudy in the end zone on the rst play of double overtime to give the Colts a 20-12 road win over Albemarle in a Friday night thriller.

West is now 3-0 to start the season for the second straight year, while Albemarle fell to 0-3 on the year.

ed its rst season under coach Chad Little with two hardfought wins, the Comets suffered their rst defeat of the year with a 32-21 loss at Western Alamance Warriors (2-1) over the weekend.

The Comets (2-1) held a 15-7 lead at halftime, but the Warriors (2-1) responded with 15 unanswered points in the third quarter and padded their lead in the fourth.

North has scored and allowed 75 points through three games.

after the two Saturday sessions. McCoy said he was concerned because the morning foursomes is not the U.S. strength.

But he put his best two players together — Sargent and Dunlap — and they scored a 1-up victory in the second match. Surratt, who went 3-1 for the week, and Ben James won the lead match, and Preston Summerhays and Nick Gabrelcik also picked up a point.

“After the morning session, I felt a lot better, like we were back in the tournament and we had a chance to win this thing,” McCoy said. “Last night was pretty concerned. The morning was the thing that made the day.”

The United States now has a 39-9-1 lead in the series. The Walker Cup next goes to Cypress Point Club on the Monterey Peninsula in California for the 2025 matches.

The Colts were led in the game by assistant coach Charles Edwards, who was lling for coach Brett Morton due to a health-related issue.

West jumped to a 12-0 lead in the second quarter after senior fullback Caleb Bumgarner powered up the middle on a 1-yard score.

The Bulldogs climbed back into the game and forced overtime. But Albemarle missed a go-ahead eld goal in OT before giving the ball back to the Colts.

West, 3-0 last season before closing its season with seven consecutive losses, will look to improve to 4-0 when they host North Stanly (2-1) on Friday.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will host Anson (0-3).

Western Alamance 32, North Stanly 21

While North Stanly start-

The Comets will look to get back in the win column on Friday when they travel to Red Cross for a matchup against unbeaten West Stanly. North earned a 24-21 home win over the Colts last season.

Lexington 45, South Stanly 6

A week after South Stanly snapped its 12-game losing streak and gave rst-year coach Terry Shankle his rst win with the school, the Rebel Bulls (1-2) came back down to earth with a 45-6 road loss to Lexington. The Yellow Jackets (21) scored the game’s rst 45 points, with the Bulls getting on the scoreboard with a late touchdown.

South travels this week to South Davidson to challenge the Wildcats (3-0), who have outscored their opponents 13113 so far this season. It is the Bulls’ penultimate nonconference game before beginning Yadkin Valley Conference play.

Convictions of TV executive, marketing group in FIFA case thrown out

A federal judge cited recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings in the decision

By Jesse Deal North

State Journal

NEW YORK — A federal judge threw out the convictions of a former Fox executive and a South American sports media and marketing company in the FIFA bribery investigation, citing a May decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in a case involving an aide to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. U.S. District Judge Pamela K. Chen, who presided over the

trial in Brooklyn federal court, granted a motion for an acquittal in a 55-page decision led Friday night.

Hernan Lopez, the former CEO of Fox International Channels, was convicted on March 9 along with the marketing company Full Play Group SA of one count each of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy related to the Copa Libertadores club tournament.

Full Play was convicted of two additional counts each of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy related to World Cup quali ers and friendlies and to the Copa América, the continent’s national team championship.

The Supreme Court in May reversed the wire fraud conspiracy conviction of former Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco, ruling jury instructions were too vague.

“The Supreme Court’s latest wire fraud decisions — especially Percoco — and the absence of precedent applying honest services wire fraud to foreign commercial bribery, requires this court to nd that (the statute) does not criminalize the conduct alleged in this case and that therefore the evidence at trial was insu cient to sustain defendants’ convictions under that statute,” Chen wrote. She added: “Defendants’ convictions for money laundering,

predicated on their honest services wire fraud convictions, also cannot be sustained. The court therefore grants defendants’ motions to acquit on all counts of conviction.”

The U.S. Attorney’s O ce for the Eastern District of New York is reviewing the decision, spokesman John Marzulli said Saturday.

“Our client is grateful for the court’s well-reasoned decision,” Carlos F. Ortiz, a lawyer for Full Play, said in an email. “It has been a long journey and we greatly appreciate the court’s complete vindication.”

David Sarratt, a lawyer for Lopez, said in an email: “We are obviously pleased with Judge

Chen’s thorough and correct decision. We have never stopped believing in our client’s innocence.”

Dozens of people have pleaded guilty or been convicted after a U.S.-led investigation into FIFA and international soccer. The probe became public in 2015 when U.S. prosecutors accused the leaders of soccer federations of tarnishing the sport for nearly a quarter-century by taking $150 million in bribes and payo s. Fox Corp., which split from a subsidiary of international channels during a restructuring in 2019, was not charged and has denied any involvement in the bribery scandal.

AP PHOTO

AP PHOTO

Gordon Sargent of the USA hits a shot during the 2023 Walker Cup on Sunday at St Andrews.

A federal judge threw out the convictions of former Fox executive Hernan Lopez and a South American sports media and marketing company in the FIFA bribery case.

West Virginia can restrict abortion pill sales, judge rules, despite FDA approval that it’s safe

The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia can restrict the sale of the abortion pill, despite federal regulators’ approval of it as a safe and e ective medication, a federal judge has ruled.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers determined that the near-total abortion ban signed by Republican Gov. Jim Justice in September 2022 takes precedence over approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“The Supreme Court has made it clear that regulating abortion is a matter of health and safety upon which States may appropriately exercise their police power,” Chambers wrote in a decision dismissing most challenges brought against the state by abortion pill manufacturer GenBioPro, Inc. in a January lawsuit led in the state southern district’s Huntington division.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that provided nationwide access to abortion, most GOP-controlled states have enacted or adopted abortion bans of some kind, restricting abortion pills by default. All have been challenged in court.

Legal experts foresee years of court battles over access to the pills, as abortion-rights propo -

nents bring test cases to challenge state restrictions.

In West Virginia’s case, regulation of medical professionals

“is arguably a eld in which the states have an even stronger interest and history of exercising authority,” than the federal government, Chambers decided. GenBioPro, Inc., the country’s only manufacturer of a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, had argued that the state cannot block access to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug.

Chambers dismissed the majority of the manufacturer’s

challenges, nding there is “no disputing that health, medicine, and medical licensure are traditional areas of state authority.”

In a statement, GenBioPro CEO Evan Masingill said the company remains “con dent in the legal strength” of its case and is considering next steps. “GenBioPro was founded on the belief that all people should have access to evidence-based, essential medication and will continue to use all legal and regulatory tools available to ensure access for all,” he said. Chambers will allow a challenge by the manufacturer con-

cerning telehealth to proceed, however. Congress has given the FDA the right to dictate the manner in which medications can be prescribed, and the agency has determined that mifepristone can be prescribed via telemedicine.

Mail-order access to the drug used in the most common form of abortion in the U.S. would end under a federal appeals court ruling issued Aug. 16 that cannot take e ect until the Supreme Court weighs in.

The decision by three judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans overturned part of a lower court ruling that would have revoked the Food and Drug Administration’s 23-year-old approval of mifepristone. But it left intact part of the ruling that would end the availability of the drug by mail, allow it to be used through only the seventh week of pregnancy rather than the 10th, and require that it be administered in the presence of a physician.

Those restrictions won’t take e ect right away because the Supreme Court previously intervened to keep the drug available during the legal ght.

The panel’s ruling would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.

President Joe Biden’s administration said it would appeal,

with Vice President Kamala Harris decrying the potential effect on abortion rights, as well as on the availability of other medications.

“It endangers our entire system of drug approval and regulation by undermining the independent, expert judgment of the FDA,” Harris’ statement said.

Abortion rights advocates said the ruling poses a major threat to abortion availability following last year’s Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and the nationwide right to abortion.

There is virtually no precedent for a U.S. court overturning the approval of a drug that the FDA has deemed safe and e ective. While new drug safety issues often emerge after FDA approval, the agency is required to monitor medicines on the market, evaluate emerging issues and take action to protect U.S. patients. Congress delegated that responsibility to the FDA — not the courts— more than a century ago.

Mifepristone is one of two pills used in medication abortions. The other drug, misoprostol, is also used to treat other medical conditions. Health care providers have said they could switch to misoprostol if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain. Misoprostol is somewhat less e ective in ending pregnancies.

Insider Q&A: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic foresees interest rates staying higher for longer

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Federal Reserve has reached a delicate stage in its ght against in ation.

Its policymakers have raised their key interest rate to about 5.4%, its highest level in 22 years, to try to slow borrowing and spending and cool in ation pressures. They now are considering whether to raise the rate even higher — a move that would heighten the risk of a recession — or leave it at its current level for an extended period.

Though in ation has slowed for the past year, it’s showing signs of stickiness at its current levels. A recent uptick in gas prices sent in ation a bit higher in July.

Raphael Bostic, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and a member of the Fed’s interest rate policy committee, doesn’t think another hike is needed. But Bostic favors keeping the benchmark rate at its current level well into 2024. The Associated Press interviewed Bostic in late August and it has been edited for length and clarity:

Q: Since March 2022, the Fed has rapidly raised its key rate. Yet unemployment has stayed remarkably low. How has the economy withstood the higher borrowing costs?

A. There’s your standard economic theory, and then there’s the real world. And a lot of times they don’t align. The economic

theory would have said this kind of increase should have material impacts on economic output and employment. But we’re not in a normal time, and the pandemic is still having e ects on the economy and on the conditions that American families and businesses face.

So we saw a lot of policy that was put in to support families and businesses. We saw a lot of families actually continue to get income and not be able to spend because they were on lockdown. And both of those realities have left businesses and families just

stronger than they would historically be at this stage in an economic cycle. And so a lot of the tightening of our policy is being absorbed by that strength.

I think there’s still a fair amount of momentum in the economy. And when I talk to bankers and others, they will tell me that a lot of their customers still have savings balances that are higher than they were pre-pandemic. And so that is going to allow them to be more resilient then we might expect otherwise, while the other difculties in the economy start

to resolve themselves like supply chains and that kind of stu . I think that’s pretty much what we’re seeing right now.

Q. Is the Fed’s rate high enough to reduce in ation to your 2% target?

A. Our rate today is higher than the rate of in ation. And that means that that is going to put limits and constraints on economic growth. Last week, mortgage rates were at the highest they’ve been in a long time.

When I talk to businesses about their long-term plans, many of them are starting to

tell me the cost of debt is getting high enough to rethink some of the timing of those things.

Q. Some economists say the rate hikes haven’t yet had their full impact on the economy. Do you agree?

A. I actually share that view. And it’s one of the reasons why I think that it’s appropriate to just be cautious at this stage. We don’t have to rush and we can let our policy do its work and continue to slow the economy down and continue us on that road to the 2% target.

And again, I talk to business leaders, what they tell me is the slowdown is here and it’s showing up in speci c ways. The degree to which the slowdown is occurring is broadening. And there are increasing parts of the economy where people are telling me they’re starting to see more and more slowdown. But things are still quite robust overall.

Q. Do you see keeping the Fed funds rate high for a longer period as one way to combat ination, as opposed to raising it more?

A. We’re going to have to keep our rate higher for longer than historically happens, because we need to make sure that in ation stays at 2%. We’re just going to have to stay restrictive for quite a while, until we are sure, sure, sure, sure, sure, sure that in ation is not going to bounce up far away from our target. I don’t have us even contemplating a rate cut before the latter part of 2024.

AP PHOTO

A patient prepares to take the rst of two combination pills, mifepristone, for a medication abortion during a visit to a clinic in Kansas City, Kan., on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022.

AP PHOTO

In this still image from video, Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank President Raphael Bostic speaks from Atlanta during a webinar sponsored by the 12 regional Fed banks to address the lack of racial disparity in the eld of economics on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

STATE & NATION

E orts to punish Fani Willis over Trump prosecution are ‘political theater,’ Georgia Gov. Kemp says

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp last week o ered his strongest denunciation to date of e orts by his fellow Republicans to go after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, dismissing the moves as “political theater that only in ames the emotions of the moment.”

Some Republicans in Washington and Georgia have been attacking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis since even before she announced the indictment of former President Donald Trump for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. Kemp said that any calls for a special session to impeach Willis or defund her o ce were wrong and that she had done nothing to merit removal.

A special session, the second-term governor said, “would ignore current Georgia law and directly interfere with the proceedings of a separate but equal branch of government.”

“The bottom line is that in the state of Georgia, as long as I’m governor, we’re going to follow the law and the Constitution, regardless of who it helps or harms politically,” a clearly agitated Kemp said at a news conference in the state’s capital.

“In Georgia, we will not be engaging in political theater that only in ames the emotions of the moment,” Kemp added.

The remarks are a re ection of

the divide that remains between Kemp and some other Republicans following the governor’s refusal to endorse Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election and help him try to overturn his narrow loss in the state. Willis has charged Trump and 18 others, including the former state Republican Party chair, with crimes related to the e ort.

Trump, meanwhile, has kept up a withering assault on both Willis and Kemp.

“Governor Kemp of Georgia is ghting hard against the impeachment of the crooked, incompetent & highly partisan D.A. of Fulton County, Fani Wil-

lis, who has allowed murder and other violent crime to MASSIVELY ESCALATE,” the former president wrote Aug. 21 on his Truth Social platform.

“Crime in Atlanta is WORST IN NATION. She should be impeached for many reasons, not just the Witch Hunt (I did nothing wrong!)”

A few GOP lawmakers in Georgia were calling for a special session to impeach and remove Willis or defund her o ce. Others proposed amending the state constitution to let Kemp pardon Trump. Both are long-shot prospects.

Georgia’s General Assem-

Orsted delays 1st New Jersey wind farm until 2026; not ready to ‘walk away’ from project

The Associated Press

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Orsted, the global wind energy developer, says its rst o shore wind farm in New Jersey will be delayed until 2026 due to supply chain issues, higher interest rates, and a failure so far to garner enough tax credits from the federal government.

The Danish company revealed the delay during an earnings conference call, during which it said it could be forced to write o about $2.3 billion on U.S. projects that are worth less than they had been.

It also said it had considered simply abandoning the Ocean Wind I project o the southern New Jersey coast.

But Orsted still believes the wind farm, to be built in waters o of Atlantic City and Ocean City, will be pro table in the long run.

“As it stands today, we believe the best direction is to continue to invest in these projects,” said David Hardy, an executive vice president and CEO of the company’s North American operations. “It still is the better choice

than walking away today.”

The company did not say when in 2026 its Ocean Wind I project will be fully operational, and a spokesperson could not say Thursday what the new timetable is. Previously, Orsted had said power would be owing to

customers sometime in 2025.

Orsted has federal approval for the Ocean Wind I project, and has state approval for a second New Jersey project, Ocean Wind II.

However, during the call, the company said it is “recon gur-

bly hasn’t impeached anyone in more than 50 years, and with Republicans holding less than the required two-thirds state Senate majority to convict Willis, they would have to persuade Democrats.

Colton Moore, a Republican state senator whose purist brand of conservatism wins him few allies, launched a petition for lawmakers to call themselves into special session, requiring signatures by three- fths of both houses. That too would require some Democratic support. Kemp on Thursday described Moore’s e orts, backed by Trump, as “some grifter scam” to raise campaign contributions for Moore.

Georgia voters amended the state constitution to shift pardon power from the governor to a parole board in the 1940s after a governor was accused of selling pardons. It would take a two-thirds vote of both houses to put a measure before voters to change that status, again requiring Democratic support.

At least one other top Georgia Republican, state House Speaker Jon Burns, is siding with Kemp in opposing a special session. In a letter to fellow Republicans, he squelched talk of a special session for a second time, saying it’s impossible to take away the state money that partially funds Willis’ o ce without also taking away money from Georgia’s other 49 district attorneys.

“Targeting one speci c DA in

ing” Ocean Wind II and its Skipjack Wind project o the coasts of Maryland and Delaware because they do not currently meet its projected nancial standards. It did not give details of what that recon guration might entail.

Two other Orsted projects — Sunrise Wind o Montauk Point in New York, and Revolution Wind o Rhode Island — are also a ected by the same negative forces requiring the New Jersey project to be delayed. But the New York and Rhode Island projects remain on schedule, the company said.

News of the delay was a blow to supporters of o shore wind in New Jersey, which is trying to become the capital of the nascent industry on the U.S. East Coast. It also o ered new hope to foes of the technology.

Earlier this year, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law allowing Orsted to keep federal tax credits it otherwise would have been required to pass along to ratepayers. The governor said he acted to protect jobs the oshore wind industry will create.

Republicans, who tend to oppose o shore wind in New Jersey and nationally, seized on the delay as further proof of what they consider the inherent unpro tability of the industry.

“It was a travesty when Gov. Murphy bailed out Orsted at

this manner certainly aunts the idea of separation of powers, if not outright violates it,” Burns wrote, arguing that such a move would violate lawmakers’ oaths to uphold the U.S. and Georgia constitutions.

“We trust that our criminal justice system will deal with this matter impartially and fairly, and we will not improperly intercede in this matter in direct contradiction to the oaths we took,” Burns continued.

Looking for other options to go after Willis, some Georgia Republicans are coalescing around a plan to seek her removal by a new state prosecutorial oversight commission that begins work on Oct. 1.

Kemp, Burns and Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones name the commission’s ve-member investigative panel to examine complaints. They also name a three-member hearing panel that decides on charges led by the investigative panel.

Some district attorneys, not including Willis, are already suing to overturn the law. Barring court intervention, people can begin ling complaints on Oct. 1 for alleged misconduct occurring after July 1.

“I have not seen any evidence that DA Willis’ actions or lack thereof warrant action by the prosecuting attorney oversight commission,” Kemp said. “But that will ultimately be a decision that the commission will make.”

the expense of New Jersey taxpayers the rst time they threatened to walk away,” said Republican state Sen. Michael Testa. “I’m calling on the Murphy administration to state unequivocally that our residents will not be sold out for Orsted a second time. Supply chain issues and rising in ation prove that these projects are unsustainable and the cost of continuing these projects will be too much of a burden for our state to bear.”

A dozen environmental groups issued a joint statement in support of o shore wind, calling it essential to avoiding the worst e ects of climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

“Innovation and transformation take time when done correctly,” the statement read. “The o shore wind industry is not immune to the supply chain crisis. We stand united in our support for responsibly developed oshore wind to help New Jersey achieve 100% clean energy.”

Orsted said it has already invested $4 billion in its U.S. wind energy portfolio, which factored into its decision, at least for now, to stick with its proposed projects. The company plans to make a “ nal investment decision” on whether or not to go forward with U.S. projects, including one in New Jersey, by the end of this year or early next year.

AP PHOTO

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivers the State of the State address on the House oor of the state Capitol, Jan. 25, 2023, in Atlanta.

AP PHOTO

Land-based wind turbines in Atlantic City, N.J., turn on July 20, 2023.

Randolph record

Remembering Jimmy Bu ett

The legendary singer-turned-businessman Jimmy Bu ett performs one of his signature beach-themed songs at a concert. Bu ett died on Saturday, Sept. 1, at the age of 76. Read more about Bu ett’s life in North State Journal, A12.

Sunset Signature Series brings variety of cultural events

RCC earns top honors in 2024 rankings

Randolph Community College announced that the school had been recognized in two prestigious national rankings for 2024 this past Friday. According to a press release from RCC, the college was named the leading community college in North Carolina by Niche, and was also recognized as the fourth best college on BestColleges’ list of Best Online Associate in Information Technology Programs nationwide.

In addition, RCC ranked 26th on Niche’s 2024 Best Community Colleges in the United States and 11th best on BestColleges’ list of Best Community Colleges in the state.

Bill amending juvenile identi cation laws passes

House Bill 186 was recently passed by the General Assembly and has been signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper. The bill amends a number of laws pertaining to juvenile justice. Prior to the passage of this bill, information related to juveniles who committed a criminal o ense could not be released to the public under any circumstance.

This bill comes in response to a crime committed in November 2022, when an Orange County teenager ed after allegedly killing two high school classmates, Lyric Woods and Devin Clark. Because of the law prohibiting the disclosure of juvenile information, the suspect’s identifying information could not be released to the public, likely resulting in a delay in his arrest. The new law allows for the release of a juvenile’s rst and last name, a photograph, the alleged o enses and a statement regarding the level of threat the juvenile may pose to themselves or others. This information may only be disclosed if a juvenile petition has been led alleging that the juvenile has committed a serious criminal o ense that warrants a transfer to adult court. The information must also be released from all social media and websites when the juvenile is taken into custody.

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The Sunset Signature Series has been in place to o er a variety of cultural experiences.

With that as the foundation, it has turned into a success, Owen George said.

“We have a lot of exibility with this program, which makes it great,” said George, who’s president of the Friends of the Randolph County Public Library. Next on the list of events for the Sun Signature Series is Saturday’s music presentation by Kyle Petty at Sunset Theater in downtown Asheboro.

“The whole concept of the Sunset Signature Series is to bring world-class authors, performers and visionaries here,” Georgie said. “In a small city, we can have all these cultural experiences wrapped together.”

Last month, author Judith Turner-Yamamoto, an Asheboro native, was featured as part of the Sunset Signature Series. In March, country music recording artist Stephanie Quayle performed.

The series is a combined effort of the Friends of the Library, Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau, the City of Asheboro and numerous volunteers. The setting is Sunset Theater, where nearly 400 people can attend the free shows.

“We don’t have to ll it up every time, but we want it to be a memorable event,” George said.

Often, there’s a reception involved to further the experience with the guest speaker or performer.

This all helps introduce people to Asheboro’s downtown with restaurants, microbrewery, wine bar and other shops, George said.

In some ways, the events are twofold as they provide di erent entertainment for local residents and also attract outsiders to Asheboro.

“It really depends on who we have, but it does bring out-oftowners,” said Amber Scarlett

of the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau. George is in his second year as president of the Friends of the Library. The involvement in the Sunset Signature Series has been a perk.

“It has been a great experience,” he said. “That has been a real blast to take the lead on that program.”

There’s no strict schedule, but generally, there are about a half-dozen Sunset Signature Series events each year.

“It’s something that adds to the quality of life,” Scarlett said. “And it shows some love to downtown.”

Petty, from the renowned NASCAR family, will perform a selection of original tunes from his personal songbook this weekend.

On Nov. 11, there will be a lm premiere of “Company K: From Asheboro to the Fields of France.”

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the murder conviction of a woman who fatally shot her lover in her bedroom, ruling Friday that the trial judge gave appropriate instructions to the jury about the legal limits for deadly force inside a home.

Five of the seven justices agreed to overturn a unanimous appellate decision that had ordered a new trial for Wendy Dawn Lamb Hicks, who was convicted in the death of Caleb Adams. Evidence shows he was shot twice in the back in her bedroom doorway.

The majority’s primary opinion said it was proper, based on evidence, for the jury to be instructed that Hicks could not cite self-defense and the protection of one’s home to justify deadly force if the jury could infer that she was acting as the aggressor, even if she did not instigate the confrontation.

Adams was married to someone else and began a relationship with Hicks after they met at work in 2015. The relationship was tumul-

tuous and strained, marked by the use of drugs and e orts by Hicks to reveal the relationship to Adams’ wife, possibly through texts and sexually explicit photos, according to the opinion written by Associate Justice Anita Earls.

Adams arrived at Hicks’ Randolph County home on the morning of June 13, 2017 — even though she had warned him not to come. Evidence shows that within minutes, Hicks called 911 and said she had shot Adams. He died at the scene.

Her teenage daughter and a friend were in another room, so “Hicks is the only living eyewitness to what occurred in the bedroom where Mr. Adams was shot,” Earls wrote.

The jury convicted Hicks, now 44, of second-degree murder in 2019 and she was sentenced to a prison term of 15 to 19 years.

The Court of Appeals found that trial Judge Bradford Long had erred by giving unsupported jury instructions on the aggressor doctrine. But Earls wrote that inconsistencies between Hicks’ testimony and prior accounts and other evidence

challenged her version of events and warranted that instruction.

Hicks described a violent attack and said she shot Adams while trying to avoid his blows, but she exhibited no obvious injuries and the prosecution’s evidence shows he was shot in the back from at least 6 inches away, the opinion said.

“Drawing all inferences in the state’s favor, a jury examining the evidence could reasonably infer that Ms. Hicks acted as the aggressor in her confrontation with Mr. Adams,” Earls wrote. “Each of those contradictions in the evidence could have given a jury pause,” prompting them to doubt Hicks’ account, she added.

In a dissenting opinion, Associate Justice Tamara Barringer focused largely on Hicks’ testimony and declared that the judge shouldn’t have given the “aggressor doctrine” instruction.

Hicks said in court that Adams took her gun from a nightstand and pointed it at her, demanding her phone. Then, Hicks said, he threw the gun and the phone onto her bed, after which she took the gun and phone. She testi ed that Adams blocked her

way and physically attacked her when she tried to leave the bedroom.

Hicks “retained the right to protect herself and the other people in her home, even when Mr. Adams turned to face away from her,” Barringer wrote.

Squaring the self-defense and aggressor provisions in North Carolina statutes and case law raises “complicated and thorny legal issues that call out for clarity,” Associate Justice Richard Dietz wrote in a separate opinion backing the prevailing result.

But these issues were not sufciently addressed by the legal parties in the case, Dietz said and “as a result, not only does the law su er, but so does Hicks.”

She said she killed her lover in self-defense. Court says jury properly saw her as the aggressor

FILE PHOTO Owen George

Bomb threat turns out to be hoax at Asheboro High School

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — A bomb

threat Friday morning at Asheboro High School turned out to be a hoax.

A call received by Asheboro Police Department at 9:21 a.m. claimed bombs were inside the school, and the call also claimed to be armed with a weapon with the intent to enter the school. The school was evacuated, and students were moved to locations o school property. People on all other Asheboro City Schools campuses were sheltering in place.

Shortly before 1:30 p.m., the search of the grounds wrapped up and school o cials took back control of the building.

Searches in and around the school didn’t detect a bomb or an armed person. Guilford County Sheri ’s O ce’s K-9 bomb detection unit assisted with the search.

O cials from numerous

law enforcement agencies and emergency services were part of the response.

After-school activities were to be held on their normal schedules.

Earlier, despite the school system saying they wouldn’t release students and requested parents not to visit the area,

about a dozen parents gathered in front of the Asheboro City Schools administration building waiting for updates. Parents in touch with their children through text messages reported that many of the students were scared and not entirely sure what was happening.

Providence Grove group places in hunter safety competition

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

CLIMAX – Members of Providence Grove’s Future Farmers of America hunter safety team placed in a regional competition this summer.

Five students took part in the Eastern Regional Youth Hunter Education Challenge, which included safety trail, muzzleloader, ri e, orienteering, shotgun, test, wildlife identi cation, and archery. It took place in Versailles, Ind.

“It was a great opportunity,” said Amy Kidd, the FFA advisor at Providence Grove. “This is the rst year that Providence Grove High School had a team qualify.”

The Providence Grove group placed rst in the test component of the competition, while it was third in archery and safety trail. Rising

junior Austin Williams was third individual in the test and second in muzzleloader.

Other team members for Providence Grove were Christian Swaim, Troy Blakley, Cooper Wright and Amelia Lackey. Swaim is a senior for the school year that just began, while the others are juniors.

To reach the regional, students competed in the federation tournament in February, the district tournament in March, and the state tournament in April. The Patriots team included Tanner Breedlove, Hunter Sexton, Seth Turner, Cash Brown, Carson Culberson, Swain, Blakley, Lackey, Williams and Wright.

There was a needed rise in execution going from district and state competitions to the regional level.

“They had to learn brand-

new events,” Kidd said. “They learned a lot of stu in a very short amount of time.”

The new topics included muzzleloader, safety trail and wildlife identi cation.

Kidd and Bruce Hicks coach the hunter safety team.

At each level, the students worked diligently and successfully honed their skills as sportsmen and sportswomen, Kidd said. Other team members from the season included the Blue team with Jackson Austin, Zach Beck, Jacob Bowman, Carter Butler, Will Coble, Reese Davis, Carter Foster, Trevor Kirkman, Dylan Pierce, Josh Ward, and the Silver team with Isabelle Coble, Devin James, Zain Johnson, Peyton Kelly, Micah Oates, Zoey Pugh, Elizabeth Shoe.

“We start the next season in just a few weeks,” Kidd said.

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

Sept. 7

Asheboro City Council Meeting

7pm

The Asheboro City Council will hold their next meeting this Thursday at the Asheboro City Hall Council Chamber, located at 146 N. Church Street.

Sept. 9

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!

Asheboro 9/11 Memorial Ruck

8am

The Asheboro Fire Department will be doing its annual Memorial Ruck (walk with weighted pack) to honor and remember those lost on 9/11. This event is open to the public and will take place at 401 S. Church Street.

NC Food Truck State Championship

11am – 10pm

The North Carolina Food Truck State Championship will take place this Saturday at Commerce Square Park in Randleman! This event includes live musical entertainment, activities, and food!

Seagrove Library

Celebrates 50 Years

12pm – 3pm

Come out to the Seagrove Library to enjoy live music, food vendors, a familyfriendly fun!

Sept. 13

World Tavern Poker at Carolina Tap House

7pm

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!

Stewart, Robert (M, 34), Arrested on charge of Possess Meth, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, on 8/26, at 1065

E Dixie Dr. Walker, Terry (M, 55), Arrested on charge of Break or Enter a Motor Vehicle, Second Degree Trespass, on 8/28, at 8764 Hillsville Rd.

on charge of Simple Assault, on 8/27, at 1250 NC HWY 42 S. Simmons, Stephen (M, 30), Arrested on charge of Assault on a Female, on 8/25, at 5664 Muddy Creek Rd.

Ensley, Kimberly (F, 33), Arrested on charge of Possess Heroin, on 8/24, at 1799 Interstate HWY 85.

Lowery, Jessica (F, 35), Arrested on charge of Attempted Break or Enter Building, on 8/24, at 5532 Racine Rd.

Richard “David” Ickes, age 71 of Randleman, died at Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro North Carolina on September 1st 2023. Francia Salazar, age 67 of Asheboro, died Saturday, August 26, 2023.

Gary “Bubba” Wayne Faircloth, age 66 of Randleman, died on August 24, 2023.

SCOTT PELKEY | RANDOLPH RECORD An o cer walks outside Asheboro High School after it had been evacuated.

COURTESY PHOTO

Members of Providence Grove FFA hunter safety team went to Indiana this summer. They are, front row (seated), left to right: Amelia Lackey, Austin Williams and Troy Blakley. Back row: Cooper Wright, FFA advisor and coach Amy Kidd, instructor and coach Bruce Hicks and Christian Swaim.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Back to school season in the Sandhills

WHAT WOULD YOU DO with an extra

$700 in your pocket each month?

Unfortunately, that is the cost of “Bidenomics” and in ation—but it shouldn’t have to be that way.

Bottom line: your family shouldn’t have to pay the price for President Biden’s and Washington Liberal’s failed nancial policies and woke education agenda.

The opportunity to work hard and pursue a better life for your family has always been at the bedrock of our nation. However, in ation continues to make it di cult for hardworking families to make ends meet and a ord goods and services.

Did you know the average American household now spends $709 more a month than they did two years ago for the same goods and services? Average monthly mortgage payments are 92% higher than one year ago, while real wages are down 3% since President Biden took o ce. President Biden continues to ignore the real impacts of his failed economic policies, and I share these frustrations with you—especially as a fellow parent preparing my child for a new school year.

As school resumes here in the Sandhills, it is estimated that parents will spend an average of $890 per household on school

supplies due to continued high levels of in ation. Binders and folders cost 48% more than they did last year, and crayons and highlighters are up an average of 18.6% from last year. Enough is enough, and House Republicans are working to get our nation and your quality of life back on track. In addition to increased nancial stress, the start of a new school year for many parents also represents uncertainty of what is being taught in their kids’ classrooms. Earlier this year House Republicans introduced and passed H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights, to strengthen the role of parents in the education of their children by guaranteeing the right to full transparency on what is being taught in schools. Bottom line: your family shouldn’t have to pay the price for President Biden’s and Washington Liberal’s failed nancial policies and woke education agenda. However, Senate Democrats continue to delay any actions on the real solutions passed by the House—which speaks volumes about their priorities for

Americans. No matter what your politics are, your hard earned money and quality of your children’s education should not be treated as a political chess match. Parents deserve a seat at the table when it comes to their children’s education, and I am proud to ght for parents’ right to know what their children are being taught.

From passing legislation to get our economy back on track to standing up for parents—House Republicans have delivered results on the promises we made in our Commitment to America. As your Congressman, I’m ghting back against reckless spending and promoting common sense solutions that make life easier—and more a ordable—for you and your family.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

The Tom and Daisy Buchanans North of Richmond

“THESE RICH MEN north of Richmond, Lord knows they just wanna have total control.” So goes the refrain of singer and songwriter Oliver Anthony’s suddenly famous song. “Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do, and they don’t think you know, but I know that you do.”

Anthony’s degree of familiarity with “The Great Gatsby” is unclear, but his “rich men north of Richmond” these days have more than a touch of Tom and Daisy Buchanan about them.

The song has inspired plenty of negative feedback from inside-the-Beltway liberals who are uncomfortably aware that their home turf sits a little more than an hour’s drive north of Richmond on Interstate 95. But Anthony, whose roots are far away in Southside Virginia, near the North Carolina border, insists he is “dead center down the aisle on politics” and doesn’t like people to “wrap politics” around his work.

It’s certainly possible that he’s unaware that the overwhelming majority of “rich men” in metro Washington are liberal Democrats. Not too far back in history, lots of rich Americans voted Republican.

And the urge to “know what you think” and “what you do” has inspired in conservative Republicans 20 years ago and liberal Democrats today what maverick journalist Matt Taibbi describes as “giving government power to obtain ‘transparency’ into the activities of private citizens.”

“Deep state” intrusiveness 20 years ago was intended to protect ordinary Americans against terrorists like those who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks. “Deep state” intrusiveness today is more often directed at protecting ordinary Americans by regulating their own behavior and habits.

Directed by people who, as Anthony’s characterization of “rich men north of Richmond” suggests, see themselves as separate from and superior to the great mass of Americans whose lives they seek to monitor and control.

The danger of course is that people who see themselves as Plato’s Guardians may turn out to be more like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tom and Daisy Buchanan, “careless people” who “smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness” and “let other people clean up the mess they had made.”

Anthony’s degree of familiarity with “The

Great Gatsby” is unclear, but his “rich men north of Richmond” these days have more than a touch of Tom and Daisy Buchanan about them.

They like to think of themselves as caring for the great masses whose conditions in life they consider themselves responsible for alleviating. But their knowledge, despite their attempts at surveillance, remains woefully incomplete and their capacity for smashing up things is greater than they like to contemplate.

One example is their array of policies that will supposedly result in “net zero” carbon emissions. They push regulations and state laws to phase out gas stoves, to eliminate microscopic emissions, after swearing on stacks of nondenominational texts they have no intention of doing so.

They proudly block the construction of pipelines that are the safest means of transporting low-emissions natural gas and which produce well-paying jobs for bluecollar workers out far beyond the Beltway.

They pass laws and promulgate regulations promising to ban gasolinepowered cars in the near future, even while blocking new electric transmission lines — ignoring the fact that an electric-powered vehicle eet will require immense jolts of new electricity. As mega-investor Warren Bu ett said at his 2022 stockholders’ meeting, “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or ve years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.”

They brag about their favorite form of economic redistribution, the Biden administration’s proposed unconstitutional forgiving of $400 billion of college loan repayments. That’s a redistribution of money upward in the economic and education ladders — and a subsidy for the bloat in higher education, which now employs more administrators and facilitators than teachers and scholars.

Absent from liberals’ arguments is any persuasive response to maverick Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), who said that if people “choose to attend college, they can pay back

their loans just like working-class people pay back home mortgages, car loans, and many other expenses that people choose to take out loans for.”

The “vast carelessness” of “rich men north of Richmond” has been nowhere more apparent than in their COVID regimes. As Stanford epidemiologist Jay Bhattacharya has pointed out, the lockdowns and school closings jettisoned “a century of experience managing respiratory-virus pandemics,” imposed when initial reports vastly overestimated the deadliness and strain on medical facilities of the pandemic and kept in place by men (including Republicans as well as Democrats) north of Richmond.

The “laptop class,” Bhattacharya’s term, could Skype comfortably from home, but others fared not so well. Service jobs dependent on foot tra c, in restaurants and retail, disappeared, and small businesses were bankrupted. Lockdowns prevented medical screening and treatments for growing cancers and cardiac weakening.

Hardest hit were the Democrats who indulged their teachers union political allies by acquiescing in school closings that have left millions of nona uent students far, perhaps irremediably far, behind.

That’s not the only damage the Tom and Daisy Buchanans north of Richmond have in icted on the less fortunate. As veteran urbanologist Joel Kotkin points out, o ce buildings in the nation’s 10 largest metro areas today are still only about 50% occupied, with vacancy rates highest in hip, high-tech San Francisco.

That represents billions of dollars of losses not just for rich developers but for widely dispersed individuals — and hundreds of billions less in property tax revenues for central cities and their phalanxes of unionized public employees. Sometimes careless people end up fouling their own nests.

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

SIDELINE REPORT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Mountain West pursues Oregon State, Washington State

Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Mountain West Conference made pitches late last month to the Pac12’s nal two members after realignment. Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez made presentations to Washington State on Aug. 24 and to Oregon State on Monday, according to conference Associate Commissioner Javan Hedlund. Stanford and California announced Friday they are bolting for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024. That leaves the Beavers and the Cougars alone in the Pac12. Both the Beavers and the Cougars made it clear they are working together to nd, or create, a solution.

NFL

All-Pro DT Jones fails to report to Chiefs

Kansas City, Mo.

Chris Jones did not report to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to begin preparing for their season opener against Detroit. That makes it highly unlikely that the All-Pro defensive tackle will play against the Lions on Thursday night. Jones has been holding out while trying to get a long-term contract. He is entering the nal year of a four-year, $80 million pact, and has been racking up millions in nes while staying away from the team. Jones had 15½ sacks last season as Kansas City won its second Super Bowl in the past four seasons.

BASEBALL

Diamondbacks minor leaguer suspended

80 games

New York

Arizona minor league pitcher Jose Cabrera was suspended for 80 games under baseball’s minor league drug program following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone. The 21-year-old right-hander is in his third season in the Diamondbacks organization. He went 4-9 with a 5.28 ERA in 23 starts this season for Class A Visalia and Hillsboro.

Thirteen players have been disciplined under the minor league program this year.

GOLF Quali er Wannasaen shoots nal-round

63 to win Portland Classic

Portland, Ore.

Teenager Chanettee

Wannasaen played a vehole stretch in 6 under early in Sunday’s nal round and closed with a nearawless 9-under 63 for a four-stroke victory at the Portland Classic to become the rst Monday quali er to win on the LPGA Tour since 2015. Wannasaen arrived at Portland ranked 367th and having missed nine straight cuts in her rookie season. The 19-yearold from Thailand shattered the tournament scoring record by ve strokes with a 26-under 262 total for her rst LPGA Tour victory.

Larson wins opening playo race

It is the rst career win for the 2021 Cup Series champion at Darlington

The Associated Press

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Kyle Larson led the nal 55 laps to start his latest Cup Series playo run with his rst career win at the Southern 500 on Sunday night.

The 2021 Cup Series champion automatically advances into the round of 12 with the win at Darlington Raceway regardless of how he does in races at Kansas and Bristol the next two weeks.

“What a great way to start the playo s,” he said.

Larson didn’t have the fastest car, just one that got out front at the right time while other contenders fell away.

Denny Hamlin led a race-best 177 of 367 laps and looked head-

ed for the win before he felt vibrations for what he told his crew was a loose wheel and had to pit on consecutive laps.

“We controlled the race until we had some trouble,” Hamlin said. “That’s just part of it.”

Tyler Reddick led 90 laps yet lost the lead to Larson coming o pit road. Kevin Harvick, seeking the rst victory of his nal season, challenged Reddick for the lead with less than 60 laps remaining but was penalized when he could not avoid entering the pits moments after they were closed by NASCAR after a caution came out.

Harvick said he didn’t have time to get back on the track before the commitment line and couldn’t recover.

It was a successful run at the track “Too Tough To Tame” for Larson after several close calls. He has had three seconds and two thirds in his 11 previous Cup

“This has been one of my favorite tracks my whole career.”

Series races at Darlington. In May, Larson was racing for the lead late when he was hit by Ross Chastain and wound up 20th.

“This has been one of my favorite tracks my whole career,” Larson said. “Been really, really fast here my whole career, just usually in the wall.”

“Adding this trophy to the collection is amazing,” Larson continued. “This is one of three or four crown jewels.”

Playo drivers took the rst seven spots. Tyler Reddick was second, followed by Chris Buescher, William Byron,

SMU celebrates entrance into ACC, contrast from death penalty days

The Mustangs were given the “death penalty” in 1987

The Associated Press

DALLAS — SMU athletic director Rick Hart shot a small batch of red and blue confetti from a fake champagne bottle before machines showered the stage with plenty more.

The scene celebrating the university’s acceptance into the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday was quite the contrast to the somber, and eerily silent, setting of 36 years ago, when SMU received what is still the only socalled death penalty over NCAA recruiting violations.

The Mustangs have wandered in the wilderness of college athletics for nearly three decades since the breakup of the Southwest Conference, seven years after the shutdown of the SMU football program.

Hart was told by several people the ACC celebration was the biggest moment since that dark day in February 1987.

“I can empathize,” Hart said. “I’ve been here long enough, 11 years, and I have enough relationships with people who lived that and who were a part of it, that moment’s not lost on me. I hope I have a lot of moments

in my career going forward that feel really special. But I don’t know that this will be matched.”

Hart shared the stage with SMU President R. Gerald Turner and Board of Trustees Chair David Miller. The trio had been working for two years to nd a path to a so-called Power Five conference.

The move, which becomes ofcial on July 1, 2024, will end

an 11-year run in the American Athletic Conference. After being in the SWC from 1918-95, SMU spent nine football seasons in the Western Athletic Conference and eight in Conference USA before joining the AAC. The AAC includes North Carolina schools East Carolina and Charlotte.

The latest change for SMU is a subtle one on paper — just one letter, to the ACC — but sub -

Chastain, Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace.

Harvick ended 19th and Hamlin 25th. The rest of the playo eld was Kyle Busch in 11th, Joey Logano in 12th, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 16th, Martin Truex Jr. in 18th, pole-sitter Christopher Bell in 23rd and Michael McDowell in 32nd.

Byron, Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate and co-top seed with Truex, entered with a series-best ve victories this year and was pleased with the high nish.

“I think this is a good steppingstone for Kansas and good to get a solid rst race in the playo s,” he said.

The second of the opening-round three races in the Cup Series playo s takes place at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 10. Wallace took this event a year ago, while Hamlin won there in May.

stantial in so many other ways.

“We’re nally back where we belong,” Miller told several hundred supporters in the football team’s indoor practice facility, an upgrade the Mustangs believe played a role in their move out of the Group of Five.

A $100 million project under construction in the south end zone of Ford Stadium played an even bigger role, Turner said as he acknowledged the donor whose name will be on the building. Garry Weber was in the rst row of chairs set up in the middle of the shortened football eld that has “SMU” painted in both end zones.

“As several of the conference commissioners said to us,” Miller told the crowd, “‘You already do everything like a Power Five school.’“

There were reports of SMU pushing for entrance into the Pac-12 before that conference began to crumble with Southern California and UCLA announcing their intention to leave for the Big Ten.

The Pac-12 is now on the brink of extinction with Stanford and California joining SMU in the move to the ACC, which had some resistance from current members.

UNC and Florida State voted against the move, meaning the conference had one more vote than necessary to approve the additions. NC State voted for it.

“I’m a graduate of North Carolina, and I’ve said two things today that I’ve not said before and not sure I will again,” Hart said. “I said, ‘Go Blue Devils and go State.’”

Kyle Larson

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

Kyle Larson celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playo opener at Darlington.

SHAFKAT ANOWAR / THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS VIA AP SMU president R. Gerald Turner, center, speaks during a news conference announcing the school’s move to the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday in Dallas.

Tigers, Cougars click in volleyball

Randolph Record

Randleman and Southwestern Randolph shaped up as two of the best volleyball teams in the area heading into a Piedmont Athletic Conference clash this week.

Randleman won home matches last week against Ledford and Eastern Randolph and then won at Wheatmore – all with sweeps. Southwestern Randolph swept host Providence Grove and visiting Trinity to stretch its winning streak to four matches.

In those matches for Randleman, Camden Scott averaged 13.7 kills, Camryn Vickery had 35.7 assists per match, Kadie

Green supplied 8.6 digs per match, Haley Hinshaw racked up 9.3 kills per match and Karli Kennington had 19.7 digs per match.

Southwestern Randolph received 21 digs from Coley

Shi et, 21 assists from Raegan LeRoy, 13 kills and three blocks from Riley Key and 10 kills and seven digs from Madelyn Smith against Providence Grove. Gracie Hodgin and Lileigh Payne joined that quartet among the Cougars’ statistical leaders vs. Trinity.

Earlier in the week, Trinity toppled visiting Wheatmore in three sets and won at Central Davidson in ve sets.

Kaitlyn McCoy’s 17 kills and

Chloe Painter

14 digs, Avalynn Johnson’s 21 assists and 12 digs and Sarabeth Johnson’s 12 digs and six aces paced the Bulldogs against Wheatmore. Sarabeth Johnson (19 kills), McCoy 18 kills, 17 digs), Avalynn Johnson (44 assists and Natalie Frank (10 kills, 7 blocks) were among Trinity’s highlights vs. Central Davidson.

Boys’ soccer

Southwestern Randolph bumped its record to 6-1, moving within one victory of last year’s win total prior to Labor Day.

The Cougars edged host Montgomery Central 1-0 on David Dominguez’s goal and blew out visiting Bishop McGuinness 5-0 with two goals from Fernando Hernandez in non-conference games last week.

** Asheboro also entered the week with a 6-1 record after defeating host Western Alamance by 3-1 and visiting Eastern Randolph by 6-0.

Uwharrie Charter Academy, volleyball

Painter has been among the key contributors for the Eagles during the rst few weeks of the season.

When they opened Piedmont Athletic Conference play by defeating Providence Grove 25-20, 25-13, 25-23 last week, Painter provided 25 assists, six kills, 10 digs and two aces.

Painter, a senior, is listed as a setter and return specialist.

Blue Comets aim to build toward more soccer success

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ELON — It won’t always be easy for Asheboro’s boys’ soccer team and that’s probably ideal at this stage of the season.

Coming o the best year in program history, more big things are expected of the Blue Comets this fall.

“We need to get building into our style of game,” coach Nicholas Arroyo said. “We don’t let outside factors into what we’re doing.”

Part of Arroyo’s plan has been to generate challenges on the schedule. Those have come in several forms, including last week’s game at 2021 state champion Western Alamance.

“We need to try to nd harder schools,” Arroyo said. “We’re trying to heighten our level of competition.”

The Blue Comets reached the Class 3-A West Region nal last year while racking up a 23-2-2 record.

With that success, Arroyo said he has seen signs this season that the Blue Comets feel they’re on a pedestal, so it’s important that they become grounded and properly focused. Asheboro suffered an August loss – falling 1-0 to North Moore – for the rst time since 2016.

Yet the Blue Comets entered this week with a 6-1 record after topping Western Alamance by 3-1 and visiting Eastern Ran-

Diego Bustamante has had a big impact on Asheboro’s boys’ soccer team this season

dolph 6-0 last week. There are more tune-ups prior to the Sept. 25 opener in Mid-Piedmont Conference play.

“We have to keep working hard,” junior mid elder Daniel Resendez said. “We have the same amount of talent as last year and we have to put it all together.”

Arroyo said it has been a test for games early in the week after many of the team’s players have competed with club teams on weekends. So when Western Alamance scored less than three minutes into the game, the coach said he was irritated.

The Blue Comets perked up, with junior mid elder Diego Bustamante scoring the tying goal before halftime. In a

The Eagles took a 6-2 record into this week, holding a three-match winning streak. Prior to defeating Providence Grove, UCA topped Richmond and Central Davidson.

UCA moves soccer games to new sportsplex

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO

Charter Academy’s new home for soccer games is the recently opened Zoo City Sportsplex.

Road.

Administrators from UCA will oversee the game operations, including providing personnel manning the ticket area. Concessions will be run by the sportsplex.

span of about 13 minutes in the second half, Bustamante and Ozmar Martinez converted penalty kicks.

Arroyo said it was good to see the Blue Comets continue to apply pressure after taking the lead.

“We want a cushion,” he said. “That was a strong (opponent) and they’re going to be a dangerous team.”

It looks like Asheboro should fall into that category as well.

“Just keep positive,” Bustamonte said. “You want no negative stu .”

In the Eastern Randolph game, Martinez scored two goals, while Bustamonte, Alexander Arce, Abrahan Cabral and Tyler Smith had the other goals.

“We’ve worked with the City of Asheboro on this,” UCA athletics director Chris Waddell said. “It shows volumes the partnerships we’ve been able to create with the city and in Randolph County. Putting this together was a group e ort.”

The Eagles’ rst game at their new home venue comes with Friday night’s boys’ soccer meeting with Woods Charter. Regular home game times will be 6 p.m.

The site is less than a 10-minute drive from UCA’s main campus. The UCA girls’ soccer team, which plays in the spring semester, will use the sportsplex beginning in February, while middle school teams could eventually move there as well.

UCA had been playing soccer games at Clay Presnell Memorial Park o Seagrove Plank

UCA’s arrangement came in collaboration with the Asheboro Cultural and Recreation Services Department and the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA.

Waddell praised the cooperation with Jonathan Sermon, who’s director of Asheboro’s recreation operations.

The Zoo City Sportsplex, located at Old Cox Road and Zoo Parkway, is a $15 million project that includes eight turf soccer elds and two turf football elds along with sand volleyball courts, pickleball courts in addition to playground areas, trails and a dog park. Waddell said open space on the main campus was reduced with a new elementary school playground. Plans are in the works to create a soccer practice area at the school’s baseball and softball complex, he said.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Chloe Painter goes up at the net as Providence Grove’s Maggie Freeman waits during a match last week.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

— Uwharrie

Southwestern Randolph’s Molly Smith sets the ball as teammates Jade Matias (No. 11) and Kenleigh Fearnside (No. 17) prepare to make their moves during a match at Asheboro.

Trinity’s Kaitlyn McCoy spikes the ball against Wheatmore’s Taylor Richardson, left, and Alby Pulaski last week at Trinity.

Close connections de ne matchup for Blue Comets, Patriots

Asheboro sta stocked with ex-Providence Grove coaches

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

CLIMAX — Providence

Grove’s football team has thrived in the opening weeks of the season. Next comes a version of showand-tell in a reunion of sorts when Asheboro visits Friday night.

There’s far from an ordinary vibe for the non-conference matchup.

“It’s weird, for sure,” Providence Grove senior running back/linebacker Logan Fox said. “It’s de nitely going to be emotional on both sides. It will be more than a game for me. I don’t have anything against them.”

Indeed, admiration seems to be owing in both directions.

First-year Asheboro coach Calvin Brown and most of his sta were at Providence Grove for the past few years when the Patriots ourished.

An o season move has Brown in charge of rebuilding

at Asheboro. “It will be di erent, obviously, on that visiting sideline after 11 years,” said Brown, who was an assistant coach for four seasons and head coach for the past seven at Providence Grove. “Every player on their team I’ve had an impact on their lives.”

Brown was also athletics director at Providence Grove.

“As the AD at Providence Grove, I’m the one who scheduled

this,” he said.

The Blue Comets didn’t play last week, so Brown was there to scout the Patriots in their 2620 home victory against visiting Bishop McGuinness on Friday night.

It was good “to watch so many guys I’ve coached and care about. I don’t get to see them every day, so that (was) good.”

Providence Grove is 3-0 under rst-year coach David Hayes.

“Can’t ask for anything better than to win them all so far,” Hayes said. “We’re checking o boxes. The last few years PG has been wildly successful and very veteran-heavy. These guys we have now didn’t have to be relied on.”

Hayes said the Patriots’ fortunes would “depend on how quick our guys can learn to play varsity football.”

Even with what Hayes described as some typical self-inicted snags, things have worked out.

“It’s really good when you can still pull wins out,” he said. “We feel good about a lot.”

While Carson Jones kicked two eld goals last week, Hayes said regular kicker Tucker Batten should be available to return from an injury this week.

Asheboro is 1-1, defeating Albemarle and falling to Eastern Randolph. This will be the Blue Comets’ rst road game.

“Our guys are starting to realize we have the potential to be good,” Brown said. “They realize, ‘We can do this. We can win games.’ We improved a lot from Week 1 to Week 2. You could see

Eastern Randolph, Randleman roll to victories

Teams churn out big o ensive numbers

Randolph Record

RAMSEUR — Nicah Taylor caught three of Carter Revelle’s four touchdown passes in Eastern Randolph’s 36-15 non-conference home victory against Southern Lee on Friday night.

Revelle threw for 269 yards, with 212 of those to Taylor.

Rayden West made the other touchdown reception for Eastern Randolph (2-1). West also intercepted a pass.

Lucas Smith ran for an Eastern Randolph touchdown.

Southern Lee (2-1) trailed 22-7 at halftime and neither team scored in the third quarter.

Randleman 56: Cedar Ridge 0: At Hillsborough, John Kirkpatrick threw four touchdown passes in the non-league road romp.

The Tigers (3-0) also received a pair of rushing touchdowns from Edison Hernandez, who had the game’s rst two touchdowns on runs of 38 and 15 yards. Tyshaun Goldston was next to score a touchdown on a 66-yard reception.

Micah Thurston added a 19yard touchdown run in the rst

Eastern Randolph’s Nicah Taylor, here with the ball earlier this season, had another big night for the Wildcats.

quarter. Amari Ferdna, Lane Swain and Chase Farlow caught second-quarter touchdown passes. The only second-half points came on Triston Chriscoe’s 26yard interception return.

Randleman’s defense secured four turnovers, including three interceptions. Cedar Ridge is 0-3.

Providence Grove 26, Bishop McGuinness 20: At Climax, the Patriots improved

to 3-0 by winning their home opener as James Ellis scored the winning touchdown on a 4-yard run in the nal minute.

On defense, Ellis clinched the victory by intercepting a pass.

Providence Grove trailed 20-

a big di erence. We were a few plays away (against Eastern Randolph).”

The Blue Comets have receivers making plays at the back end of Logan Laughlin’s passes.

“Our passing game is rolling right now and it’s going to improve,” Brown said. Providence Grove has players emerging into more prominent roles.

Fox and senior quarterback James Ellis, in his rst season as a starter, have been leaders, Hayes said.

“They’ve really set the tone,” Hayes said. “They’re buying into what we’re preaching and that really makes a di erence.”

Fox said he was close with several coaches who are now at Asheboro. He said Hayes has been an ideal t for the Patriots and he likes how the new connections have developed.

Three current Providence Grove sta members are holdovers from last year.

There’s no lack of familiarity between these teams.

“It should be a tough one for us,” Brown said. “Our coaching sta knows them well. I’ve already talked to (our sta members) about it and that’s one reason we need to take the emotion out of it.”

That might be di cult to entirely wipe away.

“I think at the end of the day we all want to win this game so bad,” Fox said.

PREP FOOTBALL — WEEK 4

Friday night’s games

Asheboro at Providence Grove McMichael at Southwestern Randolph West Davidson at Trinity Randleman at Union Pines Wheatmore at Bishop McGuinness

19 before the go-ahead touchdown.

Ellis scored earlier on a quarterback keeper. Andrew Thomas went 37 yards on a ip pass from Ellis for a touchdown that extended the Patriots’ lead to 9-0. Carson Jones kicked two eld goals.

Bishop McGuinness (1-1) scored its rst touchdown by recovering a fumble in the end zone. The Villains trailed 16-6 before their comeback.

Ledford 57, Wheatmore 7: At Trinity, the Warriors were overwhelmed in su ering their second straight home loss.

Wheatmore (1-2) scored on Jake Ward’s pass to Max Smith. Ledford is 3-0.

East Davidson 38, Trinity 18: At Thomasville, the host Golden Eagles (2-1) scored the game’s nal 21 to put away this non-league game. Quarterback Noah Bradley of Trinity (1-2) threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Riane Hill had both picko s.

RANDOLPH RECORD FILE PHOTO

New Providence Grove football coach David Hayes, left, and former coach Calvin Brown talk at a Providence Grove basketball game last winter.

RANDOLPH RECORD

Veda Short Howell

December 12, 1921 — September 2, 2023

Veda Short Howell, 101, of Asheboro passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation.

Ms. Howell was born in Mount Airy on December 12, 1921, daughter of the late James L. and Ella Deataherge Short. She worked for many years at Lo in Hosiery Mill and Acme McCrary and was a faithful member of Browers Chapel Methodist Church. Veda was an avid gardener who enjoyed working with owers and spending time with family. In addition to her parents, Veda is preceded in death by her husband, James J. Howell; son-in-law, Richard E. Watson; brothers, James Arthur Short and Fred Short; and sister, Mecia Abston.

Ms. Howell is survived by her daughter Betty H. Watson of Rural Hall; son, Thomas “Eddie” Howell and wife Shirley of Lincolnton; grandsons, Thomas E. Howell, II and wife Beth of Asheboro, Jamie L. Howell of Randleman; granddaughters, Amy E. Welch of Climax, Katherine W. Scott and husband Je of Madison, Amber Watson Molesa and husband Je of Pinnacle; great-grandchildren, Morgan, Jaxon, Dallas, and Dalton Howell, Christian and Kaylee Scott, and Caroline, Caitlynne, Callie, and Je Molesa, Jr.; great-great-grandchildren, Weston and Dessah Howell; step-grandchildren, Scott Barrette and wife Amanda of Lincolnton, and Brian Barrette and wife Jessica of Lincolnton; and step-great-grandchildren, Addison, Grayson, Breanna, and Raylee Barrette.

Tommy Clayton McLeod

November 13, 1950 — August 31, 2023

Tommy Clayton McLeod, age 72, of Asheboro passed away on August 31, 2023 at Randolph Hospice House.

Mr. McLeod was born in Troy, on November 13, 1950 to Clayton and Louella Dunn McLeod, who preceded him in death. He was a 1969 graduate of East Montgomery High School and was a member of the rst graduating class of the Paramedic Program at Randolph Community College.

Tommy was formerly employed with Randolph County Medical Rescue and retired from the NC Department of Corrections after 22 years of service.

Tommy was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He had a passion for golf, loved his golf buddies, and liked to sh. He loved his family, and his wife, children, and grandchildren were his top priority.

He is survived by his wife, Susan McLeod; son, Dr. Adam Kendall (Jamie) of Randleman, NC; daughter, Amy Sanchez of Fletcher, NC; grandchildren, Caroline, Rachel, Nathan, Abigail, Josiah, Lilianna, Alexi, Ciera, and Logan; and brother, Michael McLeod of Troy, NC.

Thomas "Tommie" Dean Cox, Sr.

August 22, 1935 — August 29, 2023

Thomas "Tommie" Dean Cox, Sr., age 88, of Asheboro passed away on August 29, 2023 at Forsyth Medical Center.

Mr. Cox was born on August 22, 1935 to Justin and Ruth Farlow Cox.

Born and raised in Seagrove, Tommie served his country and enjoyed his travels in the U.S. Navy. He was a retired co-owner of Farlow Produce in Asheboro. Tommie loved and served the Lord many years as a member of Son Light Baptist Church. Tommie was a loving and devoted family man, married to his wife, Becky for 64 years. He lovingly cared for her until she entered the Cross Road Memory Care facility. He loved being outdoors working in his yard and garden.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Garner Cox; sons, Thomas Cox, Jr. (Cindy) of Randleman and Bryan Cox of Asheboro; daughter, Cindy Morris (Tom) of Asheboro; grandsons, Zachary Cox (Shanda) of Walkertown, Daniel Morris (Betsy) of Asheboro, and David Morris (Elizabeth) of Clarks Summit, PA; and 6 great grandchildren. Tommie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jack Cox.

Jewel Dutton Applewhite

August 1, 1933 — August 27, 2023

Jewel Dutton Applewhite passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2023, at her home in Asheboro, NC. She was 90 years old.

Jewel was born on August 1st, 1933, in Ash, NC, and was the daughter of the late John George Dutton and Mary Marlowe Dutton of Rocky Mount, NC. She had four siblings who predeceased her, including Inez Ward of Rocky Mount, Deward Dutton of Garner, Milton Dutton of Rocky Mount, and Kenneth Dutton of Burlington.

In 1954, she married Bill Applewhite. When Bill returned from service, they began their family, and Jewel became a full-time homemaker and mother - roles she cherished and excelled in for the rest of her life.

Jewel is survived by her husband of 69 years, William James Applewhite; her three daughters, Sharon Wiley (Dan), Donna Purkerson (Terry), and Marlo Norris (Gary); her grandchildren, Nicholas Wiley (Taylor), Stephen Wiley (Gracie), Kate Steele (Billy), Caroline Youngdale (Carl), Lauren Beck, Ben Peddycord (Desiree), Brad Francis (Caroline), and Mary Francis; and her great-grandchildren, Daniel Wiley, Jack Steele, Henry Steele, Georgie Youngdale, Teddy Youngdale, and James Peddycord. Jewel also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whom she loved dearly.

Clarence Allen Cranford

March 23, 1996 — August 25, 2023

Clarence Allen Cranford, age 27, of Portsmouth, VA passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023 as the result of an automobile accident.

Walter Coy Stout

March 28, 1946 — August 31, 2023

Walter Coy Stout, age 77, of Asheboro passed away on August 31, 2023 at his home.

Mr. Stout was born in Asheboro, on March 28, 1946 to Walter and Virginia Teague Stout. He was a 1965 graduate of Asheboro High School. Coy was formerly employed at the North Carolina Department of Transportation and retired after 30 years of service. Coy was married to his beloved wife Janet for 53 years. He had a passion for beach music, sports cars, watching Major League Baseball and college football. Coy and Janet loved to travel and took many trips to Europe together. In addition to his parents, Coy was preceded in death by his brother, Jackie Stout and his sister, Betty Albright.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Stout; niece Jennifer Brewer (Kevin), niece Rebecca Kidd (Alex), great-niece Megan Brewer, and great-nephew Jarrett Kidd.

Sharon (Shary) Kay Maynard England

January 10, 1942 — August 25, 2023

Sharon (Shary) Kay Maynard England, 81 of Asheboro went home to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior on Friday, August 25, 2023.

Shary was born in Decatur, Illinois on January 10, 1942 to the late Carl and Doris Ponewash Maynard. She deeply loved her husband of 57 years, Thom England, who also preceded her in death. She devoted herself to being a loving mother to her children when they were young and continued to support them in their adulthood. Shary known as "Grammy" cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Shary is survived by her daughter Cammy Davis and husband David and her son Toby England and wife Toni. She is also survived by six grandchildren Noah Parsons and wife Shannon, Thaddaeus Parsons and wife Amy, Bryan England and wife Lara, Catherine Jones and husband Daniel, Hannah England, Ben Davis and ancé Ashley, and eleven great grandchildren Nolan, Allyson, Judah, Caroline, Carter, Charlotte, Adelynne, Grace, Lydia, Olivia, and Cora. Shary is also survived by her brother Bob Maynard and her two sisters Pam Hawley and Penny Williamson, her sister- in- law Judy Gilliland and her nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by her sister Sandy Turk.

Louise Micka

October 30, 1932 - September 1, 2023

Clarence was born in Asheboro, NC on March 23, 1996 and was employed with Bay Lake Retirement as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Clarence was a true gentle giant whose smile could light up a room. He loved everyone and impacted a lot of lives. He was an avid music fan and his favorite artist was Sam Smith. Most of all, Clarence loved his family and his fur babies with all his heart. Clarence was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Debbie Luther, and maternal grandfather, Robert Steve Goins, Sr.

He is survived by his fur babies, Dexter, Cali, and Ellie Mae; mother, Tammy Roberson (Lee) of Portsmouth, VA; brother, Steven Clint Cranford ( ancée Mechelle) of Elon, NC; sister, Cierra Heigaard (Jon) of Portsmouth, VA; paternal grandfather, Bobby Lee Cranford, Sr; paternal grandmother, Carolyn Cranford; uncle, Robert Steve Goins, Jr. (Pam); niece, Allison Cranford; nephew, Waylon Cranford; multiple cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Louise Culberson Micka, 90, of Asheboro, died Friday, September 1, 2023 at Hospice Home at High Point.

Born on October 30, 1932 in Alamance Co., Louise was the daughter to the late John Culberson and Annie Snyder Culberson. She retired from Sapona Manufacturing. Louise was a member of Rushwood church, where she sang in the choir. She Louise was a devoted Christian woman who loved her family and her Lord Jesus Christ. She enjoyed playing fantasy football and traveling with Paul.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her siblings, Ebbie, Yvonne, and Robert “Buddy”. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Paul C. Micka; children, Tina Harvalias (Manolis), Pam Braxton (Ronald R.), Jimmy Sta ord (Emily); stepchildren, Karen Micka Springer (Scott), Lonnie Micka, David Micka (Amy); grandchildren, Steven Harvalias, Christopher "Calisto" Harvalias, Stephanie Edwards, Nikki Sta ord, Kirby Micka, Katherine Micka Ratli ; great grandchildren, Hailey Edwards, Kinley Edwards, Manny Harvalias, Sissy Harvalias, Lucas Micka, Paul Micka, and Jovie Ratli .

Athalee Ausley

July 16, 1930 - September 1, 2023

Athalee Bray Ausley, 93, of Sophia, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023, at her home.

Born in Randolph County, NC on July 16, 1930, Athalee was the daughter of the late Jesse Bray and Gertrude Cotner Bray. She retired from Eveready Battery. Athalee was very industrious, liked to dress nicely and make her own clothes. Athalee enjoyed working in her yard, reading her magazines, feeding the birds and cruising. She was an avid sports fan, especially NASCAR, basketball and golf.

In addition to her parents, Athalee was preceded in death by her brothers, Pete Cotner and Richard Cotner.

Surviving are her sons, Larry W. Ausley and wife Becky, Je rey A. Ausley and wife Angie; grandson, Christopher B. Ausley and wife Kendra; great grandson, Nate Ausley; sisters, JoAnn Hamlet, Bertha Teague, MaryLou Hill; and brothers, Jimmy Cotner, and William Alfred Cotner.

Jim Cross

November 11, 1944 - September 1, 2023

James "Jim" Albert Cross, 78, of Asheboro, died Friday, September 1, 2023, at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation in Asheboro.

Jim was born on November 11, 1944 in Randolph County to the late William Boyd Cross and Alta Lamar Cross. He was the owner and operator of Cross Transportation Service, assisting both funeral homes and North Carolina Medical Examiners' o ces. He enjoyed shing and collecting all kinds of eagles.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Bill Cross, Roy Cross, Vernie Cross, Frankie Cross, Joseph Cross, A.V. Cross, Elizabeth Casstevens, and Virginia Phelps.

Jim is survived by his sisters, Betty Lee (Jerry) of Asheboro, Barbara Brown of Arkansas; brothers, Bobby Cross and Douglas Cross (Sherry) all of Asheboro. and his "adopted" family in Greensboro.

STATE & NATION

E orts to punish Fani Willis over Trump prosecution are ‘political theater,’ Georgia Gov. Kemp says

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp last week o ered his strongest denunciation to date of e orts by his fellow Republicans to go after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, dismissing the moves as “political theater that only in ames the emotions of the moment.”

Some Republicans in Washington and Georgia have been attacking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis since even before she announced the indictment of former President Donald Trump for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. Kemp said that any calls for a special session to impeach Willis or defund her o ce were wrong and that she had done nothing to merit removal.

A special session, the second-term governor said, “would ignore current Georgia law and directly interfere with the proceedings of a separate but equal branch of government.”

“The bottom line is that in the state of Georgia, as long as I’m governor, we’re going to follow the law and the Constitution, regardless of who it helps or harms politically,” a clearly agitated Kemp said at a news conference in the state’s capital.

“In Georgia, we will not be engaging in political theater that only in ames the emotions of the moment,” Kemp added.

The remarks are a re ection of

the divide that remains between Kemp and some other Republicans following the governor’s refusal to endorse Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election and help him try to overturn his narrow loss in the state. Willis has charged Trump and 18 others, including the former state Republican Party chair, with crimes related to the e ort.

Trump, meanwhile, has kept up a withering assault on both Willis and Kemp.

“Governor Kemp of Georgia is ghting hard against the impeachment of the crooked, incompetent & highly partisan D.A. of Fulton County, Fani Wil-

lis, who has allowed murder and other violent crime to MASSIVELY ESCALATE,” the former president wrote Aug. 21 on his Truth Social platform. “Crime in Atlanta is WORST IN NATION. She should be impeached for many reasons, not just the Witch Hunt (I did nothing wrong!)”

A few GOP lawmakers in Georgia were calling for a special session to impeach and remove Willis or defund her o ce. Others proposed amending the state constitution to let Kemp pardon Trump.

Both are long-shot prospects.

Georgia’s General Assem-

Orsted delays 1st New Jersey wind farm until 2026; not ready to ‘walk away’ from project

The Associated Press

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Orsted, the global wind energy developer, says its rst o shore wind farm in New Jersey will be delayed until 2026 due to supply chain issues, higher interest rates, and a failure so far to garner enough tax credits from the federal government.

The Danish company revealed the delay during an earnings conference call, during which it said it could be forced to write o about $2.3 billion on U.S. projects that are worth less than they had been.

It also said it had considered simply abandoning the Ocean Wind I project o the southern New Jersey coast.

But Orsted still believes the wind farm, to be built in waters o of Atlantic City and Ocean City, will be pro table in the long run.

“As it stands today, we believe the best direction is to continue to invest in these projects,” said David Hardy, an executive vice president and CEO of the company’s North American operations. “It still is the better choice

than walking away today.”

The company did not say when in 2026 its Ocean Wind I project will be fully operational, and a spokesperson could not say Thursday what the new timetable is. Previously, Orsted had said power would be owing to

customers sometime in 2025.

Orsted has federal approval for the Ocean Wind I project, and has state approval for a second New Jersey project, Ocean Wind II.

However, during the call, the company said it is “recon gur-

bly hasn’t impeached anyone in more than 50 years, and with Republicans holding less than the required two-thirds state Senate majority to convict Willis, they would have to persuade Democrats.

Colton Moore, a Republican state senator whose purist brand of conservatism wins him few allies, launched a petition for lawmakers to call themselves into special session, requiring signatures by three- fths of both houses. That too would require some Democratic support. Kemp on Thursday described Moore’s e orts, backed by Trump, as “some grifter scam” to raise campaign contributions for Moore.

Georgia voters amended the state constitution to shift pardon power from the governor to a parole board in the 1940s after a governor was accused of selling pardons. It would take a two-thirds vote of both houses to put a measure before voters to change that status, again requiring Democratic support.

At least one other top Georgia Republican, state House Speaker Jon Burns, is siding with Kemp in opposing a special session. In a letter to fellow Republicans, he squelched talk of a special session for a second time, saying it’s impossible to take away the state money that partially funds Willis’ o ce without also taking away money from Georgia’s other 49 district attorneys.

“Targeting one speci c DA in

ing” Ocean Wind II and its Skipjack Wind project o the coasts of Maryland and Delaware because they do not currently meet its projected nancial standards. It did not give details of what that recon guration might entail.

Two other Orsted projects — Sunrise Wind o Montauk Point in New York, and Revolution Wind o Rhode Island — are also a ected by the same negative forces requiring the New Jersey project to be delayed. But the New York and Rhode Island projects remain on schedule, the company said. News of the delay was a blow to supporters of o shore wind in New Jersey, which is trying to become the capital of the nascent industry on the U.S. East Coast. It also o ered new hope to foes of the technology.

Earlier this year, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law allowing Orsted to keep federal tax credits it otherwise would have been required to pass along to ratepayers. The governor said he acted to protect jobs the oshore wind industry will create.

Republicans, who tend to oppose o shore wind in New Jersey and nationally, seized on the delay as further proof of what they consider the inherent unpro tability of the industry.

“It was a travesty when Gov. Murphy bailed out Orsted at

this manner certainly aunts the idea of separation of powers, if not outright violates it,” Burns wrote, arguing that such a move would violate lawmakers’ oaths to uphold the U.S. and Georgia constitutions.

“We trust that our criminal justice system will deal with this matter impartially and fairly, and we will not improperly intercede in this matter in direct contradiction to the oaths we took,” Burns continued.

Looking for other options to go after Willis, some Georgia Republicans are coalescing around a plan to seek her removal by a new state prosecutorial oversight commission that begins work on Oct. 1.

Kemp, Burns and Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones name the commission’s ve-member investigative panel to examine complaints. They also name a three-member hearing panel that decides on charges led by the investigative panel.

Some district attorneys, not including Willis, are already suing to overturn the law. Barring court intervention, people can begin ling complaints on Oct. 1 for alleged misconduct occurring after July 1.

“I have not seen any evidence that DA Willis’ actions or lack thereof warrant action by the prosecuting attorney oversight commission,” Kemp said. “But that will ultimately be a decision that the commission will make.”

the expense of New Jersey taxpayers the rst time they threatened to walk away,” said Republican state Sen. Michael Testa. “I’m calling on the Murphy administration to state unequivocally that our residents will not be sold out for Orsted a second time. Supply chain issues and rising in ation prove that these projects are unsustainable and the cost of continuing these projects will be too much of a burden for our state to bear.”

A dozen environmental groups issued a joint statement in support of o shore wind, calling it essential to avoiding the worst e ects of climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

“Innovation and transformation take time when done correctly,” the statement read. “The o shore wind industry is not immune to the supply chain crisis. We stand united in our support for responsibly developed oshore wind to help New Jersey achieve 100% clean energy.”

Orsted said it has already invested $4 billion in its U.S. wind energy portfolio, which factored into its decision, at least for now, to stick with its proposed projects. The company plans to make a “ nal investment decision” on whether or not to go forward with U.S. projects, including one in New Jersey, by the end of this year or early next year.

AP PHOTO

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivers the State of the State address on the House oor of the state Capitol, Jan. 25, 2023, in Atlanta.

AP PHOTO

Land-based wind turbines in Atlantic City, N.J., turn on July 20, 2023.

HOKE COUNTY

Sky’s the limit

Practice rounds begin for the 2023 USPA Skydiving National Championships this month at Paraclete XP in Raeford. The annual competition features over a dozen total categories through the month of September.

Swarbick announces bid for House

North State Journal

Bill amending juvenile identi cation laws

passes

House Bill 186 was recently passed by the General Assembly and has been signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper. The bill amends a number of laws pertaining to juvenile justice. Prior to the passage of this bill, information related to juveniles who committed a criminal o ense could not be released to the public under any circumstance.

This bill comes in response to a crime committed in November 2022, when an Orange County teenager ed after allegedly killing two high school classmates, Lyric Woods and Devin Clark. Because of the law prohibiting the disclosure of juvenile information, the suspect’s identifying information could not be released to the public, likely resulting in a delay in his arrest. The new law allows for the release of a juvenile’s rst and last name, a photograph, the alleged o enses and a statement regarding the level of threat the juvenile may pose to themselves or others. This information may only be disclosed if a juvenile petition has been led alleging that the juvenile has committed a serious criminal o ense that warrants a transfer to adult court. The information must also be released from all social media and websites when the juvenile is taken into custody. “This new law will allow us to show our community that we are doing our jobs to protect them from dangerous individuals,” said Sheri Daren Campbell, President of the North Carolina Sheri ’s Association. “This bill will make it easier to prevent incidents like the one that occurred last year from happening in the future.” Recent reports show a signi cant increase in juvenile crime in North Carolina, and the passing of this bill provides law enforcement with an additional tool to apprehend dangerous criminals and protect their communities.

RAEFORD — A Hoke County resident has announced her intention to run for the N.C. House of Representatives in 2024. Melissa Swarbrick, the 2022 Republican candidate for N.C. House District 48, announced her plans to seek election in 2024 last week at a GOP event in Scotland County.

Swarbrick could face District 48 incumbent Rep. Garland Pierce (D-Scotland) in 2024 should she win the GOP primary and the legislative district remain similar to its 2022 con guration.

Pierce has already begun his 2024 re-election campaign. Swarbrick lost in the 2022 general election to Pierce by 1,587 votes or 53.5% to 46.5%.

“I am eager to run again to represent the people of Hoke and Scotland Counties”, Swarbrick said in a statement. “We won Scotland County last election, and we have big plans to capitalize on the grassroots e orts we started back in 2022. With 2024 being a presidential election year, we expect to see a large increase in turnout over 2022. We hope everyone educates themselves on the candidates and exercises their right to vote.”

Pierce, a Baptist minister and a U.S. Army veteran, has served 10 terms in the N.C. House and serves as chairman of the Families, Children and Aging Policy Committee and as vice chairman of the House Commerce Committee.

Board of Education approves Capital Outlay budget amendment intended to address safety concerns

HCS to increase convocation check amount for employees

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Schools Board of Education met Tuesday, August 22, for its monthly work session.

The rst item the board took on was the approval of a contract for a bilingual psychologist.

Maria Cain will be hired by HCS on a part-time basis at a rate of $90 per hour for any attorney-involved case that requires her to be present, $500 per cognitive or educational evaluation report, $600 per educational and cognitive evaluation report and $700 per comprehensive evaluation report, to include consultations, conferences and meetings on an as-needed basis with the total contract not to exceed $155,000 per year.

“Our previous school psychologist contract, her pay was at $755 per contract and $170,000 a year,” said Exceptional Children Director Cariss McLeod. “She was full time, but we didn’t get much production.”

According to McLeod, Cain is expected to do around 15 cases per month and be available on an as-needed basis.

“What we’re building is a

school psychology team,” McLeod said. “The goal is to be 90% compliant by December 1. You can’t do it if you don’t have the sta . So that’s what this is about. We have two full-time school psychologists, and Maria Cain will also come in as our parttime bilingual school psychologist.

“The way it’s organized, our school psychologist that just started with us that we got from Moore County will be serving Pre-K through third grade doing all those psychological evaluations, and Maria Cain and another psychologist we’re adding are going to come in to serve all of our secondary.”

Also, according to McLeod, the only outstanding EC position and service needing to be lled for HCS is a physical therapy assistant.

“I’m emotional about where we are because it’s great,” McLeod said. “It’s extremely, extremely great. Every time we get a call that there’s somebody saying, ‘I want to come to Hoke County,’ we should be proud. We should be proud of the direction that we are going.”

The board also approved an increase in the district’s annual convocation check.

“This started many years ago, and it’s really a way to say thank you to all the employees of Hoke County that rst week

that they’re driving back and forth from home,” said Interim Superintendent Rodney Shotwell. “Just a little something to help with gas. It’s been $50 since the inception, and there was a request to try and pump it up a little bit to $60 per person.”

The total economic impact will be an approximate increase of $13,000 in expenses, which according to Shotwell, will come from local funds.

The board also approved the 2023-24 Capital Outlay Project budget amendment in order to reallocate funding. Initially, the superintendent brought the budget amendment before the Hoke County Commissioners earlier in the month, but the item was denied as the board of education had not been rst briefed on it.

“When we had the opportunity to go back and reassess some safety issues that are across the district, we noticed that there were some issues that really needed to be addressed, and this is what we came up with the funding for those,” said Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Information Systems Chad Hunt.

According to Hunt, approximately $269,000 will be reallocated towards safety and maintenance issues throughout the district. Board member Rosa McAllister-McRae brought up a ques-

tion of why these amendments were not included in the budget initially, but Shotwell o ered an explanation.

“Those projects were estimates,” Shotwell said. “What has happened is that we’ve gotten hard numbers on projects, which freed up the $269,000 for us to do the next level of projects on here. To be honest with you, everywhere I’ve ever worked, it’s just been budget amendments with the Board of Education, and then you go and give quarterly updates with the Commissioners to let them know where you are on your capital projects, but that was not how I was told things are done around here. All of these things were also talked about in the original budget discussion in the spring.”

Finally, the board approved the Site Package for the Hoke County High School project provided by Metcon.

The Hoke County Schools Board of Education will next meet September 12.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

AP PHOTO

Melissa Swarbick (R), Rep. Garland Pierce (D)

Lewis, Joevon Tarrell (B/M/33), ADW, 08/04/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Rogers, Hope Taylor (B/F/22), Probation

Violation, 08/03/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Ellerbee, Willie (B/M/35), Assault on a Female, 08/02/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Dial, Lee (I/M/45), Communicate Threats, 08/02/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

McMillian, Larry Wayne (I/M/38), Probation

Violation, 08/01/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Cruz, Eloy Alejandro Gonzalez (W/M/46), Burglary - 1st Degree, 08/01/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Andrews, Lacey Lee (B/M/32), Assault on a Female, 07/31/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Four astronauts return to Earth in SpaceX capsule to wrap up six-month station mission

The Associated Press CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

— Four astronauts returned to Earth early Monday after a six-month stay at the International Space Station. Their SpaceX capsule parachuted into the Atlantic o the Florida coast.

Returning were NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, Russia’s Andrei Fedyaev and the United Arab Emirates’ Sultan al-Neyadi, the rst person from the Arab world to spend an extended time in orbit.

Before departing the space station, they said they were craving hot showers, steaming cups of co ee and the ocean air since arriving in March. Their homecoming was delayed a day because of poor weather at the splashdown locations, but

in the end, provided a spectacular middle-of-the-night show as the capsule streaked through the sky over Cape Canaveral toward a splashdown near Jacksonville.

The astronauts said it was incredible to be back. “You’ve got a roomful of happy people here,” SpaceX Mission Control radioed.

SpaceX launched their replacements over a week ago.

Another crew switch will occur later this month with the long-awaited homecoming of two Russians and one American who have been up there an entire year. Their stay was doubled after their Soyuz capsule leaked all of its coolant and a new craft had to be launched.

Between crew swaps, the space station is home to seven astronauts.

In this image from video made available by NASA, a SpaceX capsule, slowed by parachutes, splashes down in the Atlantic Ocean o the Florida coast, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Back to school season in the Sandhills

WHAT WOULD YOU DO with an extra $700 in your pocket each month?

Unfortunately, that is the cost of “Bidenomics” and in ation—but it shouldn’t have to be that way.

Bottom line: your family shouldn’t have to pay the price for President Biden’s and Washington Liberal’s failed nancial policies and woke education agenda.

The opportunity to work hard and pursue a better life for your family has always been at the bedrock of our nation. However, in ation continues to make it di cult for hardworking families to make ends meet and a ord goods and services.

Did you know the average American household now spends $709 more a month than they did two years ago for the same goods and services? Average monthly mortgage payments are 92% higher than one year ago, while real wages are down 3% since President Biden took o ce. President Biden continues to ignore the real impacts of his failed economic policies, and I share these frustrations with you—especially as a fellow parent preparing my child for a new school year.

As school resumes here in the Sandhills, it is estimated that parents will spend an average of $890 per household on school

supplies due to continued high levels of in ation. Binders and folders cost 48% more than they did last year, and crayons and highlighters are up an average of 18.6% from last year. Enough is enough, and House Republicans are working to get our nation and your quality of life back on track.

In addition to increased nancial stress, the start of a new school year for many parents also represents uncertainty of what is being taught in their kids’ classrooms. Earlier this year House Republicans introduced and passed H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights, to strengthen the role of parents in the education of their children by guaranteeing the right to full transparency on what is being taught in schools.

Bottom line: your family shouldn’t have to pay the price for President Biden’s and Washington Liberal’s failed nancial policies and woke education agenda. However, Senate Democrats continue to delay any actions on the real solutions passed by the House—which speaks volumes about their priorities for

Americans. No matter what your politics are, your hard earned money and quality of your children’s education should not be treated as a political chess match. Parents deserve a seat at the table when it comes to their children’s education, and I am proud to ght for parents’ right to know what their children are being taught.

From passing legislation to get our economy back on track to standing up for parents—House Republicans have delivered results on the promises we made in our Commitment to America. As your Congressman, I’m ghting back against reckless spending and promoting common sense solutions that make life easier—and more a ordable—for you and your family.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

The Tom and Daisy Buchanans North of Richmond

“THESE RICH MEN north of Richmond, Lord knows they just wanna have total control.” So goes the refrain of singer and songwriter Oliver Anthony’s suddenly famous song. “Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do, and they don’t think you know, but I know that you do.”

Anthony’s degree of familiarity with “The Great Gatsby” is unclear, but his “rich men north of Richmond” these days have more than a touch of Tom and Daisy Buchanan about them.

The song has inspired plenty of negative feedback from inside-the-Beltway liberals who are uncomfortably aware that their home turf sits a little more than an hour’s drive north of Richmond on Interstate 95. But Anthony, whose roots are far away in Southside Virginia, near the North Carolina border, insists he is “dead center down the aisle on politics” and doesn’t like people to “wrap politics” around his work.

It’s certainly possible that he’s unaware that the overwhelming majority of “rich men” in metro Washington are liberal Democrats. Not too far back in history, lots of rich Americans voted Republican.

And the urge to “know what you think” and “what you do” has inspired in conservative Republicans 20 years ago and liberal Democrats today what maverick journalist Matt Taibbi describes as “giving government power to obtain ‘transparency’ into the activities of private citizens.”

“Deep state” intrusiveness 20 years ago was intended to protect ordinary Americans against terrorists like those who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks. “Deep state” intrusiveness today is more often directed at protecting ordinary Americans by regulating their own behavior and habits.

Directed by people who, as Anthony’s characterization of “rich men north of Richmond” suggests, see themselves as separate from and superior to the great mass of Americans whose lives they seek to monitor and control.

The danger of course is that people who see themselves as Plato’s Guardians may turn out to be more like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tom and Daisy Buchanan, “careless people” who “smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness” and “let other people clean up the mess they had made.”

Anthony’s degree of familiarity with “The

Great Gatsby” is unclear, but his “rich men north of Richmond” these days have more than a touch of Tom and Daisy Buchanan about them.

They like to think of themselves as caring for the great masses whose conditions in life they consider themselves responsible for alleviating. But their knowledge, despite their attempts at surveillance, remains woefully incomplete and their capacity for smashing up things is greater than they like to contemplate.

One example is their array of policies that will supposedly result in “net zero” carbon emissions. They push regulations and state laws to phase out gas stoves, to eliminate microscopic emissions, after swearing on stacks of nondenominational texts they have no intention of doing so.

They proudly block the construction of pipelines that are the safest means of transporting low-emissions natural gas and which produce well-paying jobs for bluecollar workers out far beyond the Beltway.

They pass laws and promulgate regulations promising to ban gasolinepowered cars in the near future, even while blocking new electric transmission lines — ignoring the fact that an electric-powered vehicle eet will require immense jolts of new electricity. As mega-investor Warren Bu ett said at his 2022 stockholders’ meeting, “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or ve years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.”

They brag about their favorite form of economic redistribution, the Biden administration’s proposed unconstitutional forgiving of $400 billion of college loan repayments. That’s a redistribution of money upward in the economic and education ladders — and a subsidy for the bloat in higher education, which now employs more administrators and facilitators than teachers and scholars.

Absent from liberals’ arguments is any persuasive response to maverick Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), who said that if people “choose to attend college, they can pay back

their loans just like working-class people pay back home mortgages, car loans, and many other expenses that people choose to take out loans for.”

The “vast carelessness” of “rich men north of Richmond” has been nowhere more apparent than in their COVID regimes. As Stanford epidemiologist Jay Bhattacharya has pointed out, the lockdowns and school closings jettisoned “a century of experience managing respiratory-virus pandemics,” imposed when initial reports vastly overestimated the deadliness and strain on medical facilities of the pandemic and kept in place by men (including Republicans as well as Democrats) north of Richmond.

The “laptop class,” Bhattacharya’s term, could Skype comfortably from home, but others fared not so well. Service jobs dependent on foot tra c, in restaurants and retail, disappeared, and small businesses were bankrupted. Lockdowns prevented medical screening and treatments for growing cancers and cardiac weakening.

Hardest hit were the Democrats who indulged their teachers union political allies by acquiescing in school closings that have left millions of nona uent students far, perhaps irremediably far, behind.

That’s not the only damage the Tom and Daisy Buchanans north of Richmond have in icted on the less fortunate. As veteran urbanologist Joel Kotkin points out, o ce buildings in the nation’s 10 largest metro areas today are still only about 50% occupied, with vacancy rates highest in hip, high-tech San Francisco.

That represents billions of dollars of losses not just for rich developers but for widely dispersed individuals — and hundreds of billions less in property tax revenues for central cities and their phalanxes of unionized public employees. Sometimes careless people end up fouling their own nests.

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

SIDELINE REPORT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Mountain West pursues Oregon State, Washington State Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Mountain West Conference made pitches late last month to the Pac12’s nal two members after realignment. Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez made presentations to Washington State on Aug. 24 and to Oregon State on Monday, according to conference Associate Commissioner Javan Hedlund. Stanford and California announced Friday they are bolting for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024. That leaves the Beavers and the Cougars alone in the Pac12. Both the Beavers and the Cougars made it clear they are working together to nd, or create, a solution.

NFL

All-Pro DT Jones fails to report to Chiefs

Kansas City, Mo.

Chris Jones did not report to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to begin preparing for their season opener against Detroit. That makes it highly unlikely that the All-Pro defensive tackle will play against the Lions on Thursday night. Jones has been holding out while trying to get a longterm contract. He is entering the nal year of a four-year, $80 million pact, and has been racking up millions in nes while staying away from the team. Jones had 15½ sacks last season as Kansas City won its second Super Bowl in the past four seasons.

BASEBALL

Diamondbacks minor leaguer suspended 80 games

New York

Arizona minor league pitcher

Jose Cabrera was suspended for 80 games under baseball’s minor league drug program following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone. The 21-year-old right-hander is in his third season in the Diamondbacks organization. He went 4-9 with a 5.28 ERA in 23 starts this season for Class A Visalia and Hillsboro. Thirteen players have been disciplined under the minor league program this year.

Larson wins opening playo race

It is the rst career win for the 2021 Cup Series champion at Darlington

The Associated Press DARLINGTON, S.C. — Kyle Larson led the nal 55 laps to start his latest Cup Series playo run with his rst career win at the Southern 500 on Sunday night.

The 2021 Cup Series champion automatically advances into the round of 12 with the win at Darlington Raceway regardless of how he does in races at Kansas and Bristol the next two weeks.

“What a great way to start the playo s,” he said.

Larson didn’t have the fastest car, just one that got out front at the right time while other contenders fell away.

Denny Hamlin led a racebest 177 of 367 laps and looked

headed for the win before he felt vibrations for what he told his crew was a loose wheel and had to pit on consecutive laps.

“We controlled the race until we had some trouble,” Hamlin said. “That’s just part of it.”

Tyler Reddick led 90 laps yet lost the lead to Larson coming o pit road. Kevin Harvick, seeking the rst victory of his nal season, challenged Reddick for the lead with less than 60 laps remaining but was penalized when he could not avoid entering the pits moments after they were closed by NASCAR after a caution came out. Harvick said he didn’t have time to get back on the track before the commitment line and couldn’t recover.

It was a successful run at the track “Too Tough To Tame” for Larson after several close calls. He has had three seconds and two thirds in his 11 previous

Kyle

Cup Series races at Darlington. In May, Larson was racing for the lead late when he was hit by Ross Chastain and wound up 20th.

“This has been one of my favorite tracks my whole career,” Larson said. “Been really, really fast here my whole career, just usually in the wall.”

“Adding this trophy to the collection is amazing,” Larson continued. “This is one of three or four crown jewels.”

Playo drivers took the rst seven spots. Tyler Reddick was second, followed by Chris Buescher, William By-

ron, Chastain, Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace.

Harvick ended 19th and Hamlin 25th. The rest of the playo eld was Kyle Busch in 11th, Joey Logano in 12th, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 16th, Martin Truex Jr. in 18th, pole-sitter Christopher Bell in 23rd and Michael McDowell in 32nd.

Byron, Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate and co-top seed with Truex, entered with a series-best ve victories this year and was pleased with the high nish.

“I think this is a good steppingstone for Kansas and good to get a solid rst race in the playo s,” he said.

The second of the opening-round three races in the Cup Series playo s takes place at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 10. Wallace took this event a year ago, while Hamlin won there in May.

“This has been one of my favorite tracks my whole career.”

Larson

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

Kyle Larson celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playo opener at Darlington.

Hoke County blows out Douglas Byrd to move to 2-1

North State Journal

HOKE COUNTY has started the season 2-1 for the third straight season after recording a 47-6 blowout of Douglas Byrd on Friday.

The win was the Bucks’ biggest since Aug. 27, 2021, when

Hoke won at Lumberton 44-0. It’s their most lopsided home win since beating Purnell Swett on Nov. 1, 2019.

Quarterback Brandon Saunders had a huge day, throwing for ve touchdowns and rushing for another. He found Joey Castaneda for scoring pass-

es, sandwiched around his own two-yard rushing touchdown to give Hoke County a 20-0 lead at the half. The Bucks continued to pour it on after halftime. Saunders found X’Zavier Stephens-McIntosh for a 24-yard touchdown. Following a Q’monte Allen 23-

Sargent rallies USA to Walker Cup win at St. Andrews

The world’s top-ranked amateur won all four of his matches

The Associated Press

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland — Gordon Sargent lived up to his billing as the No. 1 amateur in the world by winning all four of his matches at St. Andrews as the United States rallied to win the Walker Cup on Sunday for the fourth straight time. Great Britain & Ireland had a three-point lead going into the nal two sessions on the Old Course. The Americans won three of the four morning foursomes, and they poured it on during the 10 singles matches. The Americans won six of the 10 matches and halved two others to complete a Sunday rally in which they outscored GB&I 10-4 over two sessions.

They won by a nal score of 14½ to 11½.

“They played hard to the bitter end,” U.S. captain Mike McCoy said. “This one is going to be a great ride home.”

Caleb Surratt never trailed in the lead match, a 3-and-2 victory over Calum Scott, and then U.S. Amateur champion Nick Dunlap picked up a key half-point at the time. Dunlap was 3 down with four to play against Barclay Brown when he won the next two holes and then halved the match with a birdie on the 18th.

Sargent and John Gough of England — and the Charlotte 49ers — were all square going to the 17th when Gough sent his drive too far right, just over the ball near the Old Course Hotel and out-of-bounds. That gave Sargent a 1-up lead. Sargent, a junior at Vanderbilt, then drove the 18th green with a 3-wood and Gough conced-

ed the match as Sargent’s eagle putt trickled to a stop near the hole.

The nal blow for the Americans was Dylan Menante, a UNC golfer, three-putting the 18th for a halve with Matthew McClean. That gave them 12½ points, with two other matches dormie on the course, assuring them enough to win the cup that dates to 1922.

“All the momentum seemed to be on the U.S. side,” GB&I captain Stuart Wilson said. “Their players handled the conditions better than our guys.”

Sargent, who won the NCAA title as a freshman, went 4-0 for the week.

GB&I was looking to win for the rst time since 2015 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes and had the momentum with a 7½4½ lead after the two Saturday sessions. McCoy said he was concerned because the morning foursomes is not the U.S.

yard touchdown run, Saunders hit Tre’jan Williams for a ve yard touchdown. After a Jamarie Brown interception set Hoke County up deep in Douglas Byrd territory, Saunders capped the scoring with a touchdown pass to Seriyon Wilson.

Hoke County will complete its non-conference schedule this Friday at 7:30, when the Bucks head to Fayetteville to face Seventy-First. The Falcons have started the season 2-0, with a 41-13 win at Rockingham’s Richmond and a 41-7 win at Pine Forest. This will be the home opener for Seventy-First,

who went 14-1, losing in the 3A state semi nals. The Falcons have a powerful rushing attack led by sophomore Jayson Franklin, junior Donovan Frederick and junior quarterback Deandre Nance, who are all averaging over 100 yards rushing per game so far this season and have combined for nine rushing touchdowns. Hoke lost at home to Seventy-First last season, 35-15 and 36-0 in 2021. The Bucks’ last win over the Falcons was 14-8 in Fayetteville in March, 2021 in the COVID delayed 2020-21 season.

strength.

But he put his best two players together — Sargent and Dunlap — and they scored a 1-up victory in the second match. Surratt, who went 3-1 for the week, and Ben James won the lead match, and Preston Summerhays and Nick Gabrelcik also picked up a point.

“After the morning session, I felt a lot better, like we were

back in the tournament and we had a chance to win this thing,” McCoy said. “Last night was pretty concerned. The morning was the thing that made the day.”

The United States now has a 39-9-1 lead in the series. The Walker Cup next goes to Cypress Point Club on the Monterey Peninsula in California for the 2025 matches.

AP PHOTO

Gordon Sargent of the USA hits a shot during the 2023 Walker Cup on Sunday at St Andrews.

Running back Q’monte Allen (5) takes the hando from quarterback Brandon Saunders. Allen scored a 23 yard touchdown in Hoke County’s 47-6 win over Douglas Byrd

JASON JACKSON | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Report: Community college student’s program access blocked by COVID vaccination status

Sandhills Community College president addressed report; hands tied by hospital and facility policies

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A report of a student in a community college health education program having her access to clinical sites blocked due to her vaccination status recently surfaced on social media.

In a thread on X, formerly known as Twitter, Envisage Law rm attorney James Lawrence made the claims that a female student was denied access to the Sandhills Community College health program based on the fact she was unvaccinated.

“Community colleges in NC are discriminating against students who want to be part of the

health care profession because they declined a COVID-19 vaccine,” Lawrence wrote in the thread. “@SandhillsCC denied a spot to a young lady with a medical condition whose doctor recommend against a COVID-19 shot.”

“This young woman wanted to help people, so she tried to get into a @Sandhillscc health program. The program had a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. So, all she has to do is to provide a letter from her doctor detailing her condition, and she gets into the program, right? Wrong.”

Lawrence went on to note that clinical rotations at health care facilities in the programs the student was trying to access “regularly grant accommodations to workers, and they have to students too,” but he also said Sandhills had denied the woman entry “not because she could not get into some of the clinical sites, which she could, but because ‘all clinical sites’ would not

accept her.”

“What @SandhillsCC did to this young woman is arguably in con ict with North Carolina law, which requires schools to honor medical exemption requests certi ed by physicians,” wrote Lawrence, adding that, “Unfortunately, this is not isolated. Other community colleges are blocking unvaccinated students.”

“They’re not employees of these Healthcare facilities where they’re doing internships. They’re not employees of the school, and yet they’re being denied opportunities,” Lawrence said of the students being denied access to programs in an interview with North State Journal. “I do think it’s arguably in violation of state law as it sits right now because under our general statutes, schools have to provide both religious accommodations and medical exemptions.”

Lawrence later added, “This has a real-world impact, re -

al-world implications for ordinary people who are trying to enter a profession to do extraordinary things that help people.

“We are, at the community college level at least, erecting barriers to entry into that profession. It’s an unfortunate thing.” Lawrence also noted entities demanding compliance with vaccine mandates “have no corresponding skin in the game with respect to liability.”

In a brief interview with North State Journal, Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, the president of Sandhills Community College, addressed the issue.

Stewart said, like all the other community colleges, “We don’t have a vaccination requirement for admission at all.”

Stewart was chosen to lead the school in May of this year and was installed as president this past August.

He described the health sciences programs that Sandhills operates as having clinical ro -

tations at di erent clinical sites and hospitals.

“In terms of clinical sites, they do have their own varying levels of requirements, and there’s no consistency across those clinical sites,” said Stewart. “And so some will grant exemptions for students and some won’t.”

Stewart couldn’t go into details regarding the speci c student mentioned in Lawrence’s thread due to federal privacy laws, however, he did say that the school was “evaluating” how they approach the situation “because the vaccination requirements with clinical sites have been a bit of a moving target.”

“We’re working to resolve this situation,” Stewart said, adding later the school was looking to resolve the issue as the policies of clinical sites and hospitals “continue to evolve.”

Stewart also said he suspects other community colleges with health programs are facing a similar issue.

The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia can restrict the sale of the abortion pill, despite federal regulators’ approval of it as a safe and e ective medication, a federal judge has ruled.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers determined that the near-total abortion ban signed by Republican Gov. Jim Justice in September 2022 takes precedence over approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“The Supreme Court has made it clear that regulating abortion is a matter of health and safety upon which States may appropriately exercise their police power,” Chambers wrote in a decision dismissing most challenges brought against the state by abortion pill manufacturer GenBioPro, Inc. in a January lawsuit led in the state southern district’s Huntington division.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that provided nationwide access to abortion, most GOP-controlled states have enacted or adopted abortion bans of some kind, restricting abortion pills by default. All have been challenged in court.

Legal experts foresee years of court battles over access to the pills, as abortion-rights proponents bring test cases to challenge state restrictions.

In West Virginia’s case, regulation of medical professionals “is arguably a eld in which the states have an even stronger interest and history of exercising

authority,” than the federal government, Chambers decided.

GenBioPro, Inc., the country’s only manufacturer of a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, had argued that the state cannot block access to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug.

Chambers dismissed the majority of the manufacturer’s challenges, nding there is “no disputing that health, medicine, and medical licensure are traditional areas of state authority.”

In a statement, GenBioPro CEO Evan Masingill said the company remains “con dent in the legal strength” of its case and is considering next steps.

“GenBioPro was founded on

the belief that all people should have access to evidence-based, essential medication and will continue to use all legal and regulatory tools available to ensure access for all,” he said. Chambers will allow a challenge by the manufacturer concerning telehealth to proceed, however. Congress has given the FDA the right to dictate the manner in which medications can be prescribed, and the agency has determined that mifepristone can be prescribed via telemedicine.

Mail-order access to the drug used in the most common form of abortion in the U.S. would end under a federal appeals court ruling issued Aug. 16 that cannot take e ect until the Su-

preme Court weighs in.

The decision by three judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans overturned part of a lower court ruling that would have revoked the Food and Drug Administration’s 23-year-old approval of mifepristone. But it left intact part of the ruling that would end the availability of the drug by mail, allow it to be used through only the seventh week of pregnancy rather than the 10th, and require that it be administered in the presence of a physician.

Those restrictions won’t take e ect right away because the Supreme Court previously intervened to keep the drug available during the legal ght.

The panel’s ruling would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.

President Joe Biden’s administration said it would appeal, with Vice President Kamala Harris decrying the potential e ect on abortion rights, as well as on the availability of other medications.

“It endangers our entire system of drug approval and regulation by undermining the independent, expert judgment of the FDA,” Harris’ statement said.

Abortion rights advocates said the ruling poses a major threat to abortion availability following last year’s Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and the nationwide right to abortion.

There is virtually no precedent for a U.S. court overturning the approval of a drug that the FDA has deemed safe and e ective. While new drug safety issues often emerge after FDA approval, the agency is required to monitor medicines on the market, evaluate emerging issues and take action to protect U.S. patients. Congress delegated that responsibility to the FDA — not the courts— more than a century ago.

Mifepristone is one of two pills used in medication abortions. The other drug, misoprostol, is also used to treat other medical conditions. Health care providers have said they could switch to misoprostol if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain. Misoprostol is somewhat less e ective in ending pregnancies.

West Virginia can restrict abortion pill sales, judge rules, despite FDA approval that it’s safe

A patient prepares to take the rst of two combination pills, mifepristone, for a medication abortion during a visit to a clinic in Kansas City, Kan., on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022.

Frances Faye Rockholt

June 13, 1952 ~ August 27, 2023

Frances “Faye” Rockholt, age 71 of Raeford, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on Sunday August 27, 2023.

Faye was preceded in death by her mother and father, Frances T. Gri n and Kermit B. Gri n, Sr., a sister, Tammy G. West, two brothers, Kermit “Blake” Gri n, Jr., and Kenneth “Rayvon” Gri n.

She is survived by two sons, “David” D. Rockholt and his wife Karen of Raeford, and Michael “Dean” Rockholt and his wife Ellen of Carthage: one sister, “Delores” Stewart and her husband Je of Winter Haven, FL. She is also survived by ve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and seven nieces.

Janie Mae (Bullard) Jacobs

September 24, 1945 ~ August 29, 2023

Ms. Janie Mae Bullard Jacobs, of Raeford, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 29, 2023, at the age of 77.

Janie was born in Hoke County on September 24, 1945, to the late Sunny and Blossie Bullard.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ledbetter “Turkey” Jacobs, and her granddaughter, Hayley Jacobs. She was a member of Dundarrach Baptist Church. She loved to sh and take care of old people. Janie was a loving mother and cherished all her kids and grandkids.

Janie is survived by her children, Tony Jacobs (Mary), Beverly Jacobs, Betty Jacobs, Nicholas Jacobs (Leteshia Seals); grandchildren, Lexie Jacobs, Becky McDonald, Joseph Lewis, John Lewis, Patrick Monroe, Bianca Monroe, Santana Locklear, Brianna Jacobs, Bethany Jacobs, Madison Jacobs, and Nicholas Jacobs, Jr.; and her loving great grans.

Dorothy Leggett Carver

April 1, 1943 ~ August 25, 2023

Ms. Dorothy Leggett Carver, of Greensboro, NC went to be with the Lord after a long battle with illness on August 25, 2023, at the age of 80.

Dorothy was born in Johnston County, NC on April 01, 1943, to the late J.M. and Mae Leggett.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George R. Carver; one brother, Ben Leggett; and one sister, Doris Garner.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed afternoons in her home with her friends in Greensboro.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Robert Carver and Cathy Carver Baxley (Richard); brother, Bill Leggett (Sherrie); and grandchildren, Justin Carver (Cheyenne), Kelly Baxley Perry (Alan), and Nick Baxley (Erin Cashwell).

Robert Malloy

January 26, 1957 ~ August 25, 2023

Mr. Robert Malloy age, 66 transitioned from earth to glory on August 25, 2023.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife Idell M. Malloy, children: Robert Lee Malloy Jr., Promises Rene Hu Malloy, Rashad Jamal Malloy, Amod Rashad Malloy; sisters: Teresa Kearesa Malloy, Cassandra Smith Malloy, Regina Malloy; brother, Derek Malloy along with a host of other family and friends. Robert will be greatly missed.

Leslie "Pete" Butler, Sr.

February 17, 1954 ~ August 28, 2023

Mr. Leslie “Pete” Butler, Sr., of Raeford, NC went home to be with his loved ones on August 28, 2023, at the age of 69.

Pete was born on February 17, 1954, to the late Kenneth and Lois Summers.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lila Waller; and motherin-law, Marty Jacobson.

He was a resident for most of his life in Ottumwa, Iowa, and he loved hunting Iowa deer when he didn’t fall asleep under a tree. Pete was an over-theroad truck driver for over 30 years. His most enjoyment was spending time with his children and grandbabies.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sheila Butler; children, Heather White, and Les Butler, Jr. (Angela); grandchildren, Karah Jo Moriarity (Jake), Trenton McCall, Tayler McCall, Elizabeth Butler, Leslie Butler III, and Jon Rose; one greatgrandchild, Barrett Moriarity; father-in-law, Gary Jacobson; four brothers; two sisters; and many aunts and uncles.

Tom Pilkington

May 10, 1943 ~ September 2, 2023

Tom Pilkington, of Raeford, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior, while surrounded by his family on September 02, 2023, at the age of 80.

Tom was born in Johnston County, NC on May 10, 1943, to the late Luther and Myrtle Pilkington. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Raeford. He joined the US Navy after high school where he served for 4 years and 4 months. After his service in the military, he went on to work for the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission as an enforcement o cer where he retired after 26 years.

He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and spending time outdoors.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Gay Pilkington; four children, Aaron Pilkington (Jessica), Byron Pilkington, Jonathan Pilkington (Mindy), and Jordana Burchett (Robert); grandchildren, Kirk Pilkington, Oliver Pilkington, and Marissa Dougherty, one great-grandchild, Ember Dougherty; and three siblings, Bobby Pilkington (Georgia), Jane Batten, and Charles “Bo” Pilkington (Denise).

Tammy Thompson

February 1, 1968 ~ August 29, 2023

Ms. Tammy Thompson age, 55 went home to rest with her heavenly father on August 29, 2023. She was preceded in death by her brother Travis Blue.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories her son, Aaron Thompson; parents: Walter and Earnestine Blue; brother, Bryant Blue along with a host of other family and friends. Tammy will be greatly missed.

STATE & NATION

E orts to punish Fani Willis over Trump prosecution are ‘political theater,’ Georgia Gov. Kemp says

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov.

Brian Kemp last week o ered his strongest denunciation to date of e orts by his fellow Republicans to go after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, dismissing the moves as “political theater that only in ames the emotions of the moment.”

Some Republicans in Washington and Georgia have been attacking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis since even before she announced the indictment of former President Donald Trump for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. Kemp said that any calls for a special session to impeach Willis or defund her o ce were wrong and that she had done nothing to merit removal.

A special session, the second-term governor said, “would ignore current Georgia law and directly interfere with the proceedings of a separate but equal branch of government.”

“The bottom line is that in the state of Georgia, as long as I’m governor, we’re going to follow the law and the Constitution, regardless of who it helps or harms politically,” a clearly agitated Kemp said at a news conference in the state’s capital.

“In Georgia, we will not be engaging in political theater that only in ames the emotions of the moment,” Kemp added.

The remarks are a re ection of

the divide that remains between Kemp and some other Republicans following the governor’s refusal to endorse Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election and help him try to overturn his narrow loss in the state. Willis has charged Trump and 18 others, including the former state Republican Party chair, with crimes related to the e ort.

Trump, meanwhile, has kept up a withering assault on both Willis and Kemp.

“Governor Kemp of Georgia is ghting hard against the impeachment of the crooked, incompetent & highly partisan D.A. of Fulton County, Fani Wil-

lis, who has allowed murder and other violent crime to MASSIVELY ESCALATE,” the former president wrote Aug. 21 on his Truth Social platform. “Crime in Atlanta is WORST IN NATION. She should be impeached for many reasons, not just the Witch Hunt (I did nothing wrong!)”

A few GOP lawmakers in Georgia were calling for a special session to impeach and remove Willis or defund her o ce. Others proposed amending the state constitution to let Kemp pardon Trump. Both are long-shot prospects.

Georgia’s General Assem-

Orsted delays 1st New Jersey wind farm until 2026; not ready to ‘walk away’ from project

The Associated Press

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Orsted, the global wind energy developer, says its rst o shore wind farm in New Jersey will be delayed until 2026 due to supply chain issues, higher interest rates, and a failure so far to garner enough tax credits from the federal government.

The Danish company revealed the delay during an earnings conference call, during which it said it could be forced to write o about $2.3 billion on U.S. projects that are worth less than they had been.

It also said it had considered simply abandoning the Ocean Wind I project o the southern New Jersey coast.

But Orsted still believes the wind farm, to be built in waters o of Atlantic City and Ocean City, will be pro table in the long run.

“As it stands today, we believe the best direction is to continue to invest in these projects,” said David Hardy, an executive vice president and CEO of the company’s North American operations. “It still is the better choice

than walking away today.”

The company did not say when in 2026 its Ocean Wind I project will be fully operational, and a spokesperson could not say Thursday what the new timetable is. Previously, Orsted had said power would be owing to

customers sometime in 2025.

Orsted has federal approval for the Ocean Wind I project, and has state approval for a second New Jersey project, Ocean Wind II.

However, during the call, the company said it is “recon gur-

bly hasn’t impeached anyone in more than 50 years, and with Republicans holding less than the required two-thirds state Senate majority to convict Willis, they would have to persuade Democrats.

Colton Moore, a Republican state senator whose purist brand of conservatism wins him few allies, launched a petition for lawmakers to call themselves into special session, requiring signatures by three- fths of both houses. That too would require some Democratic support. Kemp on Thursday described Moore’s e orts, backed by Trump, as “some grifter scam” to raise campaign contributions for Moore.

Georgia voters amended the state constitution to shift pardon power from the governor to a parole board in the 1940s after a governor was accused of selling pardons. It would take a two-thirds vote of both houses to put a measure before voters to change that status, again requiring Democratic support.

At least one other top Georgia Republican, state House Speaker Jon Burns, is siding with Kemp in opposing a special session. In a letter to fellow Republicans, he squelched talk of a special session for a second time, saying it’s impossible to take away the state money that partially funds Willis’ o ce without also taking away money from Georgia’s other 49 district attorneys.

“Targeting one speci c DA in

ing” Ocean Wind II and its Skipjack Wind project o the coasts of Maryland and Delaware because they do not currently meet its projected nancial standards. It did not give details of what that recon guration might entail.

Two other Orsted projects — Sunrise Wind o Montauk Point in New York, and Revolution Wind o Rhode Island — are also a ected by the same negative forces requiring the New Jersey project to be delayed. But the New York and Rhode Island projects remain on schedule, the company said.

News of the delay was a blow to supporters of o shore wind in New Jersey, which is trying to become the capital of the nascent industry on the U.S. East Coast. It also o ered new hope to foes of the technology.

Earlier this year, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law allowing Orsted to keep federal tax credits it otherwise would have been required to pass along to ratepayers. The governor said he acted to protect jobs the oshore wind industry will create.

Republicans, who tend to oppose o shore wind in New Jersey and nationally, seized on the delay as further proof of what they consider the inherent unpro tability of the industry.

“It was a travesty when Gov. Murphy bailed out Orsted at

this manner certainly aunts the idea of separation of powers, if not outright violates it,” Burns wrote, arguing that such a move would violate lawmakers’ oaths to uphold the U.S. and Georgia constitutions.

“We trust that our criminal justice system will deal with this matter impartially and fairly, and we will not improperly intercede in this matter in direct contradiction to the oaths we took,” Burns continued.

Looking for other options to go after Willis, some Georgia Republicans are coalescing around a plan to seek her removal by a new state prosecutorial oversight commission that begins work on Oct. 1.

Kemp, Burns and Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones name the commission’s ve-member investigative panel to examine complaints. They also name a three-member hearing panel that decides on charges led by the investigative panel.

Some district attorneys, not including Willis, are already suing to overturn the law. Barring court intervention, people can begin ling complaints on Oct. 1 for alleged misconduct occurring after July 1.

“I have not seen any evidence that DA Willis’ actions or lack thereof warrant action by the prosecuting attorney oversight commission,” Kemp said. “But that will ultimately be a decision that the commission will make.”

the expense of New Jersey taxpayers the rst time they threatened to walk away,” said Republican state Sen. Michael Testa. “I’m calling on the Murphy administration to state unequivocally that our residents will not be sold out for Orsted a second time. Supply chain issues and rising in ation prove that these projects are unsustainable and the cost of continuing these projects will be too much of a burden for our state to bear.”

A dozen environmental groups issued a joint statement in support of o shore wind, calling it essential to avoiding the worst e ects of climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

“Innovation and transformation take time when done correctly,” the statement read. “The o shore wind industry is not immune to the supply chain crisis. We stand united in our support for responsibly developed oshore wind to help New Jersey achieve 100% clean energy.”

Orsted said it has already invested $4 billion in its U.S. wind energy portfolio, which factored into its decision, at least for now, to stick with its proposed projects. The company plans to make a “ nal investment decision” on whether or not to go forward with U.S. projects, including one in New Jersey, by the end of this year or early next year.

AP PHOTO

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivers the State of the State address on the House oor of the state Capitol, Jan. 25, 2023, in Atlanta.

AP PHOTO

Land-based wind turbines in Atlantic City, N.J., turn on July 20, 2023.

Remembering Jimmy Bu ett

The legendary singer-turned-businessman Jimmy Bu ett performs one of his signature beach-themed songs at a concert. Bu ett died on Saturday, Sept. 1, at the age of 76. Read more about Bu ett’s life in North State Journal, A12.

WSFCS to procure temporary sta ng to address child nutrition vacancies

Bill amending juvenile identi cation laws passes House Bill 186 was recently passed by the General Assembly and has been signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper. The bill amends a number of laws pertaining to juvenile justice. Prior to the passage of this bill, information related to juveniles who committed a criminal o ense could not be released to the public under any circumstance. This bill comes in response to a crime committed in November 2022, when an Orange County teenager ed after allegedly killing two high school classmates, Lyric Woods and Devin Clark. Because of the law prohibiting the disclosure of juvenile information, the suspect’s identifying information could not be released to the public, likely resulting in a delay in his arrest. The new law allows for the release of a juvenile’s rst and last name, a photograph, the alleged o enses and a statement regarding the level of threat the juvenile may pose to themselves or others. This information may only be disclosed if a juvenile petition has been led alleging that the juvenile has committed a serious criminal o ense that warrants a transfer to adult court. The information must also be released from all social media and websites when the juvenile is taken into custody. “This new law will allow us to show our community that we are doing our jobs to protect them from dangerous individuals,” said Sheri Daren Campbell, President of the North Carolina Sheri ’s Association. “This bill will make it easier to prevent incidents like the one that occurred last year from happening in the future.” Recent reports show a signi cant increase in juvenile crime in North Carolina, and the passing of this bill provides law enforcement with an additional tool to apprehend dangerous criminals and protect their communities.

Contract with Crosby Scholars renewed

By Matt Mercer North State Journa

WINSTON-SALEM — The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education met

Tuesday, Aug. 22 with various contracts on the agenda for board review.

The rst discussion item the board was presented with was for a contract with Winston Sta ng Solutions in order to ll child nutrition vacancies.

“On average each year, we start the school year needing to replace 60-80 sta members in the schools to make sure we can still provide services,” said chief

operations o cer Lauren Richards. “This number will uctuate throughout the school year and by the end of the year, this number will come down to about 30-40 individuals each day needed to cover those vacancies and medical leaves.”

According to Richards, there are currently about 450 kitchen assistant vacancies across the district.

“This is not a contract to ll positions permanently, this is to ll positions that are vacant currently,” Richards said. “These may be for sta members that are on medical leave, whether that be long-term or short-term. Currently in the department, there are 44 sta members that are on some type of medical leave. Also, each year there are sta members

that we send out communication to to return in the Fall and they end up not showing up to opening orientation which was last week. That count is 33 sta members that did not come back for orientation. There will also be natural resignations.”

Richards stated that WSFCS also has the option to recruit from the program as well for those that have worked a set amount of hours in the district’s kitchens.

“At the end of last school year, there were 12 individuals hired from Winston Sta ng Solutions to join the team permanently,” Richards said. “Once an individual works 200 hours anywhere in the district, they become eligible for employment with us.”

The second discussion item presented was for a contract

renewal with Crosby Scholars, which is a community partnership that ‘helps students in public middle and high school in Forsyth County prepare academically, personally and nancially for college admission and other post-secondary opportunities.’

Currently, there are 8,501 6-12 students enrolled in the program.

“We intend to try and have about 10,000 students in the program,” said Crosby Scholar Program President and CEO Mona Lovett. “We were just under that this year, but graduated 1,054 seniors who are attending 116 di erent colleges and universities as well as going into the military and directly into the world of work. We do have a 100% high

See BOE , page 2

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the murder conviction of a woman who fatally shot her lover in her bedroom, ruling Friday that the trial judge gave appropriate instructions to the jury about the legal limits for deadly force inside a home.

Five of the seven justices agreed to overturn a unanimous appellate decision that had ordered a new trial for Wendy Dawn Lamb Hicks, who was convicted in the death of Caleb Adams. Evidence shows he was shot twice in the back in her bedroom doorway.

The majority’s primary opinion said it was proper, based on evidence, for the jury to be instructed that Hicks could not cite self-defense and the protection of one’s home to justify deadly force if the jury could infer that she was acting as the aggressor, even if she did not instigate the confrontation.

Adams was married to someone else and began a relationship with Hicks after they met at work in 2015. The relationship was tumul-

tuous and strained, marked by the use of drugs and e orts by Hicks to reveal the relationship to Adams’ wife, possibly through texts and sexually explicit photos, according to the opinion written by Associate Justice Anita Earls.

Adams arrived at Hicks’ Randolph County home on the morning of June 13, 2017 — even though she had warned him not to come. Evidence shows that within minutes, Hicks called 911 and said she had shot Adams. He died at the scene.

Her teenage daughter and a friend were in another room, so “Hicks is the only living eyewitness to what occurred in the bedroom where Mr. Adams was shot,” Earls wrote.

The jury convicted Hicks, now 44, of second-degree murder in 2019 and she was sentenced to a prison term of 15 to 19 years.

The Court of Appeals found that trial Judge Bradford Long had erred by giving unsupported jury instructions on the aggressor doctrine. But Earls wrote that inconsistencies between Hicks’ testimony and prior accounts and other evidence

challenged her version of events and warranted that instruction.

Hicks described a violent attack and said she shot Adams while trying to avoid his blows, but she exhibited no obvious injuries and the prosecution’s evidence shows he was shot in the back from at least 6 inches away, the opinion said.

“Drawing all inferences in the state’s favor, a jury examining the evidence could reasonably infer that Ms. Hicks acted as the aggressor in her confrontation with Mr. Adams,” Earls wrote. “Each of those contradictions in the evidence could have given a jury pause,” prompting them to doubt Hicks’ account, she added.

In a dissenting opinion, Associate Justice Tamara Barringer focused largely on Hicks’ testimony and declared that the judge shouldn’t have given the “aggressor doctrine” instruction.

Hicks said in court that Adams took her gun from a nightstand and pointed it at her, demanding her phone. Then, Hicks said, he threw the gun and the phone onto her bed, after which she took the gun and phone. She testi ed that Adams blocked her

way and physically attacked her when she tried to leave the bedroom.

Hicks “retained the right to protect herself and the other people in her home, even when Mr. Adams turned to face away from her,” Barringer wrote.

Squaring the self-defense and aggressor provisions in North Carolina statutes and case law raises “complicated and thorny legal issues that call out for clarity,” Associate Justice Richard Dietz wrote in a separate opinion backing the prevailing result.

But these issues were not sufciently addressed by the legal parties in the case, Dietz said and “as a result, not only does the law su er, but so does Hicks.”

See COMMISSIONERS, page 2

She said she killed her lover in self-defense.

Court says jury properly saw her as the aggressor

The Associated Press

BREMERTON, Wash. — An assistant high school football coach in Washington state who lost his job during a controversy over his public post-game prayers is back on the sideline after the U.S. Supreme Court held that his practice was protected by the Constitution.

But after ghting to be rehired for seven years, Joe Kennedy isn’t sure he wants it anymore, and the thought of kneeling in the spotlight again makes him queasy. On Friday night, he is due to coach his rst game since 2015, when he last pressed his knee to the turf at Bremerton High School’s Memorial Stadium. Everyone will be watching for him to pray again, he said.

“Knowing that everybody’s expecting me to go do this kind

BOE from page 1

school graduation rate and 98% of students report that they are planning to attend a two-year, four-year school or have a pathway upon graduation.”

The program has helped support students nancially with approximately $700,000 in Last Dollar Grants and $200,000 in private scholarships awarded to students last year.

“Crosby is open to everyone in grades 6 through 12,” Lovett said. “We recruit in grades 6-10

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

The Tom and Daisy Buchanans North of Richmond

“THESE RICH MEN north of Richmond, Lord knows they just wanna have total control.” So goes the refrain of singer and songwriter Oliver Anthony’s suddenly famous song. “Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do, and they don’t think you know, but I know that you do.”

The song has inspired plenty of negative feedback from inside-the-Beltway liberals who are uncomfortably aware that their home turf sits a little more than an hour’s drive north of Richmond on Interstate 95. But Anthony, whose roots are far away in Southside Virginia, near the North Carolina border, insists he is “dead center down the aisle on politics” and doesn’t like people to “wrap politics” around his work.

It’s certainly possible that he’s unaware that the overwhelming majority of “rich men” in metro Washington are liberal Democrats. Not too far back in history, lots of rich Americans voted Republican.

And the urge to “know what you think” and “what you do” has inspired in conservative Republicans 20 years ago and liberal Democrats today what maverick journalist Matt Taibbi describes as “giving government power to obtain ‘transparency’ into the activities of private citizens.”

“Deep state” intrusiveness 20 years ago was intended to protect ordinary Americans against terrorists like those who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks. “Deep state” intrusiveness today is more often directed at protecting ordinary Americans by regulating their own behavior and habits.

Directed by people who, as Anthony’s characterization of “rich men north of Richmond” suggests, see themselves as separate from and superior to the great mass of Americans whose lives they seek to monitor and control.

The danger of course is that people who see themselves as Plato’s Guardians may turn out to be more like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tom and Daisy Buchanan, “careless people” who “smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or

their vast carelessness” and “let other people clean up the mess they had made.”

Anthony’s degree of familiarity with “The Great Gatsby” is unclear, but his “rich men north of Richmond” these days have more than a touch of Tom and Daisy Buchanan about them.

They like to think of themselves as caring for the great masses whose conditions in life they consider themselves responsible for alleviating. But their knowledge, despite their attempts at surveillance, remains woefully incomplete and their capacity for smashing up things is greater than they like to contemplate.

One example is their array of policies that will supposedly result in “net zero” carbon emissions. They push regulations and state laws to phase out gas stoves, to eliminate microscopic emissions, after swearing on stacks of nondenominational texts they have no intention of doing so.

They proudly block the construction of pipelines that are the safest means of transporting low-emissions natural gas and which produce well-paying jobs for bluecollar workers out far beyond the Beltway.

They pass laws and promulgate regulations promising to ban gasolinepowered cars in the near future, even while blocking new electric transmission lines — ignoring the fact that an electric-powered vehicle eet will require immense jolts of new electricity. As mega-investor Warren Bu ett said at his 2022 stockholders’ meeting, “If we were to try and change over, in three years, or ve years, nobody knows what would happen, but the odds that it would work well are extremely low, it seems to me.”

They brag about their favorite form of economic redistribution, the Biden administration’s proposed unconstitutional forgiving of $400 billion of college loan repayments. That’s a redistribution of money upward in the economic and education ladders — and a subsidy for the bloat in higher education, which now employs more administrators and

facilitators than teachers and scholars. Absent from liberals’ arguments is any persuasive response to maverick Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), who said that if people “choose to attend college, they can pay back their loans just like working-class people pay back home mortgages, car loans, and many other expenses that people choose to take out loans for.”

The “vast carelessness” of “rich men north of Richmond” has been nowhere more apparent than in their COVID regimes. As Stanford epidemiologist Jay Bhattacharya has pointed out, the lockdowns and school closings jettisoned “a century of experience managing respiratory-virus pandemics,” imposed when initial reports vastly overestimated the deadliness and strain on medical facilities of the pandemic and kept in place by men (including Republicans as well as Democrats) north of Richmond.

The “laptop class,” Bhattacharya’s term, could Skype comfortably from home, but others fared not so well. Service jobs dependent on foot tra c, in restaurants and retail, disappeared, and small businesses were bankrupted. Lockdowns prevented medical screening and treatments for growing cancers and cardiac weakening.

Hardest hit were the Democrats who indulged their teachers union political allies by acquiescing in school closings that have left millions of nona uent students far, perhaps irremediably far, behind.

That’s not the only damage the Tom and Daisy Buchanans north of Richmond have in icted on the less fortunate. As veteran urbanologist Joel Kotkin points out, o ce buildings in the nation’s 10 largest metro areas today are still only about 50% occupied, with vacancy rates highest in hip, high-tech San Francisco.

That represents billions of dollars of losses not just for rich developers but for widely dispersed individuals — and hundreds of billions less in property tax revenues for central cities and their phalanxes of unionized public employees. Sometimes careless people end up fouling their own nests.

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

game? We don’t know.”

Two days before the game, Kennedy rode around town on a borrowed bicycle and then took the eld for afternoon practice wearing a sleeveless shirt with the word “essential” on the front. The letter “t” resembled a cross.

of gives me a lot of angst in my stomach,” said Kennedy, standing near mid eld, where he intends to kneel when the game clock expires Friday. “People are going to freak out that I’m bringing God back into public schools.”

After asking Kennedy to keep any on- eld praying non-demonstrative or apart from students, the school district placed him on leave and eventually declined to renew his contract. O cials said they were concerned that tolerating Kennedy’s public post-game prayers would suggest government endorsement of religion, in violation of the separation of church and state.

Kennedy’s ght to get his job back quickly became a cultural touchstone, pitting the religious liberties of government employees against longstanding principles protecting students from religious coercion.

and everyone who applies is automatically accepted as long as they attend public school in Forsyth County. Our advising program, nancial aid programs, Crosby Academy, community service, all those things are open to everyone, although certain programs are on a school by school basis.”

The nal discussion item was for the contract renewal with Insight Human Services, which conducts random drug tests in the district as well as prevention, intervention and treatment services for substance misuse.

He lost at every court level until the merits of his case reached the U.S. Supreme Court last year. The conservative majority sided with him, with Justice Neil Gorsuch writing “the best of our traditions counsel mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship and suppression, for religious and nonreligious views alike.”

The legal ght transformed Kennedy’s life in ways he never anticipated. He has a book coming out in October called “Average Joe,” with a number of release events planned. He appeared at a 2016 rally for Donald Trump, and he and his wife recently had dinner with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a GOP presidential hopeful who asked for his help on the campaign trail.

“He’s like, ‘I want you to be on my faith advisory board.’ And I’m like, ‘Let me get back to you on that,’” Kennedy recalled. “And

“We have two di erent programs in our district that involve drug screening and testing of our students,” said assistant superintendent of student services Fredricca Stokes. “It’s My Call is the rst program and it’s for our middle and high school students. These students, and their parents, voluntarily decide to lead by example and actually consent to do a random drug screening. Then we have ‘It’s Our Call.’ That’s the program that is mandatory for our athletes and our students who participate in

he just invited me to Iowa and he calls me and he says, ‘Hey, I really need to know, are you in my camp or not?’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m sorry. My loyalty is to Trump.’” DeSantis’ campaign did not return messages seeking comment.

Now, Kennedy, 54, is grappling with whether football still ts into his life. After spending so long trying to get his job back, Kennedy said he felt a duty to return to Washington state for the part-time job that paid him less than $5,000.

But he and his wife live in Florida now — he has been staying with a friend in Bremerton — and he doesn’t know if he will keep coaching beyond Friday.

“So many people are asking, ‘What’s next?’ And I have no idea,” Kennedy said. “Do I stay for the season? Do I stay for a couple of games? Is this the only

extracurricular activities which also includes clubs and various organizations including Crosby Scholars.”

Following the discussion items, the board approved the Winston Sta ng Solutions contract, the Crosby Scholars contract renewal and the Insight Human Services contract renewal.

In addition, the board also approved the procurement of architectural services for the replacement of Deaton-Thompson Stadium, the procurement of general engineering and ar-

He led players in catching and tackling drills. He stuck a hand in his pocket and retrieved folded practice plans. Jogging past a player in line for warm-ups, Kennedy threw a playful block, knocking the student back a yard.

“We look forward to moving past the distraction of this nearly 8-year legal battle so that our school community can focus on what matters most: providing our children the best education possible,” a school district statement said.

It wasn’t clear if Kennedy’s return would draw protests.

In 2015, a dozen members of the Satanic Temple of Seattle went to a varsity football game at Bremerton High School, many dressed in hooded black robes or masks. Students jeered them, held up crosses, threw liquid and chanted “Jesus.”

chitectural services for various projects within the district and the procurement of architectural services for the renovation costs for the Indiana Avenue site for the Facilities Division.

Finally, the board also approved geotechnical survey services for Brunson, the replacement of 11 yellow bus engines, the purchase of an 18-passenger, lift activity bus for $100,647, and the contracts for Exceptional Children Services. The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet Sept. 12.

“Join

After years of ghting, a praying football coach got his job back. Now he’s unsure he wants it

SPORTS

SIDELINE REPORT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Mountain West pursues Oregon State, Washington State

Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Mountain West Conference made pitches late last month to the Pac12’s nal two members after realignment. Mountain

West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez made presentations to Washington State on Aug. 24 and to Oregon State on Monday, according to conference Associate

Commissioner Javan Hedlund. Stanford and California announced Friday they are bolting for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024. That leaves the Beavers and the Cougars alone in the Pac12. Both the Beavers and the Cougars made it clear they are working together to nd, or create, a solution.

NFL

All-Pro DT Jones fails to report to Chiefs Kansas City, Mo.

Chris Jones did not report to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to begin preparing for their season opener against Detroit. That makes it highly unlikely that the All-Pro defensive tackle will play against the Lions on Thursday night. Jones has been holding out while trying to get a long-term contract. He is entering the nal year of a four-year, $80 million pact, and has been racking up millions in nes while staying away from the team. Jones had 15½ sacks last season as Kansas City won its second Super Bowl in the past four seasons.

BASEBALL

Diamondbacks minor leaguer suspended 80 games

New York

Arizona minor league pitcher Jose Cabrera was suspended for 80 games under baseball’s minor league drug program following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone. The 21-year-old right-hander is in his third season in the Diamondbacks organization. He went 4-9 with a 5.28 ERA in 23 starts this season for Class A Visalia and Hillsboro.

Thirteen players have been disciplined under the minor league program this year.

GOLF

Quali er Wannasaen shoots nal-round 63 to win Portland Classic

Portland, Ore.

Teenager Chanettee

Wannasaen played a vehole stretch in 6 under early in Sunday’s nal round and closed with a nearawless 9-under 63 for a four-stroke victory at the Portland Classic to become the rst Monday quali er to win on the LPGA Tour since 2015. Wannasaen arrived at Portland ranked 367th and having missed nine straight cuts in her rookie season. The 19-yearold from Thailand shattered the tournament scoring record by ve strokes with a 26-under 262 total for her rst LPGA Tour victory.

SPONSORED BY thebetterpartofthelastyeartry ingtoearnacceptancetothesein stitutions,”Uralsaid,but“ don’tknowwhatwe’rebuyingright now.”

Theoutbreakhasupendedplans formillionsofstudents,whoare takingvirtualtoursofschools whilealsodealingwithconcerns abouttuitionpaymentsinaneco

Larson wins opening playo race

It is the rst career win for the 2021 Cup Series champion at Darlington

The Associated Press

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Kyle Larson led the nal 55 laps to start his latest Cup Series playo run with his rst career win at the Southern 500 on Sunday night.

The 2021 Cup Series champion automatically advances into the round of 12 with the win at Darlington Raceway regardless of how he does in races at Kansas and Bristol the next two weeks.

“What a great way to start the playo s,” he said.

Larson didn’t have the fastest car, just one that got out front at the right time while other contenders fell away.

Denny Hamlin led a race-best 177 of 367 laps and looked head-

ed for the win before he felt vibrations for what he told his crew was a loose wheel and had to pit on consecutive laps.

“We controlled the race until we had some trouble,” Hamlin said. “That’s just part of it.”

Tyler Reddick led 90 laps yet lost the lead to Larson coming o pit road. Kevin Harvick, seeking the rst victory of his nal season, challenged Reddick for the lead with less than 60 laps remaining but was penalized when he could not avoid entering the pits moments after they were closed by NASCAR after a caution came out.

Harvick said he didn’t have time to get back on the track before the commitment line and couldn’t recover.

It was a successful run at the track “Too Tough To Tame” for Larson after several close calls. He has had three seconds and two thirds in his 11 previous Cup

Series races at Darlington. In May, Larson was racing for the lead late when he was hit by Ross Chastain and wound up 20th.

“This has been one of my favorite tracks my whole career,” Larson said. “Been really, really fast here my whole career, just usually in the wall.”

“Adding this trophy to the collection is amazing,” Larson continued. “This is one of three or four crown jewels.”

Playo drivers took the rst seven spots. Tyler Reddick was second, followed by Chris Buescher, William Byron,

SMU celebrates entrance into ACC, contrast from death penalty days

in 1987

The Associated Press

DALLAS — SMU athletic director Rick Hart shot a small batch of red and blue confetti from a fake champagne bottle before machines showered the stage with plenty more.

The scene celebrating the university’s acceptance into the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday was quite the contrast to the somber, and eerily silent, setting of 36 years ago, when SMU received what is still the only socalled death penalty over NCAA recruiting violations.

The Mustangs have wandered in the wilderness of college athletics for nearly three decades since the breakup of the Southwest Conference, seven years after the shutdown of the SMU football program.

Hart was told by several people the ACC celebration was the biggest moment since that dark day in February 1987.

“I can empathize,” Hart said. “I’ve been here long enough, 11 years, and I have enough relationships with people who lived that and who were a part of it, that moment’s not lost on me. I hope I have a lot of moments

in my career going forward that feel really special. But I don’t know that this will be matched.”

Hart shared the stage with SMU President R. Gerald Turner and Board of Trustees Chair David Miller. The trio had been working for two years to nd a path to a so-called Power Five conference.

The move, which becomes ofcial on July 1, 2024, will end

an 11-year run in the American Athletic Conference. After being in the SWC from 1918-95, SMU spent nine football seasons in the Western Athletic Conference and eight in Conference USA before joining the AAC. The AAC includes North Carolina schools East Carolina and Charlotte.

The latest change for SMU is a subtle one on paper — just one letter, to the ACC — but sub -

Chastain, Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace.

Harvick ended 19th and Hamlin 25th. The rest of the playo eld was Kyle Busch in 11th, Joey Logano in 12th, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 16th, Martin Truex Jr. in 18th, pole-sitter Christopher Bell in 23rd and Michael McDowell in 32nd.

Byron, Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate and co-top seed with Truex, entered with a series-best ve victories this year and was pleased with the high nish.

“I think this is a good steppingstone for Kansas and good to get a solid rst race in the playo s,” he said. The second of the opening-round three races in the Cup Series playo s takes place at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 10. Wallace took this event a year ago, while Hamlin won there in May.

stantial in so many other ways.

“We’re nally back where we belong,” Miller told several hundred supporters in the football team’s indoor practice facility, an upgrade the Mustangs believe played a role in their move out of the Group of Five.

A $100 million project under construction in the south end zone of Ford Stadium played an even bigger role, Turner said as he acknowledged the donor whose name will be on the building. Garry Weber was in the rst row of chairs set up in the middle of the shortened football eld that has “SMU” painted in both end zones.

“As several of the conference commissioners said to us,” Miller told the crowd, “‘You already do everything like a Power Five school.’“

There were reports of SMU pushing for entrance into the Pac-12 before that conference began to crumble with Southern California and UCLA announcing their intention to leave for the Big Ten.

The Pac-12 is now on the brink of extinction with Stanford and California joining SMU in the move to the ACC, which had some resistance from current members.

UNC and Florida State voted against the move, meaning the conference had one more vote than necessary to approve the additions. NC State voted for it.

“I’m a graduate of North Carolina, and I’ve said two things today that I’ve not said before and not sure I will again,” Hart said. “I said, ‘Go Blue Devils and go State.’”

“This has been one of my favorite tracks my whole career.”

Kyle Larson

The Mustangs were given the “death penalty”

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

Kyle Larson celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playo opener at Darlington.

SHAFKAT ANOWAR / THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS VIA AP SMU president R. Gerald Turner, center, speaks during a news conference announcing the school’s move to the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday in Dallas.

STATE & NATION

E orts to punish Fani Willis over Trump prosecution are ‘political theater,’ Georgia Gov. Kemp says

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov.

Brian Kemp last week o ered his strongest denunciation to date of e orts by his fellow Republicans to go after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, dismissing the moves as “political theater that only in ames the emotions of the moment.”

Some Republicans in Washington and Georgia have been attacking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis since even before she announced the indictment of former President Donald Trump for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. Kemp said that any calls for a special session to impeach Willis or defund her o ce were wrong and that she had done nothing to merit removal.

A special session, the second-term governor said, “would ignore current Georgia law and directly interfere with the proceedings of a separate but equal branch of government.”

“The bottom line is that in the state of Georgia, as long as I’m governor, we’re going to follow the law and the Constitution, regardless of who it helps or harms politically,” a clearly agitated Kemp said at a news conference in the state’s capital.

“In Georgia, we will not be engaging in political theater that only in ames the emotions of the moment,” Kemp added.

The remarks are a re ection of

the divide that remains between Kemp and some other Republicans following the governor’s refusal to endorse Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election and help him try to overturn his narrow loss in the state. Willis has charged Trump and 18 others, including the former state Republican Party chair, with crimes related to the e ort.

Trump, meanwhile, has kept up a withering assault on both Willis and Kemp.

“Governor Kemp of Georgia is ghting hard against the impeachment of the crooked, incompetent & highly partisan D.A. of Fulton County, Fani Wil-

lis, who has allowed murder and other violent crime to MASSIVELY ESCALATE,” the former president wrote Aug. 21 on his Truth Social platform. “Crime in Atlanta is WORST IN NATION. She should be impeached for many reasons, not just the Witch Hunt (I did nothing wrong!)”

A few GOP lawmakers in Georgia were calling for a special session to impeach and remove Willis or defund her o ce. Others proposed amending the state constitution to let Kemp pardon Trump. Both are long-shot prospects.

Georgia’s General Assem-

Orsted delays 1st New Jersey wind farm until 2026; not ready to ‘walk away’ from project

The Associated Press

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Orsted, the global wind energy developer, says its rst o shore wind farm in New Jersey will be delayed until 2026 due to supply chain issues, higher interest rates, and a failure so far to garner enough tax credits from the federal government.

The Danish company revealed the delay during an earnings conference call, during which it said it could be forced to write o about $2.3 billion on U.S. projects that are worth less than they had been.

It also said it had considered simply abandoning the Ocean Wind I project o the southern New Jersey coast.

But Orsted still believes the wind farm, to be built in waters o of Atlantic City and Ocean City, will be pro table in the long run.

“As it stands today, we believe the best direction is to continue to invest in these projects,” said David Hardy, an executive vice president and CEO of the company’s North American operations. “It still is the better choice

than walking away today.”

The company did not say when in 2026 its Ocean Wind I project will be fully operational, and a spokesperson could not say Thursday what the new timetable is. Previously, Orsted had said power would be owing to

customers sometime in 2025.

Orsted has federal approval for the Ocean Wind I project, and has state approval for a second New Jersey project, Ocean Wind II.

However, during the call, the company said it is “recon gur-

bly hasn’t impeached anyone in more than 50 years, and with Republicans holding less than the required two-thirds state Senate majority to convict Willis, they would have to persuade Democrats.

Colton Moore, a Republican state senator whose purist brand of conservatism wins him few allies, launched a petition for lawmakers to call themselves into special session, requiring signatures by three- fths of both houses. That too would require some Democratic support. Kemp on Thursday described Moore’s e orts, backed by Trump, as “some grifter scam” to raise campaign contributions for Moore.

Georgia voters amended the state constitution to shift pardon power from the governor to a parole board in the 1940s after a governor was accused of selling pardons. It would take a two-thirds vote of both houses to put a measure before voters to change that status, again requiring Democratic support.

At least one other top Georgia Republican, state House Speaker Jon Burns, is siding with Kemp in opposing a special session. In a letter to fellow Republicans, he squelched talk of a special session for a second time, saying it’s impossible to take away the state money that partially funds Willis’ o ce without also taking away money from Georgia’s other 49 district attorneys.

“Targeting one speci c DA in

ing” Ocean Wind II and its Skipjack Wind project o the coasts of Maryland and Delaware because they do not currently meet its projected nancial standards. It did not give details of what that recon guration might entail.

Two other Orsted projects — Sunrise Wind o Montauk Point in New York, and Revolution Wind o Rhode Island — are also a ected by the same negative forces requiring the New Jersey project to be delayed. But the New York and Rhode Island projects remain on schedule, the company said.

News of the delay was a blow to supporters of o shore wind in New Jersey, which is trying to become the capital of the nascent industry on the U.S. East Coast. It also o ered new hope to foes of the technology.

Earlier this year, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law allowing Orsted to keep federal tax credits it otherwise would have been required to pass along to ratepayers. The governor said he acted to protect jobs the oshore wind industry will create.

Republicans, who tend to oppose o shore wind in New Jersey and nationally, seized on the delay as further proof of what they consider the inherent unpro tability of the industry.

“It was a travesty when Gov. Murphy bailed out Orsted at

this manner certainly aunts the idea of separation of powers, if not outright violates it,” Burns wrote, arguing that such a move would violate lawmakers’ oaths to uphold the U.S. and Georgia constitutions.

“We trust that our criminal justice system will deal with this matter impartially and fairly, and we will not improperly intercede in this matter in direct contradiction to the oaths we took,” Burns continued.

Looking for other options to go after Willis, some Georgia Republicans are coalescing around a plan to seek her removal by a new state prosecutorial oversight commission that begins work on Oct. 1.

Kemp, Burns and Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones name the commission’s ve-member investigative panel to examine complaints. They also name a three-member hearing panel that decides on charges led by the investigative panel.

Some district attorneys, not including Willis, are already suing to overturn the law. Barring court intervention, people can begin ling complaints on Oct. 1 for alleged misconduct occurring after July 1.

“I have not seen any evidence that DA Willis’ actions or lack thereof warrant action by the prosecuting attorney oversight commission,” Kemp said. “But that will ultimately be a decision that the commission will make.”

the expense of New Jersey taxpayers the rst time they threatened to walk away,” said Republican state Sen. Michael Testa. “I’m calling on the Murphy administration to state unequivocally that our residents will not be sold out for Orsted a second time. Supply chain issues and rising in ation prove that these projects are unsustainable and the cost of continuing these projects will be too much of a burden for our state to bear.”

A dozen environmental groups issued a joint statement in support of o shore wind, calling it essential to avoiding the worst e ects of climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

“Innovation and transformation take time when done correctly,” the statement read. “The o shore wind industry is not immune to the supply chain crisis. We stand united in our support for responsibly developed oshore wind to help New Jersey achieve 100% clean energy.”

Orsted said it has already invested $4 billion in its U.S. wind energy portfolio, which factored into its decision, at least for now, to stick with its proposed projects. The company plans to make a “ nal investment decision” on whether or not to go forward with U.S. projects, including one in New Jersey, by the end of this year or early next year.

AP PHOTO

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivers the State of the State address on the House oor of the state Capitol, Jan. 25, 2023, in Atlanta.

AP PHOTO

Land-based wind turbines in Atlantic City, N.J., turn on July 20, 2023.

MOORE COUNTY

Pinehurst BBQ Festival

Competitors take on the art of pulled pork at the annual Pinehurst BBQ Festival on Saturday, Sept. 2. View more photos of this event at moore.northstatejournal.com

COUNTY NEWS

FirstHealth Hospice awarded 5-star rating

Last Thursday, FirstHealth Hospice received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in its 2023 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Hospice Survey (CAHPS). The survey measured a variety of categories to provide hospice programs a star ranking from one to ve, with ve being the highest possible score. Measured categories included communication with family, getting timely health, treating patients with respect, emotional and spiritual support, help for pain and symptoms, and training families to care for patients.

Only 11 percent of all hospices across the United States and 24 percent of hospices in North Carolina received a 5-star rating in the last reporting period. “Our team works hard to provide compassionate, highquality end-of-life care and to o er support to both patients and families during di cult transitions,” said Tina Gibbs, MSW, LCSW, director of FirstHealth Hospice. “We are proud to receive this rating, which re ects our commitment to our patients.”

FirstHealth Hospice House is located at 251 Campground Road in West End, minutes away from FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. To learn more about FirstHealth Hospice, visit www. FirstHealth.org/ Hospice or call (910) 715-7600.

Aberdeen approves new memorial bench program

O cers sworn in before Town Board

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

ABERDEEN — The Aberdeen Town Board met Monday, August 28, with consideration of a handful of internal requests on the agenda.

To start the meeting, two ofcers – Cameron Parent and Kirsten Czako, took their Oath of O ces, and another, Jimmy Covington, was promoted to Sergeant before the board and meeting attendees.

“This is a great event,” said Mayor Robbie Farrell. “It’s always good for the board to see this happen. We’re so glad that you’re going to work for the Town of Aberdeen. These men and women are the reason that you can sleep well at night. They’re the ones who go out here and work tirelessly for the citizens of this town, and a lot of the time, it’s a thankless job. But we thank you from this board.”

The board then approved a new

Parks and Recreation Memorial Bench Program.

“The Parks and Recreation Department got a request to do memorial benches in the park,” said Parks and Recreation Director Adam Crocker. “We did not have a program in place, so I set out to get some examples and put together a program for the town. I think it’s a great way for people to memorialize family and friends, and I think it would de nitely be a bene t to the parks.”

According to Crocker, the process would involve interested parties submitting a form to the Parks and Recreation Department for approval that includes which park and where in that park the submitter would like. The Parks and Recreation Department would then review the form to make sure the location is suitable.

The process would also require the funding of a bench to come from the submitter, which currently is $1,000, although uctuating costs may see that price change in the future, according to Crocker.

“It would be good for 10 years,

meaning we’d keep the bench in its place for 10 years, at which point they’d have a chance to renew that process if the bench needed to be replaced,” Crocker said. “If the bench didn’t need to be replaced, we’d keep it longer, but that is the minimum we’d keep it in place.”

The board also approved the addition of a new Parks and Recreation position – Parks Maintenance Superintendent – as well as the upgrade of another position in the Planning Department – Assistant Planning Director.

“In the last six months, there’s been a lot of talk about how maybe we can do a little bit more at the parks and with their upkeep,” said Town Manager Paul Sabiston. “We actually had several good candidates for the position. So we felt like it was a good opportunity to try and increase the sta .

“With a third person on the maintenance side, they won’t just be sitting in an o ce doing paperwork; they’ll be out cutting grass, directing and this position will require just a little bit more skill and expertise about how to deal with grass, how to plant shrubs, what

goes where and organizing and really delegating the workload to the two existing employees. We need somebody who can be out in the eld 85% of the time looking at it, checking it really almost daily if not weekly adjustments.”

“What we’re looking for with the planning upgrade is that we have a senior planner position that’s vacant now, and we’re looking to hire for that position,” Sabiston said. “We’ve come across a very high-level, skilled planning person who is probably above that just bread and butter planning position and more of an assistant or top-level senior planner position. It’s kind of like sometimes if you look at a higher level for a planner position in general, you can’t nd anybody at the lower level because they’re going elsewhere or aren’t out there, but we looked for a higher level, and we found one.”

According to Sabiston, the anticipation is that the funding for the positions will come from net funds from increased revenues as well as money designated for other positions that are currently vacant.

The board also approved an ordinance declaring a temporary road closure in relation to the Farmers Market on South Sycamore Street that will be held on October 27 from 3-9 p.m.

The Aberdeen Town Board will next meet September 25.

Report: Community college student’s program access blocked by COVID vaccination status

Sandhills Community College president addressed report; hands tied by hospital and facility policies

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A report of a student in a community college health education program having her access to clinical sites blocked due to her vaccination status recently surfaced on social media. In a thread on X, formerly known as Twitter, Envisage Law rm attorney James Lawrence made the claims that a female student was denied access to the Sandhills Community College health program based on the fact she was unvaccinated.

“Community colleges in NC are discriminating against students who want to be part of the health care profession because

they declined a COVID-19 vaccine,” Lawrence wrote in the thread. “@SandhillsCC denied a spot to a young lady with a medical condition whose doctor recommend against a COVID-19 shot.”

“This young woman wanted to help people, so she tried to get into a @Sandhillscc health program. The program had a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. So, all she has to do is to provide a letter from her doctor detailing her condition, and she gets into the program, right? Wrong.”

Lawrence went on to note that clinical rotations at health care facilities in the programs the student was trying to access “regularly grant accommodations to workers, and they have to students too,” but he also said Sandhills had denied the woman entry “not because she could not get into some of the clinical sites, which she could, but because ‘all clinical sites’ would not accept her.”

“What @SandhillsCC did to this young woman is arguably in con ict with North Carolina law, which requires schools to honor medical exemption requests certi ed by physicians,” wrote Lawrence, adding that, “Unfortunately, this is not isolated. Other community colleges are blocking unvaccinated students.”

“They’re not employees of these Healthcare facilities where they’re doing internships. They’re not employees of the school, and yet they’re being denied opportunities,” Lawrence said of the students being denied access to programs in an interview with North State Journal.

“I do think it’s arguably in violation of state law as it sits right now because under our general statutes, schools have to provide both religious accommodations and medical exemptions.”

Lawrence later added, “This has a real-world impact, real-world implications for ordinary people who are trying to

enter a profession to do extraordinary things that help people.

“We are, at the community college level at least, erecting barriers to entry into that profession. It’s an unfortunate thing.” Lawrence also noted entities demanding compliance with vaccine mandates “have no corresponding skin in the game with respect to liability.”

In a brief interview with North State Journal, Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, the president of Sandhills Community College, addressed the issue.

Stewart said, like all the other community colleges, “We don’t

See COLLEGES page 2

DAVID SINCLAIR, FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

have a vaccination requirement for admission at all.”

Stewart was chosen to lead the school in May of this year and was installed as president this past August.

He described the health sciences programs that Sandhills

Back to school season in the Sandhills

WHAT WOULD YOU DO with an extra $700 in your pocket each month?

Unfortunately, that is the cost of “Bidenomics” and in ation—but it shouldn’t have to be that way.

Bottom line: your family shouldn’t have to pay the price for President Biden’s and Washington Liberal’s failed nancial policies and woke education agenda.

The opportunity to work hard and pursue a better life for your family has always been at the bedrock of our nation. However, in ation continues to make it di cult for hardworking families to make ends meet and a ord goods and services.

Did you know the average American household now spends $709 more a month than they did two years ago for the same goods and services? Average monthly mortgage payments are 92% higher than one year ago, while real wages are down 3% since President Biden took o ce. President Biden continues to ignore the real impacts of his failed economic policies, and I share these frustrations with you— especially as a fellow parent preparing my child for a new school year.

As school resumes here in the Sandhills, it is estimated that parents will spend an average of $890 per household on school supplies due to continued high levels of in ation. Binders and folders cost 48% more than they did last year, and crayons and highlighters are up an average of 18.6% from last year. Enough is enough, and House Republicans are working to get our nation and your quality of life back on track.

In addition to increased nancial stress, the start of a new school year for many parents also represents uncertainty of what is being taught in their kids’ classrooms. Earlier this year House Republicans introduced

and passed H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights, to strengthen the role of parents in the education of their children by guaranteeing the right to full transparency on what is being taught in schools.

Bottom line: your family shouldn’t have to pay the price for President Biden’s and Washington Liberal’s failed nancial policies and woke education agenda. However, Senate Democrats continue to delay any actions on the real solutions passed by the House—which speaks volumes about their priorities for Americans.

No matter what your politics are, your hard earned money and quality of your children’s education should not be treated as a political chess match. Parents deserve a seat at the table when it comes to their children’s education, and I am proud to ght for parents’ right to know what their children are being taught.

From passing legislation to get our economy back on track to standing up for parents—House Republicans have delivered results on the promises we made in our Commitment to America. As your Congressman, I’m ghting back against reckless spending and promoting common sense solutions that make life easier—and more a ordable— for you and your family.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Moore County:

Sept. 7

Trivia Thursday at the Brewery

6pm

Come out for Trivia at the Southern Pines Brewery!

Enjoy fun and prizes each Thursday. Southern Pines Brewing Company is located at 565 Air Tool Dr., Southern Pines, NC.

Thursday Night Music Bingo

7pm

Come out to James Creek Cider House for Music Bingo with Lauren! James Creek is located at 172 US Hwy 1 Bus. in Cameron. A food truck will be on site at 8!

Sept. 8

Carthage Farmers Market

2pm – 6pm

Come out and support your local farmers at the brand-new farmers market in Carthage! The market features fresh produce, meats, eggs, and handmade goods! The market will be set up on S. Ray Street in the parking lot across from the post o ce.

Sept. 9

Moore County Farmers Market

8am – 12pm

Enjoy the Moore County Farmers Market at the Downtown Park, which is located at 145 SE Broad Street in Southern Pines! Buy local and fresh seasonal produce and products every Saturday morning from 8am until 12pm!

Sandhills Farmers Market

10am – 1pm

operates as having clinical rotations at di erent clinical sites and hospitals.

“In terms of clinical sites, they do have their own varying levels of requirements, and there’s no consistency across those clinical sites,” said Stewart. “And so some will grant exemptions for students and some won’t.”

Stewart couldn’t go into details regarding the speci c student mentioned in Lawrence’s thread due to federal privacy laws, however, he did say that the school was “evaluating” how they approach the situation “because the vaccination requirements with clinical sites have been a bit of a moving target.”

“We’re working to resolve this situation,” Stewart said, adding later the school was looking to resolve the issue as the policies of clinical sites and hospitals “continue to evolve.”

Stewart also said he suspects other community colleges with health programs are facing a similar issue.

Come out for the Sandhills Farmers Market in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst! The market features many wonderful farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat and egg providers, cheesemakers, and specialty food producers in the area.

SIDELINE REPORT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Mountain West pursues Oregon State, Washington State

Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Mountain West Conference made pitches late last month to the Pac12’s nal two members after realignment. Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez made presentations to Washington State on Aug. 24 and to Oregon State on Monday, according to conference Associate Commissioner Javan Hedlund. Stanford and California announced Friday they are bolting for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024. That leaves the Beavers and the Cougars alone in the Pac12. Both the Beavers and the Cougars made it clear they are working together to nd, or create, a solution.

NFL

All-Pro DT Jones fails to report to Chiefs

Kansas City, Mo.

Chris Jones did not report to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to begin preparing for their season opener against Detroit. That makes it highly unlikely that the All-Pro defensive tackle will play against the Lions on Thursday night. Jones has been holding out while trying to get a long-term contract. He is entering the nal year of a four-year, $80 million pact, and has been racking up millions in nes while staying away from the team. Jones had 15½ sacks last season as Kansas City won its second Super Bowl in the past four seasons.

BASEBALL

Diamondbacks minor leaguer suspended 80 games

New York

Arizona minor league pitcher Jose Cabrera was suspended for 80 games under baseball’s minor league drug program following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone. The 21-year-old right-hander is in his third season in the Diamondbacks organization. He went 4-9 with a 5.28 ERA in 23 starts this season for Class A Visalia and Hillsboro. Thirteen players have been disciplined under the minor league program this year.

GOLF Quali er Wannasaen shoots nal-round

63 to win Portland Classic

Portland, Ore.

Teenager Chanettee

Wannasaen played a vehole stretch in 6 under early in Sunday’s nal round and closed with a nearawless 9-under 63 for a four-stroke victory at the Portland Classic to become the rst Monday quali er to win on the LPGA Tour since 2015. Wannasaen arrived at Portland ranked 367th and having missed nine straight cuts in her rookie season. The 19-yearold from Thailand shattered the tournament scoring record by ve strokes with a 26-under 262 total for her rst LPGA Tour victory.

North Moore out-muscles Northwood, 38-12, in conference opener

The Mustangs started conference play on the right foot, using the run game to its advantage

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

NORTH MOORE (2-1, 1-0) ran all over Northwood (1-2, 0-1) Friday night, beating the Chargers, 38-12, in the rst week of conference play.

The Mustangs overpowered the Chargers with their physicality in the run game and on the defensive side of the ball. North Moore constantly gained chunks of yards on the ground, even after running the same plays consecutively out of the option.

The Mustangs ran in ve touchdowns.

“We were physical tonight,”

North Moore head coach Andrew Carrouth said. “I think our guys especially in the second half imposed our will a little bit, and that was a big part of the game.”

Both teams started slow o ensively as the rst quarter ended scoreless.

North Moore had its fair share

of costly mistakes with low snaps and penalties, including a holding call that brought back a long run from senior running back Jakarey Gillis, putting the Mustangs behind the chains in their early possessions.

Despite the self-in icted wounds, North Moore struck rst in the second quarter with a veyard rushing touchdown — the rst of many on the night for Gillis.

Northwood responded on the next possession with senior quarterback Carson Fortunes nding sophomore receiver Cam Fowler for a short touchdown pass. After missing the two-point conversion, the Chargers still trailed, 8-6.

That was the most seen out of Northwood’s o ense until late in the fourth quarter, as North Moore shut down the Chargers’ run game and constantly pressured Fortunes in his drop backs, coming away with a few sacks, too.

“I think (Fortunes) is one of the best quarterbacks we’ll see all year,” Carrouth said. “I thought we were able to do a good job with some pressure stu tonight to be

North Moore coach Andrew Carrouth

able to get him o his rst look and get him worried about where the rushers were coming from. I think that made a big di erence.”

Arguably a larger di erence maker was Gillis’ ability to nd openings and outrun defenders all night long. Gillis found the endzone three times.

The other two rushing touchdowns for North Moore came from senior running back Kolby Ritchie and junior tight end Colby Pennington.

Pinecrest, Union Pines both record wins in week three

North State Journal

IT WAS A SUCCESSFUL weekend for high school football teams in the county, as squads representing Moore County went a perfect 3-0 in Week Three.

In addition to North Moore’s win over Northwood, Pinecrest and Union Pines both landed in the win column on Friday.

Pinecrest moved to 3-0 on the season with a 27-24 win over Middle Creek, dropping the Mustangs to 1-2 on the season. It’s the second 3-0 start in the last three years for the Mustangs and the third in the last ve seasons.

In a game where yards were scarce, Jaylin Morgan scored three touchdowns on his nine rushes for 43 yards. That included a ve-yard scoring run with less than three minutes remaining that ended up being the deciding points in the game.

Quarterback Mason Koenen threw for 85 yards on 6-of-11 passing and had two interceptions, in addition to his touchdown to JT Medley. Corben Dal-

las helped preserve the win with an interception late the fourth quarter.

Pinecrest closes its non-conference schedule with a home game against New Hanover on Friday.

Union Pines posted its rst

win of the season in an emphatic way with a 58-0 blowout victory at Western Harnett. The Vikings improved to 1-2 on the year, while the Eagles fell to 0-3.

Anthony Goswick led the way for Union Pines, completing 10 of 15 passes for 153 yards and

“Jakarey’s a stud,” Carrouth said. “He’s gotten so much faster than he was last year, and he’s also able to bring that physical component to his running style.”

For North Moore, this is its rst Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference win of the season as the rest of its schedule will have conference title and playo implications.

With that in mind, the goal for Carrouth’s defending conference champions is to “keep getting better every single week.”

North Moore will have a bye on Friday and will continue conference play at Southeast Alamance on Sept. 15. Northwood will host Southeast Alamance Friday at 7:30 p.m.

“Especially after taking the loss from last week, I think there were some people in some organizations out there that said ‘North Moore’s o this year. They’re going to suck this year,’” Carrouth said. “We’ve been preaching to our kids all week that we’re the defending conference champions right now. We want to get that thing rolling, and we want to get back to playing our kind of football.”

MOORE COUNTY WEEK

FOUR HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE:

Friday Sept. 8, 7:30 PM, Union Pines Vikings (1-2) home vs. Randleman Tigers (3-0, 7-4 in 2022)

Friday Sept. 8, 7:30 PM, Pinecrest Patriots (2-0) home vs. New Hanover Wildcats (1-1,10-2 in 2022)

Bye Week: North Moore Mustangs (2-1, 1-0), next Sept. 15 at Southeast Alamance Stallions *Conference Game*

two touchdowns, while rushing for another score. He also rushed for a two-point conversion and completed passes for two more conversions. Caleb Milton added 191 yards rushing and two scores, while Hayne Tobias had a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown, adding a receiving touchdown and a fumble recovery. Union Pines will close its non-conference schedule this week, at home against unbeaten Randleman.

“We’ve been preaching to our kids all week that we’re the defending conference champions right now. We want to get that thing rolling, and we want to get back to playing our kind of football.”

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

North Moore’s Nathan Rogers is tackled by Northwood’s Robert Tripp after the rst down at North Moore high school in Robbins, on September 1, 2023.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

North Moore’s Jakarey Gillis runs for a rst down against Northwood at North Moore high school in Robbins, on September 1, 2023.

Robert "Bob" Lamar Ryder

July 27, 1943 - September 1, 2023

Robert “Bob” Lamar Ryder, 80 of Southern Pines, passed away on September 1, 2023.

Born on July 27, 1943 in Moore County to the late Lawrence J. and Marie Ryder.

Bob was an accomplished masonry contractor alongside his dad. They became partners at Ryder Masonry in 1971 and then around 2013 with his nephew, Gregory.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Thomas Ryder in 2005 and one brother, Lawrence J. “Butch” Ryder.

He is survived by one son, Eric Ryder and his wife, Patrice; two grandchildren, Robert Justin and Jennifer Livia Ryder; two sisters, Mary Faulkner (Joe) and Terry Paszko (Tom); special nephew and bonus son, Gregory Ryder; also survived by many other family and friends.

Roy Shelton Thompson

October 18, 1938 - August 30, 2023

Roy S. Thompson, 84, of Aberdeen passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Roy was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Alma Thompson; sisters Gladys Parker and Ann Williams; brother Lewis Thompson; and a son, Gregory Thompson. He leaves behind a wife Opal Thompson; two grandchildren, Drew (Dylan) and Meagan Thompson; two beautiful great granddaughters, Caroline and Rose.

Gisele De Messine

September 10, 1925 - August 30, 2023

Mrs. Gisele De Messine, beloved mother and grandmother of Pinehurst, NC was called home to be with our Lord on August 29, 2023. She was 97 years old. She was born and raised on the island of Martinique, West Indies to Amelia and Pierre Martinis. She is survived by her husband of 71 years Michel and her two daughters, Ghislaine Ventarola and her husband Michael of Rockaway, NJ and Nicole Peters and her husband Bernie of Pinehurst, NC. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Jamie Yacco and her signi cant other Trey of Rockaway, NJ and Christopher Yacco and his wife Kristi of Stoneridge, NY along with many nieces and nephews.

Donna Vee (Fromm) Paul

January 8, 1935 - August 25, 2023

Georgia Mae Reaves

May 20, 1940 ~ August 26, 2023

Georgia Mae Reaves of Aberdeen, North Carolina, daughter of the late Gus and Willie Mae Thomas, was born on May 5th, 1940. She departed this life on August 26th, 2023.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband – Levander Reaves, her sisters Loretta Thomas Campbell and Betty Jean Thomas, and three brothers, Anthony, Henry, and Floyd Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her memory one brother Lewis Frank Thomas of Winston Salem, NC; a special niece/ sister Earnestine Chambers of Carthage, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family/ relatives, and friends.

Donna Vee (Fromm) Paul, 88, of Seven Lakes, NC passed on Friday, August 25, 2023, at her residence. She was born January 8, 1935, in Ronan, Montana to the late, Glenn and Vera (Mayer) Fromm. Her family was the center of her life.

Donna is survived by two daughters, Debra Varrasse and husband John of NJ, and Diane Moreton of Seven Lakes, NC; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Paul of NJ; grandchildren, Holly Herberg and husband Greg of NC, Karen Biondi and husband Galo of NC, Kenneth D. Paul, III of NJ, and Melody Moreton of NC; and greatgrandchildren, Andrew Paul, Brandon Paul, Alexandria Biondi, and Alyssa Biondi.

Donna was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth D. Paul, Jr.; her granddaughter, Heather Varrasse; son-in-law, Ross Moreton; and former husband, Kenneth D. Paul, Sr.

David Earl Hannon

May 7, 1939 - August 24, 2023

David Earl Hannon, 84, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at his residence.

David was born May 7, 1939 in Robeson County, NC to the late William David Hannon and the late Mamie Allen Hannon. He was one of three sons.

David is survived by his loving wife of 65 years; Grace Hannon; son, Robert David Hannon (Linda) and grandson, Robert Joseph Hannon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe and Jerry Hannon.

David was a member of the NC National Guard for ten years. He was always a faithful follower of Christ and worked diligently in many capacities where he attended church.

Wendy Reinemann (nee Bartel)

September 12, 1952 - August 28, 2023

Wendy Reinemann (nee Bartel) went to Heaven on August 28, 2023, and is in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She leaves behind her husband of nearly 38 years, Mark Reinemann, her three beloved parrots, Bennie, Billy, and Bobby, her brother Brett Bartel and his family, her God daughter Lilly Bartel and hundreds of friends she made through golf and groups that rescue parrots. She has joyfully rejoined friends and family who have gone to Heaven before her.

Wendy embraced life with laughter, a love for travel and enjoying new experiences. She was an excellent cook, something she enjoyed immensely. As was so like her, she took up golf while she was dating Mark back in the 1980’s without telling him. Mark discovered golf clubs in the trunk of her car and learned she had bought clubs and was taking lessons so she could spend time with him on the golf course.

Wendy had a special love for birds with Mark. While in Wisconsin, they would take many afternoon walks in the Wehr Nature Center where they would see, identify, and photograph birds. This love of birdwatching continued in North Carolina where Wendy and Mark would make lists of all the birds they saw in their yard and feed them diligently. Their life was enhanced when, in January 1999, they bought their rst pet bird, Bogey. Bogey led to Buddy, then Blondie, then Billy, then Bennie, then Bobby. Wendy loved all her birds and spent many hours caring for them, feeding them, making sure they got their medicine, nding new foods they would like, and getting new toys they would enjoy. Three remain - Bennie, Billy, and Bobby. Wendy had a special relationship with her Congo African Grey parrot, Bennie. Since Wendy’s passing Bennie has been expressing her feelings of loss. Bennie has quite a vocabulary, and many of her vocalizations are in Wendy’s voice; both heartwarming and heart-breaking to hear.

Leo Anthony Santowasso

August 21, 1935 - August 31, 2023

Leo Anthony Santowasso was born Aug. 21, 1935 in Rahway NJ, to Anna Marie Radice and Leonardo Carmen Santowasso. Capping a long career of engineering that began in 1957, was his thirtyve year leadership at Heritage Consulting Engineers located in Flemington, NJ. The o ce, coincidentally, overlooked the 12th hole of an adjacent golf course.

Always a proud New Jersey Native, Leo spent his retirement years in Pinehurst NC, in the home state of his wife, Emily, on the golf course, but also on the project site, at the drawing board and within meeting rooms.

A twenty-plus year member of Pinehurst Country Club, easing into retirement for Leo meant initially working at Pinehursts’ National/No. 9 and No. 7 golf courses as a ranger/starter, later taking on more continuous work with McGill and Associates in Pinehurst. He advised many on engineering, historical and community matters via the Pinehurst Planning and Zoning Board and the Pinehurst Historical Commission, by volunteering on the Juniper Creek HOA at Pinehurst No. 6, and chairing the Moore County Board of Health. His retirement home, also coincidentally, was situated on a golf course. Leo was a member and/or fellow of ASEC, ASCE, ITE, NJSME and various other professional engineering organizations. He was a graduate of NC State, with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Transportation, Planning and Tra c Engineering. He was very proud to wear his red Wolfpack shirt, and he had many to alternate in his wardrobe.

Father to three with his wife of 66 years on August 31, 2023, Emily Eastwood Santowasso (nee Francis), he leaves behind his daughter Miriam Elizabeth Cash (nee Santowasso) spouse, Joseph A Cash, Jr.; Leo Michael Santowasso, spouse, Mary Rebecca (nee Sillmon); and William David Bruce Santowasso along with seven grandchildren, Joseph A. Cash III, Liam F. Cash, Shane G. Cash, Raymond Abney, Reilly Francis Santowasso, William Payne Santowasso and Zoey Jane Mary Santowasso. Leo is survived by his only sibling, Elizabeth Anne Braucht (Santowasso) of Neptune City, NJ.

Close connections de ne matchup for Blue Comets, Patriots

Asheboro sta stocked with ex-Providence Grove coaches

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

CLIMAX — Providence

Grove’s football team has thrived in the opening weeks of the season. Next comes a version of showand-tell in a reunion of sorts when Asheboro visits Friday night.

There’s far from an ordinary vibe for the non-conference matchup.

“It’s weird, for sure,” Providence Grove senior running back/linebacker Logan Fox said. “It’s de nitely going to be emotional on both sides. It will be more than a game for me. I don’t have anything against them.”

Indeed, admiration seems to be owing in both directions.

First-year Asheboro coach Calvin Brown and most of his sta were at Providence Grove for the past few years when the Patriots ourished.

An o season move has Brown in charge of rebuilding

at Asheboro. “It will be di erent, obviously, on that visiting sideline after 11 years,” said Brown, who was an assistant coach for four seasons and head coach for the past seven at Providence Grove. “Every player on their team I’ve had an impact on their lives.”

Brown was also athletics director at Providence Grove.

“As the AD at Providence Grove, I’m the one who scheduled

this,” he said.

The Blue Comets didn’t play last week, so Brown was there to scout the Patriots in their 2620 home victory against visiting Bishop McGuinness on Friday night.

It was good “to watch so many guys I’ve coached and care about. I don’t get to see them every day, so that (was) good.”

Providence Grove is 3-0 under rst-year coach David Hayes.

“Can’t ask for anything better than to win them all so far,” Hayes said. “We’re checking o boxes. The last few years PG has been wildly successful and very veteran-heavy. These guys we have now didn’t have to be relied on.”

Hayes said the Patriots’ fortunes would “depend on how quick our guys can learn to play varsity football.”

Even with what Hayes described as some typical self-inicted snags, things have worked out.

“It’s really good when you can still pull wins out,” he said. “We feel good about a lot.”

While Carson Jones kicked two eld goals last week, Hayes said regular kicker Tucker Batten should be available to return from an injury this week.

Asheboro is 1-1, defeating Albemarle and falling to Eastern Randolph. This will be the Blue Comets’ rst road game.

“Our guys are starting to realize we have the potential to be good,” Brown said. “They realize, ‘We can do this. We can win games.’ We improved a lot from Week 1 to Week 2. You could see

Eastern Randolph, Randleman roll to victories

Teams churn out big o ensive numbers

Randolph Record

RAMSEUR — Nicah Taylor caught three of Carter Revelle’s four touchdown passes in Eastern Randolph’s 36-15 non-conference home victory against Southern Lee on Friday night.

Revelle threw for 269 yards, with 212 of those to Taylor.

Rayden West made the other touchdown reception for Eastern Randolph (2-1). West also intercepted a pass.

Lucas Smith ran for an Eastern Randolph touchdown.

Southern Lee (2-1) trailed 22-7 at halftime and neither team scored in the third quarter.

Randleman 56: Cedar Ridge 0: At Hillsborough, John Kirkpatrick threw four touchdown passes in the non-league road romp.

The Tigers (3-0) also received a pair of rushing touchdowns from Edison Hernandez, who had the game’s rst two touchdowns on runs of 38 and 15 yards. Tyshaun Goldston was next to score a touchdown on a 66-yard reception.

Micah Thurston added a 19yard touchdown run in the rst

Eastern Randolph’s Nicah Taylor, here with the ball earlier this season, had another big night for the Wildcats.

quarter. Amari Ferdna, Lane Swain and Chase Farlow caught second-quarter touchdown passes. The only second-half points came on Triston Chriscoe’s 26yard interception return.

Randleman’s defense secured four turnovers, including three interceptions. Cedar Ridge is 0-3.

Providence Grove 26, Bishop McGuinness 20: At Climax, the Patriots improved

to 3-0 by winning their home opener as James Ellis scored the winning touchdown on a 4-yard run in the nal minute.

On defense, Ellis clinched the victory by intercepting a pass.

Providence Grove trailed 20-

a big di erence. We were a few plays away (against Eastern Randolph).”

The Blue Comets have receivers making plays at the back end of Logan Laughlin’s passes.

“Our passing game is rolling right now and it’s going to improve,” Brown said. Providence Grove has players emerging into more prominent roles.

Fox and senior quarterback James Ellis, in his rst season as a starter, have been leaders, Hayes said.

“They’ve really set the tone,” Hayes said. “They’re buying into what we’re preaching and that really makes a di erence.”

Fox said he was close with several coaches who are now at Asheboro. He said Hayes has been an ideal t for the Patriots and he likes how the new connections have developed.

Three current Providence Grove sta members are holdovers from last year.

There’s no lack of familiarity between these teams.

“It should be a tough one for us,” Brown said. “Our coaching sta knows them well. I’ve already talked to (our sta members) about it and that’s one reason we need to take the emotion out of it.”

That might be di cult to entirely wipe away.

“I think at the end of the day we all want to win this game so bad,” Fox said.

PREP FOOTBALL — WEEK 4

Friday night’s games

Asheboro at Providence Grove McMichael at Southwestern Randolph West Davidson at Trinity Randleman at Union Pines Wheatmore at Bishop McGuinness

19 before the go-ahead touchdown.

Ellis scored earlier on a quarterback keeper. Andrew Thomas went 37 yards on a ip pass from Ellis for a touchdown that extended the Patriots’ lead to 9-0. Carson Jones kicked two eld goals.

Bishop McGuinness (1-1) scored its rst touchdown by recovering a fumble in the end zone. The Villains trailed 16-6 before their comeback.

Ledford 57, Wheatmore 7: At Trinity, the Warriors were overwhelmed in su ering their second straight home loss.

Wheatmore (1-2) scored on Jake Ward’s pass to Max Smith. Ledford is 3-0.

East Davidson 38, Trinity 18: At Thomasville, the host Golden Eagles (2-1) scored the game’s nal 21 to put away this non-league game. Quarterback Noah Bradley of Trinity (1-2) threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Riane Hill had both picko s.

RANDOLPH RECORD FILE PHOTO

New Providence Grove football coach David Hayes, left, and former coach Calvin Brown talk at a Providence Grove basketball game last winter.

RANDOLPH RECORD

Close connections de ne matchup for Blue Comets, Patriots

Asheboro sta stocked with ex-Providence Grove coaches

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

CLIMAX — Providence

Grove’s football team has thrived in the opening weeks of the season. Next comes a version of showand-tell in a reunion of sorts when Asheboro visits Friday night.

There’s far from an ordinary vibe for the non-conference matchup.

“It’s weird, for sure,” Providence Grove senior running back/linebacker Logan Fox said. “It’s de nitely going to be emotional on both sides. It will be more than a game for me. I don’t have anything against them.”

Indeed, admiration seems to be owing in both directions.

First-year Asheboro coach Calvin Brown and most of his sta were at Providence Grove for the past few years when the Patriots ourished.

An o season move has Brown in charge of rebuilding

at Asheboro. “It will be di erent, obviously, on that visiting sideline after 11 years,” said Brown, who was an assistant coach for four seasons and head coach for the past seven at Providence Grove. “Every player on their team I’ve had an impact on their lives.”

Brown was also athletics director at Providence Grove.

“As the AD at Providence Grove, I’m the one who scheduled

this,” he said.

The Blue Comets didn’t play last week, so Brown was there to scout the Patriots in their 2620 home victory against visiting Bishop McGuinness on Friday night.

It was good “to watch so many guys I’ve coached and care about. I don’t get to see them every day, so that (was) good.”

Providence Grove is 3-0 under rst-year coach David Hayes.

“Can’t ask for anything better than to win them all so far,” Hayes said. “We’re checking o boxes. The last few years PG has been wildly successful and very veteran-heavy. These guys we have now didn’t have to be relied on.”

Hayes said the Patriots’ fortunes would “depend on how quick our guys can learn to play varsity football.”

Even with what Hayes described as some typical self-inicted snags, things have worked out.

“It’s really good when you can still pull wins out,” he said. “We feel good about a lot.”

While Carson Jones kicked two eld goals last week, Hayes said regular kicker Tucker Batten should be available to return from an injury this week.

Asheboro is 1-1, defeating Albemarle and falling to Eastern Randolph. This will be the Blue Comets’ rst road game.

“Our guys are starting to realize we have the potential to be good,” Brown said. “They realize, ‘We can do this. We can win games.’ We improved a lot from Week 1 to Week 2. You could see

Eastern Randolph, Randleman roll to victories

Teams churn out big o ensive numbers

Randolph Record

RAMSEUR — Nicah Taylor caught three of Carter Revelle’s four touchdown passes in Eastern Randolph’s 36-15 non-conference home victory against Southern Lee on Friday night.

Revelle threw for 269 yards, with 212 of those to Taylor.

Rayden West made the other touchdown reception for Eastern Randolph (2-1). West also intercepted a pass.

Lucas Smith ran for an Eastern Randolph touchdown.

Southern Lee (2-1) trailed 22-7 at halftime and neither team scored in the third quarter.

Randleman 56: Cedar Ridge 0: At Hillsborough, John Kirkpatrick threw four touchdown passes in the non-league road romp.

The Tigers (3-0) also received a pair of rushing touchdowns from Edison Hernandez, who had the game’s rst two touchdowns on runs of 38 and 15 yards. Tyshaun Goldston was next to score a touchdown on a 66-yard reception.

Micah Thurston added a 19yard touchdown run in the rst

Eastern Randolph’s Nicah Taylor, here with the ball earlier this season, had another big night for the Wildcats.

quarter. Amari Ferdna, Lane Swain and Chase Farlow caught second-quarter touchdown passes. The only second-half points came on Triston Chriscoe’s 26yard interception return.

Randleman’s defense secured four turnovers, including three interceptions. Cedar Ridge is 0-3.

Providence Grove 26, Bishop McGuinness 20: At Climax, the Patriots improved

to 3-0 by winning their home opener as James Ellis scored the winning touchdown on a 4-yard run in the nal minute.

On defense, Ellis clinched the victory by intercepting a pass.

Providence Grove trailed 20-

a big di erence. We were a few plays away (against Eastern Randolph).”

The Blue Comets have receivers making plays at the back end of Logan Laughlin’s passes.

“Our passing game is rolling right now and it’s going to improve,” Brown said. Providence Grove has players emerging into more prominent roles.

Fox and senior quarterback James Ellis, in his rst season as a starter, have been leaders, Hayes said.

“They’ve really set the tone,” Hayes said. “They’re buying into what we’re preaching and that really makes a di erence.”

Fox said he was close with several coaches who are now at Asheboro. He said Hayes has been an ideal t for the Patriots and he likes how the new connections have developed.

Three current Providence Grove sta members are holdovers from last year.

There’s no lack of familiarity between these teams.

“It should be a tough one for us,” Brown said. “Our coaching sta knows them well. I’ve already talked to (our sta members) about it and that’s one reason we need to take the emotion out of it.”

That might be di cult to entirely wipe away.

“I think at the end of the day we all want to win this game so bad,” Fox said.

PREP FOOTBALL — WEEK 4

Friday night’s games

Asheboro at Providence Grove McMichael at Southwestern Randolph West Davidson at Trinity Randleman at Union Pines Wheatmore at Bishop McGuinness

19 before the go-ahead touchdown.

Ellis scored earlier on a quarterback keeper. Andrew Thomas went 37 yards on a ip pass from Ellis for a touchdown that extended the Patriots’ lead to 9-0. Carson Jones kicked two eld goals.

Bishop McGuinness (1-1) scored its rst touchdown by recovering a fumble in the end zone. The Villains trailed 16-6 before their comeback.

Ledford 57, Wheatmore 7: At Trinity, the Warriors were overwhelmed in su ering their second straight home loss.

Wheatmore (1-2) scored on Jake Ward’s pass to Max Smith. Ledford is 3-0.

East Davidson 38, Trinity 18: At Thomasville, the host Golden Eagles (2-1) scored the game’s nal 21 to put away this non-league game. Quarterback Noah Bradley of Trinity (1-2) threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Riane Hill had both picko s.

RANDOLPH RECORD FILE PHOTO

New Providence Grove football coach David Hayes, left, and former coach Calvin Brown talk at a Providence Grove basketball game last winter.

RANDOLPH RECORD